Skoda has started production of the Kylaq SUV model at its plant in Pune, India.
The Kylaq SUV is Skoda’s third locally developed model, following the Kushaq and Slavia, and is built on the MQB A0-IN platform, tailored to the local market,
It is also Skoda’s first vehicle in the popular sub-4-metre segment, which accounts for nearly 50% of car sales in the Indian market.
Supporting the new model’s production launch, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has increased the Pune plant’s capacity by 30% to reach an annual output of 255,000 vehicles.
Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics, said: “The successful start of production for the Škoda Kylaq reflects the 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 the 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.”
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of SAVWIPL, added: “We’re happy to begin production of Škoda Auto India’s first sub-4-metre SUV. Congratulations to the entire team on the start of production. The Kylaq is engineered and developed in India to cater to the evolving requirements of Indian customers. By manufacturing the Kylaq locally, we proudly support the Made-in-India initiative, maintaining the Group’s DNA of delivering safety, comfort and driving dynamics. The car was met with a positive reception at its world premiere last month, and I am confident that Škoda Kylaq will truly resonate with Indian car buyers.”
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By GlobalDataKylaq: A car made in India for India
The new compact SUV is built on the MQB A0-IN platform, a joint development between engineers in the Czech Republic and India. This platform is also the basis of the Kushaq SUV and the Slavia saloon – made in India for India.
The boost in Indian production at Pune is a vital element of Skoda Auto’s internationalisation strategy, which also includes activities in Vietnam, the entire ASEAN region and Kazakhstan. As part of the Brand Group Core, Skoda Auto focuses on dynamic growth markets and leverages its expertise in price-sensitive entry segments to unlock potential for the Volkswagen Group.
The name Kylaq was chosen by the Indian public. As part of the ‘Name your Skoda’ contest, the brand received over 24,000 suggestions. The winning name is inspired by Mount Kailash and is derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘crystal’, reflecting one of Skoda’s traditional design inspirations.
Skoda says all variants come equipped as standard with over 25 active and passive safety features, including a multi-collision brake and six airbags. The Kylaq is powered by a 1.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine delivering 85 kW, paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The Kylaq introduces several segment-first features, including ventilated front seats with six way electric adjustment. Select variants are equipped with an electrically operated sunroof, a feature highly valued by customers in India. The interior incorporates sustainable materials, such as trim panels containing bamboo fabric.
