Škoda Auto India is revving up its efforts in the Indian automotive market with the announcement of a brand-new compact SUV slated to hit Indian roads in the first half of 2025. This marks the company’s third major product initiative tailored specifically for the Indian market, following the successful launches of the Kushaq and the Slavia.
The upcoming SUV, built on the versatile MQB-A0-IN platform shared with its predecessors, underscores Škoda’s commitment to the Indian market. Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto a.s, emphasized India’s significance in the brand’s global growth strategy, highlighting the country’s role as a crucial market and a key hub for development and manufacturing. Dr Johannes Neft, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at Škoda Auto a.s, lauded the technical prowess of the MQB-A0-IN platform, emphasizing its adaptability and contribution to building safer cars in India. The platform, developed jointly by teams in India and the Czech Republic, prioritizes high localization and low ownership costs.
Martin Jahn, Member of the Board of Management for Sales & Marketing, reiterated Škoda’s commitment to India’s burgeoning automotive landscape, citing the country’s pivotal role in the brand’s global expansion plans. Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL), highlighted the company’s focus on expanding its reach in India through locally developed and produced models, further supported by a robust supplier base. The announcement also includes a naming contest, #NameYourSkoda, inviting entries from across India to christen the upcoming compact SUV, in line with Škoda’s tradition of providing culturally resonant nomenclatures.