Škoda Auto has completed 25 years in India, a journey that has seen the Czech automaker evolve from a niche player to a key pillar in Volkswagen Group’s global expansion strategy.
Since entering the Indian market in 2000, Škoda has established a strong presence, localising production, expanding its portfolio, and spearheading the Group’s regional operations.
From Octavia To Kylaq: A Journey Of Transformation
Škoda’s India story began with the first-generation Octavia, which was locally assembled at its Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) plant. Over the years, models like the Fabia, Rapid, Superb, and Kodiaq further strengthened its reputation for European engineering, premium design, and durability.
A major turning point came in 2018, when the Volkswagen Group entrusted Škoda with overseeing its India operations. As part of this mandate, the OEM developed the MQB-A0-IN platform, tailored to meet Indian market conditions. This led to the launch of the Kushaq (2021), followed by the Slavia sedan (2022), both produced at the Pune plant.
Continuing its commitment to the Indian market, the automaker recently introduced the Kylaq, a sub-4-metre SUV catering to one of the fastest-growing automotive segments in India, which accounts for nearly 50% of the country’s passenger vehicle sales. The response has been overwhelming—10,000 bookings within 10 days of launch, reinforcing its goal of achieving annual sales of 100,000 cars in India by 2026.
India: A Strategic Hub For Škoda’s Global Expansion
Beyond catering to domestic consumers, Škoda’s India operations have evolved into a global export hub. The company has expanded its footprint, setting up a Technology Centre in Pune and a logistics facility in Vietnam to support exports.
Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, remarked, 'We have built on 25 years of experience in India to make this thriving market a cornerstone of our international growth. With its talented workforce, growing consumer base, and strategic export potential, India is becoming our second pillar outside Europe. Our commitment is evident in our localization efforts, where models like the Kushaq, Slavia, and Kylaq achieve up to 95% localization.'
Škoda Auto has placed sustainability at the heart of its Indian operations, aiming for CO2 neutrality across all plants by 2030. The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar facility already runs entirely on green energy, while the Pune plant has expanded its photovoltaic system, generating up to 26.6 GWh of electricity annually, covering 30% of its energy needs. Additionally, the Pune site serves as a habitat for over 300 species of plants, trees, and animals, reinforcing Škoda’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
A Future-Ready Approach
Škoda Auto’s 25-year journey in India is a testament to its long-term commitment to the market. The company has not only strengthened its manufacturing capabilities but also expanded its customer touchpoints by 35% in the last two years, ensuring greater accessibility.
As Piyush Arora, MD & CEO of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, mentioned, 'India has become central to Škoda’s internationalization strategy. With evolving consumer preferences, we are introducing models that blend European expertise with local insights. Our focus remains on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions that will define the next 25 years of our growth in India.'
With a strong product lineup, expanding export potential, and a clear focus on sustainability, Škoda Auto’s journey in India is far from over. The brand’s vision for the next quarter-century promises to reshape the automotive landscape, making India an even more integral part of its global success story.
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