Skoda Auto at the Beijing Motor Show

MLADA BOLESLAV, CZECH REPUBLIC - Škoda Auto presents altogether 10 vehicles of three model lines at China's most important motor show held this year. The special atmosphere of the event enhances the impact of the presentation of Škoda's whole portfolio and, in particular, the main new arrival in the Chinese market, i.e., the Fabia. By presenting its European models, Škoda Auto shows its technological potential (Octavia RS and Scout) and environmental orientation (Fabia GreenLine) to Chinese industry experts.

The Fabia model line, the main magnet of the Company's presentation portfolio, is shown in both available body versions. Besides a hatchback with an attractive white-painted roof, the visitors can see the Fabia GreenLine, an environmentally friendly model whose combined CO2 emissions are just 109 g/km.

The Octavia line includes both European models and the Octavia Mingrui that has built a very good position in the Chinese market. The European models include the Octavia RS (sports version) and the Octavia Scout.

The domestic production is represented by the Octavia Mingrui, i.e., a vehicle that has earned recognition for high quality and safety (five stars at C-NCAP, China Auto Pictorial Car of 2008).

The launch of the Octavia Mingrui was a milestone in Škoda's new-age history and a moment that confirmed the importance of the Chinese market for the Czech car manufacturer with a tradition of over a hundred years. 16,212 cars were sold during the first three months of 2008 and more than 43,000 Octavia Mingrui vehicles found their customers since the launch in June 2007.

Škoda Auto is going to launch the Fabia in the Chinese market this year and then it is going to launch one new model every year. The objective is to offer extensive Škoda portfolio, from the compact Fabia models to the prestigious Superb.

Škoda Auto achieved record sales and continued expanding to new markets last year. Shortly before the end of the year, the Company set up presence in Australia, its 100th market. The brand is enjoying dynamic growth in terms of record sales and production figures, as well as geographical expansion. Škoda Auto's production and assembly plants are currently in the Czech Republic, Russia, India, China, Kazakhstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ukraine.