Škoda Auto announces sales, turnover and profits for the first quarter of 2017.

• ŠKODA achieves best first quarter in company’s history
• Sales revenue increases by 28.3% to 4.3 billion euros compared to same period last year
• Operating profit increases by 31.7% to 415 million euros
• ŠKODA delivers 283,500 vehicles (+ 2.5%) in first three months of 2017
• Bernhard Maier: “ŠKODA was doing well during the first three months of the year and is on a stable growth path. However, the 2017 automotive year remains challenging.”

ŠKODA is highlighting its path to growth with the best first quarter in the company’s 122-year history. Never before has the traditional Czech brand achieved such strong results in sales revenue, deliveries and operating profit between January and March. The manufacturer delivered 283,500 vehicles (+ 2.5%) worldwide. Sales revenue increased by 28.3% to 4.3 billion euros in the same period, while ŠKODA’s operating profit increased by 31.7% to 415 million euros.

“ŠKODA was doing well during the first three months of the year and is on a stable growth path. However, the 2017 automotive year remains challenging; the volatile developments in some markets and the harsh competitive environment require careful attention,” says ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier, adding: “With our Strategy 2025, we are preparing the company for the social and technological changes facing the automotive industry. 

The recently presented electric study VISION E provides an outlook on how ŠKODA is actively shaping the individual mobility of tomorrow.”

In terms of sales revenue, ŠKODA grew by 28.3% to 4.334 billion euros between January and March 2017 (first quarter 2016: 3.379 billion euros). Operating profit rose by 31.7% to 415 million euros (first quarter 2016: 315 million euros). Return on sales grew by 0.3% compared to the same period last year and currently stands at 9.6%.

“Despite a challenging market environment and high volatility in exchange rates, ŠKODA achieved desirable results in the first quarter. The higher profitability is mainly attributable to positive volume, mix and exchange-rate effects,” says ŠKODA CFO Klaus-Dieter Schürmann. “We continue to operate from a position of financial strength. In light of the sometimes unpredictable developments in some regions of the world, it is more important than ever to work very cost-effectively.”

In terms of model series, the brand's flagship, the ŠKODA SUPERB, the small car FABIA and the compact RAPID achieved above-average growth rates. From January to March the SUPERB increased by 18.9% to 38,300 deliveries compared to the same quarter last year. The FABIA also posted strong growth in the first quarter (54,600 vehicles, + 10.2%). The RAPID developed positively with sales of 51,800 vehicles (+ 6.8%) in the first quarter of 2017.

With Strategy 2025, ŠKODA is consistently driving the growth of the brand, while simultaneously preparing for the technological and social changes facing the international automotive industry. Key elements of the strategy include expanding the SUV model range, the electrification of ŠKODA’s model range, the brand’s further internationalisation, and developing new integrated digital mobility solutions.

ŠKODA AUTO Group – Key figures for quarterly comparison, January to March 2017/2016 *:

		January - March		2017/2016
		2017	2016	Changes in %
Deliveries to customers	Cars	283,500	276,600	+2.5
Deliveries to customers excl China	Cars	216,700	201,200	+7.7
Production**	Cars	234,300	197,800	+18.5
Sales***	Cars	252,400	207,100	+21.9
Sales revenue	Million EUR	4,334	3,379	+28.3
Operating profit	Million EUR	415	315	+31.7
Return on sales	%	9.6	9.3	-
Investments (w/o capitalised
development costs)	Million EUR	96	71	+35.2
Net cash flow	Million EUR	591	527	+12.1

* Percentage deviations are calculated from non-rounded figures.

** Comprises the production of the ŠKODA brand, without production in China, Slovakia, Russia or India, but does include other Group brands, such as SEAT, Audi and VW; Vehicle production without part/complete kits

*** Comprises sales of the ŠKODA brand and includes other Group brands, such as SEAT, Audi and VW; Vehicle sales without part/complete kits

UK SALES MARCH - Seat - The Spanish brand posts Record March sales and a record first quarter.

• SEAT UK posts record-breaking new car registrations in March, a third successive monthly high that sets the seal on a record first quarter and makes SEAT one of the fastest-growing car brands in 2017 year-to-date*
• 11,200 registrations mark a 29.1 per cent increase on March 2016 volumes, also making the UK SEAT’s largest global market for the month
• Q1 year-on-year growth of 25.3 per cent is the highest for any brand in the UK outside the premium segment
• Led by success of recently launched New Leon and Ateca, UK order books bursting too, running at record levels for the quarter
• Further UK growth set to be fuelled by relentless product range expansion, including arrival of All-new Ibiza and All-new Arona, just a few months away

SEAT has rewritten its record books with new car registrations reaching unprecedented heights in March and the first quarter of the year. The super-stylish Spanish brand saw 11,200 new cars registered in the past month, an increase of 29.1 per cent on the same period in 2016.

Customers are following the critics in choosing SEAT as a brand that delivers an unrivalled combination of stylish design, sporting character, top quality and technology and impressive value – qualities that run deep through its multi-award winning model range.

The breathtaking results complete a hat-trick of record performances for SEAT in the first three months of the year, taking the brand’s UK total to 16,782. The year-on-year increase of 25.3 per cent is the best for any brand in the British market, outside the premium segment.

Customer demand for SEAT models is such that new vehicle orders are also running at record levels, in private and true fleet sales.

This impressive rate of growth is consolidating SEAT’s presence in the UK, where its first quarter share of the market has risen to 2.05 per cent, up from 1.73% in 2016.

Richard Harrison, SEAT UK Director, said: “Our sustainable growth strategy is right on plan, thanks to the award-winning products coming out of Barcelona, a massive boost in brand awareness, and the hard work invested by everyone in our business and our dealer partners to make more customers aware of the great range of products we can now offer them.

“What’s even more exciting is that there is still yet more to come, with the prospect of the All-new Ibiza and All-new Arona crossover both arriving later in the year, on top of Ateca - which is now firmly established as the new benchmark in the compact SUV class - 2017 is set to be a record breaking year for the SEAT brand.”

UK SALES MARCH - Hyundai - The Korean company broke a whole host of records last month.

• March sales set new monthly record for Hyundai Motor UK and for Hyundai in Europe
• First quarter total of 27,856 units is another record, and nearly 9% up on expectations
• New milestones reached for i10 and Tucson sales, outside of scrappage

UK new car registrations data for March shows that Hyundai Motor UK broke multiple sales records last month, including the biggest ever monthly total for the Company and for any of Hyundai’s European subsidiaries. 

Total sales of 18,460 cars in March beat the previous UK record – set in September 2016. Dealer sales were up 13.9% and growth was split across private and fleet sectors, up 15% and 4.1% in the month, respectively.

Hyundai’s first quarter tally of 27,856 units represents growth of 9.8% compared to the same period in 2016, and is a record 8.8% ahead of UK business plan. 

Furthermore, the Hyundai i10 and Tucson recorded sales of 5,964 and 5,394, respectively. These are the biggest ever UK sales for both models.

The new i10 continues to win buyers in the city car segment, with sales up more than 38.4% on the year to date and registering a 12.8% market share. It is Hyundai’s best-selling car in 2017 so far, achieving sales of 8,751 units in the first three months. Hot on its heels is the Tucson, with first quarter sales of 8,409 units – a significant increase of 30.7% on the same period in 2016.

The arrival of the New Generation i30 5-door and IONIQ and the forthcoming launches of IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid, i30 Tourer and the i30 N high-performance model later this year are set to continue Hyundai’s UK sales success story in 2017.

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK, commented: “March was a landmark month for Hyundai Motor UK, setting a new sales record for the brand in the UK and in Europe, and showing strong growth across the board, with increased demand from private buyers as well as fleet customers. The i10 and Tucson continue to spearhead our sales, with both models up by more than a third compared to March 2016. The New Generation i30 family will continue to bolster our growth in 2017, and we anticipate plenty of excitement about IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid, too – particularly since the Electric and Hybrid models have gone down so well with UK buyers.”

Earlier this month, Hyundai Motor announced the name of its new sub-compact SUV: Kona. The all-new B-SUV will be the fourth member of the brand’s SUV family in Europe, and will play a key part in Hyundai Motor’s aim to become the leading Asian automotive brand in Europe by 2021.

WORLDWIDE SALES JAN - SEAT has its best start to the year since 2003.

Best result since 2003

• The brand delivers 32,300 cars, 16.5% more than in January of 2016
• Sales experience double-digit growth in Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Italy
• United Kingdom grows registrations by 23.6% compared to January 2016

SEAT’s worldwide sales continue to grow in 2017. After finishing 2016 with the fourth consecutive annual increase, and adding a cumulative growth of nearly 30% since 2012, SEAT posted the best January results since 2003. 

The brand delivered 32,300 cars in the first month of 2017, which represents a 16.5% increase over the same period last year.

“We began the year with solid growth in all our major markets at a rate which is ahead of the sector average. 

The product offensive is already paying off in the form of sales and increased market share. 

The Ateca is enabling us to reach new customers, while Leon demand has grown due to launch of the updated version. Ibiza sales are solid and continue to stay ahead of expectations at the end of the current generation,” said Wayne Griffiths, SEAT Vice-President for Sales and Marketing.

The sales increase was particularly positive in SEAT’s main markets. In the United Kingdom, SEAT registrations grew by 23.6% with 3,854 vehicles registered in January. Spain spearheaded deliveries in January with 6,700 vehicles sold (+41.7%) followed by Germany (5,800; +14.5%) and then the United Kingdom. France (1,700; +14.6%) and Italy (1,600; +25.2%) also posted double-digit growth. Most European countries are growing steadily and contributed to boosting SEAT sales in January. Mexico was another prominent market, posting a 16.3% increase and total sales of 2,700 cars.

“2017 promises to be the most exciting year in our history, with January already off to a record breaking start, thanks to our award-winning model range proving a real hit with customers,” said Richard Harrison, SEAT UK Director.

The updated Leon, the best-selling model in the SEAT range, reached the dealerships in January. In addition, the company also presented the fifth generation Ibiza, which is set to go on sale this summer. With the launch of the Arona in the second half of this year, SEAT is going to complete the largest product offensive in its history, which began in 2016 with the Ateca.

SEAT is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting more than 80% of its vehicles, and is present in over 75 countries. In 2016, SEAT’s achieved worldwide sales of 410,200 units, the highest result since 2007.

SEAT Group employs more than 14,000 professionals at its three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon. Additionally, the company produces the Ateca and the Toledo in the Czech Republic, the Alhambra in Portugal and the Mii in Slovakia. 

The multinational has a Technical Centre, which operates as a knowledge hub that brings together 1,000 engineers who are focussed on developing innovation for Spain’s largest industrial investor in R&D. SEAT already features the latest connectivity technology in its vehicle range and is currently engaged in the company’s global digitisation process to promote the mobility of the future.

Second car sales in 2016 grow significantly, with models, colours and regional differences.

SMMT USED CAR SALES (data for Q4 2016)

8.2 million used cars change hands in 2016 – a 7.3% uplift on the previous year. Q4 demand surpasses 1.8 million – up 5.5% and the biggest final quarter on record.1 Superminis still UK’s most popular body type, but SUVs enjoy biggest growth, with demand rising 16.9%. Growth registered across all fuel types, with alternatively fuelled vehicles leading, up 32.5%. Britain’s used car market reached record levels in 2016 with 8.2 million vehicles finding new owners – an uplift of 7.3% – according to figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).  Meanwhile, 1.8 million used cars changed hands in the fourth quarter, with a 5.5% rise in October making it the second busiest month since the switch to a biannual new car plate change – the busiest month being April of the same year. The market reflected the changes in new car consumer tastes, with smaller car demand showing no sign of slowing.  Superminis were again the best-selling body type accounting for more than a third of all used car sales whilst transactions of city cars grew 11.5%. Of all body types, however, SUVs’ popularity rose fastest – up nearly 17% to take an 8.3% share of the market. Although petrol still leads as the used fuel type of choice with more than 4.6 million traded, its market share fell slightly by -1.5% as alternatively fuelled vehicle (AFV) and diesel demand enjoyed greater growth, again reflecting the shift in new car sales to diesel over the past decade or so. Used AFV registrations rose 32.5%, while diesels increased 11.1% and petrol transactions grew 4.7%. Regionally, 14.9% of all used cars changing hands in 2016 did so in the South East, followed by the North West where more than one in 10 of the UK’s used cars were sold (10.4%), and the East with 9.8% market share. Britain’s best selling used car remained the Ford Fiesta, closely followed by the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Corsa. Meanwhile, silver remained the number one used car colour choice ahead of black and blue, while brown entered the top 10 in place of gold. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said, “On the back of a record 2016 for UK new car registrations, it’s further good news that our used car market is in such good health. Strong demand is testament to the quality, reliability and appeal of cars on sale today, with used buyers enjoying more choice, more low emission, safety and connected technology than ever. Providing economic conditions remain stable and interest rates low, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t see growth in this sector continue in 2017.”

The Seat Leon has become the brands biggest seller, after 18 years & 3 generations.

• Fast approaching its 18th anniversary, the SEAT Leon has established itself as one of the Spanish brand's pillars
• Sales of the third generation Leon have already surpassed the first
• The German market is the biggest for the Leon, followed by Spain and the United Kingdom

SEAT has just launched a reworked version of its SEAT Leon, a model which has sold nearly two million units since it came onto the market in the late 90s. Keep reading to discover nine facts about this model.

• Created in Barcelona. All three generations of the Leon have been designed, developed and produced in the SEAT facilities in Martorell (Barcelona). Giorgetto Giugiaro designed the first generation, Walter da Silva the second, and Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos is the author of the third.
• Nearly two million sold. Since its launch in 1999, 1.8 million units have been sold. 534,797 cars were marketed of the first generation (1999-2005). The second generation (2005–2015) saw an increase of 140,000 units sold compared to the previous one. This upward trend was intensified with the current generation, as in only four years (2012-2016), 566,931 units were sold, which is more than the entire first generation.
• 2016, best year for the Leon. The model brought last year to a close with the highest sales figure in its history, adding 3% compared to the previous year to reach 165,000 units. This was the best sales result of the model since its launch in 1999. 
• An international model. SEAT exports 80% of production of the Leon. The figures also show the increasing internationalisation of the brand as well as the model. Sales of the third generation are following the Spanish company’s trend that Germany remains its main market, where 136,674 units have been sold. 
• Major pillar of the company. Sales of the SEAT Leon exceeded the figures for the Ibiza for the first time in 2014, pointing to the fact that the Leon is the company’s second pillar and has enabled it to explore new segments. A case in point is that the brand’s first SUV, the SEAT Ateca, made its appearance in 2016.
• A world champion vehicle. The SEAT Leon won the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) in 2008 and 2009, making it the first car equipped with a Diesel engine to win this competition.
• Record-setter on the Nürburgring. A SEAT Leon CUPRA driven by Jordi Gené in 2014 became the fastest front-wheel drive production car on the Nürburgring with a lap time of 7:58 minutes. One year later, the Leon ST CUPRA also became the fastest estate car on the famous Nordschleife track with a time of 7:58:12.
• Little-known facts. The third generation SEAT Leon weighs 90 kilos less than the second. In addition, this generation enabled the model to the be first vehicle in its segment to feature Full LED headlights.
• New version of the third generation SEAT Leon. SEAT has just presented the reworked version of the SEAT Leon, with evolved exterior design and an advance in the technology featured on the car: “You might even say that we’ve tucked the Ateca inside the Leon”, said SEAT Vice-president for R&D Matthias Rabe.

SEAT is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting more than 80% of its vehicles, and is present in over 75 countries. In 2015, SEAT’s turnover amounted to over 8.3 billion euros, the highest in its history, and the company achieved worldwide sales of more than 400,000 units for the first time since 2007.

SEAT Group employs more than 14,000 professionals at its three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon. Additionally, the company produces the Ateca and the Toledo in the Czech Republic, the Alhambra in Portugal and the Mii in Slovakia. 

The multinational has a Technical Centre, which operates as a knowledge hub that brings together 1,000 engineers who are focussed on developing innovation for Spain’s largest industrial investor in R&D. SEAT already features the latest connectivity technology in its vehicle range and is currently engaged in the company’s global digitisation process to promote the mobility of the future.