It was also the first car developed specifically for a market outside Europe under this initiative and remains a core product for the Group’s India operations. The programme aligns with the “Make in India, for India and the world” framework, under which India serves as both a domestic market and an export base.
The model has contributed to the Group’s record 117,000 units sold across its brands in India in 2025. SAVWIPL also crossed two million locally produced vehicles that year.Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto a.s. Board Member for Production and Logistics, said, “For us, the Kushaq holds a very special place as the first car developed specifically for a market outside Europe and born from true collaboration between India and the Czech Republic. The start of production of the new Kushaq in Pune in such a short span of time highlights how strongly India is integrated into our global manufacturing ecosystem.”
The updated Kushaq adds features including a panoramic sunroof, a rear-seat massage function, and an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission. It continues with 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol engines and retains a safety package that previously earned a 5-star rating.
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of SAVWIPL, said, “With the start of production, we reaffirm our long-term commitment to India and to positioning it as a strategic manufacturing hub.”
The Chakan facility, one of two plants operated by the company in India, has a combined annual production capacity of 315,000 units. The company employs about 5,000 people and supports nearly 700 customer touchpoints nationwide.
India also functions as an export hub for the Group, with more than 700,000 vehicles shipped to over 40 countries. The new Kushaq made its global debut in January 2026, and the company said pre-booking demand has been strong, without disclosing figures.
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