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

Skoda has sold the 2 Millionth car in China, less that 3.5 years since the first million.

• Milestone vehicle is a ŠKODA SUPERB Ambition with 1.4 TSI engine
• ŠKODA OCTAVIA bestseller in China with more than a million delivered units
• In 2017, ŠKODA is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its entry into the Chinese market
• China is the largest single market for the Czech car manufacturer
• Volkswagen, SAIC Motor Corporation Limited and ŠKODA AUTO agree an investment plan worth €2 billion for vehicles with alternative drive systems and several SUVs

ŠKODA has delivered its two-millionth vehicle in China. The milestone vehicle is a ŠKODA SUPERB with a 1.4 TSI engine in Polar White. 

Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing, handed over the brand’s flagship to customer Li Hongan in Shanghai. China is the largest single market for the long-established Czech brand. 

In 2017, ŠKODA is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its entry into the Chinese market.

“As our largest single market, China is an important pillar of the ŠKODA growth strategy,” said Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. 

“We are delighted that our ŠKODA model range is being so well received by Chinese consumers and that we have already been able to convince two million customers of the merits of our vehicles. 

We intend to continue to press ahead with this successful development in the years to come. Our SUV campaign, which ŠKODA is now also launching in China, is expected to contribute to this,” added Eichhorn.

The development of ŠKODA in China is an unprecedented success story. The Czech manufacturer entered the Chinese market in 2007. Back then, ŠKODA began production of the OCTAVIA locally under the umbrella of SAIC Volkswagen. 

In close collaboration with the Chinese joint venture partner, China became ŠKODA’s most important single market as early as 2010. After six years and three months, it had reached the milestone of the first million vehicles sold; it took a mere three and a half years to sell the second million.

As the bestseller, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA is at the top of the popularity scale. The two million vehicles sold in China included almost 1,107,000 of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA, more than 305,000 ŠKODA RAPIDs, nearly 268,000 of the ŠKODA SUPERB, over 251,000 ŠKODA FABIAs and around 69,000 of the ŠKODA YETI. Today, the brand is one of the established volume manufacturers in China. A total of six ŠKODA model ranges roll off the production line in China, i.e. the FABIA, RAPID, RAPID SPACEBACK, OCTAVIA, YETI and SUPERB. The KODIAQ, ŠKODA’s first large SUV, will be launched in the second quarter of 2017.

“KODIAQ represents an important step for ŠKODA in China. It is an entry of the brand into a completely new segment but it is also a start of a comprehensive SUV campaign. During this campaign ŠKODA will bring four SUVs for the Chinese market. We are very confident about this step and the first reactions show us that it is the right direction for the brand,” said Michael Arndt, Executive Director for Sales and Marketing at SAIC ŠKODA.

In 2016, ŠKODA delivered more than 300,000 vehicles in China for the first time – a record for the brand. With this, ŠKODA grew by 12.6 per cent in its largest single market compared to the previous year, clocking up sales of 317,100 vehicles (2015: 281,700 vehicles).

ŠKODA incorporates specific requirements and preferences of Chinese customers into the concept, design and features of newly developed models. With the SUV campaign, which is gathering pace with the launch of the KODIAQ, ŠKODA is transferring its expressive design into the SUV segment and emphasising the brand’s emotive power. The SUV campaign is an important pillar of the current ŠKODA strategy.

ŠKODA will further develop its position and increase its presence in the Chinese market in the future. During the state visit of the Chinese president Xi Jinping to the Czech Republic on 30th March 2016, Volkswagen, SAIC Motor Corporation Limited and ŠKODA AUTO signed a memorandum of understanding concerning a five-year investment plan worth €2 billion. The objective is to expand the current model range, for example by adding vehicles with alternative drive systems and several SUVs.

Skoda adds two new trim levels to the Yeti range to assist boosting sales, both with added kit for minimum cost.

• Featuring up to £2,295 worth of extra equipment for just £935
• SE Drive and SE L Drive based on already generously-equipped SE and SE L trims
• Choice of three engines; 1.2-litre TSI 110PS, 2.0-litre TDI 110PS and 2.0-litre TDI 150PS with front or four-wheel drive and manual or DSG automatic transmissions
• Prices start at £20,095, available to order now

ŠKODA adds SE Drive and SE L Drive models to best-selling Yeti SUV range. Based on SE and SE L models, the SE Drive adds £2,295 of extra equipment for just £935 over the price of the SE it is based on, while SE L Drive offers extra kit worth £1,850 for £755 more than the standard SE L.

Since its launch in the UK in 2009 the ŠKODA Yeti SUV has been a huge sales success, with over 13,600 being registered in the UK in 2016 alone – its best ever year.

Revised in 2014 its new exterior design, upgraded interior and enhanced specification levels mean the Yeti continues to charm UK buyers with its on-road performance, family orientated practicality and rugged styling. 

Building on the already generous specification of the Yeti SE, which includes dual-zone climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors and Bluetooth telephone connectivity, SE Drive adds Amundsen satellite navigation with DAB radio, auto-dimming rear view mirror, heated windscreen, heated front seats and front parking sensors. SE Drive models are further distinguished by new seat upholstery and distinctive 17-inch Matterhorn alloy wheels.

Based on the SE L trim, SE L Drive models benefit from all of the above plus leather upholstery, LED rear lights, part silver roof rails, 17-inch Origami alloy wheels and Bi-Xenon headlights.

The Yeti SE Drive and SE L Drive are available with three engines; two diesels and one petrol. The 1.2 TSI petrol engine generates 110PS and buyers can choose from a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The 2.0-litre TDI 110PS comes with a manual gearbox and the option of four-wheel drive. Those choosing the more powerful 2.0-litre TDI 150PS will benefit from four-wheel drive as standard.

Yeti Outdoor SE Drive		Recommended OTR
SE Drive	1.2 TSI 110PS	£20,095.00
	1.2 TSI 110PS DSG	£21,195.00
	2.0 TDI 110PS SCR	£21,440.00
	2.0 TDI 110PS 4x4 SCR	£23,170.00
	2.0 TDI 150PS 4x4 SCR	£24,280.00
	2.0 TDI 150PS 4x4 DSG SCR	£25,390.00

Yeti Outdoor SE L Drive		Recommended OTR
SE L Drive	1.2 TSI 110PS	£21,745.00
	1.2 TSI 110PS DSG	£22,845.00
	2.0 TDI 110PS SCR	£23,090.00
	2.0 TDI 150PS 4x4 SCR	£26,030.00
	2.0 TDI 150PS 4x4 DSG SCR	£27,140.00

Skoda expands Kvasiny into a competence centre as it tops 2 million cars produced.

• Milestone vehicle is the new ŠKODA KODIAQ in Moon White
• Modern production site: ŠKODA invests around seven billion crowns into Kvasiny plant
• Largest employer in region: additional 2,600 qualified workers by end of 2016

ŠKODA has now built two million vehicles at the Kvasiny plant. The milestone vehicle – a ŠKODA KODIAQ in Moon White – rolled off the production line at the traditional Czech company’s site.

“Kvasiny is a state-of-the-art production facility with a great tradition and an outstanding team. As an important cornerstone of ŠKODA’s production network, the Kvasiny plant will be making a key contribution to ŠKODA Strategy 2025,” says ŠKODA Board Member for Production and Logistics Michael Oeljeklaus. 

“The site’s annual production volume will continue to increase over the coming years. To this end, we will be investing heavily into the location, expanding Kvasiny into a competence centre for the production of SUV vehicles among other things. 

We have recently reached an important milestone in this regard by launching production of the ŠKODA KODIAQ."

The Kvasiny plant has a tradition spanning the last 80 years, and is one of the most important employers in the Hradec Králové region. Cars such as the JAWA 700 were produced here as early as the 1930s. 

The first ŠKODA to be manufactured at Kvasiny was the ŠKODA SUPERB in 1947. In subsequent years, the models FELICIA (1958 to 1964), (1970 to 1980), ŠKODA pickup / VW Caddy pickup (1995 to 2001), SUPERB, ROOMSTER and YETI ran off the production Line.

The ŠKODA plant in East Bohemia is currently undergoing the most significant modernisation and expansion in its history. As part of the comprehensive SUV campaign, which was launched with the ŠKODA KODIAQ, the manufacturer has invested approximately seven billion crowns into the location. 

Over the next few years, the production capacity of the plant will steadily increase to 280,000 vehicles annually. An additional 2600 employees had been added to the workforce by the end of 2016, and ŠKODA will be creating new jobs this year, as well. 

The company is one of the largest industrial employers in the region.

Automobile production at Kvasiny – important milestones

1934

The body shop Jawa Kvasiny is founded.

1947

Production launch of the ŠKODA SUPERB.

1959

Kvasiny launches the production of the convertible ŠKODA FELICIA.

1970

Production launch of the sporty coupé ŠKODA 110 R.

1981

Production launch of the ŠKODA GARDE / RAPID.

1991

ŠKODA joins the Volkswagen Group.

2001

ŠKODA’s new flagship, the SUPERB rolls off the production lines at Kvasiny.

2006

Launch of the ŠKODA ROOMSTER model produced at Kvasiny.

2009

The new ŠKODA YETI compact SUV is produced at Kvasiny.

2013

January: The assembly of the ŠKODA ROOMSTER returns to Kvasiny.

July: The new combined heat and power plant (CHP) becomes operational. Around 3 million euros go into creating an environmental project, later awarded ‘eco-project of the year’ in the Czech Republic.

November: 1.5 million vehicles have been produced at Kvasiny.

December: 500,000th second-generation ŠKODA SUPERBs have been produced at Kvasiny.

2014

September: The Kvasiny plant celebrates 80 years of operation.

2015

March: The third generation ŠKODA SUPERB rolls off the line. ŠKODA invests heavily in new production technologies, assembly and logistics areas for the start of production of the brand’s flagship made in Kvasiny. 

Around 62.3 million euros were invested in the new body construction alone.

October: The 500,000th ŠKODA YETI is manufactured at Kvasiny.

2016

October: The brand’s first large SUV – the ŠKODA KODIAQ – is manufactured at Kvasiny.