The GST modifications are a elementary structural change for all the economic system and can result in long-term modifications, Ashish Gupta, model director, Skoda Auto India, stated in an interview.
“I turned 50 and for the primary time in my life I noticed automobile costs really coming down. This reveals the size of the modifications we’re witnessing. These are long-term modifications so I anticipate the momentum to proceed after Diwali and into December and into subsequent yr. We have now to attend and see how this reshapes the market,” he stated.
He stated the current runway success of the brand new Octavia RS has given the corporate the boldness to launch extra new automobiles within the Indian market as deliberate.
He commented that the corporate’s efficiency all through this yr has been very thrilling, and by the tip of October, it had already achieved a document annual gross sales of 61,607 models in simply 10 months.
“The Kylaq, the corporate’s first sub-4 meter SUV, has after all been an enormous success, helped by the GST discount. Final month too, we recorded the very best gross sales quantity for the Kylaq. The general temper round Skoda could be very optimistic and we’re profiting from this momentum,” stated Mr. Gupta.
He stated the Octavia RS helps the corporate preserve the robust momentum the Skoda model has constructed.
“The response to the Octavia RS has been phenomenal. After we opened reservations, all 100 models have been offered out in simply 20 minutes. That is the form of asset that the Octavia and Octavia RS have out there. This success provides us nice confidence to carry extra automobiles into the nation. That’s what we’re planning subsequent,” he stated.
He stated the GST lower will profit the small phase essentially the most, including that the general buyer base for passenger automobiles will broaden. “It won’t solely give a possibility to individuals who used to purchase used automobiles, but additionally assist two-wheeler homeowners change to four-wheelers. That is good for each the economic system and the business,” he stated.
“The elevated demand for small automobiles doesn’t imply that bigger automobiles lose traction. In truth, they’re bringing many new prospects to the market and that is benefiting all segments,” he added.
In the meantime, the corporate is quickly increasing its service community to accommodate new prospects. “Community enlargement has been an enormous focus for us this yr, particularly since Kylaq launched new segments. We would have liked to go the place our prospects are,” stated Mr. Gupta.
We ended final yr with about 250 touchpoints, and added practically 65 extra touchpoints within the first 10 months of this yr. Presently, the corporate has round 318 touchpoints throughout 180 cities. Our purpose is to succeed in 350 touchpoints by the tip of this yr.
Traditionally Skoda has been a quite city model, however with the introduction of the Chiraq, that dynamic has modified considerably.
“Of the 60-65 new touchpoints we now have added within the final 10 months, about two-thirds are in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Presently, about 60% of our income comes from these markets. This displays the speedy growth taking place in smaller cities the place financial progress and aspirations go hand in hand,” stated Mr. Gupta.
“What’s totally different is that aspiration is lastly changing into inexpensive. Folks can now afford to spend cash on the issues they wish to personal. This structural shift within the economic system is clearly mirrored in our gross sales,” he added.
The corporate reported that its month-to-month gross sales reached a document excessive of 8,252 models in October. The corporate has thus far offered over 200,000 locally-spec automobiles resembling Kushaq, Slavia and Kylaq.
Round 40,000 models of Kylaq have been offered thus far, making 2025 the corporate’s largest yr ever in its 25-year journey in India.
Skoda Auto India presently has a complete gross sales and after-sales workforce of over 7,555 individuals and the quantity continues to develop.
issued – November 7, 2025 10:09pm IST
