Mumbai, August 21, 2024 – Škoda Auto India has taken a bold step in involving the public in its latest vehicle launch, unveiling the name of its upcoming compact SUV, Kylaq, which was chosen through a nationwide campaign. The Kylaq, slated to debut in 2025, represents the automaker’s first entry into the competitive compact SUV segment in India.
The “Name Your Škoda” campaign, which ran earlier this year, received an overwhelming response with over 200,000 entries from across the country. Participants were tasked with proposing names that adhered to Škoda’s traditional SUV nomenclature, starting with ‘K’ and ending with ‘Q’. After months of engagement and voting, the name Kylaq, derived from the Sanskrit word for crystal, emerged as the winning choice.
Petr Janeba, Brand Director of Škoda Auto India, highlighted the significance of this campaign during the unveiling event. “This is our biggest-ever launch in India, and we wanted the people to be part of every milestone,” Janeba stated. “The Kylaq is not just another SUV; it’s a product that resonates with our customers’ preferences and cultural heritage. The response to the campaign has been nothing short of phenomenal, reflecting the strong connection our brand has built with the Indian market.”
The campaign not only captured the imagination of the public but also rewarded their participation. The individual who suggested the winning name will receive the first Kylaq to roll off the production line in 2025, while ten other participants have won a trip to Prague, including a visit to the Škoda Museum and the historic city.
The Kylaq will be built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, the same as Škoda’s Kushaq SUV and Slavia sedan, which were both developed specifically for the Indian market. The new model will introduce Škoda’s Modern Solid design language in India, featuring high ground clearance and distinctive design elements such as precise DRL light signatures. The vehicle is currently undergoing rigorous testing across India as the company prepares for production.
The choice of name for the new SUV is in line with Škoda’s tradition of naming its SUVs with monikers that reflect strength, cultural significance, and connection to nature. This tradition began with the Kodiaq, named after the Kodiak bear and the Kodiak Archipelago in Alaska, and continued with the Kushaq, derived from the Sanskrit word for Emperor.
As Škoda Auto India continues to build on the success of its India-specific models, the Kylaq is expected to play a crucial role in the company’s growth strategy. The Kushaq and Slavia have already propelled Škoda to new heights in the Indian market, with the brand achieving record sales and quickly surpassing the 100,000-unit milestone.
The Kylaq, which will make its world debut in India, is poised to further strengthen Škoda’s presence in the country, offering a new option for consumers in the rapidly expanding compact SUV segment.
