Skoda electric SUV under development

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The more rapid introduction by Skoda of plug-in hybrids and BEVs is part of Maier’s new 10-year corporate plan called Strategy 2025, which replaces the previous Strategy 2018 plan, which had no plans for electric Skodas.

A significant element in Strategy 2025 responds to the collapse of the Russian car market, which was previously forecast as a significant growth area for Skoda.

Plans for more electric models, for example of the Skoda Fabia and Skoda Octavia whose replacements are farther in the future, are likely to firm up in coming years as Maier adapts the strategy to events and market trends. "We will check and balance our operational priorities over the next three years," he says.

Also part of the plan is a review of brand strategy, which will explore the possibilities of evolving Skoda into a new direction without losing the up-market, value-for-money feel of its cars.

Already in the product plan is a replacement for the Yeti, due on sale in the UK in around mid-2018.

Based on the compact SUV platform variant of the MQB, the new Yeti will share its platform with the Audi Q3 and new VW Tiguan, making it a more conventional replacement for today’s Yeti.

The styling is tipped to follow the same theme as the Vision S, establishing a strong family resemblance for Skoda’s new range of SUVs.

Maier is a strong advocate of SUVs for Skoda: "It is the fastest-growing segment in the world. We already have a strong presence, but not enough and not good enough to tackle all markets."

With a wider range of SUV models built into the Strategy 2025 plan, Maier plans to expand Skoda into new markets where SUVs are big sellers.

"We are in 102 global markets now, but we will expand that to more than 120 by the end of 2025," he says.

Skoda will move into new markets in Africa and South America and build up its model range in China.

Two new China-specific models will be launched shortly. "If we want to double our presence in China, it is simply not possible without SUVs," says Maier.

The Yeti is already in production in China. "There is a possibility one model could come to Europe," he says.

Skoda has also decided not to replace the Roomster, it’s MPV-themed high-roof hatchback. The Roomster had planned to be a badge-variant of the VW Caddy van, but Autocar understands that plan has now been canned.