QUANG NINH, Vietnam – In a move that proves cars can cross borders faster than most tourists, Škoda Auto has officially revved up its new assembly plant in Vietnam, teaming up with regional partner Thanh Cong Group to locally assemble the Kushaq SUV and Slavia sedan. The factory, built in the strategically located Quang Ninh province (just a stone’s throw from the bustling port of Haiphong), promises to bring European engineering and Indian logistics together in a marriage of automotive efficiency—with a distinct Vietnamese twist.
From India with Parts, Assembled with Pride
The Kushaq and Slavia aren’t arriving in Vietnam on their own four wheels. Instead, they’ve taken the scenic route as completely knocked down (CKD) kits from Škoda’s Indian hub in Pune, proving once again that globalization works best when it includes reliable shipping and meticulous assembly.
Production of the Kushaq began on 26 March, with the Slavia getting ready to strut its stuff off the line this summer. Together, they’ll join Vietnam’s existing Škoda line-up, which includes the Karoq and Kodiaq SUVs—also known as the European imports with the fancy accents.
“CKD” Might Stand for “Clever Kushaq Deployment”
Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, called the plant opening a “milestone,” saying the move strengthens Škoda’s foothold in the ASEAN region—just in case anyone wasn’t already convinced that Škoda has its eye on more than just Central Europe. “We’re not just assembling cars,” he might as well have said, “we’re assembling a future.”
Andreas Dick, Škoda’s Board Member for Production and Logistics, praised the high-tech facility, which comes complete with 3D measurement tools, anti-corrosion treatments, and enough quality control measures to make a Swiss watchmaker weep.
Meanwhile, Nguyen Anh Tuan, Chairman of Thanh Cong Group, added that the plant is just the beginning. The long-term vision includes new energy vehicles, electric models, and custom rides—because why stop at one revolution when you can plan for two?
Local Roads, Global Ambitions
Before letting Vietnamese drivers test-drive the goods, Škoda put the Kushaq through the wringer with over 330,000 km of road testing across the country—likely encountering every possible pothole, monsoon, and traffic jam Vietnam had to offer. Climate testing ranged from -10°C to a sauna-like +42°C, ensuring the Kushaq can keep its cool—or warm up appropriately—no matter what.
Both Kushaq and Slavia models come with left-hand drive, high safety standards, and synthetic leather upholstery (because cows deserve a break too). With adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, Škoda is making sure Vietnam’s drivers are well-equipped to handle both traffic and karaoke detours.
Driving Growth, Literally
Škoda launched in Vietnam just last September, and it’s already opened 15 sales outlets—with plans to hit 32 by the end of this year. At this rate, dealerships might outnumber bánh mì stalls. Okay, maybe not, but you get the idea.
Škoda’s playbook in Vietnam is part of a broader ASEAN strategy, one that puts it in the driver’s seat of the region’s emerging markets. With just 34 cars per 1,000 people in Vietnam, the growth potential is turbocharged. As Zellmer noted, “We’re not just entering a market; we’re entering a freeway with no speed limit.”
Final Thoughts: A Škoda by Any Other Name… Is Still a Clever Move
This isn’t just about assembling vehicles—it’s about assembling vision, strategy, and a touch of humour in an industry known more for torque than talk. Škoda’s Vietnam move shows that with the right partners, a few containers of car parts, and a can-do attitude, you really can build something great from the ground up.
And as the first Vietnamese-assembled Škodas roll out, one thing is certain: the road ahead is looking smooth—with just the right amount of local flavor.
