Half a Million and Counting: Škoda Rolls Out 500,000th Made-in-India Car
Škoda Auto Volkswagen India just hit a major production milestone — 500,000 Škoda cars rolled out from its Indian plants, solidifying its status as a serious manufacturing force in the country.
Built across its two world-class facilities in Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad), this half-a-million mark isn’t just about numbers. It’s a testament to Škoda Auto’s long-term commitment to India, a country that’s now becoming a crucial cog in the brand’s global machine.
From Octavia to Kushaq: The Indian Journey
Škoda’s Indian story began way back in 2001 with the Octavia, which went on to become a cult classic. Over the years, India has seen everything from the executive-friendly Superb and the enthusiast-loved Laura, to the modern-day, made-for-India Kushaq, Slavia, and now the sub-4m Kylaq — all rolling off Indian assembly lines.
But it’s not just about making cars for India anymore.
India: Not Just a Market, a Manufacturing Hub
Škoda’s Indian factories aren’t just building cars for local streets — they’re now powering the brand’s international ambitions too. Components and kits are now being shipped to Škoda’s brand-new plant in Vietnam, where the Kushaq and Slavia will be locally assembled. That’s Make in India in full force — for India and the world.
Built with Precision, Backed by People
According to Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto’s global production head, this milestone reflects the strength of local engineering, backed by global manufacturing standards. “500,000 cars isn’t just a number; it’s proof that India can deliver world-class quality at scale,” he said.
Škoda Auto Volkswagen India CEO Piyush Arora added, “Every car we build carries the DNA of European engineering, but with Indian sensibilities in mind. These are 500,000 stories — not just cars — crafted for Indian and global roads alike.”
Highlights Worth Bragging About
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70% of the 500,000 units were produced at the Pune plant
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Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar handled the rest, including the first Octavia
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March 2025 marked Škoda’s highest-ever monthly sales in India — 7,422 units
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The milestone comes as Škoda celebrates 130 years globally and 25 years in India
So, what’s next?
With localization in full swing, rising export operations, and a growing portfolio tailored for Indian needs, Škoda’s 500,000th car might be the start of an even bigger chapter. India isn’t just assembling Škodas anymore — it’s shaping them.