Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met a high-level delegation from Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) on November 9, 2026, to discuss critical aspects of India's automotive future. The delegation was led by Piyush Arora, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SAVWIPL. The meeting signals a renewed government focus on positioning India as a competitive global hub for automotive production, with electric vehicles and exports taking centre stage.
Discussions centred on exports, EVs, and localisation
The talks placed major emphasis on expanding automobile shipments abroad, bolstering the domestic manufacturing ecosystem, and accelerating electric vehicle assembly. According to the Minister's office, discussions focused on enhancing India's position as a global automotive manufacturing hub and advancing electric vehicle manufacturing. The engagement also explored opportunities to deepen localisation, encourage innovation, and strengthen India's integration into global automotive value chains.
This interaction assumes significance as India continues to advance its ambition of becoming a major global manufacturing and export destination. Greater collaboration between the government and leading automotive manufacturers can help strengthen the domestic supply chain, improve manufacturing competitiveness, and support the development of next-generation mobility solutions.
Leveraging India's growing manufacturing capabilities
Emphasis was placed on leveraging India's growing manufacturing capabilities, skilled workforce, expanding supplier ecosystem, and robust industrial infrastructure to attract greater investments and create new opportunities across the automotive sector. Strengthening domestic component manufacturing and encouraging the development of advanced automotive technologies were also important areas of discussion.
With the global automotive industry undergoing a major transformation towards electrification, innovation, and sustainable mobility, India's expanding manufacturing base offers considerable opportunities for international automotive companies. The discussions reaffirmed the importance of continued industry engagement in advancing India's automotive ambitions and strengthening its position in the global manufacturing landscape.
Škoda's expanding domestic footprint
The high-level industry interaction occurred amid substantial domestic footprint growth by the automaker. Škoda Auto India broadened its retail and service network to over 350 customer touchpoints across 193 cities nationwide. The company reached this 350-touchpoint mark on October 30, 2026, inaugurating an outlet in Imphal, which also marked its operational entry into Manipur. The Imphal location represents the initial presence of any SAVWIPL Group brand within Manipur, giving Škoda the widest regional coverage among group brands across the Northeast.
Overall network figures show that the brand expanded from 191 touchpoints in 2021 to 325 locations in 2025, before crossing the 350 threshold in late October 2026. Its distribution presence simultaneously expanded from 156 cities across 25 States and Union Territories in 2024 to 193 cities across 29 States and Union Territories. Backed by 79 dealer partners, the network currently consists of 270 sales touchpoints alongside 203 after-sales touchpoints, incorporating various 2S and 3S setups. Between January 2025 and October 2026, the company set up 58 showrooms across 38 new cities, while opening 45 workshops in 34 new municipal areas.
The meeting reflects the government's continued focus on promoting investment, boosting exports, enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities, and making India a preferred destination for global automotive production.
FAQs
What was the main purpose of the meeting between Piyush Goyal and Škoda Auto Volkswagen India?
The meeting focused on expanding automobile exports, enhancing India's position as a global automotive manufacturing hub, advancing electric vehicle manufacturing, deepening localisation, encouraging innovation, and strengthening India's integration into global automotive value chains.
Who led the Škoda Auto Volkswagen India delegation?
The delegation was led by Piyush Arora, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL).
When did this meeting take place?
The meeting took place on November 9, 2026, as confirmed by the Minister's office post on X.
How has Škoda Auto India's network grown recently?
Škoda Auto India has expanded to over 350 customer touchpoints across 193 cities, up from 191 touchpoints in 2021 and 325 in 2025. The network includes 270 sales touchpoints and 203 after-sales touchpoints backed by 79 dealer partners.
Why is this meeting significant for India's automotive sector?
The meeting signals government commitment to making India a preferred destination for global automotive production, particularly in electric vehicles. It highlights the focus on strengthening domestic supply chains, improving manufacturing competitiveness, and supporting next-generation mobility solutions through industry collaboration.