Record Quarter: ŠKODA delivers 247,200 vehicles to customers in the first quarter; 12.1% increase

• Record Quarter: ŠKODA delivers 247,200 vehicles to customers in the first quarter; 12.1% increase
• Sales increase by 23.7% between January and March to three billion euros
• Operating profit increases by 65.2% to 185 million euros
• Model campaign picks up the pace in 2014

ŠKODA’s deliveries, sales revenue and operating profit increased dramatically in the first quarter of 2014. ŠKODA sold a total of 247,200 vehicles in the first quarter; more than ever before in the first three months of a year. This is an increase of 12.1% over the same period last year. The carmaker’s sales revenue was a record high, increasing 23.7% over the same period in 2012 to three billion euros (2.986 billion euros).

 

“ŠKODA has made an excellent start to 2014, continuing on its road to success,” says ŠKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “Our model campaign is coming into fruition. The best first sales quarter in our corporate history and the excellent developments in sales revenue and profit have been the result of a strong team performance and working consistently on renewing our model range. Our new models have been very well received on the international markets, especially the new Octavia. We are delighted that we are inspiring new consumer groups who are becoming increasingly interested in our brand.  We plan to grow further and lay increased emphasis on ŠKODA’s most comprehensive model campaign ever.”

Between January and March 2014, ŠKODA’s sales revenues grew by 23.7% to nearly three billion euros (2.986 billion euros). The operating profit stood at 185 million euros, representing an increase of 65.2% over the first three months of 2013 (112 million euros). The operating margin, at 6.2%, was well above the previous year’s figure of 4.6%. Alongside the increase in sales figures, the improved model line-up also contributed significantly to the better operating profit. The company’s investments reached 73 million euros.

“ŠKODA continued on the road of profitable growth during the first quarter,” explains ŠKODA CFO Winfried Krause. “The investments into products over the last year to renew the model range are now leading to an increase in sales revenue and operating profit.

“These positive developments prove the company’s strength and will be the financial basis for continuing our model campaign. At the same time, we remain committed to strict cost discipline.”

ŠKODA AUTO Group – key figures in the quarterly comparison, January-March 2014/2013:

			January - March		2014/2013
			2014	2013	change in %
Deliveries to customers	cars		247,200	220,400	12.2
Del. to customers, w/o China	cars		185,200	162,700	13.8
Production	cars		199,000	159,600	24.7
Sales	cars		214,000	178,800	19.7
Sales revenue	mil EUR		2,986	2,414	23.7
Operating Profit	mil EUR		185	112	65.2
Operating Profit (% of sales revenue)	%		6.2	4.6	-
Investments (w/o capitalized development costs)	mil EUR		73	84	- 13.1
Net liquidity	mil EUR		1,754	1,593	10.1