Automaker Skoda today said it targets to sell 25,000 units of its compact car Rapid during this year in the Indian market which is strategically very important for the company to achieve its overall global sales target of at least 1.5 million units per year by 2018. Skoda aims to increase its global sales to at least 1.5 million units per year. In achieving this target, emerging markets in general and India in particular will be pivotal, Skoda CEO Winfried Vahland said at the 11th Auto Expo here. He said the largest potential is mainly in growth markets such as India, Russia and China. Replying to a question, Mr Vahland said, Our plans are definitely focussed on the Indian market...We are set to keep raising our sales here. Talking about the sales performance of the recently launched Rapid, he said the response is very good and was confident of selling 25,000 units during this year. The Rapid is being produced in the company s plant in Pune. In India, the company sales grew to 30,005 units in 2011, up 50 per cent as against the previous year. Currently, market share of the company, which sells Fabia, Laura, Superb and Yeti in the domestic market, stands at 1.31 per cent. Globally, the company sold 8,75,000 vehicles in 2011, up 15 per cent over 2010.