Piyush Goyal meets Škoda Volkswagen India CEO; talks focus on auto exports, EV manufacturing

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met a delegation led by Piyush Arora, managing director and chief executive officer of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL), to discuss expanding automobile exports, strengthening India’s manufacturing capabilities and advancing electric vehicle (EV) production.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Goyal said the discussions focused on “expanding automobile exports, enhancing India’s position as a global automotive manufacturing hub and advancing electric vehicle manufacturing”.

The meeting also explored opportunities to “deepen localisation, encourage innovation and strengthen India’s integration into global automotive value chains”, the minister said.

The discussions come as the Volkswagen Group looks to strengthen its India operations and expand its presence in one of the world’s largest passenger vehicle markets. India is also emerging as an important part of the group’s internationalisation strategy, with the company looking to use its domestic manufacturing base to serve neighbouring and overseas markets.

Škoda Auto Volkswagen India has been working to increase its localisation levels and develop products suited to Indian consumers. The group’s India 2.0 strategy, which led to the introduction of models such as the Škoda Slavia, Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun, was built around the MQB-A0-IN platform, developed specifically for the Indian market.

The company has also been looking to improve its market position through a wider product portfolio and stronger manufacturing capabilities. In 2025, SAVWIPL recorded domestic sales growth of 36% year-on-year to around 1.17 lakh vehicles, while total sales, including exports, stood at approximately 1.60 lakh units.

Volkswagen, JSW explore strategic partnership

The meeting comes against the backdrop of a proposed partnership between Volkswagen Group and JSW Group. The two companies signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) in September 2026 to take forward discussions on a proposed 51:49 joint venture.

The proposed arrangement is aimed at expanding passenger vehicle production in India and combining Volkswagen’s automotive engineering and technology capabilities with JSW’s manufacturing and execution capabilities. The proposed venture would cover the group’s existing brands in India, along with future product launches, including electric vehicles.

The companies are exploring opportunities across internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid and electric powertrains, with deeper localisation, shared vehicle platforms and expanded manufacturing and research and development capabilities among the key focus areas.

Škoda Auto Volkswagen India said the proposed partnership would help strengthen its competitiveness in the country.

“India is one of the biggest drivers of the Group’s internationalisation strategy. With Škoda Auto leading the region, the Indian market is rapidly becoming a strong pillar outside Europe and a strategic hub to unlock potential in neighbouring regions and adjacent markets,” a company spokesperson said.

The companies are in exclusive negotiations, with a binding agreement targeted by December 2026. The proposed partnership could also position India as a larger export base for the Volkswagen Group, particularly for electric vehicles.