New Škoda Slavia production begins in Pune ahead of festive season

Škoda Auto Volkswagen India has started production of the new Škoda Slavia at its Chakan plant in Pune. The updated sedan gets an 8-speed automatic transmission, rear-seat massage, a 360-degree camera and AI-powered infotainment.

Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has started production of the new Škoda Slavia at its Chakan manufacturing facility in Pune. The production milestone comes ahead of the festive season, when demand for passenger vehicles typically increases.

The updated Slavia builds on the success of the existing sedan, with nearly 80,000 units sold in India. It brings enhancements in design, technology, comfort and safety while continuing Škoda’s focus on European engineering tailored to Indian customers.

New Slavia Gets Major Feature Upgrades

The new Slavia retains its 5-star Global NCAP safety credentials and introduces an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission with the 1.0 TSI engine.

Other key additions include a segment-first rear-seat massage function, 360-degree Area View camera and next-generation infotainment with an AI Companion powered by Google Cloud. The sedan continues to focus on driving dynamics, practicality and safety.

Škoda says the new Slavia strengthens its sedan portfolio in India and builds on the model’s established customer base. The company claims the Slavia holds close to 30% share of its segment.

India Strengthens Its Manufacturing Role

The start of Slavia production also highlights SAVWIPL’s manufacturing and engineering capabilities in India. Its two production facilities have a combined annual capacity of 315,000 vehicles, while the company crossed 2 million locally produced vehicles in 2025.

Under its “Made in India for India and the World” strategy, SAVWIPL has exported more than 725,000 vehicles to over 40 countries. The expanded Technology Centre in Pune further supports localisation, product development and adaptation for Indian and international markets.

Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Chief Production Officer said: “India has become an increasingly important production location for Škoda Auto and an integral part of our global manufacturing network. Over the years, we have built strong capabilities here, combining local expertise with Škoda Auto’s global standards for quality, efficiency and engineering. The start of production of the new Slavia is another demonstration of these capabilities and further underlines the strategic importance of India within our global operations. We are confident in the continued development of our Indian manufacturing capabilities and their contribution to Škoda Auto’s international growth.” 

Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, said:  “The start of production of the new Slavia marks an important milestone in our India journey and demonstrates the strength of our development and manufacturing capabilities in the country. The Slavia has developed a strong fan base through its design, driving dynamics, safety and engineering, and the new model builds on these strengths with meaningful enhancements in technology, comfort and convenience. With production now underway in Pune, we look forward to bringing the latest evolution of the Slavia to our customers while continuing to deliver the quality and engineering excellence they expect from a Škoda.”

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said: “For over 90 years, sedans have been an integral part of our global heritage. The new Slavia proudly carries this legacy forward. With close to 30% segment share, the Slavia has earned the trust of Indian customers. The new Slavia elevates everything customers value about the car, combining timeless design, European engineering and safety, engaging performance, modern technology, and greater comfort. As we begin production of the new Slavia, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening Škoda’s sedan legacy in India with products that remain fresh, relevant, and aspirational.”

A new Slavia for the festive season

The new Slavia continues to deliver European engineering and 5-star Global NCAP safety credentials, now enhanced with an all-new eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission paired with the 1.0 TSI engine. 

Elevating comfort and convenience, the new model introduces a segment-first Rear Seat Massage function, a 360-degree Area View camera, and next-generation infotainment featuring an AI Companion powered by Google Cloud. The model also continues to offer the combination of engaging driving dynamics, practicality and safety that has established its position among Indian sedan buyers. 

Strengthening India’s manufacturing and engineering capabilities

The start of production of the new Slavia further underscores SAVWIPL’s established manufacturing capabilities in India. Operating two manufacturing facilities with a combined annual capacity of 315,000 units, the company crossed the milestone of 2 million locally produced vehicles in 2025. Under its “Made in India for India and the World” approach, over 725,000 vehicles have been exported to more than 40 countries. 

Backed by the expanded Technology Centre Pune, this ecosystem strengthens SAVWIPL’s capabilities in localisation, innovation and adapting products for both Indian and global markets, further reinforcing India’s role within the Volkswagen Group’s global operations.