Skoda begins Kylaq production in Pune, with the first sub-4-metre SUV priced starting at ₹7.89 lakh.
Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (SAVWIPL) has officially started production of the Skoda Kylaq, its first sub-4-metre SUV, at its Chakan facility in Pune.
Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (SAVWIPL) officially commenced production of the Skoda Kylaq, its first sub-4-metre SUV, at its Chakan facility in Pune on Friday. This move aligns with the company's commitment to localized manufacturing under the "Make in India" initiative. The Kylaq is set to be delivered starting in January 2025, with prices beginning at ₹7.89 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Kylaq is built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, a versatile modular design system known for its safety features, which has already been utilized in four other models produced by the Group in India. With a high level of localization, SAVWIPL aims to optimize production costs and meet the unique demands of the Indian market. The SUV’s design emphasizes four key elements: safety, comfort, quality, and global appeal.
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of SAVWIPL, expressed excitement about the production launch, stating, “We are thrilled to begin production of Skoda Auto India’s first sub-4-metre SUV. The Kylaq is engineered and developed in India to meet the evolving needs of our customers while supporting the Make-in-India initiative. Its positive reception at the World Premiere last month has boosted our confidence in its potential to connect with Indian buyers.”
To accommodate the Kylaq’s production, the Chakan facility has increased its annual production capacity by 30%, reaching 255,000 units. Operational efficiency has also been improved, with production lines now capable of handling 40 jobs per hour. Moreover, SAVWIPL has expanded its local supplier network by 10%, aiming to enhance turnaround times and reduce customer ownership costs.
Andreas Dick, Skoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics, noted, “The successful start of Kylaq production reflects careful planning and collaboration between teams in India and the Czech Republic. This model sets new standards in the compact SUV segment and reinforces our commitment to the Indian market.”
SAVWIPL is also expanding its sales and service network across India, aiming to establish 350 locations in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities by 2025.