# Škoda SUV production and Volkswagen labor unrest > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/skoda-ev-suv-launches-in-india > Updated: 2026-09-08T04:00:00.000Z. Sources: 180. Developments: 30. Škoda has commenced production of its new electric SUV models, the Peaq and the Epiq. The Peaq, a large seven-seater flagship, is being manufactured at the Mladá Boleslav plant with a battery capacity of up to 91 kWh and a range exceeding 600 km. The compact Epiq is assembled in Landaben, Spain, sharing a platform with the Volkswagen ID. Cross. To promote these models, Škoda is launching a tour across 19 dealerships in Norway. In France, the Epiq is available as a limited ‘First Edition’ model with 211 PS and a range of up to 430 km, priced at approximately €38,950, though entry prices have appeared higher than the originally marketed €25,000. At the group level, Volkswagen’s restructuring plans have triggered significant labor unrest. Over 10,000 workers protested at the Wolfsburg headquarters against proposals that include the potential loss of 50,000 jobs and the closure of five German factories. Daniela Cavallo, President of the Volkswagen Works Council, rejected the plans, stating that German factories are an ‘inseparable part’ of the group and noting that trust in CEO Oliver Blume has been ‘seriously damaged’. Blume defended the strategy, citing low profit margins of approximately 3.8 percent, aggressive Chinese competition, excess capacity in Germany, and US tariff costs as drivers for the necessary cuts. ## Claims - Volkswagen plans up to 50,000 job cuts worldwide. (disputed by 5 sources) - Total job cuts could reach up to 100,000. (disputed by 4 sources) - Volkswagen is preparing a cost‑saving and transformation programme to be decided by year‑end. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Volkswagen's Q2 after‑tax profit fell 32.9% to €1.54 billion. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Global vehicle deliveries fell almost 9% in the quarter. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Skoda has started mass production of the new Peaq electric SUV. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Production is taking place at the Mladá Boleslav plant in the Czech Republic. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Peaq shares a production line with the Enyaq, Elroq, and Octavia. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The vehicle has approximately 8,500 orders recorded as of late July. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Peaq measures 4.87 meters in length. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Volkswagen plans to launch the ID. Polo in early 2026 at a price below €25,000. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Volkswagen expects to deliver about 382,000 fully electric VW‑branded cars in 2025 and roughly 983,000 EVs across the group. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Škoda Auto reports high demand for new electric Epiq and Peaq models Škoda Auto reports over 45,000 orders for its new electric models, Epiq and Peaq, with strong demand in the Czech Republic for high-specification, all-wheel-drive versions of the flagship Peaq SUV. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/koda-auto-reports-high-demand-for-new-electric-epiq-and-peaq-models ### 2026-08-13: MG and Skoda launch new electric vehicle models MG and Skoda are launching new electric models, including the MG 4 Urban and Skoda Epiq, amid rising competition and advancements in silicon carbide semiconductor technology for EV efficiency. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skoda-opens-orders-for-new-electric-epiq-suv ### 2026-08-10: Škoda begins production of new electric SUV models Peaq and Epiq Škoda has begun production of its new electric SUV models, the large seven-seater Peaq and the compact Epiq, launching promotional tours in Norway to showcase the new lineup. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skoda-begins-production-of-new-peaq-electric-suv ### 2026-08-02: Volkswagen faces steep profit drop and up to 50,000 job cuts Volkswagen’s Q2 profit fell 32.9% to €1.54 bn, deliveries dropped ~9% (China sales down 31.6%), and a year‑end plan may cut up to 50,000 jobs, possibly reaching 100,000 total layoffs. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/volkswagen-launches-major-restructuring-as-profit-plunges ### 2026-08-01: Škoda Auto's Karoq reaches 1 million units produced Škoda Auto’s Kvasiny plant produced its one‑millionth Karoq SUV, a key model since 2017, with major sales in Germany, the UK and the Czech Republic; a next‑gen version is due in 2027‑28. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/koda-autos-karoq-reaches-1-million-units-produced ### 2026-07-27: Škoda Auto marks millionth Karoq production and spotlights Kodiaq SUV Škoda Auto produced its millionth Karoq SUV in the Czech Republic and emphasized the Kodiaq as its flagship family SUV, noting awards, market reach and advanced technology. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/koda-auto-marks-millionth-karoq-production-and-spotlights-kodiaq-suv ### 2026-07-24: Volkswagen profit drops 33% as group plans up to 100,000 job cuts Volkswagen's Q2 profit fell 33% to €1.54 bn, prompting a plan to cut up to 100 000 jobs and revise its 2026 sales outlook; Skoda meanwhile posted record sales and profit growth. 41 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/koda-karoq-reaches-millionunit-production-milestone ### 2026-07-20: Škoda Kodiaq tops Czech seven‑seat car comparison with Peugeot 5008 and Dacia Jogger In the Czech market, Škoda Kodiaq leads the seven‑seat segment with the largest cargo space and top performance, while Peugeot 5008 is longest and Dacia Jogger is the cheapest and least equipped. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/koda-kodiaq-tops-czech-sevenseat-car-comparison-with-peugeot-5008-and-dacia-jogger ### 2026-07-18: Skoda Karoq reaches 1 million units produced, next generation planned for 2027 Skoda Karoq hit the 1 million‑unit milestone at its Czech Kvasiny plant, marked by a special 1.5 TSI grey edition, with a new generation expected in 2027‑28. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skoda-karoq-reaches-1-million-units-produced-next-generation-planned-for-2027 ### 2026-07-18: Zeekr and Škoda unveil new electric SUV models Zeekr opened pre‑orders for a five‑seat 9X SUV, while Škoda launched its Peaq electric‑SUV line with up to 640 km range and deliveries set for late 2024. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zeekr-and-koda-unveil-new-electric-suv-models ### 2026-07-13: Skoda Elroq leads Danish EV sales and beats 1980s supercars in UK drag race Skoda Elroq topped Danish EV sales in H1 2026 and, in a UK stunt, beat three 1980s supercars in a drag race, showcasing its price advantage and instant torque. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skoda-elroq-leads-danish-ev-sales-and-beats-1980s-supercars-in-uk-drag-race ### 2026-07-10: Škoda Elroq RS electric SUV beats classic supercars in sprint, showcases advanced tech Škoda's 2025 Elroq RS electric SUV, with 340 hp dual motors, posted a 5.4‑second 0‑100 km/h sprint, outrunning a Lamborghini Countach, Ferrari Testarossa and Porsche 944 Turbo, while showcasing advanced infot‑, 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/koda-elroq-rs-electric-suv-beats-classic-supercars-in-sprint-showcases-advanced-tech ### 2026-07-04: Skoda launches Peaq electric SUV while MG unveils MGS9 hybrid seven‑seat model Skoda unveiled the Peaq electric SUV, a 7‑seat, 4.87 m vehicle with 640 km range, while MG launched the MGS9 hybrid SUV, also seven‑seater, offering about 92 km electric range and a price near €38,000. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skoda-launches-peaq-electric-suv-while-mg-unveils-mgs9-hybrid-sevenseat-model ### 2026-07-03: Skoda Peaq electric SUV unveiled, to serve as Tour de France director's car Skoda unveiled the Peaq electric SUV, a 7‑seat, 640 km range model that will serve as the Tour de France director’s car on 12 stages of the 2026 race. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skoda-peaq-electric-suv-unveiled-to-serve-as-tour-de-france-directors-car ### 2026-07-02: Škoda Peaq electric SUV selected as Tour de France director’s car for 2026 Škoda’s electric SUV Peaq 90x Sportline will serve as the Tour de France director’s car from 2026, featuring custom antennas, a communication hub and a reversed roof mechanism. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/koda-peaq-electric-suv-selected-as-tour-de-france-directors-car-for-2026 ### 2026-06-28: Skoda launches Peaq, its first 7‑seat electric SUV with up to 640 km range Skoda introduced the Peaq, a 7‑seat electric SUV with up to 640 km range, offered in rear‑ and all‑wheel drive versions, spacious interior, Android Automotive, and Italy pre‑orders start in July. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skoda-launches-peaq-its-first-7seat-electric-suv-with-up-to-640-km-range ### 2026-06-26: Škoda Peaq price announced in Czech Republic as flagship electric SUV Škoda announced Peaq pricing in the Czech Republic (1.15‑1.33 million CZK) along with broader EV news on Dacia Spring, BMW i3, high‑power charging and other regional electric car developments. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/koda-peaq-price-announced-in-czech-republic-as-flagship-electric-suv ### 2026-06-24: Skoda sees rapid Kodiaq RS sales in India and unveils Peaq, its largest electric SUV Skoda’s Kodiaq RS sold out 50 units in six minutes in India, while the brand launched the Peaq, its largest electric SUV with up to 647 km WLTP range and fast‑charging capability. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skoda-sees-rapid-kodiaq-rs-sales-in-india-and-unveils-peaq-its-largest-electric-suv ### 2026-06-24: Skoda launches Peaq flagship seven‑seat electric SUV Skoda unveiled the Peaq, a seven‑seat flagship electric SUV with up to 640 km range, 91 kWh battery, 299 hp, premium tech and pricing from €50k/£52k, deliveries from Sep 2026. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/koda-launches-peaq-the-brands-largest-premium-electric-suv ### 2026-06-24: Škoda launches Peaq electric SUV in Finland with pricing and specs Škoda's Peaq electric SUV arrives in Finland with three powertrains, up to 299 hp, 10‑80 % fast‑charge in ~27 min, 935 L cargo, and a price of €1,095 per version. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/koda-launches-peaq-electric-suv-in-finland-with-pricing-and-specs ### 2026-06-23: Skoda launches Peaq, its largest electric SUV with up to 647 km range Skoda unveiled the Peaq, a 7‑seat electric SUV 4.87 m long with up to 647 km WLTP range, 150‑299 kW power, fast 28‑min charging and new tech, priced from €50,635. 26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/audi-launches-thirdgeneration-q7-in-ireland-as-skoda-unveils-peaq-electric-suv ### 2026-06-23: Škoda launches Peaq, its largest electric SUV Škoda launched the Peaq, its largest electric SUV, with 5‑ or 7‑seat layouts, up to 935 L cargo space, battery ranges up to 640 km, prices from €49,490 and deliveries expected from September. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/koda-launches-peaq-its-largest-electric-suv ### 2026-06-22: Skoda launches Peaq, its largest seven‑seat electric SUV Skoda’s new Peaq SUV is the brand’s largest EV, seats seven, offers up to 630 km range, and starts at 1.15 million CZK. 29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skoda-unveils-peaq-electric-suv-with-up-to-seven-seats ### 2026-06-22: Skoda launches limited 50‑unit booking for Kodiaq RS SUV in India Skoda opened bookings for its Kodiaq RS SUV in India, limited to 50 units with a 300,000‑rupee token; the 265 hp model sold out in six minutes, pricing expected above 5 million rupees. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skoda-launches-two-new-suv-models-in-india-kodiaq-rs-performance-suv-and-peaq-electric-suv ### 2026-06-19: Skoda Peaq electric SUV interior unveiled ahead of 2026 launch Skoda reveals the interior of its seven‑seat Peaq EV SUV, set for a 23 June 2026 launch, with a vertical screen, floating console and pricing around £46,000, positioning it against rivals like the Kia EV9. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skoda-peaq-electric-suv-interior-unveiled-ahead-of-2026-launch ### 2026-06-18: Skoda Peaq electric SUV completes 1.5 million km of global durability testing Skoda Peaq, the new fully electric SUV, has logged over 1.5 million km of testing on three continents in extreme heat and cold ahead of its 23 June launch, offering a 600 km range and seven‑seat interior. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skoda-peaq-electric-suv-completes-15-million-km-of-global-durability-testing ### 2026-06-17: Skoda Peaq electric SUV unveiled with seven‑seat interior and extensive testing Skoda’s Peaq electric SUV, a seven‑seat model with a new vertical screen and 600 km range, launches on 23 June after 1.5 million km of extreme‑climate testing. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skoda-peaq-electric-suv-set-for-debut-with-sevenseat-interior ### 2026-06-15: Škoda Peaq electric SUV completes 1.5 million km of extreme‑condition testing ahead of June launch Škoda’s new Peaq electric SUV, built on the MEB+ platform, completed 1.5 million km of testing across deserts and Arctic conditions and will be launched on 23 June with over 600 km range and up to 300 hp. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skoda-peaq-electric-suv-set-for-launch-on-june-23 ### 2026-06-14: Skoda launches low‑cost Epiq electric SUV and previews premium Peaq family SUV Skoda will launch the affordable Epiq compact electric SUV (around $30,000, possible India debut 2027) and preview the high‑end Peaq large family SUV, expanding its EV range from low‑cost to premium. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skoda-epiq-electric-suv-slated-for-indian-launch-in-2027 ### 2026-06-11: Skoda plans to launch premium Peaq SUV and new Epiq-based EV in India by 2027 Skoda Auto India is eyeing a 2027 launch of its flagship 7‑seat Peaq electric SUV, priced around ₹1‑1.2 crore with over 600 km range, and plans a smaller Epiq‑based EV for the Indian market. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skoda-plans-to-launch-premium-peaq-suv-and-new-epiq-based-ev-in-india-by-2027 --- Cite as: Škoda SUV production and Volkswagen labor unrest. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/skoda-ev-suv-launches-in-india