Skoda Auto India has reported wholesales of 3,543 units in September 2022, up 17% year on year (September 2021: 3,027). Month-on-month, September 2022’s sales are down 19% on August 2022’s 4,222 units.

For the first six months of the ongoing fiscal year, the company has registered cumulative sales of 27,911 units, which is a sterling 126% YoY (April-September: 12,347 units), which can be credited to a strong market demand for its two new models – the Kushaq SUV and the Slavia sedan.

One key reason for the consistent year-on-year growth for the company is the 95% localisation of the MQB-A0-IN platform that the Kushaq and Slavia are based on. According to Skoda Auto India, “local components and local research and development of the products have enabled an ownership cost as low as Rs 0.46 per kilometre, attracting new buyers to the brand and enhancing sales.”

Petr Solc, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India said: “We are absolutely delighted to continue the success story of Skoda’s biggest year in India. This is an excellent result and a great recognition of all the hard work of our team and our dealer partners. The Kushaq and Slavia models have been successfully established in the market and drive the sales impetus. In addition, our D-segment products like the Octavia and Superb are leading their respective categories. Our focus is now on further enhancing customer satisfaction and increasing Skoda customer touchpoints across India.”

Along with its domestic market sales, Skoda Auto India is set to get a new charge in uts exports. Last month saw the start of production of the left-hand-drive version of the Kushaq, which is set to be exported to global markets.

Speedy network expansion underway
Skoda Auto India is currently carrying out an aggressive network expansion programme. From 175 touchpoints in December 2021, the company has widened its reach to over 205 touchpoints with the aim of hitting 250 by the end of 2022.  

Currently, India stands as the third largest market for Skoda globally after Germany and the carmaker’s home market, the Czech Republic.  Through the first three quarters of 2022, the company also comprehensively modernised all its showrooms to fully digitalised ones with interactive features, further enhancing the decision journey and buying experience for customers.