Pune, February 23, 2026 – Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has officially commenced production of the new Škoda Kushaq at its state-of-the-art Chakan plant in Pune. This marks another significant milestone in the Group’s “Make in India, for India and the World” vision.
The updated Kushaq brings premium comfort features, enhanced safety, and a new transmission option, further strengthening its position in India’s competitive mid-size SUV segment.
The new Kushaq is being manufactured at SAVWIPL’s advanced facility in Chakan, Pune, which plays a critical role in the company’s global production network. India continues to emerge as both a major growth market and an export hub for the Volkswagen Group.
The Kushaq was the first product under the company’s INDIA 2.0 strategy — developed specifically for Indian driving conditions, customer preferences, and cost efficiencies through high localisation.
The updated Kushaq now offers several segment-enhancing upgrades, making it one of the most feature-rich SUVs in its category.
For the first time in this segment, the Kushaq introduces a rear seat massage function, enhancing comfort for back-seat passengers — a feature usually seen in premium SUVs.
Responding to strong customer demand for larger sunroofs, the new Kushaq now offers a panoramic sunroof, elevating the cabin experience.
A major mechanical update comes in the form of a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission. This addition is expected to improve driving smoothness, fuel efficiency, and overall performance.
Safety remains one of Kushaq’s strongest pillars. The SUV continues to offer up to 40 active and passive safety features, maintaining its 5-star safety credentials for both driver and passengers.
This reinforces Škoda’s commitment to delivering European engineering standards tailored to Indian roads.
The Kushaq has played a pivotal role in SAVWIPL’s growth journey in India. In 2025, the Group achieved a record-breaking 117,000 units sold, with the Kushaq being one of the key contributors.
The SUV made its world premiere in January 2026, and deliveries are set to begin in March. The company has already received an overwhelming pre-booking response, indicating strong customer confidence in the updated model.
SAVWIPL oversees operations for six Volkswagen Group brands in India — Škoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, and Bentley.
Key highlights of the company’s India operations:
The company continues to focus on localisation, sustainable mobility, and a balanced approach across ICE and BEV technologies.
With premium features like a rear seat massage function, panoramic sunroof, and a new 8-speed automatic transmission, the 2026 Škoda Kushaq strengthens its appeal in the mid-size SUV segment. Backed by 5-star safety and strong localisation under the INDIA 2.0 strategy, the new Kushaq reflects Škoda’s long-term commitment to India as both a key market and a global manufacturing base.
Deliveries begin in March 2026, and given the strong pre-booking response, the new Kushaq is expected to further expand its fanbase in India.
