“ŠKODA did very well in the first half of the year, and the company’s stable growth continues,” says ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing Werner Eichhorn. “The sales record is the result of an attractive model range and our team’s great performance. The strong sales figures in the first six months give us confidence for the second half of the year.”

In Western Europe, ŠKODA grew in June and the first half of the year. Compared to the same month last year, deliveries increased by 5.3% to 45,000 units (June 2015: 42,700 vehicles). From January to June, the brand’s sales improved by 7.5% to 242,500 vehicles. In Germany, sales increased in this period by 6.9% to 86,500 units. The Czech car manufacturer recorded double-digit growth in June in the Netherlands (1600 vehicles; up 37.3%), France (2600 vehicles; up 21.2%), Great Britain (8500 vehicles; 17.8%), Italy (2000 vehicles; up 27.2%) and Spain where sales increased 31% to 2400 vehicles.

ŠKODA also recorded a significant sales increase in Central Europe. Sales in June increased 13% to 17,200 vehicles (June 2015: 15,300 vehicles). In the first half, ŠKODA sold 96,300 units and achieved an increase of 8.3%. In their home market – the Czech Republic – sales increased 7% to 8200 vehicles in June, and 7.9% to 46,200 units in the first half of the year. In Croatia (500 vehicles; up 18.4%), Poland (5200 vehicles; 21.7%) and Hungary (1000 vehicles, up 30.7%), deliveries increased in double digits.

In Eastern Europe, excluding Russia ŠKODA surpassed the previous June by 12.8% with 3300 vehicles (June 2015: 2900 vehicles). In the first half of the year, the Czech manufacturer even grew in the tight markets (17,000 vehicles; up 6.5%) and the brand’s market share increased by 14.6% to 8.5%. In Russia, ŠKODA recorded an increase of 8.9% (4800 vehicles) compared to the same month last year (June 2015: 4400 vehicles). Between January and June, ŠKODA sold 26,900 vehicles (first half of 2015: 28,000), and the company’s market share increased significantly – by 12.8% to 4.3%. Sales figures also increased in the Baltic countries (500 vehicles; up 3.7%), Bosnia (100 vehicles; up 96.9%), Bulgaria (300 vehicles; up 3.3%), Romania (1000 vehicles; up 32.8%) and Ukraine (300 vehicles, up 202.7%).

ŠKODA also surpassed last year’s sales figures in China – the company’s strongest market worldwide: In June, sales climbed by 11.8% (22,400 vehicles). The six-month balance also closed positively with an increase of 5.4% (145,800 vehicles). In addition, ŠKODA recorded growth in New Zealand (100 vehicles; up 12.8%) and Taiwan (400 vehicles; up 46.2%).

ŠKODA deliveries to customers in June 2016 (in units, rounded off, listed by model; +/- in % compared to June 2015):

ŠKODA CITIGO (sold only in Europe: 4000; -8.7 %)
ŠKODA FABIA (19,600; +3.0 %)
ŠKODA RAPID (17,700; +6.2 %)
ŠKODA OCTAVIA (36,000; -5.4 %)
ŠKODA SUPERB (12,600; +108.2 %)
ŠKODA YETI (8900; -0.4 %)

ŠKODA deliveries to customers in the first half of 2016 (in units, rounded off, listed by model; +/- in % compared to the first half of 2015):

ŠKODA CITIGO (sold only in Europe: 20,000; -3.2 %)
ŠKODA FABIA (104,700; +14.0 %)
ŠKODA RAPID (102,600; -5.1 %)
ŠKODA OCTAVIA (219,500; -1.9 %)
ŠKODA SUPERB (70,100; +81.1 %)
ŠKODA YETI (52,400; +11.7 %)

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

ŠKODA KODIAQ is currently in intense preparations for its appearance in the last stage of the Tour de France from Chantilly to Paris. Sporting a new image, the car is going to lead the pack along the legendary Champs-Elysées boulevard to the finish. And it will be carrying a truly prominent driver behind the steering wheel: the Irish former professional road racing cyclist Stephen Roche, winner of the Tour from 1987 and ŠKODA brand ambassador. 

First photos of the new ŠKODA KODIAQ published by the Mladá Boleslav car manufacturer present the new SUV covered in white, grey and black camouflage. The red, grey and black edges of the new camouflage style inspired by ŠKODA‘s new design language and introduced together with three-dimensional elements had been designed and manufactured exclusively for the special appearance. Around 14.000 facets featured on the vehicle in total hint at the contours and character of the ŠKODA SUV boasting typical all-rounder qualities. It took four specialists 120 hours to apply close to 21 m2 of foil on the new ŠKODA KODIAQ, adjusting it visually to the Tour‘s Red Car, the ŠKODA SUPERB in the shade Corrida Red. The Red Car serves as a mobile control centre of the Tour de France and is used by the race Director Christian Prudhomme. 

ŠKODA KODIAQ will make its run at the Tour de France still in disguise only to show itself to the world for the first time during its Berlin premiere on 1 September. A few weeks later it will be introduced at the Paris Motor Show. ŠKODA KODIAQ launches the Czech car maker‘s model offensive in the SUV segment. The KODIAQ is an embodiment of all the virtues typical of the brand, including a distinct design full of character as well as exceptional spaciousness of the interior, high degree of functionality and Simply Clever solutions. 

With 4.7 metres in length the all-round SUV offers the largest boot space in its class and a customizable third row of seats. Extensive connectivity options, modern driver assist systems and future oriented infotainment are among the many highlights of the new ŠKODA KODIAQ, which will go on sale in early 2017. 

The name ŠKODA KODIAQ originates from the species of Kodiak bears living on the eponymous island on the south coast of Alaska. Size, strength, sense of family and outdoor skills are character qualities shared by both the bears and the SUV by ŠKODA.

ŠKODA is supporting the Tour de France for thirteenth consecutive time as official partner. In addition, the brand is once again the sponsor of the Green Jersey worn by the leader of the point classification. At the same time, ŠKODA is the official vehicle partner of the race, providing a total of 250 cars as organizational and support vehicles as well as more than 50 team cars this year. During its almost three-week service the ŠKODA fleet will cover around 2.8 million kilometres. The 103rd Tour de France will take the riders over 3,519 kilometres in 21 stages. 

Cycling holds special significance for ŠKODA, as it literally runs in the company’s blood. 121 years ago in Mladá Boleslav the company‘s founding fathers Václav Laurin and Václav Klement started with the construction of bicycles. At present Tour de France forms the peak of ŠKODA‘s extensive sponsorship activities.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Milton Keynes, 19 July 2016: As thousands of families pack up the car for every possible eventuality this summer, ŠKODA wants to remind customers that checking the health of their vehicle is just as important as remembering to charge the iPads.

For just £30, ŠKODA customers can book their car in at one of ŠKODA's retailers across the UK for a Summer Health Check delivered by fully-trained technicians. No detail is too small for the team as they carry out a check on tyres, lights, brakes, battery, air-conditioning system and fluids.

The Summer Health Check also includes a complimentary ŠKODA picnic blanket worth £15, perfect for holiday picnics on the beach. And for those unsure what in-car items are required by law when driving abroad, ŠKODA’s free European driving guide has all the answers. Whether it’s a GB sticker, a warning triangle or fluorescent vests, all can be purchased from local ŠKODA retailers.

Warren Richards, Head of Service and Parts Operations at ŠKODA UK said, "Families will be packing up the car ready for holidays all over the UK in the coming week. Our Health Check gives our customers peace of mind that their vehicle is in perfect condition."

"Customers can rely on our fully-trained technicians to deliver an outstanding service and a hassle-free experience. Our technicians focus on the areas most likely to have suffered wear and tear in between recommended service intervals such as brakes and tyres, which can play on motorists' mind during long journeys.”

To book a Summer Health Check visit www.skoda.co.uk or visit your local retailer.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

Milton Keynes, 8 July, 2016: The Awards were judged by The Telegraph’s panel of road test experts with the findings based on a wide variety of factors including road tests, first drives and extended ownership assessments. The Superb was praised for its driving dynamics and high levels of equipment, with the panel highlighting its generous levels of interior space.

Commenting on the award, The Telegraph’s judges said: “You don’t even need to upgrade to the estate model to get huge practicality from ŠKODA’s Superb. Throw in a smooth ride, great safety credentials and low running costs and you’ve got a fantastic family car.”

This latest title comes in the same week that Auto Express named the Superb Best Family Car and Best Estate car as part of its 2016 New Car Awards. Since its launch last September, the third-generation Superb has won 11 industry awards in the UK – making it one of the most decorated cars in ŠKODA’s history.

The Superb range starts from £19,060 for the hatch version and £20,260 for the estate. Available with five trim grades, including the all-new SportLine variant - power outputs range from 120PS to 280PS, while transmission options include DSG automatic gearboxes and four-wheel drive.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk