Skoda Auto India appoints Sudhir Rao as MD

After spending nearly two decades at General Motors, Rao will run the Czech manufactures Indian Operations from March 1, this year.

Rao will run the Czech manufactures Indian Operations from March 1, this year. He has been appointed managing director, Skoda Auto India.

"We are pleased to hire Rao as the managing director for Skoda Auto India," says Skoda Auto CEO Winfried Vahland. "He is a top automobile manager with many years of experience, and with an international background. He also knows the Indian market perfectly. I expect, under his responsibility, Skoda Auto India will vigorously continue its successful evolution of the past 10 years and further consolidate its good position."

Rao studied Business Administration and Engineering in India, and in the US, where he has worked for many years, as well as in Europe.

Rao spent approximately two decades with General Motors at various places. He also worked with Avtec Engines, a unit of Hindustan Motors, for a short period of time. After that, Rao joined Renault India in 2008. He served as deputy managing director and chief operating officer of French auto-major Renault's Indian operations. He left the position in January this year.

Skoda intends to substantially strengthen the growth trend in the subcontinent with the help of new 'Rapid', introduced in late 2011. As per the communication extended by the company, deliveries by Skoda India rose almost by 50 percent to about 30,000 vehicles, in 2011. As part of the growth strategy, by 2018, the Czech manufacturer aims to raise worldwide sales to reach a minimum of 1.5 million per year.