Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Expands Global R&D Footprint with New Technology Centre Wing in Pune
On April 30, 2026, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) marked a significant milestone by announcing the expansion of its research and development operations. The company inaugurated a brand-new wing of its Technology Centre Pune (TCP) situated in the Baner area. This strategic move is designed to drive global innovation directly from India.
Expanding the Global R&D Footprint
The newly opened facility spans an impressive 33,000 square feet. Located in a prime urban location within Pune city limits, this new Baner facility is built to accommodate over 250 engineers. By establishing this new wing, the Group is actively nurturing local engineering talent and strengthening local talent development.
When combined with the existing operations at the Chakan plant, the total workforce dedicated to these engineering efforts now exceeds 450 engineers. These professionals are actively engaged in developing solutions for both domestic and international projects.
Focus Areas: Shaping the Future of Mobility
The Baner facility is strictly dedicated to advanced vehicle development and platform engineering. Furthermore, the engineering teams will work on cutting-edge software solutions and sustainable mobility innovations.
According to the company’s long-term roadmap, the Technology Centre Pune is poised to expand its competencies in key future-facing areas, including digitalization, automation, and advanced safety technologies. The broader goal is to foster cost-efficient engineering alongside advancements in electrification and connected technologies, all while ensuring that solutions meet the Group’s stringent European standards. This infrastructure allows for a sharper response to Indian consumer preferences and ensures faster scalability and adaptation.
Driving the ‘Make in India’ Vision Forward
This expansion heavily advances the nation’s ‘Make in India’ vision. It serves as a clear reflection of SAVWIPL’s overarching vision to ‘Make in India, for India and the world’. The facility not only handles domestic projects but also drives international projects for the global Group.
Functioning as the ‘Voice of India’ within the Volkswagen Group’s global research and development ecosystem, this new wing further strengthens SAVWIPL’s position as a strategic global R&D hub. It effectively enhances localization efforts, supports export markets, and upholds the uncompromising standards of safety, technology, and quality expected by the Group.
Commenting on the milestone, Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, highlighted the importance of this development. He stated that creating this additional capacity in a dynamic urban location builds upon the strong foundation of the existing Technology Centre Pune in Chakan. He further noted that this combined engineering ecosystem enables the delivery of global-quality solutions with greater speed, enhanced localization, and a deeper understanding of customer requirements both in India and globally. Ultimately, this underlines India’s critical position as a competency and strategic development hub for the Volkswagen Group.
A Legacy of Engineering Excellence
It is important to note the legacy of the Technology Centre Pune, which has been established within the Chakan facility since 2019. Over the years, TCP has been exclusively dedicated to developing vehicles that are tailored to the specific needs of customers across the subcontinent.
The centre has already played a pivotal role in the creation of locally developed and manufactured models. Notable examples of this successful localization include the new Volkswagen Taigun, the new Škoda Kushaq, and the Kylaq, which is recognized as the Group’s first sub-4-meter SUV. Through this continued investment in infrastructure and local talent, SAVWIPL is reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Indian market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is the new Škoda Auto Volkswagen India R&D centre located? The new wing of the Technology Centre Pune (TCP) is located in Baner, a prime urban location within the city limits of Pune.
How large is the new SAVWIPL facility in Baner? The new research and development facility covers a footprint of 33,000 square feet.
What is the primary focus of the new Technology Centre Pune wing? The facility is strictly dedicated to advanced vehicle development, platform engineering, sustainable mobility innovations, and software solutions. It will also focus on expanding the brand’s competencies in digitalization, automation, and advanced safety technologies.
How many engineers will work at the new Pune R&D centre? The new Baner facility is specifically designed to house over 250 engineers. This strategic addition brings the total engineering workforce across the new wing and the complementary Chakan plant to over 450 engineers.
How does this facility contribute to the ‘Make in India’ initiative? The new wing advances the nation’s ‘Make in India’ vision by enhancing localization efforts, nurturing local engineering talent, and acting as an export hub. It drives both domestic and international projects, reflecting the vision to ‘Make in India, for India and the world’.
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