Popular Octavia leads Skoda’s market charge

Last year, 2011, was the best fiscal year so far in Czech carmaker Skoda's corporate history, setting new records in deliveries, sales and profit.

Deliveries to customers rose by 15.3 per cent to 879,200 cars from January to December 2011 (2010: 762,600 units).

At the same time, Skoda's sales increased 18.1 per cent to 10.3 billion euros (2010: 8.7 billion euros), thus crossing the 10-billion-euros threshold for the first time.

Operating profit improved by 66.1 per cent to €743 million (2010: €447m). The company believes it is well prepared for the years ahead. It is aiming to raise deliveries to at least 1.5 million cars per year by 2018 thanks to new models and increased internationalisation.

Led by the Citigo subcompact and the Rapid saloon, which is sold in India, the brand’s model offensive is now well on its way.

“Our Skoda growth strategy is bringing results,” said CEO Winfried Vahland at the company’s annual press conference in Prague last week.

 “We improved, both in terms of deliveries and in financial terms, creating an excellent base for our growth course in years to come,” said Vahland.

Headquartered in Dublin, Skoda Ireland supports 200 employees across its network of 21 retailers in Ireland. The company has steadily increased its share of the market in Ireland, achieving a record 5.2 per cent share in 2011 with a stated goal to become a top five best-selling car brand by 2016.

During 2011, Skoda Ireland recorded a turnover of €74.5 million, with Parts & Accessories turnover growing by 24 per cent in comparison to 2010. The Octavia model was the standout performer within the Skoda’s range, accounting for 46 per cent of overall sales.

Skoda’s is continuing its product offensive by introducing its seventh model line. The Citigo will now act as the entry-point to the Skoda's range.

As revealed by Galway Independent Motoring recently, with two body styles, the three-door Citigo will debut in Ireland in early July, with the five-door going on sale later in September 2012.

Available in three specifications - Active, Ambition and Elegance - ŠKODA are hoping to launch the three-door derivative with an entry retail price close to €10,000 with an approximate €500 step to the five-door version.

Skoda Ireland recently launched a nationwide test drive campaign where it intends to give away up to two million kilometres worth of free fuel to Irish motorists between now and the end of March.

With just days to the end of the promotion, motorists are urged to drop into their local ŠKODA dealership and test drive any Skoda model. Skoda will reward anyone who orders and registers a new ŠKODA before 31 March with a 3,000km fuel voucher.