Skoda begins Kushaq sales in Vietnam from CKD imports

Skoda has started selling its Kushaq SUV model in Vietnam following the start of production at its plant located near Hai Phong port in QuangNinh province. It is the first Škoda model built in Vietnam for the local market. The model is being assembled from imported complete knockdown (CKD) kits that prepared and packed at Skoda’s 16,000 sq.m Parts Expedition Centre in Pune, India. 

The CKD kits are shipped for export to Vietnam from Mumbai port in India to Hai Phong port, one of Vietnam’s largest seaports. Skoda said it will also ship CKDs of the Slavia model from Pune to the QuangNinh assembly plant in the coming months, with additional components supplied from Skoda’s Mladá Boleslav plant in the Czech Republic. Pre-series Slavia vehicles are currently undergoing validation and testing in Vietnam, and series production is planned to begin in the coming weeks, according to the carmaker. 

Skoda began selling vehicles in Vietnam at the end of 2023, beginning with the Karoq and Kodiaq models, which are exported there as completely built units (CBU) from the carmaker’s Czech Republic plant via Bremerhaven port. 

Production and logistics partner

The QuangNinh plant was built in collaboration with regional partner Thanh Cong Group (TC Group) and was officially opened in March this year. TC Group is also working with Skoda on assembly, as well as handling all downstream logistics operations in Vietnam. That includes vehicle distribution for both CKD and CBU models. 

“After successful internal validation and ramp-up preparations, distribution to dealerships began last week in connection with the official launch event,” said a spokesperson for Skoda. “The facility remains in the early ramp-up phase. We plan to gradually scale up scale up the production and the Slavia model will be integrated into the line in parallel. The plant’s modular design allows for further expansion based on market demand.” 

The plant is equipped with a welding shop, paint shop and a final assembly line using the latest technology according to the carmaker. 

Skoda said that localised CKD assembly offers several advantages including greater flexibility in adapting to local demand and allows the company to shorten lead times. 

“More importantly, it benefits the Vietnamese market and economy as well,” said Skoda’s spokesperson. “CKD production enables us to offer European-standard vehicles at more accessible prices, while also contributing to job creation, skills development, and the long-term growth of the local automotive ecosystem.” 

Skoda said it is looking to unlock growth potential in Vietnam and the wider Asean region. It will expand its dealership network to 32 locations across the country this year.

“Through our partnership with Thanh Cong Group, we are helping to lay the foundation for a sustainable and competitive local industry, in line with the Vietnamese government’s automotive development strategy,” said Skoda’s spokesperson.