SAVWIPL introduces a student car project to support the Skill India

By Staff Report September 24, 2024 6:48 pm IST

Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) is implementing the Azubi Student Car Project globally to support India’s ‘Skill India’ initiative.

Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) is committed to the government’s ‘Skill India’ initiative through its Student Car Project. This year, the Mechatronics students have created an innovative pickup truck by merging a Volkswagen Taigun SUV and a Volkswagen Virtus sedan. The project involved nine months of development, from car concept finalisation to final testing. Students used cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to design and 3D-print parts, showcasing their ability to solve design challenges. The vehicle was equipped with specialised accessories like underbody protection, studded tires, ambient lighting, and roof-mounted lights, completing the rugged pickup truck design.

Throughout the project, the students were mentored by skilled professionals at SAVWIPL. The mentors helped and guided the students to collaborate with suppliers and industry experts, helping them bring their innovative ideas to life. This project is one among other initiatives that the company is driving in line with the government’s focus on skilling youth as envisaged in the recent announcements in the Union Budget 2024.

 SAVWIPL Academy’s Dual Vocational Training in Mechatronics is a flagship program launched in 2011 and has been instrumental in upskilling high school students. This full-time, 3.5-year course, modelled after Germany’s vocational system, is designed to develop and prepare young talents for the automobile industry. The program instills technological creativity and confidence and promotes a problem-solving mindset for developing innovative technologies. The project gives students the freedom to explore and offers valuable insights into the automotive industry, future trends, and VW Group standards.

 Škoda is implementing the Azubi Student Car Project globally, under the Škoda Academy, to promote vocational school training and support India’s ‘Skill India’ initiative. The project provides students with practical experience in idea evaluation and implementation, enhancing their manufacturing skills.

Andreas Dick, Member of the Board of Management for Production and Logistics, Škoda Auto a.s., said, “The successful completion of Student Car Project 2.0 in India is a showcase of how young talent can learn to use cutting-edge technology, precision, and efficiency to create industry-leading vehicles. By bringing global manufacturing practices to India, our goal is to create environments where young innovators can grow into the changemakers of tomorrow, strengthening India’s role as a global manufacturing hub. Our such projects not only focus on strengthening manufacturing capabilities but also ensure that the next generation is ready to drive innovation on a global scale.”

Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, said, “It is impressive to see the unique concept of developing a pickup truck by our Mechatronics students as a part of the Student Car Project. Our unique student car project is a great platform that gives wings to the imagination of the students to share the future of mobility. Through this project, we are aligned with the country’s ‘Skill India’ mission, wherein we are instilling a culture of hands-on learning where local talent can thrive in a global ecosystem. We firmly believe that these initiatives of the government will be fundamental for a ‘Viksit Bharat’. At Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, we are committed to the overall development of society, supporting local communities, and empowering the youth.”