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› Deliveries: ŠKODA delivers 1,148,600 vehicles to customers worldwide between January and November (+ 5.1%)
› Markets: Strong November growth in Russia (+ 42.9%) and Europe (+ 8.3%)
› Models: SUV models KODIAQ and KAROQ continue to be growth drivers

Mladá Boleslav, 13 December 2018 – ŠKODA continues on course for growth: The car manufacturer delivered 1,148,600 vehicles between January and November – an increase of 5.1% over the same period last year. In November, the company recorded 110,100 deliveries worldwide, a decline of 3.9% compared to the same month last year (November 2017: 114,600 vehicles). One reason for this sales development is the declining car market in China. ŠKODA achieved strong growth in Russia in November: delivering 8,200 vehicles represents an increase of 42.9% over the same month last year. The ŠKODA OCTAVIA remains the brand’s bestseller, and demand for the compact SUV ŠKODA KAROQ continues to rise.

ŠKODA has continued to grow globally in the first eleven months of the year. Between January and November, the car manufacturer’s sales have risen in Russia (+30.2%), China (+7.7%), Europe (+4.7%) and India (+1.8%). In November, the company increased its deliveries, particularly in Western Europe (43,300 vehicles, + 7.9%), Russia (8,200 vehicles, + 42.9%) and Eastern Europe excluding Russia (4,400 vehicles, + 15.8%).

Alain Favey, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Sales and Marketing, emphasizes: “In the first eleven months of the year, we increased our deliveries by 5.1% compared to the previous year. An encouraging performance, especially in light of the introduction of the new WLTP test cycle and the currently declining car market in China. With our product campaign, we are providing the right impetus and winning over new customer groups to the ŠKODA brand. With the new ŠKODA SCALA, we are now taking the next step in successfully continuing our dynamic development in the important compact class.“

In Western Europe, ŠKODA delivered 43,300 vehicles in November, an increase of 7.9% over the same period last year (November 2017: 40,100 vehicles). In the strongest single European
market – Germany – ŠKODA increased its deliveries to 17,300 vehicles (November 2017: 16,100 vehicles, +7.1%). The car manufacturer posted double-digit growth in France (2,900 vehicles, +27.1%), the United Kingdom (6,300 vehicles, +20.6%), Spain (2,200 vehicles, +16.9%), Belgium (1,700 vehicles, +12.0%) and the Netherlands (2,000 vehicles, +11.0%).

In Central Europe, ŠKODA delivered 18,500 vehicles – a slight decline of 3.0% (November 2017: 19,100 vehicles). ŠKODA delivered 7,700 vehicles on its domestic market, the Czech Republic, 7.6% less than in the same period last year (November 2017: 8,300 vehicles). On the other hand, the company grew in Poland (6,700 vehicles, 4.3%) and Slovakia (2,200 vehicles, 16.5%).

In Eastern Europe excluding Russia, the company increased its deliveries significantly: 4,400 vehicles represent an increase of 15.8% compared to the same month last year (November 2017: 3,800 vehicles). ŠKODA also recorded strong growth in Serbia (800 vehicles, +47.3%) and the Baltic States (700 vehicles, +24.0%).
In Russia, ŠKODA recorded strong double-digit growth in November compared to the same month last year: Delivering 8,200 vehicles represents an increase of 42.9% compared to the same month of the previous year (November 2017: 5,700 vehicles).

In China, its largest sales market, ŠKODA delivered 28,000 vehicles in November – a year-on-year decrease of 24.3% (November 2017: 37,000 vehicles). Thus, the company’s current sales figures in China reflect the general trend in the currently declining Chinese car market. However, between January and November, ŠKODA delivered 304,300 vehicles in China, which is 7.7% more than the same period last year (January to November 2017: 282,600 vehicles).

In India, ŠKODA delivered 1,400 vehicles in November, a decrease of 4.1% compared to the same period last year (November 2017: 1,400 vehicles).

ŠKODA AUTO deliveries in November 2018 (in units, rounded off, listed by model; +/- in percent compared to November 2017):
ŠKODA OCTAVIA (31,100; -24.2 %)
ŠKODA RAPID (15,900; -18.0 %)
ŠKODA FABIA (15,600; -15.2 %)
ŠKODA SUPERB (11,900; -10.5 %)
ŠKODA KAROQ (12,300; >300 %)
ŠKODA KODIAQ (15,000; +13.6 %)
ŠKODA KAMIQ (only sold in China: 5,100; -)
ŠKODA CITIGO (only sold in Europe: 3,400; +10.5 %)

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

ŠKODA is the strongest European car manufacturer in the strategically important location of Israel
› ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab is represented by a joint venture in the IT hotspot of Tel Aviv
› Around 20,000 deliveries in the first eleven months of 2018; market share of 8.0%
› RAPID and SUPERB were Israel’s most popular vehicles in their respective segments in 2017
› ŠKODA has been firmly established in Israel since the early 1990s

Mladá Boleslav/Tel Aviv, 6 December 2018 – The city of Tel Aviv is one of the world’s most important hotspots for IT start-ups. Could there be a more fitting location for the world premiere of the new ŠKODA SCALA? The compact model has taken a huge leap in terms of connectivity with its new mobile online infotainment services. But there are many other good reasons for the Czech automobile manufacturer to be celebrating the world premiere of the new ŠKODA SCALA compact model in the Mediterranean this Thursday. In partnership with importer Champion Motors, the brand is the strongest European car manufacturer in Israel, and the two companies also operate a joint venture in Tel Aviv – the ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab Israel. This is where ŠKODA works alongside innovative start-ups on digitization and mobility services.

ŠKODA has a long history of success in Israel: In 1991, ŠKODA exported its first models to Israel – the FAVORIT and FORMAN. To date, the traditional Czech brand has delivered more than 200,000 vehicles in the region, making it the strongest European car manufacturer in the region. Over the last decade, the brand has nearly quadrupled its deliveries to customers, with the market share almost doubling since 2011 from 4.1 percent to 8.0 percent. Around 20,000 vehicles were delivered to Israeli customers via the importer Champion Motors between January and the end of November 2018. The manufacturer occupies fourth position in the Israeli car market.

The most popular vehicles in their respective segments in 2017 were the ŠKODA models RAPID and SUPERB. The OCTAVIA also secured a key position of second place in the compact segment. The ŠKODA KODIAQ was also voted Car of the Year in the ‘Large SUV’ category this year in Israel. Israeli customers prefer petrol drivetrains in combination with automatic transmissions. It takes around one month for a vehicle to reach Israel. The vehicles are transported by ship from the Slovenian port of Koper to Ashdod, Israel.

The fleet business accounts for around 50 percent of ŠKODA AUTO’s total sales in Israel. In addition to numerous banking companies, wholesalers and telecommunications companies, Israeli ministries and other state authorities rely on ŠKODA vehicles. In 2016, Importer Champion Motors delivered a total of around 850 vehicles to government institutions: more than 700 ŠKODA OCTAVIAs were deployed to various ministries, and more than 100 ŠKODA SUPERBs were commissioned by senior police officers and other ministries. In addition, around 40 more ŠKODA SUPERBs were delivered to ministers, supreme judges and ministerial directors. Moreover, national organizations of well-known global players have a large vehicle fleet of the brand’s models.

In the financial sector the three largest Israeli fleet customers ordered 1,200 vehicles from ŠKODA, representing more than 40 percent of the total number of company cars at these three companies. ŠKODA AUTO is also firmly established as a fleet partner in the Israeli high-tech sector.

ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab is represented by a joint venture in the IT hotspot of Israel
ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab and the Israeli ŠKODA importer Champion Motors founded a joint venture in Tel Aviv in 2017. The partnership aims to continually engage with regional players on the IT scene as well as companies and universities. Israel currently has more than 6,000 start-ups, around 300 R&D facilities of multinational companies and hundreds of high-tech companies. The automotive industry in Israel is a user and key driver of this dynamic development. More than 500 start-ups and research groups in Israel are currently involved in automotive projects – six times as many as in 2013.

You can watch the livestream on ŠKODA Storyboard and YouTube as well as on Twitter and Facebook. Media outlets can also broadcast the transmission on their own channels via embed code.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› The 110-year-old two-seater now in original condition
› Only preserved specimen of twelve Laurin & Klement BSC ever built
› Major mechanical vehicle components including the engine are original parts from 1908

Mladá Boleslav, 12 November 2018 – The Laurin & Klement type BSC sports car is celebrating its 110th birthday this year – and will be entering the ŠKODA Museum exhibition in Mladá Boleslav in time for this anniversary. The rare vehicle has been fully restored over the past two years. A team of experts reconstructed the model based on original drawings and other historical sources. All the important mechanical components in the unique car are original parts; the engine bears the authentic serial number, with which the sports car left the Mladá Boleslav factory in 1908.

Andrea Frydlová, Head of the ŠKODA Museum says: “The sporty Laurin & Klement BSC from 1908 is the only surviving example of twelve produced in total. We are delighted to have this unique vehicle as one of our most valuable exhibits following an extensive, two-year restoration.”

The Laurin & Klement BSC appears in numerous films
The only surviving Laurin & Klement BSC, which can now be seen in the ŠKODA Museum, was completed on 12 July 1908. The engine number 5635 confirms the authenticity of the vehicle. The rarity changed hands often and underwent many modifications. For example, the L&K BSC was converted into a racing car for the film ‘Dědeček automobil’ (Grandpa Car) by Alfréd Radok, which was released in Czechoslovak cinemas on 27 March 1957. Later, the shape of the BSC’s bonnet and fender, as well as many details were changed – also for other film appearances. However, all the essential mechanical parts have been preserved, and the vehicle, which has always been roadworthy throughout the years, is one of the fixed stars of the Czechoslovak vintage car scene.

In 2016, the unique Laurin & Klement BSC found its way into the inventory of the ŠKODA Museum in Mladá Boleslav where experts first analysed the condition of the vehicle in detail and then researched its history in the archives. Later, they began the complex process of restoring the BSC as close as possible to its condition in 1908. The BSC is now one of the most valuable exhibits of the ŠKODA Museum in Mladá Boleslav.

The history of the BS model family
After launching bicycle production in late 1895, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement’s company extended their range in 1899 to include motorcycles. Just a few years later, starting in late 1905, the entrepreneurs presented the production version of their first automobile – the Laurin & Klement Voiturette A. Over the next two years, the young carmakers continued to develop their model range and implement several profound structural changes. The rapidly increasing demand for the modern vehicles from Mladá Boleslav with their favourable price/performance ratio led to a rapid increase in production figures – from a few dozen automobiles in 1906 to nearly 500 in 1908.

The BS model series established an important position in those years. In contrast to the Voiturette type A, B and B2 with two-cylinder V-engines built first, the later BS series had a two-cylinder with 1399 cc displacement and 10 hp (7.4 kW) performance. Because the ambitious company was consistently aligned to the needs of its customers, Laurin & Klement models in the BS family had features designed specifically for different customer groups such as doctors and business people. The model range included at least six different wheelbases from 1,905 to 2,380 millimetres and five gauges from 1,120 to 1,300 millimetres. The manufacturer offered numerous body styles on these bases, ranging from ‘Personen-Voiturettes’ – the French term for small cars – to taxis and light commercial vehicles. Between 1908 and 1909, 66 L&K vehicles of the BS series were built.

The most valuable versions include twelve vehicles in the sporty BSC variant. Their engine power was increased from the standard 10 hp (7.4 kW) to 12 hp (8.8 kW). The first BSC rolled out of the Laurin & Klement factory buildings on 10 June 1908; the last on 20 October 1908. The sporty type BSC was available both as a roadworthy chassis and as a complete vehicle with body. The chassis, for which customers could have individual custom bodies made, cost 5,000 K – the abbreviation for Austro-Hungarian krone. A complete vehicle with an open two-seater standard body was available from L&K for 5,500K.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› ŠKODA voted best import brand for the ninth time
› ŠKODA OCTAVIA: crowned best import model in the compact car segment for the fourth time in a row
› ŠKODA KAROQ: once again named best SUV costing less than 25,000 euros in the import car category
› ŠKODA FABIA: took first place in the category of imported city and small cars
› More than 23,000 readers and online users voted in the ‘Auto Trophy – World’s Best Cars 2018’ awards

Mladá Boleslav, 28 November 2018 – Readers of the specialist magazine Auto Zeitung have chosen ŠKODA as the best import brand in Germany for the ninth time. The ŠKODA OCTAVIA has been named best import car in the compact car segment for an impressive fourth time in a row. The ŠKODA KAROQ is also celebrating multiple successes in a row, having retained its title of best SUV costing less than 25,000 euros in the import car category following its victory in 2017. A fourth ‘Auto Trophy’ was awarded to the ŠKODA FABIA, which came first in the category of imported city and small cars.

For years, ŠKODA has been the number one import brand for the readers of Auto Zeitung. With 14.5% of readers’ votes in the Auto Trophy survey, the Czech brand has earned this title for an impressive sixth time in a row and racked up a total of nine wins in this category.

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA is one of the serial winners at the prestigious readers’ poll. This year, the bestseller triumphed with 13.1% of votes cast in the category for ‘The Best Compact Car – Import’. The OCTAVIA has thereby won for the fourth time in a row, securing its seventh Auto Zeitung trophy.

Despite only having been on the market for around a year, the ŠKODA KAROQ joined the list of winners for the second time. Following on from its debut success in 2017, 10.1% of Auto Zeitung readers voted for the compact SUV this year, thereby crowning it best SUV costing less than 25,000 euros in the import car category.

With 9.9% of readers’ votes, the ŠKODA FABIA secured a victory in the highly competitive category of imported city and small cars. The practical estate version of the popular small car came top of its class back in 2007 and 2008. This is the first success for the hatchback variant. This year, the FABIA was comprehensively modernised and now impresses with a redesigned front and rear including LED lights as well as the latest technologies for comfort and safety. A choice of reliable and efficient 1.0-litre engines make the car even more enjoyable to drive.

This year marked the 31st occurrence of Auto Zeitung’s readers’ poll. Since 2014, the ‘Auto Trophy’ awards have carried the addition of ‘World’s Best Cars’. This is because readers and online users of international automotive publications, such as Auto Zeitung, owned by the publishing company Bauer Media Group can now also take part in the vote. A total of 23,100 participants voted in the 2018 poll. In the German speaking areas, they chose their favourites in 21 categories, while eight ratings were put to an international vote. The four categories in which ŠKODA was victorious were voted for in Germany.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› ŠKODA KODIAQ GT spearheads ŠKODA’s SUV campaign in the Chinese market
› Sporty SUV coupé is ŠKODA’s new flagship exclusively for China
› SUV campaign an important element of ŠKODA’s growth strategy in China
› Four SUV models for China: KODIAQ GT, KODIAQ, KAROQ and KAMIQ

Mladá Boleslav/Guangzhou, 15 November 2018 – The new ŠKODA KODIAQ GT will be presented to the public for the first time at Auto Guangzhou in China (16-26 November 2018). The Czech brand’s first SUV coupé is the new standard bearer in China with its strong and dynamic appearance, state-of-the-art connectivity and innovative assistance systems. Exclusively for ŠKODA’s largest single market worldwide, the SUV range of the car manufacturer in China now includes four models – the KODIAQ GT, KODIAQ, KAROQ and KAMIQ. ŠKODA will be showcasing its range of models available in China at Auto Guangzhou.

The new ŠKODA KODIAQ GT is the highlight of this year’s Auto Guangzhou, one of the most important international auto shows in the world’s largest car market – China. Combining the robustness and versatility of an SUV with the sporty elegance and dynamism of a coupé, the new top model in ŠKODA’s SUV family in China appeals to lifestyle-oriented customers. The KODIAQ GT is ŠKODA’s first production model to feature the brand logo in block capitals along the middle of the tailgate.

The front of the 4,634-millimetre ŠKODA KODIAQ GT features a black-framed grille with chrome-plated double ribs. LED headlights as well as three-dimensional bumpers and large air intakes complete the powerful, sporty look. The roof line sloping behind the front doors merges into a flat tailgate, creating a dynamic side view. The side skirts with matt black details emphasize the robustness of the SUV coupé. At the rear, sharply drawn LED taillights in ŠKODA’s characteristic design language feature captivating crystalline shapes. A fine reflective tape runs down the loading sill across the entire width of the vehicle and, alongside the black diffuser, creates additional highlights.

The interior of the new ŠKODA KODIAQ GT is also sporty and stylish. It is characterized by high-quality materials and the fully customizable virtual cockpit, which comes as standard. As is typical for ŠKODA, there are also numerous practical ‘Simply Clever’ ideas. With Wi-Fi access and MirrorLink™, Apple CarPlay as well as Baidu’s Carlife, the KODIAQ GT is always online and at the cutting edge of connectivity. The range of drivetrains includes two efficient engines: The 2.0 TSI with 137 kW (186 hp) drives the front wheels, the 2.0 TSI with 162 kW (220 hp) comes as standard with four-wheel drive and 7-speed DSG. Numerous assistance systems, including Blind Spot Detect, Front Radar Assistant and Adaptive Distance Assistant (ACC) with stop-and-go function, ensure maximum safety.

ŠKODA KAMIQ – second model exclusively for the Chinese market
Not only does ŠKODA offer four SUV model series in China as the only market to date; but the brand also offers another vehicle exclusively for the Chinese market – the ŠKODA KAMIQ. The city SUV is positioned below the ŠKODA KAROQ at 4,390 millimetres long, 1,781 millimetres wide and 1,593 millimetres. The KAMIQ is powered by a newly developed 1.5-litre petrol engine with an output of 81 kW (110 hp) and is aimed at young urban customers in China with its generous space and modern connectivity solutions such as the artificial intelligence system iFLYTEK.

Comprehensive SUV range with the ŠKODA KODIAQ and ŠKODA KAROQ
Between the flagship ŠKODA KODIAQ GT and the entry-level ŠKODA KAMIQ, ŠKODA offers the KODIAQ and KAROQ, which are also available in Europe. With an outside length of 4,697 millimetres, an optional third-row of seats and a boot volume of up to 2,065 litres, the KODIAQ is even more versatile than the dynamic KODIAQ GT. Several efficient engines are also available for the SUV – a 1.4 TSI with 110 kW (150 hp), 2.0 TSI with 137 kW (186 hp) and a 2.0 TSI with 162 kW (220 hp). In addition, the KODIAQ offers modern connectivity solutions and numerous assistance systems, which the ŠKODA KAROQ also features in China. At 4,432 millimetres long and with a wheelbase of 2,688 millimetres, it is 50 millimetres larger than the European KAROQ in both dimensions. The engines are available with 1.2 litre and 1.5 litre TSI engines, delivering 85 kW (115 hp) and 110 kW (150 hp) respectively.

Alongside the SUVs, the Czech brand’s entire product range, including the SUPERB, OCTAVIA and OCTAVIA COMBI as well as the RAPID and RAPID SPACEBACK, will be presented in China at the SAIC ŠKODA stand in hall 6. 1.

The Chinese market has been the largest sales market for the ŠKODA brand since 2010. In 2017, ŠKODA delivered 325,000 vehicles in China – one in every four ŠKODAs delivered worldwide. In the first ten months of this year, the Czech brand grew by double-digit figures in China. At the end of October 2018, ŠKODA delivered 276,300 vehicles to customers in the region, surpassing the previous year’s result by 12.5 %. The SUV models, in particular, play an important role in the brand’s growth strategy in China: More than 30 % of all vehicles sold in China this year have been SUVs.

A five-year memorandum of understanding signed in 2016 on the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Czech Republic outlines plans for more than two billion euros to be invested in the expansion of the SUV range and ŠKODA vehicles with alternative drivetrains.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

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