Skoda Auto a.s., often shortened to Skoda, is a Czech automobile manufacturer established in 1925 as the successor to Laurin & Klement and headquartered in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic. Skoda Works became state-owned in 1948. ŠKODA cars are made from China, Russia, Slovakia and India.
India, now is on track to become an export hub for Skoda Auto, as it prepares to begin exporting vehicle kits for assembly in Vietnam from next year. Volkswagen, Skoda Auto’s parent company, is already exporting vehicles from India to Mexico and South Africa, while Skoda Auto exports to the Middle East and North Africa.
Last year, Skoda Auto India experienced a 125% year-on-year sales increase, selling 53,721 vehicles. The company is optimistic about maintaining double-digit growth this year. Volkswagen Group sales also rose 85.48% year-on-year, reaching 1,01,270 units in the previous calendar year. Skoda Auto, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini brands operate under Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (SAVWPIL) in India.
According to Petr Solc, Brand Director at Skoda Auto India, the Indian market is a crucial component of Skoda Auto’s regional strategy. Solc emphasized that exports will continue to be a significant aspect of Skoda and Volkswagen’s approach moving forward.
Skoda Auto India crossed the 50,000-car sales milestone in the domestic market for the first time last year. The company attributes this success in part to the launch of the Slavia sedan and Kushaq SUV models, which will both be available for a full year in the market going forward. Additionally, the updated 7-seater SUV Kodiaq is expected to contribute to the company’s growth strategy, particularly with increased supply.
Christian Cahn Von Seelen, a Member of the Board for sales, marketing, and digital at SAVWPIL, commented on Audi’s growth, describing it as “impressive.” Audi plans to continue introducing new products in the Indian market.
Regarding Skoda’s electric vehicle (EV) strategy for India, Solc said the company’s plans depend on the development of the EV segment in the country. Skoda recently announced its EV roadmap, featuring six electric cars to be introduced by 2026. The carmaker is ready to enter the Indian EV market, contingent upon infrastructure development and customer acceptance of electric cars. The company is currently discussing which EV models to bring to India in the future, with the intention of penetrating the EV segment if it constitutes over 20% of the total market.
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