- The first unit of Škoda Kylaq rolls off the Group’s world-class production line at Chakan, Pune.
- SAVWIPL has enhanced its manufacturing capacity by 30%
- SAVWIPL is committed to the nation’s #MakeInIndia initiative by focusing on localisation
Chakan, 13 December 2024: Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (SAVWIPL) announced the Start of Production (SoP) of the Škoda Kylaq at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. This milestone marks the Group’s commitment to innovation, localization, and customer-centric offerings.
Reflecting SAVWIPL’s focus on the “Make in India” initiative, Škoda Kylaq is engineered and manufactured locally, adhering to the Group’s highest standards. This is the Group’s fifth model to be built on the robust MQB-A0-IN platform with high levels of localisation. Škoda Kylaq is built on four broad pillars of safety, comfort, quality and global design. Additionally, SAVWIPL has expanded its already strong local supplier base by another 10% to improve turnaround time and reduce cost of ownership.
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “We’re thrilled to begin production of Škoda Auto India’s first sub-4-meter SUV. Congratulations to the entire team on the successful start of production. Kylaq is engineered and developed in India to cater to the evolving requirements of Indian customers. By manufacturing Kylaq locally, we proudly support the Make-in-India initiative, maintaining Group’s DNA of delivering safety, comfort and driving dynamics. It was heartening to see the positive reception it received at the World Premiere last month, and I am confident that Škoda Kylaq will truly resonate with the Indian car buyers.”
SAVWIPL has enhanced its Chakan Plant’s production capacity by 30% to 255,000 units annually, with Kylaq’s production. Operational efficiency has also improved significantly, with production lines now running at 40 jobs per hour (JPH). In line with SAVWIPL’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing, Škoda Kylaq incorporates eco-friendly materials such as bamboo fiber in the cabin, reflecting the Group’s focus on green innovation.
Andreas Dick, Member of the Board of Management of Škoda Auto for Production and Logistics, said: “The successful start of production for Škoda Kylaq reflects the incredible teamwork and collaboration between our teams in India and the Czech Republic. Every detail has been meticulously planned and executed, from design to the implementation of advanced manufacturing processes, ensuring we meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency. These efforts have created the ideal prerequisites for Kylaq to become a cornerstone of our success in India, setting new benchmarks in the compact SUV segment and strengthening our commitment to this dynamic market.”
To support the customers, SAVWIPL is rapidly expanding its sales and service network across India. We are planning to expand our network to 350 covering Tier 2 and & Tier 3 cities in 2025. Škoda Kylaq has already received positive reviews during its Covered Drive and World Static Premier. Its compelling combination of design, robust engineering, high safety standards at an attractive price —starting at ₹7.89 lakh (ex-showroom)—will be a game-changer. Deliveries of the Škoda Kylaq are scheduled to begin by January 2025.
