Skoda is set to reveal an all-new crossover at the
Beijing Auto Show this week. We’ve already seen a whole batch of images that
have leaked out. And the automaker has released some sketches. But this is the
first official glimpse we’ve had at the finished product.
Called the Kamiq, it’s a “city SUV” positioned
underneath the Karoq and the larger Kodiaq. But don’t start calling your local
dealership yet, even if you live in a market where Skoda is represented. Unless
you live in China, that is. Because the Kamiq will be exclusive to that market.
Little wonder, since China represents Skoda’s
largest market worldwide. The Czech automaker has competed there for over a
decade now. And since entering the market in 2007, it has sold over 2.35 million
vehicles there. Last year alone, it sold 325,000 vehicles in China.
The new Kamiq aims to help Skoda nearly double that
figure to 600,000 per year by 2020. But it won’t have to go it alone: Skoda
says it plans on developing even more SUVs specifically for the Chinese market,
of which the Kamiq will be just the first.
