Škoda Auto Volkswagen India starts production of the new Škoda Kushaq at Pune Plant

Feb 23, 2026

Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has marked a key milestone in India with the start of production of the new Kushaq at its world-class Chakan plant in Pune. Built on the Group’s ‘Make in India, for India and the world’ vision, the SUV reflects the evolving aspirations of customers in India and markets around the world.

As a catalyst for the Group’s focus on high localisation, low ownership costs, and quick turnaround times, the Kushaq was the first model under the INDIA 2.0 strategy – designed specifically for India’s versatile driving conditions and diverse customer needs. The new Kushaq blends refined European driving dynamics, advanced equipment, passenger comfort, and safety with compelling value.

Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto a.s. Board Member for Production and Logistics, said, "For us, the Kushaq holds a very special place as the first car developed specifically for a market outside Europe and born from true collaboration between India and the Czech Republic. The start of production of the new Kushaq in Pune in such a short span of time highlights how strongly India is integrated into our global manufacturing ecosystem. The robust production quality, combined with the continuous improvement in our processes, allows us to deliver feature-packed vehicles that meet domestic expectations and international standards. Kushaq’s continued success underlines how India is not only a key growth market but also an increasingly important production and export base for our global operations."

Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, said, “The new Kushaq is an evolution and continues to be a key pillar in our mission to bring European engineering excellence within reach of Indian families. This SUV embodies our DNA with its robust design, advanced features and uncompromising safety. Listening closely to our customers, we have added several premium features such as a Panoramic Sunroof, rear-seat massage function and a new 8‑speed automatic transmission option, making it an even more compelling offering. With the start of production, we reaffirm our long-term commitment to India and to positioning it as a strategic manufacturing hub. We are confident that the new Kushaq will continue to delight customers and increase its fanbase in India.”

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “The Kushaq has been a transformative product for Škoda in India. As our first model under the INDIA 2.0 strategy, it marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that combined high localisation, world-class manufacturing at Pune, a deep understanding of Indian customers, and our commitment to democratising technology for the Indian market. With the new Kushaq, we are further building on that strong foundation, delivering European driving dynamics and 5-star safety that customers associate with Škoda. This is the start of our product offensive for this year, as we expand our product range in line with evolving customer demands. Alongside our product expansion, we will continue our focus on growing our network, maintaining a service-first approach, and establishing a differentiated brand, reinforcing our strategy of building trust and driving excellence.”

Over the years, the Kushaq has built a reputation for driving dynamics, creature comfort and solid safety, making it a dependable choice in India and international markets. The SUV has played a pivotal role in SAVWIPL’s growth in India and is a key contributor to the Group’s record-breaking 117,000 units sold in 2025.

The new Kushaq made its world premiere in January 2026, with deliveries set to begin in March. The overwhelming pre-booking response to the new Kushaq further reinforces customer trust in the marque.

Further information:

Sarmad Kadiri

Head - External Communications

Škoda Auto Volkswagen India

sarmad.kadiri@skoda-vw.co.in

Gurleen Kaur

The Popkorn

gurleen@thepopkorn.com

Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited:

is headquartered in Pune and oversees the Indian operations of six Volkswagen Group brands — Škoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini and Bentley;
started its India journey 25 years ago at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) and today operates two manufacturing plants, including Chakan, Pune, with a combined annual capacity of 315,000 units;
plays a key role as an export hub under the “Made in India for India and the World” approach, with over 700,000 vehicles shipped to 40+ countries;
crossed 2 million locally produced vehicles in 2025, marking a significant milestone for the Group in India;
deepened localisation and strengthened the supplier ecosystem through the INDIA 2.0 project and the introduction of the Group’s first sub-4-metre SUV for Indian customers;
increased locally built models — Škoda Kylaq, Kushaq, Slavia, Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus — together crossed 500,000 units in 2025;
offers a wide portfolio across segments, supported by nearly 700 customer touchpoints across the country;
employs close to 5,000 people and has been recognised as a ‘Great Place to Work’, ‘Top Employer’, and HR Asia ‘Best Companies to Work for in Asia’ for two consecutive years;
continues to focus on sustainable mobility, practical innovation, and a balanced approach across ICE and BEV technologies for India and global markets.