logo
Skoda VW plots Rs 10,000 cr comeback with India 3.0

Skoda VW plots Rs 10,000 cr comeback with India 3.0

Time of India2 days ago

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India will invest ₹10,000 crore to expand operations. The company will focus on premium SUVs and electric vehicles. This investment follows indecision due to lower sales of current models. The new plan, India 3.0, targets premium utility vehicles. Vehicles will be based on the CMP 21 platform.
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
India bet amid global overhaul
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Focus on UVs
Mumbai: Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (SAVWIPL) has received in-principle approval from its German parent to invest an additional ₹1 billion (about ₹10,000 crore) for expanding its operations in the country, said people aware of the development. Under its new India 3.0 road map , the world's second-largest automaker will sharpen focus on the fast-growing premium utility vehicle segment in the country including SUVs and electric vehicles.The fresh investment plan tracks a period of indecision within VW due to lower-than-expected sales from its current lineup of India 2.0 models.These include the Kushaq, Slavia, Taigun, and Virtus. Also, its search for a local manufacturing and technology partner has so far been inconclusive.Delay in finalising the investment was partly due to issues within the VW Group, and also a tax demand on the auto conglomerate by Indian authorities. Last September, VW said it would shut at least three factories in Germany, lay off tens of thousands of staff, and shrink its remaining plants as part of a deeper-than-expected overhaul.Unlike its current plan, which focuses on volume models, India 3.0 will target premium SUVs and MPVs across electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engine (ICE) variants.Vehicles under India 3.0 will be based on the CMP 21 platform—an affordable EV architecture designed for India. It will underpin a range of electric SUVs in the mid-size category spanning 4.3 to 4.8 meters, potentially allowing SAVWIPL to compete in the EV segment.People said the automaker is also weighing plans to launch Audi cars based on the CMP 21 platform . SAVWIPL's increased focus on the UV segment comes amid a rapidly growing share of such vehicles in the Indian passenger vehicle market. UVs comprised 65% of total passenger vehicle sales in India last fiscal year. SAVWIPL's investment, expected over five years starting 2028, follows a similar commitment made in 2018 under the India 2.0 initiative, and highlights the growing importance of India for VW Group. Skoda, which leads the group's operations in India, views the country as its most critical market outside Europe.In India, the VW Group comprising Skoda, VW, Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini brands is also looking to increase operational synergy.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

India is fast becoming a global hub of agri education: Ex-ICAR Dy D-G
India is fast becoming a global hub of agri education: Ex-ICAR Dy D-G

Hans India

time24 minutes ago

  • Hans India

India is fast becoming a global hub of agri education: Ex-ICAR Dy D-G

Dr R C Agrawal, former Deputy Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), highlighted that Indian agricultural education is becoming a global hub, with continually rising standards. He urged students to recognize the importance of agricultural education in achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat. He noted that the world is now looking to Indian agricultural education and encouraged students to embrace innovation. Speaking as the chief guest at the 'Workshop on Agricultural Education and Opportunities' held at the Horticulture College in Rajendranagar, he highlighted the crucial role that agro-based start-up industries play in India's ambition to become a 5 trillion USD economic powerhouse. Dr. Agrawal also pointed out that the application of Artificial Intelligence is expected to drive a rural revolution in the future, improving farmers' income sources. He predicted that by 2029, opportunities in this sector would reach a value of 6.58 billion USD, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.8 percent. forecasted that by 2040, there will be 1.77 million job opportunities in agriculture, with an annual increase of over 8 percent. Dr Danda Rajireddy, Vice Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTHU), stated that universities are being equipped with the necessary infrastructure, thanks to support from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the state government. He affirmed that the standards of Indian agricultural education are now competitive globally.

$1 bn and counting! Fractional Real Estate booms as NRIs, millennials seek smarter investments
$1 bn and counting! Fractional Real Estate booms as NRIs, millennials seek smarter investments

Economic Times

time29 minutes ago

  • Economic Times

$1 bn and counting! Fractional Real Estate booms as NRIs, millennials seek smarter investments

As India's real estate landscape continues to evolve with the rise of digital platforms, the fractional ownership model is gaining significant traction among retail investors, NRIs, and HNIs. ADVERTISEMENT The combination of professional asset management, improved accessibility, and attractive yields is pushing this niche segment into the mainstream. According to Manisheel Gautam, Chief Marketing Officer at Alt DRX, the fractional real estate market in India is currently valued at approximately $1 billion. 'While overall real estate deployment in India stands at around $100 billion annually, the digital real estate segment is still in its infancy. We're seeing a 30–40% year-on-year growth as accessibility for retail investors improves,' he United States, by comparison, is much further along in the journey. 'Top players in the U.S. have deployed over $4 billion each in tokenized and fractional real estate, showing what's possible when the model scales,' Gautam added. ADVERTISEMENT Aditi Watve, President - Investment Sales & REIT Advisory at ANAROCK Group, estimates the Indian fractional real estate market was worth INR 4,000 crore just two years an annual growth rate of 25–30%, she believes it could exceed INR 41,500 crore within the next five years—provided the regulatory environment evolves to support this growth. Globally, the sector is set to reach a staggering market value of USD 4.8 trillion this year, growing at an annual rate of 26%. ADVERTISEMENT Watve pointed out that the demand is primarily being driven by retail investors, HNIs, tech-savvy millennials, and non-resident Indians (NRIs). 'Investors are looking for exposure to premium commercial properties in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, and Pune. Fractional ownership offers them access to high-value assets without large capital outlays,' she in particular, are finding the model attractive due to India's robust rental yields and the potential for capital appreciation. 'They're increasingly using digital platforms that not only enable seamless investing but also handle property selection, due diligence, and ongoing asset management,' she added. ADVERTISEMENT Geographically, the trend is most prominent in the South and West of India. Gautam noted that 'Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Maharashtra are leading the way in fractional real estate activity. Tier-1 cities and warehousing hubs in these regions have become the focal points.'The surge in warehousing demand, driven by India's e-commerce boom and infrastructure growth, is also spilling over into the fractional space, creating opportunities for both retail and institutional investors. ADVERTISEMENT With rising awareness, improving digital infrastructure, and evolving investment preferences, India's fractional real estate market is on the cusp of rapid expansion. As Watve summarised, 'With the right regulatory clarity and continued investor interest, this model has the potential to redefine property ownership in India—making it more inclusive, liquid, and technology-driven.' (Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times) (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel)

Decoding Volatility: What VIX and IV are telling us in 2025
Decoding Volatility: What VIX and IV are telling us in 2025

Economic Times

time30 minutes ago

  • Economic Times

Decoding Volatility: What VIX and IV are telling us in 2025

The muted VIX suggests confidence in the market's overall sentiment. Synopsis In 2025, Indian markets have surged to record highs despite global headwinds, with volatility indicators like India VIX and Implied Volatility (IV) painting a picture of surprising calm. The VIX has remained range-bound between 12 and 16, signalling investor confidence, while ATM IVs for Nifty options suggest low volatility with occasional spikes around key events. India's benchmark indices, Nifty and Sensex, began 2025 on a muted note but later rebounded sharply, with Nifty marking a fresh all-time high above 25,200 in June. This year, Indian stock markets have been facing sharp peaks and troughs, with average At-The-Money (ATM) Implied Volatility (IV) for Nifty 50 options ranging between 13.5% and 15.5%. Global economic uncertainties, US elections, and Tariff changes have shaped investor sentiments and boosted sector rotation. ADVERTISEMENT The India VIX is a number that analyses Nifty options and shows how much volatility or movement traders are expecting in the market over the next 30 days. It's often called the "fear index" because it usually goes up when there's uncertainty or fear in the market. So it has an inverse relation with markets. But in 2025, the VIX has stayed quite calm and steady, mostly moving between 12 and 16 — suggesting investors are not nervous, and there's no sign of panic in the market. This aligned with the higher levels in major indices, sectoral outperformance in IT, Auto, and Energy, and FMCG and Metals. The muted VIX suggests confidence in the market's overall sentiment, despite minor dips due to economic & geopolitical stress, quarterly earnings volatility and monsoon concerns—all of which tend to influence the sentiments of retail India VIX to ATM IVs, VIX is a broader concept while ATM IVs are specific to index options, like Nifty 50, Sensex and Bank Nifty Options. In 2025, ATM (At The Money) IVs for Nifty options have averaged between 13.5% and 15.5%, reflecting a low-volatility range. However, sharp IV spikes have been observed ahead of major events such as RBI policy meetings, Union Budget announcements, and during quarter result announcements. ADVERTISEMENT A closer look at the derivatives front: Put-Call Ratio (PCR) has traded near neutral to slightly bullish territory (0.85-1.10), signalling balanced sentiment with an upward bias, where put options have been trading more than or equal to calls, with rising prices suggesting upward bias. Open Interest (OI) concentration on higher strikes (e.g., 25,500–26,000 on Nifty) monthly expiry suggests participants are pricing in range-bound to moderately bullish scenarios, while on the downside, 24,500 and 24,000 strikes have the highest Put OI build up for month of June. Meanwhile, falling IV with rising OI on call sides has often preceded short-covering rallies. ADVERTISEMENT For investors, the low volatility implies stable accumulation opportunities, especially in sectors showing relative strength such as Healthcare (Pharma & Hospital), Cements, Real Estate, Agri inputs, and Power proxies. However, it also warrants caution. So when investing, one should also use a protective put and covered call strategy to safeguard from traders, 2025 has so far been the year of non-directional strategies — think Iron Condors, Calendar Spreads, and Straddles during events. With VIX low, the cost of buying options is low, making event-based long IV trades more attractive when executed timely. ADVERTISEMENT While the markets appear calm, it's important not to get lulled into complacency. The Indian equity market in 2025 has been shaped by a mix of earnings surprises, data around global uncertainties, and geopolitical developments. VIX and IV are more than just technical metrics — they reflect market psychology and can offer early warnings of turning we head into the second half of the year, keeping a close eye on volatility signals will help you navigate uncertainty with greater confidence— and avoid getting caught off-guard by sudden moves. ADVERTISEMENT (The author Dr Ravi Singh is Senior Vice President - Retail Research, Religare Broking. Views are own) (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of Nikita Papers IPO opens on May 27, price band set at Rs 95-104 per share Nikita Papers IPO opens on May 27, price band set at Rs 95-104 per share Why gold prices could surpass $4,000: JP Morgan's bullish outlook explained Why gold prices could surpass $4,000: JP Morgan's bullish outlook explained Cyient shares fall over 9% after Q4 profit declines, core business underperforms Cyient shares fall over 9% after Q4 profit declines, core business underperforms L&T Technology Services shares slide 7% after Q4 profit dips L&T Technology Services shares slide 7% after Q4 profit dips Trump-Powell standoff puts U.S. Rate policy in crosshairs: Who will blink first? Trump-Powell standoff puts U.S. Rate policy in crosshairs: Who will blink first? SEBI warns of securities market frauds via YouTube, Facebook, X and more SEBI warns of securities market frauds via YouTube, Facebook, X and more API Trading for All: Pi42 CTO Satish Mishra on How Pi42 is Empowering Retail Traders API Trading for All: Pi42 CTO Satish Mishra on How Pi42 is Empowering Retail Traders Security, transparency, and innovation: What sets Pi42 apart in crypto trading Security, transparency, and innovation: What sets Pi42 apart in crypto trading Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Altcoins? How investors are structuring their crypto portfolios, Avinash Shekhar explains Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Altcoins? How investors are structuring their crypto portfolios, Avinash Shekhar explains The rise of Crypto Futures in India: Leverage, tax efficiency, and market maturity, Avinash Shekhar of Pi42 explains NEXT STORY

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store