Skoda Auto at The Shanghai Motor Show

SHANGHAI, CHINA – April 20, 2009: The most important motor show in China this year is going to see the official launch of the Superb Hao Rui in the Chinese market. After the Octavia Ming Rui and the Fabia Jing Rui, Škoda's flagship vehicle will become the third model line to be produced by the Shanghai Volkswagen plant. As a result, local customers will have a choice from a portfolio of vehicles adapted to meet their preferences and habits.

The introduction of the Superb Hao Rui is another major step in the Company's expansion in the highly prospective Chinese market and also part of its growth strategy that involves launching one new key model every year. Offering a number of innovative solutions including the TwinDoor tailgate system, this prestigious vehicle is going to be available with 1.8 TSI (six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission) and 2.0 TSI (six-speed automatic transmission) engines.

Škoda will also present the latest environmentally-friendly concept car based on its existing model. The visitors will have a chance to see the popular Octavia Ming Rui as a GreenLine version fitted with a 1.4 TSI engine and a DSG transmission. Available in the local market since June 2007, the Octavia Ming Rui has become very popular; last year's sales of this line totalled nearly 60,000 vehicles.

Available in China since late 2008, the Fabia Jing Rui will be represented by mass-produced models with elegant white roofs, as well as the Sport Edition, an attractive sports concept car. The winner of many prestigious awards, this model line has been a choice for more than 2,500 customers over the first three months of 2009.

Using a network of more than 200 authorised dealers and service partners, Škoda delivered altogether 59,284 vehicles to its customers in the Chinese market last year. Extending the portfolio with the Fabia Jing Rui and the Superb Hao Rui is supposed to increase the Company's sales significantly.

In this connection, Škoda Auto Board of Directors Chairman Reinhard Jung said: “Last year was another record-breaking one for us – we delivered almost 675,000 vehicles to our customers, 7 % more as compared to 2007. We also continued developing the brand to become a strong international player – we are now present in over 100 markets worldwide. The Chinese market keeps gaining in importance for Škoda Auto as – despite the current global economic crisis – it belongs to those with a great potential for growth.”

Škoda's press conference is going to take place at the brand's stand in the Shanghai New International Expo Center on 20 April, 2009, at 10:30 AM local time.