Skoda Auto Heads Towards Its 2009 Sales Target

MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM – November 17, 2009: The Czech Republic's largest car manufacturer is already very close to its 2009 sales target. With sales of 570,217 vehicles worldwide between January and October, Škoda Auto is just 1.7% below 2008’s record-breaking sales figure.

China is a major contributor to Škoda Auto’s sales target - over 100,000 cars have been sold so far this year already. After just three years in the Chinese market Škoda has achieved 93% growth year on year.

Reinhard Fleger, Škoda Auto’s BOD Member responsible for sales, said, “Having become one of the key markets in Škoda Auto's global strategy, China is playing a major role in the brand's future development. The Octavia has been a great success since its launch in June 2007. The Fabia, launched last December, is also very successful. The launch of the Superb in August this year was exceedingly important for further expansion in this market. Passing the milestone of 100,000 vehicles is a big step in developing the Škoda brand in China and also a great motivation to ensure that this positive trend continues.”

Alfred Rieck, Škoda’s China President and Volkswagen Group’s China Vice-President added, “Škoda is very well accepted by our Chinese customers and this applies to all three models that we have launched in China. We intend to offer high-quality products here that surpass our customers' expectations.”

In the UK, Škoda has delivered 29,500 new cars to customers between January and October this year. The introduction of the new cross over, Yeti, in September has been a great success with over 800 orders taken since launch. The scrappage scheme has also had a positive impact for Škoda with over 9,300 orders taken since the scheme started.