Fabia sedan is Rapid
The Fabia sedan is officially called the Rapid and not the Lauretta as mentioned before. The production of the car has started at Skoda's Chakan plant and is expected to be launched by end of this month just in time for the festive season. The car is based completely on the VW Vento sharing the platform, interiors and engines. The only difference is the Fabia nose and different taillights.
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Here is the press release
New Delhi, 7 October, 2011: Å KODA Auto India began production of its much anticipated entry level sedan, the Å KODA Rapid at its plant in Chakan, near Pune today. Å KODA Rapid is the first car from the Å KODA brand which has been designed, keeping in mind the special needs of Indian customers and will be exclusively manufactured in India.
"Today is the official Start of Production for the Indian variant of our new Rapid compact saloon. Effective immediately, the first unit of the Å KODA Rapid will be rolling off the line in this plant. The car will be introduced in the market shortly. It is an attractive car with lots of space and room for five persons." Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland, Chairman of the Board of Management, Å KODA Auto a.s. commented.
Manufacturing of the all new Å KODA Rapid will take place at the Chakan plant. The car will be offered with a choice of diesel and petrol engines. The commencement of production of Å KODA Rapid is in line with Å KODA Auto's 2018 growth strategy which aims to double sales globally to at least 1.5 million units.
Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Chacko, Volkswagen Group Chief Representative India, President and Managing Director, Volkswagen India Private Limited, said "Å KODA has always been an integral part of the plant in Chakan. The first car that was produced at this plant was a Å KODA Fabia, and we are happy to roll-out the Å KODA Rapid on this occasion. I take this opportunity to congratulate the Volkswagen and Å KODA teams for this success that has been achieved as a result of their synergies."
Å KODA Rapid will be entirely manufactured in India. It will be positioned at the entry level of the country's mid-sized sedan segment. With the introduction of the Å KODA Rapid, Å KODA will now offer cars to suit the needs of a larger customer base in India.
Expressing his gratitude to the employees on the occasion Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland further said, "Å KODA Rapid is a true reflection of our motto 'Simply Clever' with your work ladies and gentlemen, you will contribute to the new Å KODA becoming a success in India. In this context, local sourcing and local production are essential. Our aim is to make cars of the highest quality. Your competence and know-how are what will make this happen".
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