First petrol-powered SUV from India to conquer the Mount Everest North Face Base Camp, recognised by both India and the Asia Book of Records
India, 28July 2025 – In a moment that captures the true spirit of engineering, resilience, and exploration, Škoda Auto India has made history with the Škoda Kodiaq becoming the first petrol-powered SUV from India to reach the North Face Base Camp of Mount Everest.This incredible feat is now officially recognised by both the India Book of Records and the Asia Book of Records.
The Record
Commenting on this remarkable feat, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “At Škoda Auto India, we believe exploration drives progress.This achievement stands as a testament to this and finds great synergy with our strategy of being relevant, driving differentiation, and enhancing trust. Relevant because it reflects the growing ambition of Indian customersto go farther and demand more from their vehicles. Differentiated because no other petrol SUV has ever taken on such a formidable challenge and triumphed. And above all, it reinforces trust – trust in our products, our engineering, and our commitment to safety, quality, and reliability. We will continue with our focus on enabling journeys that go beyond the ordinary.”
Spanning over 6,000 kilometres across India, Nepal, and China, the Škoda Kodiaq traversed extreme altitudes, sub-zero temperatures, and challenging terrains to reach the Mount Everest North Face Base Campon the Tibetan side.This expedition showcases the strength of the Kodiaq as a combination of cutting-edge technology, European design, and real-world performance.
Setting Records
In H1 2025, Škoda Auto India recorded its highest-ever half-yearly sales with 36,194 units, marking a 134% growth over H1 2024 and helping the brand rise to the Top 7 carmakers in India. Earlier in July, the brand also crossed 300 customer touchpoints, now present across 172 cities, reinforcing its commitment to getting closer to customers across the country. With a future-ready portfolio, a clear focus on customer-centricity, and a rapidly expanding network, Škoda Auto India continues to surge ahead in its 25th year in India and 130th year globally, fuelling its journey of progress with relevance and trust.