Sudhir Rao, Skoda India Managing Director resigns

Sudhir Rao, Managing Director of Skoda Auto India has resigned from his position.

After a five year tenure as Managing Director, Sudhir Rao has resigned from his position from Skoda Auto India. June 30, 2017 will be Rao’s final day as the head of Skoda Auto India completing a stint of five years and three months.

Prior to his appointment at Skoda, Rao spent 20 years of his career with General Motors. Rao then moved on to work with Avtec Engines, parented by the CK Birla Group. Following his stint in Avtec Engines, Rao was appointed as deputy managing director and chief operating officer of Renault India in 2008. He held the position till January 2012.

Rao played a key role in rebuilding the Skoda brand in India which had received a bad reputation with the consumers who complained about aftersales and service. In order to cut down on the losses the company was making, Rao discontinued the Fabia hatchback in the Indian market and directed the company to a consumer base which desired more premium cars.

Skoda Auto India is expected to launch four new models in 2017. With the Kodiaq SUV on its way and the Octavia facelift launch just around the corner, It seems Skoda is has big plans for India. Recently, the Volkswagen Group signed a partnership deal with Tata Motors to develop a new generation of cars. In the agreement, Skoda Auto, a wholly owned subsidiary of the VW Group, will take charge of the project and is said to be the brand working in co-development of the new products.