Skoda Auto India partners Orix to offer leasing solutions

Skoda Auto India today announced that it has signed a MoU with Orix Auto Infrastructure Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Orix Corporation, Japan. This the company says will allow a range of innovative and competitive leasing services that will now be offered to lease Skoda vehicles through Orix's existing business network and Skoda Auto dealer partners.

The company says the monthly lease rental for Skoda model range will start at Rs 19,856 and will cater to retail and corporate customers across segments. The company will provide a range of flexible leasing solutions including lease for up to five years on the Skoda Auto model range — Rapid, Octavia, Superb, and Kodiaq.

In the first phase, Skoda Auto leasing solutions will be offered to customers in eight cities, namely: Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad, before a nationwide rollout in the subsequent phase, as part of the 'India 2.0' project'.

Skoda Auto says its leasing solutions incorporate benefits and services that include road tax, insurance, breakdown assistance, accidental repairs, end-to-end maintenance, scheduled tyre and battery changes, and a replacement vehicle. In addition the company will offer customised services, subscription-based payment models, zero down payment, and complete avoidance of an unregulated and unorganised resale market, leasing is a 'Simply Clever' mobility solution and a feasible alternative to owning a car.

Zac Hollis, director – Sales, Service, and Marketing, Skoda Auto India said, “The partnership with Orix reflects our commitment to reach out to our customers through new strategic avenues and serve their specific demands through superior 'value for money' products and services. The tailor-made leasing program will draw on the strengths of both companies and deliver an enhanced ownership experience to Skoda Auto customers.”

Sandeep Gambhir, MD and CEO, Orix Auto Infrastructure Services said, “We are delighted to partner with Skoda Auto India. Through this venture, we hope to strengthen the concept of automotive leasing in India and offer tangible benefits to corporates and retail customers: who can now experience superior products and avail the benefits under a range of value-added leasing options. Leasing has been a well-accepted product across all developed nations and we expect the same to happen in India. Also with the mind and mode shift trends of this millennial generation where convenience weighs more than ownership, we expect leasing to play a significant role in meeting customer expectations”