Tata Motors ties up with VW, Skoda to develop new products

■ UNDER THE Mou signed between the partners, Skoda Auto will take the lead on behalf of Volkswagen to drive forward work towards development of concepts in the economy segment

New Delhi, March 10: Tata Motors on Friday said it has entered into a long-term partnership agreement with Volkswagen Group and Skoda for joint development of products with the first rollout expected in 2019.

The agreement was signed by Guenter Butschek, CEO & MD of Tata Motors, Matthias Muller, CEO of Volkswagen AG, and Bernhard Maier, CEO of Skoda Auto, Tata Motors said.

Based on the strategic alliance, Tata Motors plans to launch products in the Indian market starting calendar year 2019, it added.

Under the Mou signed between the partners, Skoda Auto will take the lead on behalf of the Volkswagen Group to drive forward work towards development of vehicle concepts in the economy segment.

“The document lays down the scope and objectives in order to reach agreement on the modalities and terms of a longterm cooperation in identified areas of partnership,” it said.

“We strongly believe that both the companies, by working together, can leverage from each other's strengths to create synergies and develop smart innovative solutions for the Indian and overseas market,” Mr Butschek said.

This is in alignment with Tata Motors' efforts to make itself 'Futuready' by embracing new technologies, fostering higher platform efficiency and offering solutions that connect with the aspirations of our customers, he added.

Commenting on the development, Mr Muller said, “Our aim with the envisaged strategic partnership with Tata Motors is to lay the foundations in the Group and the brands that will enable us to offer customer-oriented mobility solutions in the emerging, fast-growing automobile markets, as elsewhere.”