Czech automaker Skoda Auto is celebrating its silver jubilee milestone in India. The OEM had entered the Indian market in January 2000 and had laid the foundation stone for its plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) making it the first Volkswagen Group brand to establish a presence in the domestic market.

The Skoda Octavia was the first model by the Volkswagen Group to be assembled locally in India.

Skoda Auto shared that its India operations plays a key role in its global plans, which has enabled to effectively leverage existing sales potential in the ASEAN region, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.

It was in 2018, that Volkswagen Group appointed Skoda Auto to spearhead all activities in India jointly since 2018. Fast forward to present, Skoda has developed and produces three models locally in India for India, based on the localised MQB A0–IN platform: the Kushaq, the Slavia and the Kylaq compact SUV. 

Klaus Zellmer, CEO, Skoda Auto, said, “We have built on 25 years of experience in India to make this thriving market the cornerstone of our international growth strategy. With its tremendous talent pool, growing consumer demand, and access to other markets, India is becoming our second pillar outside Europe and helping leverage further sales potential in ASEAN, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region. Skoda has been a notable brand in India since we entered the market with the Octavia in 2001. We now produce in two plants. We have launched three all-new models specifically for India, achieving localisation of up to 95 percent: the Skoda Kushaq, Slavia and just recently the Kylaq compact SUV, which complement the Octavia and Superb we also sell through a growing dealer network. In the last two years, we have increased customer touchpoints across the country by 35 percent. India also contributes to the global sustainability goals of Skoda Auto. One plant already runs entirely on green energy, while the plant in Pune expanded its photovoltaic system to deliver up to 30 percent of its electricity needs. I want to thank all our Indian colleagues for helping power the next stage of our growth, and especially our customers for their trust in our products. With this passion, we can achieve even greater things in the next 25 years!"

Piyush Arora, MD & CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “Skoda was the first brand to establish Volkswagen Group’s presence in India, setting up its first plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar back in January 2000. As Skoda celebrates 25 years in the country, the Group’s focus on the Indian market continues to strengthen. With evolving consumer preferences, we are introducing products that combine the Group’s global expertise with a deep understanding of the Indian market. Today, our model lineup features advanced vehicles designed and built specifically for India, including the newly unveiled compact SUV, Skoda Kylaq.”

“This dynamic market has become the foundation of Skoda’s internationalisation strategy, driven by our commitment to innovation, safety, sustainability and customer-centric solutions. We are dedicated to enhancing our manufacturing capabilities & sales touchpoints and advancing our sustainability initiatives to deliver long-term value to our customers, employees, and communities,” added Arora.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the prices for its popular SUV the all-new Kia Seltos, starting at INR 1.09 million (ex-showroom).

In its second generation, the Seltos is manufactured at the company’s Anantapur facility and is intended to compete in the mid-SUV segment through a range of updates to its dimensions, technology and safety features.

The vehicle is built on Kia’s K3 platform, which is making its debut in India. The SUV has a length of 4,460 mm, a width of 1,830 mm and a wheelbase of 2,690 mm. Exterior features include a digital grille design, automatic door handles and LED projection headlamps. The model is available in 10 monotone colours and features alloy wheels up to 18 inches.

Inside, the cabin features a 30-inch display panel and a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel. Technical specifications include a Bose 8-speaker audio system, wireless smartphone integration and a proximity unlock function. Comfort is managed through a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, ventilated front seats, and a dual-pane sunroof.

Safety systems consist of a standard pack of 24 features, including six airbags, an anti-lock brake system and hill-start assist. The vehicle also incorporates Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with 21 autonomous functions. The powertrain options include 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. These are paired with six transmission options, including manual, iMT, IVT, DCT and automatic gearboxes.

Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director & CEO, Kia India, said, “The all-new Kia Seltos marks a strong evolution of a nameplate that has shaped Kia’s journey in India. With this new generation, our intent is clear – to redefine the mid-SUV segment by raising standards across space, safety, technology and overall ownership experience, while delivering exceptional value to our customers. This strategic approach strengthens our competitiveness, reinforces customer confidence in the brand, and positions Kia strongly to regain momentum and market share in one of India’s most important SUV segments. True to its BADASS legacy, the all-new Seltos reflects our long-term commitment to offering well-balanced, future-ready SUVs designed for modern Indian families.”

Ownership support includes service bookings via the MyKia app and extended warranty options for up to seven years. At present, Kia has established a network of 821 touchpoints across 369 cities in India.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Honda Cars India (HCIL) has announced its domestic wholesales of 5,807 units in December 2025, which was 3.6 percent YoY, as compared to 5,603 units sold last year.

Furthermore, the company exported 2,352 units last month, as compared to 3,857 units a year ago.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “We closed December with good sales growth, carrying forward the positive momentum achieved since GST 2.0 implementation. Demand remained robust across all models Honda Amaze, City and Elevate, with each contributing strongly to overall performance. The new year 2026 is expected to unlock new opportunities, with multiple product launches scheduled during the year.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

European automaker Renault India has reported its wholesales for December 2025 with 33.4 percent YoY growth at 3,845 units.

For second half of 2025, the company saw 18.2 per cent growth. Renault India stated that sales in Q4 CY2025 rose by 27.3 percent on the back of the recent launch of the Triber in July and the Kiger in August.

During 2025, Renault India implemented several measures:

• Opening of ‘R’ stores.
• Establishment of the Renault Design Centre in India.
• Introduction of a 3-year warranty.
• Acquisition of 100 percent ownership of its manufacturing facility.

The company has scheduled the unveiling of the Duster for 26 January 2026.

Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, said, “The H2 performance of CY2025 clearly reflects the direction we have taken for Renault in India. After a phase of portfolio transition, the consistent recovery from Q3 onwards – culminating in a strong Q4 and our best monthly performance in December, confirms that the course correction we initiated is delivering tangible results. The momentum we are seeing today is a direct outcome of that approach. With the right building blocks now in place, we are entering the next phase with confidence, and the return of the iconic Duster will mark a significant step forward in Renault’s renewed journey in India.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has reported domestic wholesales of 42,416 units in December 2025, which was 6.6 percent higher YoY.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, "Driven by the positive momentum from GST 2.0 reforms, Hyundai Motor India recorded a robust 6.6 percent YoY growth in total monthly sales for December 2025. The all-new Hyundai VENUE continues to receive strong customer interest with bookings received already reaching the 55,000 mark in less than 2 months of launch. Further, reinforcing our 'Made-in-India, Made-for-the-World' goal, we delivered 26.5 percent year-on-year growth in exports volume in December, reaffirming our commitment to offering world-class products manufactured indigenously."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!