Mladá Boleslav, February 27, 2024 – In a bold move to capture the hearts and roads of India, Škoda Auto has unveiled plans to introduce an all-new compact SUV, promising to shake up the market with its sub-4 meter stature and customer-centric approach. This fresh addition, following the success of Kushaq and Slavia, marks Škoda’s intensified focus on India, both as a key market and a hub for its global expansion strategy. Set to hit the Indian roads in the first half of 2025, this vehicle is not just another car; it’s a statement of Škoda’s commitment to India’s growth and its own international ambitions.
Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, highlights India’s pivotal role in the company’s global growth narrative. “India isn’t just a market; it’s our launchpad for global expansion, including into ASEAN and Middle East regions. With our sales in India more than doubling since 2021, the all-new compact SUV is our next strategic step to widen our model range and reach a wider audience.”
Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, expressed his excitement over the brand’s growth and the significant role the Indian market plays. “Our growth trajectory globally has been remarkable, and India has been a cornerstone of this success. The new compact SUV will complement our existing portfolio and cater to the burgeoning SUV segment in India.”
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, highlighted the company’s focus on local R&D and manufacturing. “The success of Kushaq and Slavia has paved the way for our new compact SUV. Our focus on localizing parts and components not only ensures global standards but also makes our offerings competitively priced.”
In an innovative twist, Škoda Auto India has launched the #NameYourSkoda campaign, inviting customers and fans to suggest names for the new SUV. This participative approach underlines the company’s customer-centric philosophy and marks an exciting prelude to the vehicle’s debut.
The new SUV will be built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, a testament to Škoda’s commitment to delivering top-notch driving dynamics and safety. This platform, a first for the company outside of Europe, is tailored for the Indian market, accommodating efficient engines and advanced safety systems. The platform has already garnered acclaim with the Kushaq and Slavia achieving full 5-stars in Global NCAP crash tests, under newer, stricter protocols.
Škoda’s strategy in India is a key element of its Next Level Strategy, with ambitions to sell 100,000 vehicles annually by 2026 and become the leading European brand by 2030. This latest move further cements India’s role in Škoda’s global narrative, proving that size doesn’t always matter – especially when it comes to conquering new markets and winning over customers.
