Škoda Continues its Expansion in April

Škoda has continued its expansion in April and is extending its growth course. With 78,200 deliveries to customers, worldwide sales rose 23.7% in April 2011, compared to the same month of last year (April 2010: 63,200 vehicles). With that, the Czech automobile manufacturer achieved the best April sales result in its history. It also means that Škoda has sold 295,300 vehicles in the first four months of the year (January - April 2010: 242,100 units). That corresponds to a plus of 22%. In April, the brand also posted a new monthly sales record in Russia.

“We are very satisfied with the sales figures,” explained Jürgen Stackmann, the Škoda board member for sales and marketing. “With a growth of almost one quarter in the first four months we have sent a clear message and are fully on course regarding our growth strategy. Contributions to this result did not just come from the growth regions either. We are stronger than ever on the European market and have won many new customers.”

On the home market of the Czech Republic, Škoda was able to increase its sales to a total of more than 19,000 units in the first four months of 2011. In April, the manufacturer sold 4,900 vehicles in a declining overall market. By far the top-selling Škoda models were the Octavia and the Fabia.

In April, the brand also achieved high growth rates in other markets of Central and Eastern Europe. In Romania, sales increased 20.9%, in Poland 15.6%, and in the Ukraine 81.5%.

On the Western European market, Škoda grew almost 10% in April. Compared to the previous year, sales rose 9.6% to 32,100 units. Particularly outstanding were deliveries in the Netherlands with a plus of 83.3% and in Belgium with a plus of 26.8%. In Switzerland, sales rose 6.4%. In the Scandinavian countries, too, Škoda made good progress in April: In Finland the brand recorded a plus of 17.6%. In both Sweden and Norway, the growth was above 3%.

The situation of the Czech manufacturer in the growth markets of Russia, India, and China continues very dynamically. Again, sales showed a clear double-digit growth. With a plus of 40.5% and 5,900 sold vehicles, Škoda achieved its best ever monthly sales record in Russia. In China, the brand achieved its second-best month ever. Here, deliveries rose 66.2% to 20,100 units in April (April 2010: 12,100 vehicles). The most popular models on the Chinese market were the Octavia (plus 123.3%) and the Superb (plus 43.3%). In India, Škoda’s sales figures pointed straight up as well and were 71.7% above those of the same month of last year, with 2,200 vehicles. Sales of the Fabia alone rose about 160% on the subcontinent.

Other non-European markets experienced a very positive development in April as well: Particularly noteworthy were Turkey (plus 64.7%), Israel (plus 75.9%), and Australia (plus 89.2%), among others.

Deliveries to customers in April 2011 (Škoda models compared to April 2010):
Octavia (34,500 vehicles/plus 37.4%), Fabia (23,100 vehicles/plus 20.1%), Superb (10,700 vehicles/plus 26%), Yeti (5,800 vehicles/plus 33.1%), Roomster (2,900 vehicles/plus 13.6%).