Rohit Shetty to Direct Škoda’s First-Ever OTT Car Launch
Mumbai – In a groundbreaking move that merges entertainment and automotive innovation, Škoda Auto India is set to unveil its latest SUV, the Škoda Kylaq, through an action-packed film directed by Bollywood’s own Rohit Shetty. For the first time in India, a car will make its world debut on an over-the-top (OTT) platform, with Jio Cinema streaming the premiere on November 6, 2024, at 12:30 PM.
A High-Octane Premiere Like Never Before
Breaking away from the traditional car launch format, Škoda Auto India has teamed up with Rohit Shetty, known for his blockbuster films filled with high-energy stunts and thrilling sequences, to present the Kylaq. This innovative SUV reveal will be more than just a car unveiling—viewers will be treated to a cinematic spectacle that highlights the Kylaq’s prowess as it navigates diverse terrains, showcasing its design, strength, and versatility.
Petr Janeba, Brand Director at Škoda Auto India, commented on this unprecedented approach: “In both India and the Czech Republic, films are deeply ingrained in the culture. In India, cinema is life. The Kylaq, conceived for the Indian market, embodies that spirit. It was designed for the people of India, and who better than Rohit Shetty to bring its story to life? The Kylaq, like his films, is larger-than-life, and we wanted its premiere to be equally grand.”
A Name Chosen by the Nation
Škoda Auto India has embraced the connection with its Indian audience in more ways than one. The Kylaq’s name was the result of a nationwide naming campaign, where the people of India were invited to suggest names for the new SUV. The chosen name, Kylaq, is derived from the Sanskrit word for crystal and pays homage to Mount Kailash. This naming tradition continues the theme seen with Škoda’s other SUVs in India, like the Kushaq (meaning emperor) and Kodiaq, adding a layer of cultural resonance.
The Kylaq: Driving Škoda Into a New Era
The Kylaq is Škoda’s first entry into the sub-4m SUV category, a crucial step in expanding the brand’s footprint in India. First announced in February 2024, this compact SUV will target new markets and regions across the country, bringing Škoda’s blend of European engineering and Indian sensibilities to a broader audience. With plans to increase its sales touchpoints to 350 by 2025, Škoda is preparing to cater to an ever-growing customer base in both urban and rural India.
Škoda’s Growth Story Continues
Škoda Auto India has seen remarkable growth over the past few years. Between 2022 and 2023, the company sold over 100,000 cars, a feat that previously took six years to achieve. This surge in sales is largely credited to the introduction of the MQB-A0-IN platform, which underpins several models in Škoda’s Indian portfolio. The Kylaq is expected to further accelerate this growth by tapping into the high-demand compact SUV segment.
As the automotive industry evolves, Škoda Auto India’s bold step into the digital and entertainment spheres with the Kylaq’s OTT premiere sets a new standard for car launches. With its cinematic debut, the Kylaq promises to drive not only on roads but into the hearts of Indian consumers.
