ŠKODA AUTO remains on the path to growth

• ŠKODA sells 70,200 vehicles – up 4.6% (February 2013: 67,100)
• Solid trend: Sixth month of successive growth; up 16% in Europe
• New ŠKODA Octavia massive hit: One-third increase in West & Central Europe
• ŠKODA picking up the pace: Model and design campaign moves into next stage
• ŠKODA UK enjoys most successful February with 2,341 registrations

ŠKODA AUTO remains on the path to growth. In February, the Czech manufacturer’s sales worldwide increased by 4.6% to 70,200 vehicles (February 2013: 67,100). ŠKODA also recorded double-digit growth in Europe (16%). The new ŠKODA Octavia is proving to be a massive hit, with sales up by around one third in Western & Central Europe.

“ŠKODA is continuing to perform well in 2014,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “After the best January ever, we have also recorded significant growth in February. Our growth is proving to be stable: our sales have increased every month over the last six months. The response we have had from our customers proves that our new models have been very well received.”

After a record year in 2013, with eight new or completely revised models, the ŠKODA design and model campaign is moving into the next stage. The carmaker is presenting the current model range at the Geneva Motor Show. Highlight is the spectacular ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ – the brand’s five-door coupé design concept. The emotional concept embodies the next stage in the development of ŠKODA’s design language. ŠKODA is also highlighting the brand’s dynamics in Geneva, with a whole range of new models and model versions. The new ŠKODA Octavia Scout and the new ŠKODA Octavia G TEC, which runs on CNG, take the limelight in Geneva as they celebrate their world premieres. The new top-of-the-range Laurin & Klement ŠKODA Octavia can also be seen there for the first time. The Motor Show is also host to ŠKODA’s three new sporty Monte Carlo special editions of the ŠKODA Yeti, ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback and ŠKODA Citigo.

In Western Europe, ŠKODA once again recorded significant growth in February. Deliveries to customers increased by 13.2% to 28,900 vehicles (February 2013: 25,500). With an increase of 9.0% to 10,800 vehicles delivered, ŠKODA is fast building its position as the strongest import brand in Germany. The brand also recorded strong growth in the UK, with sales increasing by 40.6%to 2,600 units. Sales in the Netherlands more than doubled (1,400 vehicles; up 101.0%). Double-digit growth was recorded in Austria (1,700 vehicles; up 42.4%), Spain (1,600 vehicles; up 19.0%), Italy (1,200 vehicles; up 14.8%), Sweden (1,100 vehicles; up 25.1%), Ireland (1,000 vehicles; up 22.4%), Finland (800 vehicles; up 35.8%), Norway (500 vehicles; up 14.1%) and in Portugal (200 vehicles; up 55.7%).

In the UK, ŠKODA reached a record February with 2,341 registrations (February 2013: 1,757).

In Eastern Europe (including Russia), ŠKODA sales increased by 3.0% to 8,900 vehicles in February (February 2013: 8,700). In Russia, ŠKODA’s third largest market, the manufacturer achieved an increase in deliveries of 1.0% to 6,400 (February 2013: 6,300). ŠKODA sold 400 vehicles in Serbia, representing growth of 48.7% compared to February 2013. In Kazakhstan, deliveries increased by 41.1% to 300 vehicles, the Baltic States by 24.6% to 400 units. In Bulgaria, ŠKODA achieved a sales increase of 10.5%.

ŠKODA is coming into its own in Central Europe, where deliveries to customers increased by 35.7%to 12,900 vehicles in February (February 2013: 9,500). A total of 5,400 vehicles were delivered to customers in ŠKODA’s home market, the Czech Republic; up 27.2% over February 2013 (4,300 deliveries). Significant growth was also recorded in Poland (4,900 vehicles; up 67.9%), Slovakia (1,300 vehicles, up 10.6%), Slovenia (400 vehicles; up 38.0%), and Croatia (200 vehicles; up 34.6%).

In China, ŠKODA sold 14,300 vehicles in February (February 2013: 17,700; -19.6 %). The new ŠKODA Octavia is being launched on the Chinese market by mid of this year.

In India, ŠKODA sold 1,300 vehicles (February 2013: 1,800; -28.2%). 1,600 vehicles went to customers in Israel; up 32.4% (February 2013: 1,200 deliveries). In Turkey, sales increased by 25.6% to 600 units (February 2013: 500 units).

ŠKODA deliveries to customers in February 2014 (in units, rounded off, by model; +/- in % over February 2013):

• ŠKODA Octavia (26,400; -2.0 %)
• ŠKODA Fabia (12,200; -21.2 %)
• ŠKODA Superb (6,700; -23.3 %)
• ŠKODA Yeti (6,700; +17.5 %)
• ŠKODA Roomster (2,400; -0.3 %)
• ŠKODA Rapid (12,800; +212.1 %)
• ŠKODA Citigo (Sold only in Europe: 3,000; -18.8 %)