Skoda Enyaq India launch put on hold amid tariff uncertainties

Skoda India’s plans to introduce its first electric vehicle in 2025 have been deferred, confirmed our sister publication Autocar Professional. Out of the Elroq and Enyaq EVs, the latter is the most likely model to arrive here and has been spied testing on our roads multiple times. The carmaker was initially considering local assembly of the EV at its plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) but may now bring it through the CBU (completely built unit) route if the government lowers the duty levied on electric cars.

1. Enyaq is sold in SUV and coupe forms in international markets
2. Elroq EV was showcased at the Auto Expo in January 2025

Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI) delay

Cut import duties by 86 percent

Announced in March 2024, the SPMEPCI aims to reduce import duties from 110 percent to 15 percent for EVs priced above USD 35,000 (about Rs 29.90 lakh at the time of writing), allowing imports of up to 8,000 units per manufacturer annually. However, these carmakers must: a) invest a minimum of Rs 4,150 crore, b) establish local manufacturing within three years, and c) meet 25 percent domestic value addition (DVA) by the third year, rising to 50 percent by the fifth year. 

“We are committed to EVs. Implementation of the policy remains in flux amid shifting global tariff policies. Our locally manufactured EV will come by 2028. Still, we are reviewing our CBU and CKD plans amid uncertainty over the EV policy and the current tariff discussion,” said Petr Janeba, brand director of Skoda Auto India, in an interaction with Autocar Professional.

Petrol and diesel car imports put on hold as well

Octavia, Superb sedans to be brought via CBU route

The introduction of petrol and diesel cars in the Indian market has also been paused due to no clarity on customs duties on their import, Janeba told The Economic Times. These could include CBU models like the Octavia facelift and its RS version. The new-gen Skoda Superb, which was showcased in diesel 4WD guise at the Auto Expo 2025, may be imported, too, as the Bratislava plant in Slovakia does not have a facility to build CKD kits for the sedan. Meanwhile, the second-generation Skoda Kodiaq is locally assembled in India.