Skoda reports best May in its 120-year history, 92,500 worldwide deliveries

Skoda's worldwide deliveries increased 1.5 per cent to 92,500 units in May (May 2014: 91,200 deliveries), making this the best May in the company's 120-year history. Skoda recorded growth in Western and Central Europe, China and India. The new Skoda Fabia is
becoming increasingly popular with customers, with sales increasing 35.3 per cent in Europe.

"The new Skoda Fabia has got off to an excellent start, and we are looking forward to the launch of the new Superb on the first European markets in June,” said Werner Eichhorn, Skoda Board Member for Sales and Marketing. "However, the situation on the Russian market and surrounding regions remains critical."

In Western Europe, Skoda grew 1.9 per cent, with 38,600 deliveries to customers in May (May 2014: 37,900). In Germany, Skoda recorded an increase of 0.9 per cent, delivering 14,000 vehicles to customers (May 2014: 13,800), where Skoda remains the undisputed number-one imported brand in the company's second-strongest market worldwide. The manufacturer achieved double-digit growth in Spain (2,400 vehicles; up 34.7 per cent), Italy (1,600 vehicles; up 25.7 per cent), Sweden (1,500 vehicles; up 28.8 per cent), Ireland (400 vehicles; up 26 per cent) and Portugal (400 vehicles; up 48.5 per cent).

In Eastern Europe, including Russia, Skoda sold 7,000 vehicles in May (May 2014: 10,400). Despite the particularly challenging markets of Russia and Ukraine, Skoda's market share in Eastern Europe increased from last May's 4.5 per cent to 4.6 per cent in May 2015. In Russia, Skoda delivered 3,800 vehicles to customers in May (May 2014: 7,600 vehicles). However, Skoda recorded double-digit sales increases in Romania (900 vehicles; up 30.8 per cent), Kazakhstan (500 vehicles; up 85.8 per cent) and Bosnia (200 vehicles; up 50 per cent).

Skoda is once again on top form in Central Europe. In May, the brand achieved an increase of 13.5 per cent to 15,000 deliveries (May 2014: 13,200). After the first five months of the year, Skoda's market share stood at 21.5 per cent after 20.3 per cent in same period last year. In their Czech home market, Skoda recorded an increase in sales of 24.2 per cent to 7,200 deliveries in May (May 2014: 5800). Skoda posted double-digit growth rates in Poland (4,400 vehicles; up 11.1 per cent), Slovakia (1,600 vehicles; up 10.9 per cent) and Slovenia (600 vehicles; up 21.5%).

Skoda continues to grow in China. Sales rose 1.8 per cent to 23,600 vehicles this May compared to last (May 2014: 23,200). The Skoda Octavia is doing exceptionally well in China, with sales increasing 69.4 per cent in May alone.

Skoda has seen the first inkling of growth once again in India: In May, the brand sold 1,300 vehicles - 46.2 per cent more than in May 2014 (900 vehicles). Skoda additionally recorded high growth rates in Turkey (2,200 vehicles; up 75.7 per cent), Israel (1,900 vehicles; up 38.2 per cent), Egypt (900 vehicles; up 169.1 per cent) and Australia (400 vehicles; up 10.1 per cent).

Skoda deliveries to customers in May 2015 (in units, rounded off, by model; +/- in per cent compared to May 2014):
Skoda Octavia (37,500; +14.3 per cent)
Skoda Rapid (17,900; -7.9 per cent)
Skoda Fabia (17,800; +21.2 per cent)
Skoda Yeti (7800; -19.4 per cent)
Skoda Superb (6000; -27.1 per cent)
Skoda Roomster (2300; -8.3%)
Skoda Citigo (only sold in Europe: 3300; -15.2 per cent)

Posted in: Africa,Asia Pacific,Australia,Europe,Global Sales,May,North America,Sale Report,Skoda,South America,Werner Eichhorn