Skoda plots new sedan for India, announces camouflage design contest

Skoda Auto India has opened entries for a design contest where budding Indian designers can design a camouflage for its upcoming midsize premium sedan. This new global model will be a sedan that will be unveiled and sold in India first.  Entries to the contest will be open till August 18. The top five entries shortlisted by the jury will be announced on August 23, with one final winner. 

According to Autocar India, the sedan, liked to be called Skoda Slavia, will be positioned slightly above the likes of the Hyundai Verna and the Honda City in India. However, it will not be a direct replacement for the ageing Skoda Rapid.

The contest will be judged by  Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director - SAVWIPL, Zac Hollis, Brand Director,  Skoda Auto India and Oliver Stefani, Head of Design, Skoda Auto. The evaluation process will span across various criteria, which adapt to the new creative and technical requirements. Weightage will be given on each design based on innovation, aesthetics, functionality, ergonomics, durability, impact, utility, reality of production and the emotional quotient.

Speaking about the contest, Zac Hollis, Brand Director – Skoda Auto India, said, “India has some great design talent. We are really excited about recognising that through this unique contest for our upcoming midsize premium sedan. We look forward to engaging with passionate Indian minds and this is a great opportunity for imaginative expression. We have already launched the first midsize SUV, Skoda Kushaq. The Kushaq was designed in close collaboration between our teams in the headquarters and India, and the upcoming midsize premium sedan follows this practice. The camouflage contest is a great way to kick-off activities for the second global reveal planned by us this year.”

Participation is open to any individual above 18 years of age. The contest is extended to design studios, companies, universities, design students and design professionals from India. They can participate in the contest by registering and submitting their design online on www.camowithskoda.com

The winner from the top 5 shortlisted designs will get an opportunity to travel to Prague to meet Oliver Stefani, the Head of Design, Skoda Auto, at the Skoda headquarters. In addition, the winning design will be applied on the upcoming Skoda offering, and will be showcased across the country. The runner – up will get a design tablet and the next three shortlisted entries will be awarded Skoda gift bags.