Alan Hinkes' Hunt for the Yeti Ends With Skoda

MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM – Sept 1, 2010: After years spent on the hunt for the evasive Yeti, mountaineer Alan Hinkes OBE’s search trail has led not to the Himalayas, but to a face to face encounter with the legendary abominable snowman courtesy of car manufacturer Škoda.

The first Briton to climb all 14 of the world’s highest mountains, Alan’s latest challenge is to scale the tallest peaks in the 39 old English shire counties in world record-breaking time. Ahead of his quest, Škoda has provided the explorer with a vital piece of equipment to help him on the road to conquering the summits, a Škoda Yeti.

Recently named ‘Car of the Year 2010’ and ‘Crossover of the Year’ at the Auto Express New Car Awards, the Yeti offers all the robustness of a 4x4 combined with the versatility of a family hatch to help navigate all types of terrain.

The expedition started on 27th August in Alan’s home county of North Yorkshire, the voyage will see Alan travelling cross country, taking on peaks from Cornwall and Devon to Cumberland and Lancashire. Throughout the trip Alan will be raising money for Mountain Rescue, a mountain and cave rescue service in England and Wales.

Alan Hinkes OBE, said: “I’m extremely grateful to Škoda for providing me with a Yeti, it will certainly make life a lot easier when travelling from peak to peak. I’m very much looking forward to taking on this new challenge, after a lifetime of achievements in various countries across the world it will be extra special to achieve something of this magnitude in my home country.”

Catherine Sleigh, Head of Press and PR Škoda UK said: “We support Alan’s record attempt fully and were keen to do something to help him along the way. The right type of transport is essential for a journey such as Alan’s, which is where the Yeti comes in. It is designed to handle tough landscapes and extreme weather so is more than capable of taking on this task. We wish Alan every success for his expedition.”

The Yeti combines safety, comfort and bold styling in a car that drivers and their families will love to own. It is available in front-wheel or four-wheel drive, in a choice of five diesel or petrol engines and four trim levels.

The Yeti is available from £13,990. For more information visit www.skoda.co.uk