Skoda Auto India has reached a significant milestone by expanding its network to 300 customer touchpoints across the country. This strategic achievement underlines the brand’s ambitious India 2.0 growth plan, which aims to strengthen its presence in both metro and emerging markets, enhancing accessibility and service standards for its expanding customer base.
Expanding footprint to build customer trust
Skoda’s aggressive expansion journey has been pivotal since its India 2.0 strategy launch in 2021, wherein it committed to improving sales and aftersales reach while localising products for competitive pricing. The brand has consistently increased its touchpoints from merely 120 in 2020 to 300 in mid-2025, marking an impressive growth trajectory within five years.
Focus on Tier-II and Tier-III cities
According to company officials, a significant proportion of these new touchpoints cater to Tier-II and Tier-III cities, thereby democratising access to premium European cars in regions like Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Uttarakhand. This is aligned with the growing aspirational middle-class demand in these areas.
Current Skoda product portfolio in India
| Model | Segment | Engine Options | Price Range (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda Slavia | Mid-size sedan | 1.0 TSI, 1.5 TSI petrol | ₹11.63 lakh – ₹18.83 lakh |
| Skoda Kushaq | Compact SUV | 1.0 TSI, 1.5 TSI petrol | ₹11.99 lakh – ₹20.49 lakh |
| Skoda Superb (CBU) | Premium sedan | 2.0 TSI petrol | ₹54 lakh approx |
| Skoda Octavia | Premium sedan | Discontinued (awaiting facelift) | – |
| Skoda Kodiaq | Full-size SUV | 2.0 TSI petrol | ₹38.50 lakh onwards |
Strategic importance of 300 touchpoints
Petr Šolc, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, stated that achieving 300 touchpoints reinforces the brand’s commitment to customers. He said, “Our expansion strategy is rooted in understanding Indian customers’ evolving expectations. We aim to ensure that owning a Skoda is as delightful in Imphal and Indore as it is in Mumbai and Delhi.”
Key benefits of the milestone
- Enhanced accessibility: Better reach for sales, spares, and service.
- Customer trust building: Increased transparency and brand confidence with service proximity.
- After-sales service improvement: Reduced service turnaround time with decentralised workshops.
- Market competitiveness: Higher dealership density to counter Japanese and Korean rivals’ networks.
Skoda India dealership expansion journey
| Year | Number of Touchpoints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 120 |
| 2021 | 150 |
| 2022 | 200 |
| 2023 | 250 |
| 2025 | 300 |
The table shows a consistent YoY addition of approximately 30-50 touchpoints, driven by both new dealership openings and expansion of service workshops in existing facilities.
Network development focus areas
- Rural penetration: Reaching beyond district headquarters to towns with potential premium demand.
- Service-first approach: More stand-alone service centres for remote customers.
- Digital integration: Online booking, digital service records, and AI-based customer engagement to complement physical presence.
- Infrastructure upgrade: Newer showrooms incorporate Skoda’s global corporate identity with upgraded lounges, delivery bays, and consultation pods.
Competition analysis
Skoda’s major competitors in India on dealership footprint include:
| Brand | Approx Touchpoints |
|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki | 3500+ |
| Hyundai | 1500+ |
| Tata Motors | 1400+ |
| Kia | 400+ |
| Skoda | 300 |
| Volkswagen | 200+ |
While Skoda still trails Japanese and Korean brands, its touchpoint growth reflects its niche premium positioning strategy rather than mass-market dominance.
Upcoming Skoda launches in India
The company is expected to launch:
- An entry-level compact SUV under ₹10 lakh by late 2025 to compete with Hyundai Venue and Tata Nexon, based on the heavily localised MQB A0 IN platform.
- The facelifted Superb sedan in early 2026 as a CBU with advanced ADAS features.
- Continued exploration of EV introduction by 2026 under its global e-mobility goals.
Dealer partner perspectives
Several dealer partners have welcomed the milestone, noting that strong after-sales support has improved customer loyalty for models like Kushaq and Slavia. The brand’s strategy of integrating parts availability and technician training at regional hubs has reduced service waiting time to under 24 hours for most routine jobs.
Challenges ahead
Despite network expansion, Skoda faces:
- High maintenance perception: Customers often cite costly spare parts, which the brand is addressing via localisation drives.
- Market share stagnation: Hovering around 1% in PV sales despite product excellence, indicating a need for further marketing outreach.
- Lack of diesel options: Potential customer attrition in states preferring diesel for long-distance travel.
Conclusion
Skoda Auto India’s milestone of 300 customer touchpoints marks a defining moment in its India journey, enabling wider customer outreach, higher brand trust, and readiness for its upcoming portfolio expansion. As the brand gears up to enter newer segments while strengthening after-sales service, it is positioning itself for sustainable growth in India’s competitive automotive market.
Disclaimer
This news article is prepared for an English news portal for general informational purposes only, based on public statements and industry trends. Readers are advised to verify exact specifications, dealership data, and future launches directly with Skoda Auto India or authorised dealers before making any business or purchasing decisions.
