Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (SAVWIPL) has officially started production of the Škoda Kylaq, its latest compact SUV, at its advanced manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune. This marks a significant milestone for the Group in the Indian automotive sector, reflecting its strong commitment to localisation, customer satisfaction, and the Government of India’s Make in India initiative.
The Škoda Kylaq is built on the MQB-A0-IN platform and is the fifth model from the group to be locally manufactured. The vehicle combines the Group’s global standards with a focus on the specific needs of the Indian market, emphasising safety, comfort, quality, and design. With this launch, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India is also expanding its local supplier network by 10%, ensuring quicker turnaround times and reduced ownership costs for customers.
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, expressed excitement about the production start, stating, “We are excited to manufacture Škoda’s first sub-4-meter SUV in India. The Kylaq is developed with the Indian customer in mind, and we are proud to contribute to the Make in India initiative. I am confident that the Kylaq will appeal to the evolving demands of Indian consumers.”
To accommodate the production of the Škoda Kylaq, SAVWIPL has boosted its Chakan plant’s production capacity by 30%, taking the annual output to 255,000 units. The facility has improved its operational efficiency, now achieving 40 jobs per hour on the production line. The manufacturing of the Kylaq also showcases Škoda’s dedication to sustainability, with eco-friendly materials like bamboo fibre used in the vehicle’s cabin.
Andreas Dick, Member of the Board of Management for Production and Logistics at Škoda Auto, highlighted the international collaboration involved in the project. He said, “This successful start of production marks the culmination of detailed planning and cooperation between our teams in India and the Czech Republic. Our manufacturing process meets the highest quality and efficiency standards, setting the stage for the Kylaq to be a key player in the compact SUV segment.”
With deliveries set to begin in January 2025, the Škoda Kylaq is already receiving positive attention. Priced at ₹7.89 lakh (ex-showroom), it promises a compelling mix of design, robust engineering, and safety features at an attractive price point. SAVWIPL plans to expand its sales and service network to 350 locations, focusing on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities by 2025, ensuring that the Kylaq reaches a wide range of customers across India.
