Skoda's new CEO, Thomas Schaefer, says the brand plans to launch cheaper model variants in Europe to better compete with Hyundai, Kia, as well as enter new markets in Africa, and expand its EV lineup with a small electric car. Schaefer, who took charge of the Volkswagen Group brand in August , spoke with Burkhard Riering, editor of Automobilwoche, a sister publication of Automotive News Europe.