VW Group CEO says Skoda is busy enough as it is.
Herbert Diess, the CEO of Volkswagen Group, has been very active online lately, particularly on his LinkedIn profile. He chose to use a different platform this week to connect with his fans at the German automobile conglomerate. The 63 year-old executive used Reddit for an Ask Me Anything (AMA), where participants posted a remarkable number of questions.
One of the most pressing questions was about Skoda and whether or not the VW Group plans to bring the Czech brand into the United States. Unfortunately, Diess states that it is not currently on the agenda as the automaker based at Mlada Boleslav has larger fish to fry. “For the moment I don’t believe that Skoda’s arrival to the US will be possible. We don’t have any plans at the moment. Skoda has just taken over the group responsibility for India and Russia…and is now entering new segments. Capabilities in manufacturing, R&D, and manufacturing are all fully booked.”
Skoda leads the development of MQB-A0 platforms that will support affordable models in countries like India, Russia and Latin America. These include the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and the Philippines. Two compact vehicles have already been built on the MQB-A0 IN architecture for India – the Kushaq crossover, and the Rapid replacing Slavia sedan.
VW Group fans also asked Diess about the possibility that TDI engines would be seen in the US after the Dieselgate scandal. He was very clear in his answer: “Definitely not.” Microbus is coming! Microbus is coming!” The head honcho was referring to the highly-hyped ID. Buzz will be making its world debut on March 9. It will make its public debut at South by Southwest (SXSW), two days later.
The electric van will not be available in the US until 2023 and it will only be sold as a passenger version. The Buzz will be available in Europe later this year. A cargo model is also planned. A California -badged camper with a California badge will be available by 2025.
A related note: VW Group’s top brass said that an electric pickup truck for US markets is a “good Idea!” It’s not surprising, considering that the Atlas Tanoak was first shown almost four years ago. Although it was a pickup of mid-size size, it was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that produced 276 horsepower and 266 pounds-feet torque. It was similar to its SUV counterpart.
Diess stated that the company is currently working on a new idea for the ID.3 Cabriolet, which was teased last year. We wouldn’t be too optimistic as we are certain that other EVs have priority. When asked if the ID was available, the CEO confirmed that one of them had been verified. Space Vizzion still takes place: “Yes, it’s happening.”
As an alternative to the sea of SUVs, it should be available in both a sedan and wagon body style. The sedan, or is it a liftback? was spotted testing in the beginning of the year.