From Groceries to Gears: Skoda Teases Car Deliveries via Zepto

Quick commerce has evolved rapidly in India. What started with groceries and essential items soon expanded to high-value electronics like iPhones and PlayStations.

Now, Skoda India and Zepto are pushing the boundaries even further, teasing a new collaboration that could make cars the next big thing in the instant delivery space.

The Teaser That Sparked Speculation

A promotional video released by Skoda India in partnership with Zepto has created a buzz online.

The video showcases a Zepto delivery executive entering a Skoda showroom and announcing that he is there to pick up an order. A showroom employee then leads him to a Skoda Kylaq, the automaker’s new sub-compact SUV.

The video ends with the message: “Skoda x Zepto: Coming soon,” with the caption hinting at a launch date of February 8.

While the teaser initially led to speculation that Zepto would offer car deliveries, the details of the partnership were unclear.

Many wondered whether Zepto would follow its rapid grocery delivery model or take a different approach given the complexities involved in selling a car.

Clarification: Zepto Will Not Deliver Cars (Yet)

Following the widespread speculation, Zepto’s CEO, Aadit Palicha, took to LinkedIn to clear the air. He stated that Zepto is not delivering cars, but rather enabling users to request test drives of the new Skoda Kylaq directly from the app.

However, Palicha ended his statement on an intriguing note, saying, “Who knows what the future holds.”

Revolutionizing Test Drives with Quick Commerce

Traditionally, scheduling a test drive involves visiting a dealership, coordinating timings, and waiting for an available vehicle. The Skoda-Zepto partnership aims to simplify this process by offering test drives on demand—delivered in just 10 minutes.

Zepto addressed the confusion in a social media post: “No, we’re not delivering cars in 10 minutes… yet. What you can get in 10 minutes? A test drive of the Škoda Kylaq for now. But… who knows what the future holds?”

Skoda India echoed this excitement, responding: “Now that the cat is out of the bag, we’re thrilled to partner with Zepto and bring Kylaq to your doorstep for a test drive, in the fastest, most convenient way possible. We’re just getting started.”

Zepto’s Growth in Quick Commerce

Zepto, headquartered in Bengaluru, has grown into one of India’s leading quick commerce platforms since its launch in 2021 by founders Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra.

Competing with brands like Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket, Zepto has continuously expanded its offerings beyond groceries, now including high-value electronics. This latest collaboration with Skoda signals a further step into new territory.

What This Means for the Indian Car Market

While online car sales are not new to India—two-wheelers have been available for purchase via e-commerce platforms for years—this marks the first major integration of a four-wheeler brand with a quick commerce platform.

If successful, it could redefine the car buying experience, making test drives more accessible and possibly leading to even more ambitious future integrations.

How It Works

• Users can request a test drive of the Skoda Kylaq via the Zepto app
• A trained Skoda representative will deliver the vehicle within minutes
• The test drive will take place at the customer’s preferred location
• The initiative is set to launch on February 8, 2025

Potential Future Developments

Although Zepto has made it clear that it is not yet delivering cars, this move hints at a future where quick commerce platforms could enter the automobile sales industry.

If platforms like Zepto can streamline car purchases the same way they have done with everyday essentials, it could dramatically alter the traditional dealership model in India.

The Skoda-Zepto partnership showcases the ever-expanding capabilities of quick commerce in India.

By integrating test drive services into an on-demand delivery model, they are bridging the gap between convenience and automotive retail.

Whether this is just the beginning of a larger trend remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the future of car buying is evolving, and fast.