Skoda Kushaq, Slavia: Made-in-India Models Now Assembled in Vietnam
Skoda Auto has marked a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy by commencing the assembly of its Kushaq and Slavia models in Vietnam. This move highlights the growing importance of India as a key manufacturing hub for the automaker and signifies Skoda’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the ASEAN region.
Key Highlights:
- CKD Assembly:
- Skoda is utilizing the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly method, with kits shipped from its manufacturing facilities in India.
- This strategic approach allows Skoda to capitalize on the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of its Indian production.
- ASEAN Expansion:
- The new assembly plant in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam, is a crucial step in Skoda’s efforts to expand its reach in the rapidly growing Southeast Asian market.
- This shows the growing importance of the Vietnamese automotive market.
- Enhanced Features:
- The Vietnam-spec Kushaq and Slavia models will feature enhancements compared to their Indian counterparts, including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
- They will also be produced in left hand drive format.
- Strategic Partnership:
- Skoda has partnered with the Thanh Cong Group for this venture, leveraging their local expertise and distribution network.
- India’s Manufacturing Role:
- This development underscores India’s increasing role as an automotive export hub, with its manufacturing prowess contributing to Skoda’s global strategy.
Significance:
This move by Skoda has several important implications:
- It strengthens Skoda’s position in the competitive ASEAN market.
- It showcases the quality and competitiveness of India’s automotive manufacturing.
- It creates new opportunities for Skoda’s growth and expansion.
The assembly of the Kushaq and Slavia in Vietnam is a testament to Skoda’s strategic vision and its commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles to a wider audience.