Czech automaker Skoda is set to complete a USD 500 million car manufacturing plant in Vietnam by the first quarter of 2025. This development was confirmed during a meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Skoda Group in January.
The plant, Skoda’s first in Southeast Asia, is being developed in partnership with Thanh Cong, a Hyundai distributor. The facility will produce the Kushaq and Slavia models, which are scheduled to launch in Vietnam in 2025. The project follows a 2022 agreement between Skoda Auto and Thanh Cong Group to manufacture and distribute Skoda vehicles in Vietnam, focusing on localization, modern technology, and clean energy.
Zellmer highlighted Vietnam’s importance as a strategic gateway to the ASEAN market, noting that the country could become Skoda’s car manufacturing export hub for ASEAN and beyond. He also mentioned the plant’s progress, the goal to increase local production, and the potential benefits of government incentives.
The Vietnamese Prime Minister urged Skoda to work closely with local authorities to ensure the project complies with Vietnam’s regulations and to explore further investment opportunities within the country. He highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting investors who meet criteria such as technology transfer, scientific innovation, and large-scale investments. Additionally, the Prime Minister encouraged Skoda to focus on electric vehicle development, increase localization efforts, and enhance technology transfer to Vietnam.
(Source: Vietnam Investment Review)
