Skoda Prepares For Fleet Growth

MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM – November 10, 2008: Škoda has made changes to its Business Sales Department to accommodate increased demand and build capacity for the anticipated 2,600 fleet sales of the new Superb, recently shortlisted for 2009 Car of the Year award.

The Czech manufacturer has seen its share of the fleet market grow to 1.8 per cent this year, up from 1.5 this time last year. It is now channelling its business sales resources to support a more national focus which has seen the department work more closely with the fleet industry in recent months.

Changes include Andy Thomas taking the role of National Contract Hire and Agency Manager, Helen Grant becoming Contract Hire and Leasing Account Manager and Jane Roxburgh taking the position of Business Sales Support Manager.

The move is designed to ensure Škoda maintains high levels of fleet customer service, continues to work more closely with the contract hire and leasing company sector and takes full advantage of business opportunities.

Commenting on the changes, Martin Burke, Head of Business Sales at Škoda, said: “The fleet market has woken up to Škoda and we are seeing this directly in sales and feedback from major leasing partners.

“We have changed our business sales focus this year and moved away from retailer-led business to a more national approach to help us capitalise on the success of our cars in the sector and prepare for future growth. The latest team changes will ensure we can continue our good work.

“Škoda’s product mix, value for money offering, green credentials and a customer-focused approach create an irresistible package for fleet managers, offering them continued support throughout the lifecycle of a vehicle from delivery to de-fleet. The build quality of Škoda vehicles sees the brand continuously pick up awards and we have worked hard to manage our residual values to ensure fleet customers benefit from sector leading wholelife costs.”

Škoda has recently added the Superb Greenline, which emits a mere 136 CO2 g/km, to its environmentally conscious GreenLine range. Two thirds of all Škodas currently produced fall below the 160 g/km emission threshold, placing the manufacturer among the most environmentally friendly car brands.