Skoda Auto Shows Quarter Three Profit

MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM – November 2, 2009: Škoda Auto has delivered 6.5% more vehicles to its customers from July through September 2009 than it did over the same period of 2008 - 174,984 versus 164,258 last year.

The Czech Republic´s largest car manufacturer delivered 504,625 cars to its customers from January through September 2009. Škoda’s deliveries slowed by a relatively low 5.0%, compared to the global car market, which saw an 11.9% year-on-year fall.

The Škoda Auto Group manufactured a total of 387,574 vehicles over the first nine months of this year, 22.4% fewer than it did over the same period of 2008. In addition to the Škoda Auto Group factories, Škoda Auto manufactured 89,911 vehicles in China during the first three quarters of 2009. Škoda will contribute EUR 162.4 million of its operating profit to the overall figures of the Volkswagen Group as a result of its sales performance (Quarters 1 -3 2009).

Škoda Auto Board of Directors Chairman Reinhard Jung said: “Just like the entire automotive industry, our results are substantially affected by the global economic recession. We have adopted a number of measures to remain financially strong and steady. To combat the current problems in the automotive market, we have launched some new, attractive products.

“The Škoda Yeti has been launched successfully, and we have extended the portfolio of our environmentally-friendly GreenLine vehicles. Furthermore, we presented the estate version of our flagship product, the Škoda Superb, at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show and the feedback we are getting is very positive.

“For the first time this year, Škoda Auto has seen its sales figures grow in the third quarter. We expect this positive trend to continue also over the last three months of 2009. This year has been very difficult for the entire automotive industry. Yet we have been able to achieve very good results despite adverse macroeconomic conditions.”

Škoda UK sales continue to rebound, with September sales up 24% over September 2008 levels. Year to date, Škoda has delivered 25,412 new cars to customers across the UK.

Skoda UK Brand Director Robert Hazelwood commented: “The current trend is very encouraging. The great value we offer has convinced scrappage and non-scrappage customers alike that a new Škoda is the right car for the times. We’re confident that we’ll reach a record market share level this year.”