India will Help Define how Skoda Grows Globally: CEO Klaus Zellmer

India will help shape Skoda Auto’s global growth as the Czech carmaker expands the country’s role beyond domestic sales to product development, manufacturing and engineering.

“India will not only be a market where Skoda grows, it will help define how Skoda also grows globally,” CEO Klaus Zellmer said at the launch of the updated Slavia.

Zellmer described India as Skoda’s most important market outside Europe and placed it at the heart of the company’s internationalisation strategy.

“India is a partner, an innovator and a key contributor to our global journey,” he said.

Skoda develops products and manufactures vehicles in India, while also building engineering capabilities that can support its operations in other markets.

“In India, we develop products, we manufacture vehicles, we build engineering capabilities and create solutions that matter far beyond its borders,” Zellmer said.

The country is already supporting Skoda’s expansion into Vietnam. Completely knocked-down kits of the Kushaq and Slavia are prepared in Pune and shipped to the company’s facility in Quang Ninh for assembly by local partner Thanh Cong Group.

Vietnam serves as a gateway to the wider ASEAN region. Skoda is also expanding in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and Oman, as part of its internationalisation strategy.

India’s expanded role follows a strong performance for the carmaker in 2025. Skoda recorded its best year in India, with deliveries almost doubling to 70,600 vehicles. Globally, deliveries crossed one million for the first time in six years.

The momentum continued in the first half of 2026. Skoda retained its position as Europe’s second-best-selling car brand and recorded its highest half-yearly sales in India.

“Looking ahead, India’s opportunity is immense. We will keep investing in products that resonate with Indian customers,” Zellmer said.

He did not disclose the size, timing or structure of the next investment phase. Skoda Auto Volkswagen India is preparing for its next stage of growth as it looks to expand a locally manufactured portfolio currently centred on petrol-powered models.

The company also intends to strengthen its manufacturing and engineering capabilities in India, expanding the country’s contribution to products and solutions for international markets.

Zellmer reaffirmed Skoda’s commitment to sedans despite the Indian passenger vehicle market’s shift towards SUVs. He said the Slavia remained important to the brand’s sedan heritage and premium positioning.

“In a world where SUVs often dominate the headlines, Slavia shows a great sedan still has a strong place in the market,” he said.

For Skoda, India is no longer only a high-growth sales market. It is becoming an increasingly important base for the company’s expansion beyond Europe.