Pune: Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has begun production of the new Škoda Slavia at its Chakan plant in Pune, preparing the updated sedan for the Indian market just as the country enters its important festive-season buying period.
The new Slavia introduces updates to its design, technology, comfort and convenience package while retaining the engineering and safety attributes of the current model. Among the key additions are an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission for the 1.0 TSI engine, a rear-seat massage function, a 360-degree Area View camera and a new infotainment system featuring an AI Companion powered by Google Cloud.
The production milestone comes after nearly 80,000 units of the Slavia have been sold in India since its introduction. According to Škoda Auto India, the sedan currently holds close to a 30% share of its segment.
The timing is significant for the company, with India’s festive season traditionally representing one of the busiest periods for passenger-vehicle purchases. For carmakers, it is the season when showrooms tend to become rather more crowded than their brochures.
Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Chief Production Officer said: “India has become an increasingly important production location for Škoda Auto and an integral part of our global manufacturing network. Over the years, we have built strong capabilities here, combining local expertise with Škoda Auto’s global standards for quality, efficiency and engineering. The start of production of the new Slavia is another demonstration of these capabilities and further underlines the strategic importance of India within our global operations. We are confident in the continued development of our Indian manufacturing capabilities and their contribution to Škoda Auto’s international growth.”
Updated Slavia gets new technology and comfort features
The new Slavia continues with its existing focus on European engineering and its five-star Global NCAP safety credentials while adding new equipment aimed particularly at comfort and convenience.
A notable mechanical update is the introduction of an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox paired with the 1.0 TSI petrol engine.
The sedan also gains what Škoda describes as a segment-first Rear Seat Massage function. Other additions include the 360-degree Area View camera and a next-generation infotainment system equipped with an AI Companion powered by Google Cloud.
The company said the updates are intended to build on the Slavia’s existing mix of driving dynamics, practicality and safety.
Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, said: “The start of production of the new Slavia marks an important milestone in our India journey and demonstrates the strength of our development and manufacturing capabilities in the country. The Slavia has developed a strong fan base through its design, driving dynamics, safety and engineering, and the new model builds on these strengths with meaningful enhancements in technology, comfort and convenience. With production now underway in Pune, we look forward to bringing the latest evolution of the Slavia to our customers while continuing to deliver the quality and engineering excellence they expect from a Škoda.”
Nearly 80,000 Slavias sold in India
The Slavia has become an important part of Škoda Auto India’s product portfolio, with nearly 80,000 units sold in the country to date.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said: “For over 90 years, sedans have been an integral part of our global heritage. The new Slavia proudly carries this legacy forward. With close to 30% segment share, the Slavia has earned the trust of Indian customers. The new Slavia elevates everything customers value about the car, combining timeless design, European engineering and safety, engaging performance, modern technology, and greater comfort. As we begin production of the new Slavia, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening Škoda’s sedan legacy in India with products that remain fresh, relevant, and aspirational.”
The updated model arrives at a time when sedans continue to compete with the strong consumer preference for SUVs in India, making feature additions and product refreshes increasingly important for manufacturers seeking to maintain interest in the traditional three-box body style.
India remains key manufacturing base for SAVWIPL
Production of the new Slavia also highlights the scale of SAVWIPL’s manufacturing operations in India.
The company operates two manufacturing facilities with a combined annual production capacity of 315,000 vehicles. In 2025, SAVWIPL crossed the milestone of two million vehicles produced locally.
Under its “Made in India for India and the World” strategy, the company has also exported more than 725,000 vehicles from India to over 40 countries.
SAVWIPL’s manufacturing operations are supported by its expanded Technology Centre Pune, which works on localisation, product development and engineering requirements for both Indian and international markets.
With production of the new Slavia now underway, Škoda is looking to reinforce its position in India’s sedan market while also underlining the country’s growing importance within the Volkswagen Group’s global manufacturing and engineering network. The festive season may provide the first indication of how strongly Indian buyers respond to that combination of additional technology, comfort and familiar sedan fundamentals.
