The Kodiaq, Skoda's first large SUV model, has entered production in the brand's home market, the Czech Republic. The first car rolled out yesterday at the Czech plant in Kvasiny.

Skoda invested heavily in the Kvasiny plant ahead of the model's production launch, which also produces the Superb and the Yeti. The plant currently employs 5,900 people, but this is likely to increase, given Skoda's ambition to almost double its output in the coming years.

 “We are pleased that it’s now underway. The series production launch of the Skoda Kodiaq is an emotional moment for the entire company and especially for our colleagues in Kvasiny,“ said Skoda Board member for production Michael Oeljeklaus. “Over the last few months, the whole team has been preparing for the start of production of our new SUV model.” 

The manufacturing facilities in Kvasiny have been extensively modernised and expanded for the production of the manufacturer’s latest models. In addition to the newly commissioned car body construction and the conversion of the assembly line, the paint shop and logistics areas have also been expanded.

Kvasiny is one of Skoda’s three production sites in the Czech Republic. The plant is currently undergoing the most extensive modernisation and expansion in its history. Over the next few years, the production capacity of the East Bohemian site will increase to 280,000 vehicles annually.

Skoda India says that the Kodiaq is likely to be introduced in September or October 2017, just around the festive season. In terms of pricing, it will be a bit higher than the Superb and is expected to be launched at Rs 25 lakh for the base version, going up to Rs 30 lakh for the top-spec models. It will take on the Hyundai Santa Fe head on, and to some extent the Toyota Fortuner, which currently is the top dog in the Rs 25-30 lakh SUV class.

Given its price point, the Kodiaq may not sell in huge numbers in India, but with its blend of design, space, functionality and features, it looks promising enough to set a new benchmark in the SUV segment.