The decision to involve Rohit Shetty stems from his reputation for creating grand spectacles, aligning perfectly with Skoda's ambition for the Kylaq.Skoda Auto India is set to unveil its latest offering, the Kylaq SUV, through a unique approach directed by renowned filmmaker Rohit Shetty. This groundbreaking premiere will be the first for any car globally to debut on an over-the-top (OTT) platform, Jio Cinema. This innovative strategy underscores Skoda's commitment to connecting with the Indian market in a captivating way.
The selection of Rohit Shetty as the director for the Kylaq's unveiling is deliberate, capitalising on his expertise in crafting visually stunning and engaging narratives. This aligns with Skoda's vision of presenting the Kylaq as an extraordinary offering in the Indian automotive landscape. The choice of Jio Cinema as the platform further amplifies the reach and impact, given its extensive user base.
Story behind the name
The decision to involve Rohit Shetty stems from his reputation for creating grand spectacles, aligning perfectly with Skoda's ambition for the Kylaq. The SUV's name, chosen through a nationwide campaign, originates from the Sanskrit word for crystal and takes inspiration from Mount Kailash. This approach highlights Skoda's dedication to integrating local culture and preferences into their vehicles.
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The Kylaq, classified as an under 4m SUV, marks a pivotal step in Skoda's India strategy. Launched in February 2024, it signifies their foray into new market segments and their commitment to expanding their customer base. To support this growth, Skoda plans to increase its touchpoints to 350 by 2025, enhancing its reach across various regions.
“Films are one of the many things that are common culture in India and the Czech Republic. And in India, movies are very nearly a way of life and part of every Indian’s fibre. Like we have said earlier, the Kylaq was conceived and designed for the people of India. The Kylaq was also named by the people of India. It is the beginning of a New Era for us here. It is an SUV that will democratise European technology on Indian roads. So it was imperative that when the Kylaq makes its first appearance, all of India shares the experience with us. We thought there was no one better than Rohit Shetty who has a knack for making larger-than-life magnum opuses. Because for us and our customers, the Skoda Kylaq will be no less than a larger-than-life magnum opus.”
Skoda's India 2.0 project
This move follows Skoda's successful "India 2.0" project, which saw the introduction of the Kushaq and Slavia models built on the localized MQB-A0-IN platform. The Kylaq is set to further capitalize on this platform, offering a blend of European engineering and Indian sensibilities.
The Kylaq's launch comes at a time when Skoda Auto India is experiencing significant growth. The company achieved record sales in 2022, surpassing the 100,000-unit milestone in a two-year span. This achievement underscores the success of their recent strategic initiatives. The introduction of the Kylaq is projected to propel this growth further, bolstering Skoda's market presence in India.