Skoda Completes 25 Years in India, Targets 1 Lakh Annual Sales by 2026

Skoda Auto has completed 25 years of operations in India — which is a key milestone since its debut in January 2000 with the establishment of its plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad until 2022). The first-generation Octavia was the brand’s first model here, assembled from imported parts in temporary facilities during the construction of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar plant. It was followed by a lineup of models such as the Fabia, Rapid, Superb, and Kodiaq, all of which gained popularity and played a key role in solidifying the company's position.

Currently, the brand manufactures three models locally—the Kushaq, Slavia, and the new Kylaq—based on the MQB A0-IN platform to better suit the evolving demands of the Indian market. The Kylaq, which secured 10,000 orders within just 10 days of its launch, represents 50% of car sales in India. It is expected to play a key role in helping Skoda achieve its target of 1 lakh annual sales by 2026.

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Skoda has firmly established India as a critical hub in its global operations, positioning the country as a key market not only for the domestic sector but also for the wider ASEAN region, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand.

Also Read: Skoda Kylaq SUV Deliveries Commence in India; Prices Start at Rs 7.89 Lakh

Over the years, Skoda has expanded its presence with assembly lines in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and a manufacturing plant in Pune. To further strengthen its market position, the brand has also set up a state-of-the-art Technology Centre in India, focusing on research and development to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers and enhance its regional operations.

Sustainability is key to the brand’s operations in India. The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar plant runs on green energy, while the Pune plant targets CO2 neutrality by 2030. Spanning 500 hectares, the Pune site supports over 300 plant and wildlife species. Skoda collaborates with local suppliers and invests in community initiatives. The expanded solar system at Pune generates 26.6 GWh annually, meeting 30% of the plant's energy needs.

Also Read: Bharat Mobility Expo 2025: Skoda Vision 7S Concept Unveiled

Commenting on the milestone, Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, said 'Škoda has been a notable brand in India since we entered the market with the Octavia in 2001. We now produce in two plants. We have launched three all-new models specifically for India, achieving localization of up to 95 per cent: the Škoda Kushaq, Slavia, and just recently the Kylaq compact SUV, which complements the Kodiaq we also sell through a growing dealer network. In the last two years, we have increased customer touchpoints across the country by 35%.'