2012 off to a promising start for Skoda

Skoda’s growth continues as January sales rose 10.2 per cent to 75,400 vehicles, compared to the same month last year, representing the best January figure in Skoda’s 117-year corporate history.

Despite a declining worldwide market, Skoda raised its
global share significantly to a total of 1.58 per cent. The brand posted high growth rates in some markets in Western, Central and Eastern Europe, and made significant headway in many Asian markets.

Following record sales of 879,200 in 2011, Skoda has maintained its swift pace in the markets in the first month of the new year. The January figures are an early indicator that Skoda is set to continue on its growth path in 2012: 75,400 deliveries to customers represent a new high for January in Skoda’s corporate history. The company is aiming for continued growth in 2012.

“We achieved a lightning start and grew further in all sales regions in January. This was a perfect pickup and one that creates the basis for more growth this year,” said Jurgen Stackmann, Skoda Board Member for Sales and Marketing.

The new record figure is equivalent to a 10.2 per cent year-on-year increase. “The Skoda brand has good momentum. Our model offensive will really start rolling this year. We are continuing on the course of our 2018 growth strategy,” continued Stackmann.

Skoda showed exceptional strength in Western Europe’s intensely competitive markets. Deliveries to customers in the region rose by 10.8 per cent to 29,300 units in January 2012. This compares with 26,400 units delivered in January 2011. Skoda raised its market share by almost 21 per cent in Western Europe, it now stands at 3.11 per cent. Sales of Yeti, Octavia and Roomster were especially popular in Western Europe, increasing by 30.6 per cent, 24 per cent and 19.5 per cent respectively.

Skoda UK also completed a record January, achieving registrations of over 3,700 cars, up an impressive 22 per cent when compared to the previous year, whilst also reaching a record 2.9 per cent market share. Skoda also posted further growth in China and India. Sales in China rose by 1 per cent to reach 20,800 units, despite a decline in the total market due to this year’s early Chinese New Year celebrations. In India, Skoda’s sales advanced by 6.7 per cent to more than 3,000 units, compared to an overall market decline of more than 10 per cent in January 2012. The Rapid, the new Indian compact saloon, had an excellent start to the year with more than 1,500 new customers taking delivery of their cars in January 2012 alone.

January sales were up in Eastern Central Europe - Skoda sold 10,200 units, about 2.5 per cent more than in January 2011. In the Czech Republic, Skoda’s sales came in at a stable 4,148 units, with the new Citigo subcompact achieving an excellent debut at home, defending its number one position in the minicar segment in January 2012.

Among the largest percentage wins recorded by Skoda in January 2012 was in Eastern Europe, where more than 7,700 deliveries translated into an increase of 44.5 per cent for the region (5,400 units in January 2011). The lion’s share came from Russia, with 4,800 deliveries, up 41.7 per cent on January 2011 (3,400 vehicles). Skoda grew twice as fast as Russia’s market overall.
 
Skoda models delivered to customers in January 2012 (in units; +/- in per cent year on year):
Octavia (34,200; +14.6 per cent)
Fabia (20,000; +0.1 per cent)
Superb (9,500; -11.2 per cent)
Yeti (6,200; +34.5 per cent)
Roomster (2,600; +21.3 per cent)
Rapid (in India only: 1,500; new model)
Octavia Tour (1,100; +2.2 per cent)
Citigo (in Czech Republic only: 253; new model)

Posted in: Sale Report,Skoda