Škoda Kodiaq Becomes First Petrol SUV from India to Reach Everest North Base Camp

In a remarkable display of engineering excellence, endurance, and pioneering spirit, Škoda Auto India has achieved a historic milestone. The Škoda Kodiaq has officially become the first petrol-powered SUV from India to reach the North Face Base Camp of Mount Everest, a feat now recognized by both the India Book of Records and the Asia Book of Records.

This journey wasn’t just about reaching a geographic destination—it was about proving the strength and versatility of modern automotive technology in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

A Journey Through Extremes

The expedition saw the Škoda Kodiaq cover over 6,000 kilometres across India, Nepal, and China (Tibet), navigating through some of the most challenging terrains and altitudes on the planet. From the heat and dust of the Indian plains to the rarefied air of the Himalayas, the Kodiaq faced sub-zero temperatures, unpredictable weather, and rugged roads on its way to the Everest North Base Camp.

This incredible journey is a testament to Škoda’s commitment to real-world performance, backed by European engineering, cutting-edge technology, and an unrelenting focus on quality, safety, and reliability.

A Statement of Purpose

Commenting on the achievement, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director of 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.”

He further emphasized that the accomplishment reflects the ambition of Indian customers to explore more and expect more from their vehicles. “No other petrol SUV has ever taken on such a formidable challenge and triumphed. It reinforces trust—trust in our products, in our engineering, and in our vision to go beyond the ordinary,” Gupta added.

More Than Just a Record

This extraordinary milestone comes at a time of significant growth for the brand. In the first half of 2025, Škoda Auto India recorded its highest-ever half-yearly sales, with 36,194 units sold—a 134% increase over the same period in 2024. This performance placed Škoda among the Top 7 carmakers in India, underlining its growing presence and appeal.

The company also recently crossed 300 customer touchpoints across 172 cities, marking another significant stride in its effort to connect with customers nationwide.

A Milestone Year

2025 is a landmark year for Škoda Auto India, which is celebrating 25 years in the Indian market, while its parent company, Škoda Auto, commemorates an astonishing 130 years globally. This Everest expedition symbolizes the brand’s heritage of innovation and its future-forward approach to mobility.

As Škoda Auto India continues to expand its network, invest in customer-centric solutions, and push the boundaries of what’s possible, the Kodiaq’s Himalayan achievement stands as a bold declaration: this is a brand built for journeys that go far beyond the ordinary.