Carmaker Skoda Auto India today commenced production of its entry level sedan Rapid at its Chakan plant which will be launched shortly in the domestic market. Rapid is the first car from Skoda brand which has been designed keeping in mind the special needs of Indian customers. Today is the official start of production for the Indian variant of our new Rapid compact saloon. Effective immediately, the first unit of the Skoda Rapid will be rolling off the line in this plant, said Prof Winfried Vahland,  Chairman of the Board of Management, Skoda Auto. Rapid will be introduced in the market shortly , Prof Vahland said. The car will be offered with a choice of diesel and petrol engines. It is an attractive car with lots of space and room for five persons, Prof Vahland added. Manufacturing of the all new Skoda Rapid will take place at the Chakan plant, the company said in a statement. The commencement of production of Rapid is in line with Skoda Auto s 2018 growth strategy which aims to double sales globally to at least 1.5 million units. Commenting on the occasion, Dr Chacko, Volkswagen Group Chief Representative India, President and Managing Director, Volkswagen India, said, Skoda Rapid will be entirely manufactured in India. It will be positioned at the entry level of the country s mid-sized sedan segment . Skoda Auto India has four models on sale in India--Superb, Laura, Fabia and the recently launched Yeti. The automaker has a network of 81 outlets across the country.