Mr Gurpratap Boparai takes charge as new Managing Director at ŠKODA AUTO India Private Ltd.
Aurangabad/Mumbai, 2 April 2018 - Mr Gurpratap Boparai takes charge as the Managing Director of ŠKODA Auto India Private Ltd. (SAIPL). Mr Boparai brings in his extensive experience in the international and Indian automobile industry. In his new role, he will be reporting directly to ŠKODA AUTO CEO Bernhard Maier. Relying on his expertise in managing large manufacturing operations, he will be responsible for ŠKODA’s development in the domestic market.
"Mr Boparai’s appointment comes at an opportune moment when ŠKODA is set to strengthen its position in the Indian market. He brings with him vast knowledge of the Indian automotive landscape, which will enable the company to implement a comprehensive expansion plan. With him on board, we will continue to vigorously press ahead with the growth of our brand in India," says Bernhard Maier, CEO ŠKODA AUTO.
Mr Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director, ŠKODA AUTO India Private Ltd further added, "I am excited about my new role at ŠKODA AUTO India Private Ltd. and look forward to working with the young and dynamic team. I am confident that ŠKODA’s strong engineering tradition, emotional designs, superior technology, attractive model range, renewed after-sales impetus combined with the strategic initiatives to build new models will take ŠKODA India to a strong leadership position in the next years."
The Indian market has tremendous importance for ŠKODA’s future growth strategy. In 2017, ŠKODA’s deliveries in India rose almost by 30 percent to 17,438 cars (+30 % growth over 2016). ŠKODA Auto India Private Ltd. currently offers four models on the Indian subcontinent: the OCTAVIA, SUPERB, RAPID and most recently the KODIAQ, which was launched in October 2017. The RAPID is manufactured at the Pune plant, while the OCTAVIA, SUPERB and KODIAQ models are produced in Aurangabad where the company headquarters are located. ŠKODA vehicles are sold in India through 70 dealerships, and 70 service centres are available to customers. As a part of the new campaign, ŠKODA AUTO India has revamped its entire network including sales and service outlets. This modernised appearance is based on ŠKODA’s new corporate design & identity.
In the years ahead, ŠKODA intends to substantially strengthen the growth trend on the subcontinent, and India will play a vital role in this growth strategy.
ŠKODA AUTO India: