Škoda Auto India has launched its new brand campaign, called ‘G.O.A.T – Greatest On A Track,’ designed to highlight the performance capabilities of its vehicles and its motorsports history. The launch coincided with setting a new record for the ‘Fastest Multi-Car Relay of a Single Manufacturer on a Circuit,’ certified by the India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records.
The record attempt occurred at the Coimbatore Automotive Sports and Technical Training (CoASTT) circuit. A group of five Škoda vehicles completed the relay in a combined time of 12 minutes and 30.97 seconds. This time included the pit-lane driver changeovers, showcasing the efficiency and coordination of the team.
As per information available with TahirRihat.com, the relay team included the Kylaq 1.0 AT, Kushaq 1.5 DSG, Slavia 1.5 DSG, Kodiaq Selection L&K, and the Octavia RS. Among these vehicles, the Octavia RS achieved the fastest lap time of 2 minutes and 10.85 seconds on the 3.8-kilometer track, demonstrating its superior performance capabilities.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director of Škoda Auto India, stated that motorsport DNA is not just a superficial feature but is integral to the entire Škoda range (Škoda Auto India reported). He emphasized that the campaign aims to showcase the company’s commitment to driving dynamics, safety, and performance engineering across all segments.
Škoda Auto India emphasized that this new campaign is consistent with the company’s broader strategy of differentiation. The company aims to build on its established global motorsport history, which spans over a century, to further enhance its brand image (the automaker stated). This legacy is a crucial element of Škoda’s identity.
The company also highlighted the significance of its RS (Rally Sport) badge, which was first introduced in 1975 with the Škoda 130 RS. This badge represents the company’s long-standing involvement and success in motorsports, symbolizing performance and engineering excellence.
Currently, Škoda Auto India sells the Kylaq, Slavia, Kushaq, and Kodiaq models in the Indian market. The company has been focused on expanding its reach across the country. It now boasts a network of over 330 customer touchpoints in 182 cities. This expansion aims to provide better service and accessibility to its growing customer base.
The ‘G.O.A.T’ campaign highlights Škoda’s focus on combining sporting heritage with everyday vehicle performance. By setting a new record and showcasing the capabilities of its diverse model range, Škoda aims to solidify its position as a brand that prioritizes driving dynamics and engineering excellence. The company’s expanded network and ongoing marketing efforts suggest a commitment to growth in the Indian market. The importance of the RS badge, as highlighted by Škoda, further emphasizes the significance of its rally sport origins to the brand’s identity and vehicle design philosophy.
The motorsports legacy, according to Škoda Auto India, is not merely a symbolic attachment but an inherent aspect reflected in all models. This is not just about speed; it’s about rigorous engineering and safety standards incorporated across the entire product line, setting Škoda apart from competitors. The ‘G.O.A.T’ campaign is therefore not simply an advertising tactic but a declaration of fundamental values that define the Škoda brand.
The choice of the Coimbatore Automotive Sports and Technical Training (CoASTT) circuit for the record attempt underscores Škoda’s commitment to proving its vehicles in challenging conditions (Škoda Auto India said). The circuit, known for its technical layout, provides a rigorous test of a vehicle’s handling, acceleration, and braking capabilities. The success of the Škoda models on this track is intended to reassure consumers about the real-world performance of the vehicles.
The inclusion of various models in the relay—from the Kylaq to the Kodiaq—demonstrates the breadth of Škoda’s commitment to performance across different vehicle segments. Each vehicle brings unique strengths to the table, and the relay format highlights their collective capabilities.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.