Gurpratap Boparai Resigns As Managing Director Of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India

A bombshell of an announcement from Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, as managing director, Gurpratap Boparai has resigned from his post which will come into effect on January 1, 2022. His role in the firm will be assumed by Christian Cahn von Seelen for an interim period with effect from January 1, 2022. 

Gurpratap Boparai was appointed as managing director for both Skoda and Volkswagen, which eventually merged into Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, back in 2018. The loss of one of the group’s key figureheads leaves some big shoes to fill. Boparai’s tenure at the company saw him be one of the instrumental figures behind the activation of the India 2.0 strategy, which spawned the Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq made-in-India SUVs. 

Speaking on the resignation, Boparai said, “It has been my honour and privilege to lead this fantastic team at SAVWIPL. This was a very difficult decision. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that the team will continue to innovate, excel and deliver beyond its commitments. I would like to thank Thomas Schaefer and Christian Cahn von Seelen and the team at HQ for their support and commitment to the India operations.” 

“The INDIA 2.0 project was executed on time thanks to their endeavours, at prioritizing the Indian operations especially in the face of the recent supply chain disruptions.” said Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director, ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd.” 

As things stand, the India 2.0 strategy will continue to soldier on, with Skoda slated to bring the Slavia sedan in by March 2022, and Volkswagen also preparing to bring in its Vento successor later that year. The Czech carmaker could also enter the lucrative sub-4 metre SUV segment with the Enyaq IV.