Škoda Auto celebrated a major milestone, completing 25 years of operations in India. The company first entered the Indian market in January 2000, with the foundation of its plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) and became the first Volkswagen Group brand to establish a presence in India. The Škoda Octavia was the first model produced locally, marking the beginning of the company’s journey in India. Today, India is a central part of Škoda’s global strategy, contributing to the brand’s growth across markets like ASEAN, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand. Since 2018, Škoda has been leading activities for the Volkswagen Group in the region.
As part of its commitment to the Indian market, Škoda Auto has developed three models specifically designed and produced for India: the Kushaq, Slavia, and the newly launched Kylaq compact SUV. These vehicles are built on the locally adapted MQB A0–IN platform, with the Kushaq marking the first production model in 2021. The brand is focused on increasing local production with up to 95% localization. Additionally, Škoda’s customer base in India has grown substantially, with customer touchpoints increasing by 35% in the last two years.
Sustainability is a key pillar of Škoda’s operations in India. The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar plant runs entirely on green energy, and the Pune plant has expanded its photovoltaic system, covering up to 30% of its energy requirements. Škoda aims to achieve CO2-neutrality at all its Indian plants by 2030, continuing to support the global sustainability goals.
Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, emphasized, “India has become a vital part of our global strategy, helping us expand in key markets. The progress made in the last 25 years demonstrates the power of innovation and local expertise. Our commitment to sustainable growth and creating value for our customers and employees continues to be at the heart of our success.”
In addition to its growing portfolio, Škoda’s models have been well-received by customers and critics alike, with the Slavia earning “Sedan of the Year” in 2022 and the Kylaq receiving strong demand upon launch. The company has also invested in the local economy, supporting education and infrastructure projects and creating thousands of jobs in the region.
With its continued expansion and investment, Škoda Auto is poised to remain a significant player in the Indian automotive market and a key part of the Volkswagen Group’s operations in the region. Škoda Auto celebrated a major milestone, completing 25 years of operations in India. The company first entered the Indian market in January 2000, with the foundation of its plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) and became the first Volkswagen Group brand to establish a presence in India.
The Škoda Octavia was the first model produced locally, marking the beginning of the company’s journey in India. Today, India is a central part of Škoda’s global strategy, contributing to the brand’s growth across markets like ASEAN, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand. Since 2018, Škoda has been leading activities for the Volkswagen Group in the region.
As part of its commitment to the Indian market, Škoda Auto has developed three models specifically designed and produced for India: the Kushaq, Slavia, and the newly launched Kylaq compact SUV. These vehicles are built on the locally adapted MQB A0–IN platform, with the Kushaq marking the first production model in 2021.
The brand is focused on increasing local production with up to 95% localization. Additionally, Škoda’s customer base in India has grown substantially, with customer touchpoints increasing by 35% in the last two years.
Sustainability is a key pillar of Škoda’s operations in India. The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar plant runs entirely on green energy, and the Pune plant has expanded its photovoltaic system, covering up to 30% of its energy requirements. Škoda aims to achieve CO2-neutrality at all its Indian plants by 2030, continuing to support the global sustainability goals.
Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, emphasized, “India has become a vital part of our global strategy, helping us expand in key markets. The progress made in the last 25 years demonstrates the power of innovation and local expertise. Our commitment to sustainable growth and creating value for our customers and employees continues to be at the heart of our success.”
In addition to its growing portfolio, Škoda’s models have been well-received by customers and critics alike, with the Slavia earning “Sedan of the Year” in 2022 and the Kylaq receiving strong demand upon launch. The company has also invested in the local economy, supporting education and infrastructure projects and creating thousands of jobs in the region.
