Skoda is reportedly in discussions with SAIC to potentially adopt the Chinese company's DMH PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) technology for its models in the Chinese market.

Skoda, which is part of the SAIC Volkswagen joint venture in China, has faced declining sales in recent years.

The DMH system, representing the fourth generation of SAIC's PHEV technology, follows earlier versions like the EDU. The development of the first-generation EDU began in 2010, with its debut in the Roewe e550 in 2013.

SAIC's fourth-generation DMH system first appeared in the Roewe D7 in late 2023 and has since been featured in the D5X SUV. It is also used in the second-generation MG HS, which is available in Europe.

The DMH system operates with either a naturally aspirated or turbocharged 1.5-litre engine. The D7 DMH sedan uses the naturally aspirated engine, producing 82 kW, while the D5X SUV uses the turbocharged 15FKE engine, which generates 110 kW. The turbocharged engine employs the Miller cycle and has a thermal efficiency of 43%.

Motor variations include a 150 kW motor in the D7 DMH and a 153 kW motor in the D5X. A test earlier in 2024 on Hainan Island showed the D5X achieving a combined range of 1,621 km with an average fuel consumption of 3.8 litre / 100 km, although the test conditions were not specified.

The Roewe D5X is equipped with a 21.5 kWh battery pack, offering an official all-electric range of 135 km and a combined range of 1,300 km according to the CLTC measurement system.

In late 2022, it was reported that Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer was contemplating withdrawing the brand from the Chinese market, with a decision expected in 2023. As of October 2023, no decision had been made, and Zellmer indicated that it remained uncertain whether Skoda would exit the market.

While adopting the DMH system may enhance the appeal of Skoda's cars to Chinese buyers, the impact on sales is uncertain, as the underlying issues may be more complex.