Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has commenced production of the new Škoda Kushaq at its state-of-the-art Chakan facility near Pune, marking a major milestone in the brand’s India growth strategy. The start of production underlines the Group’s commitment to its “Make in India, for India and the world” vision and reinforces India’s role as a global manufacturing and export hub.

Developed under the INDIA 2.0 strategy, the Kushaq was the first Škoda model engineered specifically for Indian driving conditions and customer expectations. The new iteration builds on this foundation with enhanced comfort, advanced technology, and a strong focus on safety. Segment-first features such as a rear-seat massage function and a panoramic sunroof elevate in-cabin comfort, while the introduction of a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission sets a new benchmark in the midsize SUV segment.

Safety remains a key pillar of the Kushaq’s appeal. With up to 40 active and passive safety features, the SUV continues to deliver 5-star protection for both driver and passengers, reinforcing Škoda’s long-standing reputation for robust build quality and engineering excellence.

Commenting on the milestone, Andreas Dick, Board Member for Production and Logistics at Škoda Auto a.s., highlighted the importance of India in the brand’s global ecosystem, noting the speed, quality, and efficiency of local manufacturing. Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO of SAVWIPL, emphasised that the new Kushaq reflects customer feedback, combining European driving dynamics with features tailored for Indian families.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, added that the new Kushaq represents the beginning of the brand’s product offensive for 2026, alongside network expansion and a service-first approach.

The Kushaq has been a key contributor to SAVWIPL’s strong performance, helping the Group achieve record sales of 117,000 units in 2025. Following its global premiere in January 2026, deliveries of the new Škoda Kushaq are scheduled to begin in March, backed by strong pre-booking demand that underscores growing customer trust in the brand.