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From Humble Beginnings to a Key International Market
Škoda Auto marks a significant milestone in 2025, celebrating 25 years of success in the dynamic Indian automotive market. Since laying the foundation stone for its first plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) in January 2000, the Czech automaker has grown from rented facilities to a strategic hub for global expansion. Today, Škoda spearheads Volkswagen Group’s activities in India, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, localization, and sustainable mobility.
Škoda’s Journey in India: A Success Story
Škoda entered India with the locally assembled Octavia in 2001, quickly establishing itself as a premium and reliable brand. Over the years, models like the Fabia, Rapid, Superb, and Kodiaq gained popularity among Indian customers.
A major turning point came in 2018, when Volkswagen Group entrusted Škoda Auto with overseeing all Group activities in the region. This led to the development of the MQB-A0-IN platform, exclusively designed for the Indian market. Under this initiative, Škoda introduced three India-specific models:
- Škoda Kushaq (2021) – A compact SUV tailored for Indian roads
- Škoda Slavia (2022) – A premium sedan offering European luxury
- Škoda Kylaq (2024) – A sub-4-metre SUV catering to a high-demand segment
The Kylaq has already garnered massive success, with 10,000 orders within 10 days of its launch. This model is expected to play a crucial role in Škoda’s ambitious goal of 100,000 annual car sales in India by 2026.
Škoda’s Vision: Sustainability and Localization
Škoda Auto is not just focusing on sales but also on sustainability and localization:
- 95% Localization: The company manufactures its cars with up to 95% localized content, boosting India’s economy and reducing import dependency.
- Green Energy Commitment: The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar plant operates entirely on renewable energy, while the Pune plant aims for CO₂-neutrality by 2030. Pune’s photovoltaic system now produces up to 26.6 GWh of electricity annually, meeting 30% of the plant’s energy needs.
- Biodiversity Conservation: The 500-hectare Pune plant supports 300+ species of plants, trees, and animals, showcasing Škoda’s eco-conscious approach.
- Global Exports: Škoda has established a logistics facility for exports to Vietnam and is expanding operations in the ASEAN, Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand markets.
Customer-Centric Growth: Expanding Dealer Network
Škoda Auto India is also focused on enhancing customer experience by expanding its reach:
- 35% increase in customer touchpoints across India in just two years
- Growing sales and service network to improve accessibility
- Award-winning models like the Škoda Slavia, crowned India’s Sedan of the Year (2022) and Car of the Year (2023) at the Acko Drive Awards
Škoda’s Commitment to the Future
Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, emphasized:
“India is becoming our second pillar outside Europe, leveraging further sales potential in ASEAN, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region. We are committed to sustainability, localization, and customer satisfaction. With this passion, we can achieve even greater things in the next 25 years!”
With a strong market presence, sustainable initiatives, and a customer-first approach, Škoda Auto is poised for an even brighter future in India.
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Explore the latest models at your nearest Škoda dealership and be part of a brand that is shaping the future of mobility in India. 🚗✨
