Skoda's new Vietnam CKD facility in Quang Ninh starts Kushaq production, with Slavia joining in summer 2025. Expanding presence and local manufacturing.
Skoda Unveils Advanced CKD Production Plant in Vietnam
On March 26, Skoda officially opened its new vehicle assembly plant in Quang Ninh, Vietnam, marking a key step in the Czech brand's regional growth. The facility is set up to manufacture a range of models, including the highly popular Kushaq and Slavia.
Kushaq Sets the Pace
The Kushaq, a B-segment crossover tailored mainly for the Indian market, was the first model produced at the Quang Ninh plant. Assembled from completely knocked-down (CKD) kits shipped from Europe, the Kushaq shares its platform with the Volkswagen Taigun and incorporates similar engineering.
Both the Kushaq and Slavia ride on the modular IN platform, developed with emerging markets like India in mind, where safety and emission requirements are less stringent than in Europe. This versatile platform also supports models like the Kylaq and various Volkswagen vehicles.
Slavia to Expand Local Production by Summer 2025
Slavia, a B-segment sedan that succeeds the Rapid, is slated to join the production line by summer 2025. Like the Kushaq, the Slavia benefits from four layers of paint and an anti-corrosion wax coating, designed to withstand Vietnam's humid and challenging climate.
The Quang Ninh plant features a dedicated welding workshop, an on-site test track, and a rigorous quality control center, ensuring every vehicle maintains Skoda's high standards. Prior to its launch, the Kushaq underwent extensive testing, covering over 330,000 kilometers (over 531,000 miles) on diverse Vietnamese road conditions.
Strengthening Skoda’s Presence in Southeast Asia
Since entering the Vietnamese market in 2023, Skoda has established more than 15 dealerships, with plans to grow this network to 32 outlets by the end of 2025, solidifying its footprint in the region.
Both the Kushaq and Slavia are equipped with either a 1.0-liter TSI or a more powerful 1.5-liter TSI engine, delivering up to 148 horsepower and 184 pound-feet (250 Newton-meters) of torque. It's noteworthy that the Kushaq does not offer an all-wheel-drive configuration.