Production of the new Skoda Octavia begins in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

Skoda launched production of the new Octavia at GAZ Group's factory in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. The Skoda Octavia is by far the brand's bestselling car in Russia. This popular Skoda model's third-generation is a class of its own,
impressing with lots of space, high functionality, top-class safety, efficient engines and a timelessly elegant design.

"We are aiming for strong growth in Russia in the years ahead, and the start of production of the new Skoda Octavia is a very important step in this direction," said Skoda CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. "Russia has become our third-most important sales market worldwide and our number two in Europe. The Octavia currently accounts for more than half of Skoda's sales in Russia. In launching the third Octavia generation, we are aiming to extend the great success story this bestseller of ours has been writing and permanently boost our brand's growth in Russia."

Production in Nizhny Novgorod is in cooperation with Volkswagen Group Russia (VGR) and Russian automobile manufacturer GAZ. "Producing the new Octavia in country will provide important momentum for our brand in Russia and thus strengthen our corporate strategy," said Michael Oeljeklaus, Skoda Board Member for Production and Logistics.

Production in Russia involves the entire vehicle manufacturing process including body production, painting and assembly. The new Skoda Octavia is the second Skoda model after the Skoda Yeti to run off the line in Nizhny Novgorod.

In preparation for the production of these two models, partners VGR, GAZ and Skoda invested a total of about 300-million euros in new plant and comprehensive modernisation work in Nizhny Novgorod. Also, a new training centre for local production staff was created at the plant in early 2012. "At the basis of the success of our cars in the markets is uniform quality worldwide. The training centre at GAZ ensures an end-to-end quality management at this location, too," said Michael Oeljeklaus.

Posted in: Assembly/Manufacturing Plant,Europe,Michael Oeljeklaus,Nizhny Novgorod,Octavia,Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland,Russia,Skoda,Volkswagen Group Rus