Setting Records: Škoda Kodiaq scales new heights

First petrol-powered SUV from India to conquer the Mount Everest North Face Base Camp, recognised by both India and the Asia Book of Records

Mumbai, 28 July 2025 – In a moment that captures the true spirit of engineering, resilience, and exploration, Škoda Auto India has made history with the Škoda Kodiaq becoming the first petrol-powered SUV from India to reach the North Face Base Camp of Mount Everest. This incredible feat is now officially recognised by both the India Book of Records and the Asia Book of Records.

Commenting on this remarkable feat, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “At Škoda Auto India, we believe exploration drives progress. This achievement stands as a testament to this and finds great synergy with our strategy of being relevant, driving differentiation, and enhancing trust. Relevant because it reflects the growing ambition of Indian customers to go farther and demand more from their vehicles. Differentiated because no other petrol SUV has ever taken on such a formidable challenge and triumphed. And above all, it reinforces trust – trust in our products, our engineering, and our commitment to safety, quality, and reliability. We will continue with our focus on enabling journeys that go beyond the ordinary.”

The Record

Spanning over 6,000 kilometres across India, Nepal, and China, the Škoda Kodiaq traversed extreme altitudes, sub-zero temperatures, and challenging terrains to reach the Mount Everest North Face Base Camp on the Tibetan side. This expedition showcases the strength of the Kodiaq as a combination of cutting-edge technology, European design, and real-world performance.

Setting Records

In H1 2025, Škoda Auto India recorded its highest-ever half-yearly sales with 36,194 units, marking a 134% growth over H1 2024 and helping the brand rise to the Top 7 carmakers in India. Earlier in July, the brand also crossed 300 customer touchpoints, now present across 172 cities, reinforcing its commitment to getting closer to customers across the country. With a future-ready portfolio, a clear focus on customer-centricity, and a rapidly expanding network, Škoda Auto India continues to surge ahead in its 25th year in India and 130th year globally, fuelling its journey of progress with relevance and trust.

Further Information

Škoda Auto

• has been successfully following the “Next Level – Škoda Strategy 2030” strategy in the new decade
• aims to become one of the top three best-selling brands in Europe by the end of the decade with attractive offers in entry-level segments and additional electric models
• effectively exploits the potential in important growth markets such as India, North Africa, Vietnam and the ASEAN region
• It currently offers customers 12 passenger car model ranges: Fabia, Scala, Octavia, Superb, Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq, Elroq, Enyaq, Slavia, Kylaq and Kushaq
• in 2024, it delivered more than 926,000 vehicles to customers worldwide
• has been part of the Volkswagen Group, one of the world’s most successful car manufacturers, for more than 30 years
• is part of Brand Group CORE, an organisational merger of the Volkswagen Group’s volume brands, with the aim of achieving joint growth and significantly increasing the overall efficiency of all five volume brands
• As a Volkswagen Group brand, it independently develops and produces components such as MEB battery systems, engines and transmissions for other Group brands
• operates three production plants in the Czech Republic; has production capacities in China, Slovakia and India, mostly through group partnerships, as well as in Vietnam and Ukraine in cooperation with a local partner
• It employs around 40,000 people worldwide and is active in almost 100 markets

Škoda Auto India 

• fascinating customers in India since 2001
• offers 4 models in India – Kylaq, Slavia, Kushaq and Kodiaq
• present in more than 172 cities across the country with over 300 customer touchpoints

Škoda Auto India website – www.skoda-auto.co.in