To attract a broader audience, a carmaker needs to work on multiple fronts. And under the India 2.0 project, that’s precisely what Skoda will do. Amongst the long list of things, one is to introduce competitively-priced products. That started with the Kushaq. Another important aspect is to improve the ownership experience. For that, Skoda has devised a four-pillar plan that injects the priceless ‘peace of mind’. They are – Cost of Ownership, Customer Reach, Convenience and Transparency.
Reducing Cost of Maintenance
For every car buyer out there who seeks the best value-for-money deal, the cost of maintenance is a big question. So, to improve on that front, Skoda has reduced engine oil prices and costs of spare parts by 32 per cent. Even the replacement intervals have been extended. As a result, the overall maintenance cost has fallen by up to 21 per cent for a 5-year/75,000km period. That, of course, will vary with the model. The carmaker is also offering packages to make maintaining a Skoda more affordable. That includes the option of extended warranties for the 5th and 6th years, service campaigns and SuperCare.
Enhancing Customer Reach
Skoda plans to set up 185 aftersales touchpoints to cover tier II and tier III cities in India. Alongside, it will introduce Skoda MobiCare – mobile service units to reach deeper within the upcoming markets.
Injecting Convenience and Transparency
Today, everything and everyone, almost, is online. So, it makes sense to use that virtual space and improve the ownership experience. Skoda will make use of its application – MySkoda – to offer a wide range of services. That includes a Service Cost Calculator, owner’s manual and a library of genuine accessories. Customers can also book a test drive and sign-up for service appointments through the same platform. For roadside assistance, “Skoda Assist”, a membership for up to 9 years is now up for grabs.
Skoda says that it has even trained its dealership personnel to make use of customer-centric digital tools effectively. Do you think that all these steps will help Skoda, and Volkswagen for that matter, garner a larger market share in India?
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