Latest news with #ŠkodaAuto


Hans India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Hans India
Škoda Auto celebrates its 25th Anniversary with Limited Editions of Kylaq, Kushaq and Slavia
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in India and 130 years globally, Škoda Auto India has introduced Limited Editions of its best-selling models: the Kushaq, Slavia, and Kylaq. The exclusive, limited-run editions feature distinctive design enhancements and premium features, along with special 25th Anniversary badging that reflects the special milestone and the brand's continued commitment to the Indian market. The Limited Editions are based on existing high-spec trims like the Monte Carlo for the Kushaq and Slavia, and Prestige and Signature+ for the Kylaq. Speaking about the brand's 25th anniversary and the launch of these new Limited Edition models, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, 'We are celebrating 25 incredible years of Škoda Auto in India with Limited Editions of the Kylaq, Kushaq and Slavia. These special editions are designed with our fans in mind, combining sporty elegance and premium features, including a complimentary accessories kit, and smart innovations that enhance the driving experience. It's our tribute to the passionate community that's been instrumental in our journey and reflects our strong commitment to delivering products that resonate with evolving customer preferences. Here's to the past, the present, and the exciting road ahead.' Kushaq Monte Carlo Limited Edition This Limited Edition variant reimagines the Monte Carlo with a bold, sporty edge. Available exclusively in two paint options: Deep Black and Tornado Red, this variant features contrasting colour accents based on the body colour. The Deep Black paint option will get the accessories in Tornado Red, while the Tornado Red versions will get Deep Black accessories, providing a distinct visual cue to the cars. The design embellishments include a fog lamp garnish, trunk garnish, and lower door garnish. The Limited Edition also offers significant feature enhancements for customers with a complimentary accessories kit, which includes a 360-degree camera setup, puddle lamps, underbody lights, a fin spoiler and 25th Anniversary badging on the B-pillar. Slavia Monte Carlo Limited Edition Just like the Kushaq, the Slavia Monte Carlo Limited Edition also offers the same robust powertrain and feature-rich experience, with the added flair of special styling for customers aspiring for a Škoda. Available in Deep Black and Tornado Red exterior colours, the additions include a front bumper spoiler, trunk and lower door garnishes in contrasting colour, and a complimentary accessories kit comprising a 360-degree camera setup, puddle lamps, underbody lights and 25th Anniversary badging on the B-pillar. Kylaq Limited Edition The Kylaq, Škoda's newest SUV offering, joins the celebrations with a limited edition on the Signature+ (MT) and Prestige (MT) variants. The limited edition also gets the complimentary accessory kit, which includes a 360-degree camera setup, puddle lamps and 25th anniversary badging on the B-Pillar. The Kylaq is offered to customers in 7 exterior body colours in the limited edition variant. Exclusivity These exclusive Editions are limited in numbers, with only 500 units each of the Kushaq, Slavia, and Kylaq available. The Kushaq and Slavia Monte Carlo Limited Editions will be available in both 1.0 TSI (MT/AT) and 1.5 TSI (DSG) configurations, while the Limited Edition of the Kylaq will be powered by the proven 1.0 TSI that will be exclusively mated to the six-speed manual transmission. Price List (Ex-showroom)


Gulf Business
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
Škoda Auto posts double-digit growth in H1 2025, expands Middle East footprint
Image: Pexels/Illustrative Škoda Auto has reported a strong financial and sales performance for the first half of 2025, delivering 509,400 vehicles globally — a year-on-year increase of 13.6 per cent. The company's robust sales translated into solid financial results, with revenue rising to €15.07bn (up 10.4 per cent), operating profit reaching €1.285bn (up 11.8 per cent), and net cash flow at €1.453bn (up 3.2 per cent). In the Middle East, Škoda made strategic moves during the first half of 2025, officially entering the Oman market in February, restarting operations in Qatar in April, and signing an agreement to expand into Saudi Arabia, the region's largest automotive market. In June, the brand also opened two new showrooms in the UAE, strengthening its commitment to accessibility and enhancing the retail customer experience. The regional line-up continues to be led by the 7-seater Kodiaq and the value-focused Kushaq, now joined by the newly launched Octavia RS, which blends performance and functionality. 'Škoda Auto is thriving, delivering solid financial results for the first half of 2025 despite significant challenges across our industry. Once again, we have achieved growth across our core KPIs and demonstrated that we are one of the most profitable automotive brands in the volume segment. These fantastic results are a testament to a resilient business model. It is notable that our success in the first six months has been spread across powertrains, confirming we are on the right course by offering freedom of choice in this era of transition. We go into the second half of the year in peak form while always remaining focused and vigilant,' said Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto. 'We're proud to see Škoda Auto's global performance reflected in our momentum across the GCC,' said Lukas Honzak, managing director at Škoda Middle East. 'From entering high-potential markets to expanding our retail footprint in the region, we're laying the groundwork for long-term growth. Customers in the region continue to respond strongly to our versatile line-up, which offers quality, inventiveness and great value for money. We aim to bring Škoda's advanced European automotive technology and exceptional customer service even closer customers in the Middle East.' Read: The latest regional launches for 2025 — the all-new 7-seater Kodiaq and the upgraded Octavia RS — have been well received. The Kodiaq recorded strong sales of 905 units in H1 2025, compared to 669 in the same period of 2024, reinforcing its position as a family favourite for its comfort, space, and safety features. The iconic Octavia, introduced in May, was also met with strong demand for its balance of performance and practicality. The Kushaq, Škoda's second best-selling model in the Middle East, continues to attract cost-conscious drivers looking for a safe, efficient, and stylish drive — a segment gaining momentum in the region. As Škoda Auto marks its 130th anniversary, the brand continues to merge its heritage with modern innovation, creating a strong platform for sustained growth in Europe and the Middle East.


Forbes
28-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Europe's Third-Best Selling Car Brand Is Who?
Strong Czech brand Škoda has swooped in to claim third in the first half-year car sales in Europe. ... More Photo: Škoda Auto. The third-best selling car brand in Europe so far this year is… Škoda Auto. Yes, Škoda. The 130-year-old Czech brand, part of the Volkswagen Group, clambered above mainstays like Peugeot, Citroen, Opel and Ford to sit in third place in year-to-date sales to the end of June according to both JATO Dynamics and automobile industry body EMEA. Sitting behind only Volkswagen and Renault, Škoda also managed to be third without a single model selling in the top 10, instead preferring strength across the board in combustion, battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrids. Škoda Auto delivered 509,400 cars globally (up 13.6%), including 409,100 in the Europe and the UK, and delivered a 10.4% rise in net revenue to €15.070 billion, on an operating profit of €1.285b (up 11.8%). The tightly run Czech ship managed an 8.5% return on sales, too (up 8.4%), putting the Volkswagen, Audi and Seat brands to shame beneath the Volkswagen Group umbrella. 'Škoda Auto is thriving, delivering solid financial results for the first half of 2025 despite significant challenges across our industry," Škoda Auto CEO Klaus Zellmer said. "Once again, we have achieved growth across our core KPIs and demonstrated that we are one of the most profitable automotive brands in the volume segment. 'It is notable that our success in the first six months has been spread across powertrains, confirming we are on the right course by offering freedom of choice in this era of transition. And our order numbers prove, that our EV strategy is also on track: More than 120,000 orders for our all-electric new Enyaq and Elroq models were made by end of June.' The Volkswagen brand retained its overall Number One sales spot in Europe for the first half of ... More 2025. Photo:. Volkswagen as a brand took its number-one slot with the support of big sales numbers from the T-Roc, the Golf and the Tiguan, despite the perennial big-selling hatchback Golf sliding 17% in year-to-date sales to sit fifth on the charts. France's Renault followed in second overall, with the Clio hatch comfortably outselling the Golf to be the second-biggest selling model overall in 2025 so far. Tesla was overtaken by China's MG over the same period, with its market share declining in Europe from 2.4% to just 1.6%, despite having its own factory in Germany, in a rising BEV market. BEV sales rose 25% in the first half of the year, to 1,193,397 according to JATO Dynamics, while PHEVs rose 24% to 597,588 sales, but the biggest stat was a 91% rise in sales of Chinese brands. Volkswagen has also kept its foot on Tesla's throat in the American brand's BEV stronghold, outselling it by 135,427 BEVS so far this year to Tesla's 109,262. And while Volkswagen's BEV sales are up 78% in 2025, Tesla's have slid 33% backwards. BMW has pushed its way into third place in BEV sales, with 94,468 (up 15%), though Audi (74,561, up 53%) and, particularly, Škoda (71,789, and up 147%) are aiming to slip past the Bavarian brand in the second half of the year. Tesla sales continue to slide in Europe, down 33% this year despite the Model Y finishing the June ... More sales month as the second strongest BEV. Photo: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images. It has been a surprise to some that the rise in the Chinese brands has not come at the expense of the Renault Group's budget Dacia brand, though, whose Sandero is the biggest selling car in Europe so far this year. It sold 128,842 buyers, according to JATO Dynamics, while the stablemate Clio (122,489) finished the half-time break in second and the Peugeot 208 (108,146) was third, followed by three Volkswagens (T-Roc, Golf and Tiguan). Dacia slotted its new Duster in at seventh (97,188), while the Peugeot 2008, Citroen C3 and Toyota Yaris Cross rounded out the top 10. It has been a difficult six months for the Stellantis Group, even though it held on to the second slot behind the Volkswagen Group and ahead of the Renault Group. Where the Renault Group has the Renault, Dacia and boutique Alpine brands, Stellantis has Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Abarth, Maserati and Jeep brands to draw from. Only the Alfa Romeo brand has shown significant signs of sales life for the Stellantis Group in ... More Europe this year. PhotoL AP photo/Nam Y. Huh. It has bet the farm on Europe's BEV uptake, and so far, European customers aren't signing on. Only Alfa Romeo (up 33%), Peugeot (+6%) and Jeep (+2%) showed any signs of life from the Stellantis fleet. Renault was chased home by an energetic and creative Hyundai -Kia Group in fourth (with 540,917 sales) and BMW Group (including a surging Mini), with Toyota in sixth (478,686 sales). Mercedes-Benz ran a distant seventh (355,152), followed by Ford, the Geely Group and Nissan. Consistently the engine room of the European car market, Germany saw its H1 sales fall 13.8% this year, but it wasn't the worst. The Italian market dropped 17.4% to lead the market the wrong way, along with Belgium (down 16.4%) and Estonia (-14.5%). The leaders were Ireland (up 63.2%), Latvia (39.4%), Lithuania (32.7%) and Iceland (27.2%), while the major markets were lead up by Spain (13.9%) and the UK (3.5%).


Time of India
28-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Skoda Kodiaq becomes first petrol SUV from India to reach Everest base camp
Škoda Auto India has set a record with its flagship SUV, the Škoda Kodiaq, becoming the first petrol-powered SUV from India to reach the North Face Base Camp of Mount Everest. With this, the company has registered its name in both the India Book of Records and the Asia Book of Records. The achievement not only highlights the vehicle's engineering prowess but also marks a symbolic win for Indian automobile performance on global terrains, the company said in an official statement. The expedition covered more than 6,000 kilometres across India, Nepal and China, passing through extreme altitudes, sub-zero temperatures, and rugged terrain. 'This achievement is a reflection of our strategy of relevance, differentiation and trust,' said Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India. 'It demonstrates the ambition of Indian consumers and the trust placed in our vehicles' reliability, performance, and safety.' Strong Momentum for Škoda India The Everest base camp expedition comes amid a strong performance by the company. In the first half of 2025, Škoda Auto India posted its highest-ever half-yearly sales of 36,194 units, a 134 per cent growth over H1 2024. The brand also expanded its footprint to over 300 customer touchpoints across 172 cities. Škoda Auto is actively pursuing its 'Next Level – Škoda Strategy 2030', with India playing a central role. The company aims to be among the top three carmakers in Europe and is strengthening its presence in high-potential markets such as India, North Africa and ASEAN.


Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Skoda Auto crosses major milestone, rolls out 500,000th car in India
Skoda Kylaq is the latest launch from the brand. It goes up against sub-compact SUVs like Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and Mahindra XUV 3XO. Check Offers Škoda Auto Volkswagen India has announced a key manufacturing milestone with the rollout of its 500,000th car produced in India. This significant achievement comes over two decades after the Czech carmaker began its local production journey in 2001 with the Octavia model at its Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad) plant. The half-a-million mark reflects not just growing customer demand but also Škoda Auto Volkswagen India's steady integration of global manufacturing standards with Indian operations. Production is currently carried out across two major facilities in Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, with roughly 70 per cent of the vehicles assembled in Pune. Škoda's journey in India has been marked by the introduction of several key models, ranging from early favourites like the Octavia and Laura to more recent offerings such as the Kushaq and Slavia. These vehicles have catered to a wide spectrum of Indian buyers and have contributed to Škoda's expansion into a more accessible and locally relevant portfolio. Watch: Skoda Kylaq review | Practical, no-nonsense 'baby Kushaq' | Should you buy the Nexon, Brezza rival? Beyond serving the domestic market, Škoda's Indian manufacturing is also playing an increasingly important role in its international strategy. Components and parts manufactured in India are now being used to assemble cars in Vietnam, including models like the Kushaq and Slavia. This development aligns with India's broader objective of becoming a global manufacturing hub under the "Make in India" initiative. According to Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto's Board Member for Production and Logistics, this milestone is not only about the volume but about building a responsive, scalable ecosystem that supports international quality benchmarks. He noted the importance of combining global processes with Indian engineering talent to meet evolving market demands. Škoda Auto Volkswagen India CEO and Managing Director Piyush Arora emphasized the emotional significance of the achievement, viewing the 500,000 units as not just products but meaningful customer connections. He highlighted the company's ongoing efforts to deliver vehicles with a focus on quality, safety, and engineering precision. Also Read : Skoda Octavia RS spotted in India for the first time. Here's when it will arrive This milestone also comes at a symbolic time, as Škoda Auto marks its 130th anniversary globally and its 25th year in India. Earlier in 2025, the company recorded its highest-ever monthly sales in March, delivering 7,422 units—further underscoring the brand's momentum in the Indian automotive landscape.Škoda Auto Volkswagen India has announced a key manufacturing milestone with the rollout of its 500,000th car produced in India. This significant achievement comes over two decades after the Czech carmaker began its local production journey in 2001 with the Octavia model at its Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad) plant. The half-a-million mark reflects not just growing customer demand but also Škoda Auto Volkswagen India's steady integration of global manufacturing standards with Indian operations. Production is currently carried out across two major facilities in Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, with roughly 70% of the vehicles assembled in Pune. Škoda's journey in India has been marked by the introduction of several key models, ranging from early favourites like the Octavia and Laura to more recent offerings such as the Kushaq and Slavia. These vehicles have catered to a wide spectrum of Indian buyers and have contributed to Škoda's expansion into a more accessible and locally relevant portfolio. Also Read : Confident of Kushaq sales bouncing back in 1-2 months: New Skoda boss. Facelift coming soon Beyond serving the domestic market, Škoda's Indian manufacturing is also playing an increasingly important role in its international strategy. Components and parts manufactured in India are now being used to assemble cars in Vietnam, including models like the Kushaq and Slavia. This development aligns with India's broader objective of becoming a global manufacturing hub under the "Make in India" initiative. According to Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto's Board Member for Production and Logistics, this milestone is not only about the volume but about building a responsive, scalable ecosystem that supports international quality benchmarks. He noted the importance of combining global processes with Indian engineering talent to meet evolving market demands. Škoda Auto Volkswagen India CEO and Managing Director Piyush Arora emphasized the emotional significance of the achievement, viewing the 500,000 units as not just products but meaningful customer connections. He highlighted the company's ongoing efforts to deliver vehicles with a focus on quality, safety, and engineering precision. This milestone also comes at a symbolic time, as Škoda Auto marks its 130th anniversary globally and its 25th year in India. Earlier in 2025, the company recorded its highest-ever monthly sales in March, delivering 7,422 units—further underscoring the brand's momentum in the Indian automotive landscape. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2025, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 04 Jul 2025, 12:00 PM IST