Chakan: Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (SAVWIPL) has officially commenced production of the highly anticipated Škoda Kylaq at its world-class manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune. This marks a significant achievement for the company, demonstrating its commitment to innovation, local manufacturing, and the nation’s “Make in India” initiative.
The Škoda Kylaq, the Group’s fifth model based on the robust MQB-A0-IN platform, is locally engineered to meet the unique needs of Indian consumers. With a focus on safety, comfort, quality, and global design, this new sub-4-meter SUV is expected to make waves in the Indian automotive market. The Kylaq’s launch further strengthens SAVWIPL’s dedication to driving the growth of the Indian automotive sector by expanding its local supplier network by 10% and improving cost efficiency.
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of SAVWIPL, expressed his excitement about the production start, stating, “We’re thrilled to begin production of the Škoda Kylaq, which is designed and developed in India to cater to the evolving needs of Indian car buyers. This marks a significant step in our commitment to the Make-in-India initiative, and we are confident that the Kylaq will resonate deeply with Indian consumers.”
To keep pace with the increasing demand, SAVWIPL has boosted the production capacity of its Chakan facility by 30%, increasing annual production to 255,000 units. The expansion will enhance operational efficiency, with the facility now capable of handling 40 jobs per hour (JPH). Škoda’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in the Kylaq, which features eco-friendly materials such as bamboo fiber in its cabin, reflecting the company’s focus on green innovation.
Andreas Dick, Member of the Board of Management for Škoda Auto, praised the teamwork behind the production of the Kylaq, saying, “The successful launch of the Kylaq is a testament to the collaboration between our teams in India and the Czech Republic. This SUV sets a new standard for quality and efficiency, and we are confident it will play a key role in our continued success in India.”
As part of its ongoing efforts to reach more customers, SAVWIPL plans to expand its sales and service network to 350 locations, covering Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities by 2025. The Škoda Kylaq, starting at ₹7.89 lakh (ex-showroom), is already receiving positive feedback and is set to redefine the compact SUV segment in India. Deliveries are expected to begin in January 2025.
This new development marks an exciting chapter for Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, reinforcing its position as a key player in India’s evolving automotive landscape.
