Škoda Begins Production of Updated Kushaq SUV at Pune Plant

Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has commenced production of the updated Kushaq SUV at its Chakan plant in Pune, the company announced on February 23, 2026. Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in March.

The new model carries forward the Kushaq nameplate with a set of additions, including a panoramic sunroof, a rear-seat massage function, and a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The company says these are additions to the car's existing suite of up to 40 active and passive safety features, which previously earned the model a 5-star safety rating.

The Kushaq was first introduced under SAVWIPL's INDIA 2.0 strategy — a manufacturing and product initiative designed to develop vehicles specifically for Indian driving conditions using high levels of local sourcing. It was the first model developed outside Europe under this approach, and has since served as a foundation for SAVWIPL's India operations.

The SUV has contributed to what the Group describes as a record 117,000 units sold across its brands in India in 2025. SAVWIPL, which manages Indian operations for six Volkswagen Group brands — Škoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, and Bentley — also crossed two million locally produced vehicles in 2025.

The Chakan facility, one of two manufacturing plants operated by SAVWIPL in India, has a combined annual production capacity of 315,000 units. The company employs close to 5,000 people nationally and supports a network of nearly 700 customer touchpoints across the country.

India also serves as an export base for SAVWIPL, with over 700,000 vehicles shipped to more than 40 countries under the Group's "Made in India for India and the World" framework.

The new Kushaq had its global debut in January 2026. The company has cited strong pre-booking numbers, though specific figures were not disclosed.