Skoda has marked its 25th anniversary in the Indian market today. The company made its debut in this vibrant market a quarter of a century ago. In January 2000, the Czech automobile manufacturer established its first operations in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly known as Aurangabad), becoming the inaugural brand of the Volkswagen Group to enter India.
The Skoda Octavia was the first model to be assembled locally. Since then, India has emerged as a crucial market in Skoda’s global expansion strategy, enabling the company to capitalize on sales opportunities in the ASEAN region, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand.
Skoda has successfully developed and manufactured three models in India
Skoda has successfully developed and manufactured three models in India utilizing the local MQB A0-IN platform: the Kushaq, Slavia, and the newly launched Kylaq compact SUV, which enhances the brand’s offerings in the popular SUV category. The Skoda Octavia was the initial model introduced in India, assembled from imported components at the facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, along with rented spaces. Over the years, other models such as the Fabia, Rapid, and later the Superb and Kodiaq have also gained popularity among Indian consumers.
The latest addition to Skoda’s lineup for the Indian market is the Kylaq SUV, which represents the brand’s entry into the sought-after sub-4-metre segment, a category that constitutes nearly 50% of car sales in India. This new model garnered 10,000 orders within just ten days of its launch and is expected to play a significant role in achieving the brand’s annual sales goal of 100,000 vehicles in India by 2026.
The Indian market has become a pivotal area for Skoda, serving as a strategic hub for the broader ASEAN region, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition to its assembly operations in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and a manufacturing facility in Pune, Skoda has established a technology center in the region. Furthermore, in October 2023, Skoda inaugurated a state-of-the-art logistics facility aimed at exporting components to Vietnam, a market the company entered this year.