Volkswagen Group developing ‘India Main Platform’ for low-cost EVs
After extensive deliberation on the strategy for India’s cost-sensitive EV market, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAWVIPL) has zeroed in on a derivative of CMP (Compact Main Platform), according to a new article on Autocar India. SAVWIPL calls this version IMP, short for ‘India Main Platform,’ and has begun its development.
The report suggests that IMP will feature significant regional adaptations, which will be crucial not only for pricing cars affordably but also for smoothly navigating regulatory approvals, considering the country’s friction with China. SAVWIPL will use IMP for four electric SUVs, two from the Volkswagen brand and two from the Skoda brand. People familiar with the development say the local subsidiary aims to export these models globally. However, the sources did not reveal whether it is targeting only emerging countries or also EU markets.
SAVWIPL may begin its electric offensive in India with two SUVs slightly bigger than the VW Taigun and Skoda Kushaq, measuring around 4.3-4.4 metres in length. The segment promises the most excitement in the country, thanks to Mahindra’s BE 6 and several other highly anticipated upcoming models, many of which will debut at the Auto Expo 2025 in India in the coming days. We compiled an overview here.
According to Autocar India‘s report published in October 2024, CMP supports EVs measuring between 4.3 and 4.8 metres in length, including three-row models. After launching the electric alternatives to the VW Taigun and Skoda Kushaq, SAVWIPL may consider releasing seven-seat EVs that compete with Mahindra’s upcoming XEV 7e.
CMP initially stood for ‘China Main Platform.’ In November last year, the company quietly renamed it to ‘Compact Main Platform,’ suggesting it may expand the platform’s scope to more markets. While Volkswagen Group strategically renamed CMP, SAWVIPL is going a step further with the derivative it is developing, calling it the ‘India Main Platform’ and capitalising on the growing trend of nationalism in the country.
Two other platforms considered earlier
Before finalising the IMP derivative of CMP, SAVWIPL considered two other platforms. The company explored Indian automaker Mahindra’s INGLO dedicated EV platform, which underpins the BE 6 and XEV 9e SUV coupés and will spawn three more EVs by next year.
SAVWIPL also considered a low-cost version of the in-house front-biased MEB21 platform called ‘MEB21G,’ but it proved too costly. The company was ready to implement heavy cost-cutting in MEB21G-based EVs, including a controversial move of excluding an infotainment system altogether and integrating all its functions in the digital instrument cluster. It even pursued a partnership with Mahindra for development, but the Indian brand did not express much interest. SAVWIPL did not possess the financial or operational resources to proceed solo with the project and eventually scrapped it.
Indian car buyers are now moving to bigger cars, so MEB21G offered limited appeal. SAVWIPL already suffers a competitive disadvantage with its MQB A0 IN platform-based ICE cars as they are quite smaller than rivals. Thus, the company may think that choosing a derivative of CMP over MEB21 is a step in the right direction and a future-proof strategy.
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