India most important growth market for us outside Europe, says Skoda; looks to fortify position

Skoda claims to cater to SUV buyers across different price points with its three models.

Skoda Auto today said that India is its most important growth market outside Europe, as the company looks to strengthen its position in the country by expanding portfolio as well as network.

The Czech brand entered India in 2001. At present, it offers four models -- Kylaq SUV, Kushaq SUV, Kodiaq SUV and Slavia sedan. The carmaker is present in more than 165 cities with over 290 customer touchpoints.

According to data from the industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Skoda had a share of merely 1% in the domestic passenger vehicle (PV) market in FY24 and FY25.

While the carmaker sold only 44,522 units in FY24, the domestic volumes remained almost flat at 44,868 units in FY25.

"India is the most important growth market for Skoda Auto outside Europe. We are focused on building a strong, future-ready brand with strength of purpose, clarity of vision and agility of execution. Our product offensive strategy is in tune with evolving consumer needs and aspirations, fuelling our journey of progress," Skoda Auto India Brand Director Ashish Gupta said in an official statement.

"We are getting closer to customers, strategically expanding our network, and reinforcing our legacy of quality, safety, and value. With the wheels in motion across all our business imperatives, 2025 will be the year where we significantly strengthen the brand and surge ahead in India," he added.

With the Kylaq (Rs 8,25,000-13,99,000), the Kushaq (Rs 10,99,000-19,11,000) and the Kodiaq (Rs 46,89,000-48,69,000) catering to SUV buyers across different price points, Skoda will now introduce a global sedan in India and it will be sold alongside the Slavia (Rs 10,49,000-18,39,000). All the prices are ex-showroom.

The company said that from the current 165 cities, it aims to expand to over 200 cities by the end of the calendar year (CY) 2025 with a focus on tier II and tier III markets. It is also looking at reaching 350 touchpoints by December-end.

To improve the after-sales, the company is now offering Skoda Supercare as standard across all its cars. It ensures that the buyers pay for their routine service only at the end of their second year of ownership or after completing 30,000 km (whichever is earlier).