Skoda Kushaq and Slavia to Be Assembled in Vietnam Using CKD Kits
Skoda Auto and Thanh Cong Group have launched a new assembly unit in Vietnam for the Skoda Kushaq and Slavia models, utilizing CKD kits from Pune, India. The assembly of Kushaq has begun, with Slavia production set to start soon. Skoda plans to expand its dealership network significantly by 2025, leveraging Vietnam’s vast market potential.
Skoda Auto, along with its regional partner Thanh Cong Group, has commenced assembly operations for the Skoda Kushaq SUV and Skoda Slavia sedan in Vietnam. The vehicles are constructed from Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits sourced from Skoda’s logistics center in Pune, India. The facility, located in Quang Ninh province, features essential production capabilities including welding, painting, and final assembly lines.
Assembly operations of the Kushaq are already underway, with plans to incorporate the Slavia model by this summer. Since launching operations in Vietnam in September 2023, Skoda has established 15 sales outlets and aims to expand this network to 32 by 2025, confirming its commitment to penetrate the growing automotive market effectively.
Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Skoda Auto, emphasized that this assembly line represents a key milestone in Skoda’s expansion strategy within the vibrant Vietnamese market and enhances its presence in the ASEAN region. He noted the importance of operational synergies with their Indian counterpart, setting a foundation for mutual success with Thanh Cong Group.
The vehicles targeted for the Vietnamese market will feature left-hand drive configurations equipped with advanced technologies such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and synthetic leather upholstery. Skoda currently offers other SUV models, including Karoq and Kodiaq, imported from Europe, in Vietnam.
Vietnam ranks as the fourth-largest automotive market in Southeast Asia. With a low ratio of 34 passenger vehicles per 1,000 individuals in a population of around 100 million, and ongoing economic growth, the country showcases significant growth potential in the automotive sector according to Skoda.
In India, the Skoda Kushaq’s price ranges from ₹10.99 lakh to ₹19.11 lakh, whereas the Slavia is priced between ₹10.34 lakh and ₹18.34 lakh. Notably, both models have achieved a five-star safety rating from Global NCAP, reinforcing their quality and safety standards.
Skoda’s expansion into the Vietnamese automotive market through local assembly of the Kushaq and Slavia models is a significant strategic move. The utilization of CKD kits from India not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with Skoda’s growth ambitions in Southeast Asia. This initiative aims to strengthen its market presence while catering to the evolving demands of Vietnamese consumers, highlighting the region’s potential for automotive growth.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
