Latest Octavia Greenline improves on already impressive figures,

• Powered by 1.6-litre TDI CR 110PS diesel engine
• BiK rating of 13% for business user appeal
• Priced £20,150 on the road

ŠKODA has revealed the latest addition to its critically acclaimed GreenLine fleet of environmentally advanced cars – the Octavia hatch GreenLine.

Powered by an ultra-efficient 1.6-litre TDI CR 110PS diesel engine, the resulting performance figures are impressive. Combined Cycle fuel consumption is as high as 88.3 mpg while CO2 emissions are just 85g/km.

ŠKODA’s GreenLine models are hugely popular with company car drivers and the new Octavia will be no exception. A BiK rating of 13% for 2014 and VED Band A status means running costs will be kept to an absolute minimum.

Like every third-generation Octavia, the GreenLine hatchback comes with classic-yet-contemporary looks and a host of ‘Simply Clever’ solutions. But it’s also packed with eco-technologies, including low rolling resistance tyres fitted to 16-inch ‘Velorum’ alloy wheels, which are unique for the GreenLine model. These are inflated to a higher pressure than normal tyres to reduce friction with the road.

The new car also features the Start-Stop system which is standard across the Octavia range, automatically switching off the engine when the car is paused, for example, at traffic lights. In addition, energy normally lost during braking is recovered and used for battery recharging.

The new model benefits from cornering front fog lights as standard. GreenLine badging on the front grille and rear hatchback mark the car out from the crowd, while inside there is a GreenLine logo on the gearstick.

The ŠKODA Octavia GreenLine is on sale now priced £20,150.

Skoda finishes 2013 below 2012 figures, but 2014 will be better.

• ŠKODA delivers 920,800 vehicles to customers in 2013 (2012: 939,200)
• Powerful final sprint with the best December in corporate history: 70,000 deliveries (December 2012: 66,200 deliveries, up 5.8%)
• ŠKODA model campaign proves its strength
• For the first time ŠKODA’s European market share grows to over 4%
• China is once again ŠKODA’s strongest individual market in 2013 with 227,000 sales
• Product campaign continues: a new model every six months on average

ŠKODA AUTO has successfully implemented its international growth strategy in 2013 again, selling 920,800 vehicles worldwide (2012: 939,200). Following the model launches in the first six months, ŠKODA saw significant growth later in the year, and recently achieved the best ever December for ŠKODA.

In the last month of the year, the company delivered 70,000 vehicles to customers, which is an increase of 5.8% over the previous December-record, set in 2012. In the years ahead, ŠKODA plans to grow further. To achieve this continued growth, the manufacturer will be introducing a new or revised model on average every six months until 2016.

“ŠKODA has demonstrated its strength this year. Despite the above-average number of production start-ups and fierce headwinds from some markets, we achieved the second-best sales year in corporate history - This is an excellent result,” says ŠKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “2013 was a record year with more new ŠKODA models than ever before. Eight new or completely revised models show the power of the ŠKODA brand. The winged arrow is shining, and our new cars are being very well received. Our attractrive model range, good flow of incoming orders and increasingly bright future on the European automotive markets make us confident for 2014.”

2013 - the third year of the ŠKODA growth strategy - was both a successful and an intense year for the Czech carmaker. Eight new or revised models, twelve international production start-ups, expansion of capacity in the Czech Republic, as well as in the growth markets of China and Russia, added to this the crisis in some markets: “2013 was really quite a year!” says Dr. Vahland. After the first half of the year had been characterized by the difficult market situation in Europe, as well as the production start-ups and the associated lower production volumes, ŠKODA was back on track in the second half of the year. With the full availability of the new models, sales increased significantly each month from September onwards. “Our model campaign is now showing its full strength. We are growing strongly and expanding our market shares continuously,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing.

The new models have been very well received - especially the new ŠKODA Octavia, which is once again proving to be a great hit. In December, ŠKODA Octavia grew once again in Western Europe with high double-digit growth rates: up 52.3% compared to December 2012. In Europe as a whole, the Octavia recorded an increase of 19.1% in December.

In Western Europe, ŠKODA performed significantly better than the overall declining market in 2013. 369,600 vehicles sold represents an increase of 3.1% compared to 2012 (358,400). In December, Western European sales even rose by 17.8% to 31,300 vehicles (December 2012: 26,600). The ŠKODA market share in Western Europe increased for the year as a whole to 3.2% (2012: 3.0%). In the second largest market, Germany, ŠKODA grew to 136,400 deliveries in 2013, which is an increase over the previous year of 2.9% (132,600). The market share rose to 4.6% and ŠKODA continues to build its position as the strongest import brand in Germany.

In the UK, the manufacturer increased deliveries to customers over the past year by 24% to a new record high of 66,000 vehicles (2012: 53,200). The Czech brand also achieved double-digit growth in Denmark, up 40.7 % to 14,600 vehicles (2012: 10,400). Sales in Spain have also seen a positive increase (13,400 vehicles; +3.0%), Italy (12,100 vehicles; +2.0%), Norway (6,800 vehicles; +2.1%) and Sweden (12,300 vehicles, +1.4%).

In Eastern Europe, including Russia, ŠKODA delivered 125,400 vehicles to customers last year (2012: 137,100; -8.5%). ŠKODA’s market share reached 4%. In ŠKODA’s third-largest market, Russia, the manufacturer achieved 87,500 deliveries (2012: 99,100; -11.7%). The new Octavia was introduced there in the second half of the year. The Rapid is to follow in the first six months of 2014. Considerable growth was also seen in Kazakhstan in 2013, where 4,700 customers decided on a new ŠKODA, which is an increase of 145.7% over the previous year (1,900). ŠKODA achieved growth in the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), where the brand grew by 3.4% to 4,600 vehicles sold in 2013 (2012: 4,500). In Serbia ŠKODA increased deliveries by 12.4% to 4,200 units (2012: 3,700).

ŠKODA grew once again in Central Europe in 2013. Deliveries to customers rose by 2.0% to 126,500 vehicles (2012: 124,000). ŠKODA’s market share rose to 19.2%. In December, brand deliveries in Central Europe grew by 13.5% to 11,300 (December 2012: 9,900). In the domestic market - the Czech Republic, ŠKODA sold a total of 60,000 vehicles in 2013, an increase of 0.6% (2012: 59,700). ŠKODA is defending its top position also in Poland. With 38,700 vehicles sold (2012: 36,300), representing an increase of 6.6% over the same period last year, the Czech carmaker remains the undisputed market leader for 2013.

Once again, China was ŠKODA’s strongest individual market in 2013, where the manufacturer delivered a total of 227,000 vehicles to customers (2012: 235,700 units; -3.7 %). The market launch of the new Octavia is on the cards only for the start of 2014. In India ŠKODA achieved a total of 22,600 deliveries in 2013 (2012: 34,300; -34.2%). In 2013 ŠKODA was also particularly successful in Israel (14,400; +11.7%), Turkey (12,800; +23.2%) and Algeria (9,100, +85.3%).

ŠKODA deliveries to customers in 2013 (in units, rounded off, according to model; +/- in % over 2012):

ŠKODA Octavia (359,600; -12.2 %)
ŠKODA Fabia (202,000; -16.0 %)
ŠKODA Superb (94,400; -13.4 %)
ŠKODA Yeti (82,400; -5.7 %)
ŠKODA Roomster (33,300; -12.3 %)
ŠKODA Rapid (103,800; +320.3 %)
ŠKODA Citigo (Only sold in Europe: 45,200; +51.0 %)

ŠKODA deliveries to customers in December 2013 (in units, rounded off, according to model; +/- in % over the same month in 2012):

ŠKODA Octavia (25,400; +3.5 %)
ŠKODA Fabia (14,400; -18.5 %)
ŠKODA Superb (5,100; -18.9 %)
ŠKODA Yeti (6,700; -5.6 %)
ŠKODA Roomster (2,900; +2.1 %)
ŠKODA Rapid (12,400; +312.4 %)
ŠKODA Citigo (only sold in Europe: 3,100; -34.3 %)

Skoda smashes 2012 full year sales with two months to go !

• 2013 year-to-date sales up 19% compared to the UK market, which has increased 10%
• Success means 2012’s total already passed
• 5,641 new ŠKODA registrations during October – up 18.5% on October last year

ŠKODA UK and its retailers are celebrating a record 2013. With 5,641 vehicle registrations during October, it takes the year-to-date (YTD) total to 55,217 – and passes last year’s benchmark of 53,200.

ŠKODA UK’s growth is also outperforming the UK automotive market. Bouncing back after the recession of 2008, the market has expanded by 10% YTD, but the Czech company is up 19%.

Furthermore, ŠKODA UK’s market share is up in October at 3.6% – and 2.8% YTD. The brand’s previous best, in 2012, was 2.6% YTD.

Alasdair Stewart, Brand Director for ŠKODA UK, was thrilled with the news and commented: “With our fresh new design language and expanded model line-up, ŠKODA cars are delivering exactly what our customers want – high quality and reliable motoring at value-for-money prices.”

October’s new car registrations figure of 5,641 is almost 900 units higher than the same month last year. Fleet customers choosing desirable models such as the ŠKODA Superb, new Octavia and Rapid played their part, with corporate registrations up from 1,716 last October to 2,400 this October.

FRANKFURT - Skoda

• New ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback and the redesigned ŠKODA Yeti
• Rapid Spaceback: ŠKODA's young compact hatchback
• Redesigned ŠKODA Yeti in two design variations: Yeti and Yeti Outdoor
• ŠKODA model range now includes seven model series
• Deliveries from January to July reach 534,300 units
• ŠKODA in 1,732 m2 exhibit in Hall 3.0 at the Frankfurt Motor Show

At this year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show, ŠKODA makes headlines with the world premiere of two new models, the new Rapid Spaceback and the completely redesigned ŠKODA Yeti, increasing the number of model series in the model range to a total of seven. This year, ŠKODA will launch eight new or redesigned models and plans to increase its sales to at least 1.5 million per year by 2018. In the first seven months of 2013 alone, ŠKODA delivered 534,300 vehicles to customers.

“The largest model offensive in the company’s history confirms ŠKODA’s position as a high-volume brand in international automobile markets,” says ŠKODA’s CEO Winfried Vahland. “Our new and expanded model range reinforces our brand at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. The steady expansion of our product offering is proof of our company’s and our team’s competitiveness. With its space, features, and design offering, the ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback sets new standards in its segment. Despite difficult market situations, we remain committed to growth. We aim to sell at least 1.5 million cars per year by 2018,” says Vahland.

In Frankfurt, the brand’s strength will be more visible than ever before. ŠKODA’s portfolio now includes seven model series: from the sub-compact ŠKODA Citigo to the Fabia and Roomster, the compact Rapid Limousine, the new Rapid Spaceback, the Octavia model series and the Superb to the Yeti. All ŠKODAs now sport the new logo and newly designed lettering.

ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback: The new class in the compact hatchback segment

The Rapid Spaceback is ŠKODA’s new offering in the high-volume compact segment. “As the first ŠKODA hatchback model in the compact class, the ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback is another milestone for the brand,” says ŠKODA head of development Frank Welsch. “It is a first for us to have a representative in the strongest European car segment. The ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback is the perfect car for young people and families,” says Welsch.

The ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback combines dynamically fresh design with the excellent ŠKODA qualities we expect and thus distinguishes itself both visually and functionally from its competition. “The new Rapid Spaceback is an attractive new offering in its class, a vehicle with a high degree of independence and an unmatched package,” says Welsch.

Visually clear and distinct, the ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback sports the new ŠKODA design. Compared with conventional hatchback models, the car appears significantly longer when viewed from the side. The Rapid Spaceback has many optional features, such as a large panoramic sunroof and a long rear window. The new brand appearance marks the front: A new logo on the bonnet ‘nose’, a distinctive grille, headlamps and fog lights arranged in a cloverleaf pattern. The rear design underscores horizontal lines and sports ŠKODA’s typical ‘C’-shaped lights.

The interior appears particularly fresh and youthful. Rapid Spaceback customers can choose new 3-spoke steering wheels, new fabrics and new trim lines. In addition to being stylishly sporty, the interior offers plenty of room for all passengers. Passengers in the rear enjoy the most knee room and headroom in the entire segment, while the boot sets new standards with its volume of 415 to 1,380 litres.

The ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback is a smart compact to the core that includes many ‘Simply Clever’ solutions, such as the double cargo floor in the boot, which divides the floor into two horizontal compartments when needed, an ice scraper inside the fuel filler flap, many holders for daily items, restraining nets and hooks.

The range of engines includes four petrol and two diesel versions. Shortly after market launch of the Rapid Spaceback, ŠKODA will introduce a GreenLine version with 99 g CO2 emissions per kilometre. In terms of safety, the Rapid Spaceback protects occupants with numerous active and passive safety features.

ŠKODA Yeti completely revised – now in two design variations

A completely redesigned ŠKODA Yeti is certain to be a highlight at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. For the first time, this popular compact SUV is available in two variations: the ŠKODA Yeti styled for urban use, and the ŠKODA Yeti Outdoor, ready for adventures. Both designs sport a new front and rear design, a fresh interior, all-wheel or front-wheel drive, and expanded engine/transmission combinations. European market launch is scheduled by the end of 2013.

“The ŠKODA Yeti’s progress has been stellar since its launch four years ago, and it has exceeded our expectations by far. Impressive numbers both on- and off-road are proof of its power,“ says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA board member for sales and marketing. “The new edition will make the ŠKODA Yeti even more attractive and versatile. In the popular SUV segment, we are definitely geared for growth.”

The ŠKODA Yeti has been completely redesigned and now appears with an entirely new front and rear in the new ŠKODA design language. In addition to this redesign, ŠKODA plans to introduce a second distinct line of design. The compact SUV is now available either as a primarily urban-styled Yeti or as a Yeti Outdoor with specific off-road features. While on the urban-type Yeti, visible design elements, such as the bumper, underride guard, side trim and door sills all are kept in the same colour as the vehicle itself, the outdoor variation sports black plastic elements that match its off-road look.

Both ŠKODA Yeti variations are impressively versatile. Customers can choose between seven different engines, front or all-wheel-drive with Haldex 5 clutch, and numerous engine-transmission combinations including DSG gearboxes. The ŠKODA Yeti also sports new aluminium rims and new interior design elements, such as a 3-spoke steering wheel with different design options, new fabrics and decoration as well as innovative engineering features, such as an optional rear view camera, a first in a ŠKODA model.

Largest model offensive in company history launched successfully

The new ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback and the redesigned ŠKODA Yeti are the manufacturer’s newest innovations within the largest model offensive in ŠKODA’s 118-year history.

“Over the last two years, we have redesigned or fundamentally revamped a large part of our model series and increased our product offering from five to seven models,” says ŠKODA CEO Vahland. “We have never had a model offensive of this dimension at ŠKODA.”

The new Octavia - great reviews

The new ŠKODA Octavia’s performance in the markets is just one example of how well-liked the new model series are. “Media and customer response to the new Octavia has been very positive,” says Eichhorn, board member for sales and marketing. With the help of the third-generation Octavia, the manufacturer aims to sell half a million per year, which would rank the model among the top ten worldwide.

The new Octavia’s position in its class is now proving stronger than ever. Both the limousine and the estate boast unrivalled space, new design, high functionality, innovative safety and comfort systems, fuel economy, numerous ‘Simply Clever’ solutions, and the typical ŠKODA value.

Focus on emerging markets

With plans to keep the pace over the next few years, ŠKODA’s growth strategy aims to increase sales to at least 1.5 million vehicles per year by 2018. In the coming years, the manufacturer will introduce one new or redesigned car every six months on average.

ŠKODA’s plans also include expansions in the growing markets of China and Russia. “ŠKODA has been successful in these countries for many years. We will strive to continue this positive growth in the coming years,“ says ŠKODA head of sales Eichhorn.

China is established as the brand’s strongest single market. Since the market entry in 2007, roughly one million ŠKODA models have already rolled off the manufacturing lines at Shanghai Volkswagen, the company’s local partner. In the first seven months of 2013, about one-fourth of ŠKODA deliveries went to the Chinese market. In the coming years, the brand aims to increase sales in China to about half a million per year, focusing on a significant expansion of the model range in the country and increasing the number of ŠKODA models offered and locally manufactured in China from three to six models by mid-2014.

In Russia, ŠKODA maintains manufacturing plants in two locations. Currently, Russia is the third-strongest ŠKODA sales market worldwide, and number two in Europe. The Russian GAZ plant in Nizhny Novgorod rolled out its first ŠKODA Octavia just a few weeks ago and is set to produce the redesigned ŠKODA Yeti. The manufacturer plans to start building the ŠKODA Rapid at the Volkswagen plant in Kaluga in early 2014.

The new Octavia recently began rolling off production lines in India.

In addition to international growth markets, ŠKODA continues to expand in Europe. “Europe remains one of our key markets,” says Eichhorn. The brand aims to increase its market share from roughly four per cent to over five per cent. Therefore, ŠKODA has been investing in its locations in the Czech Republic, extensively expanding and modernising the company’s main location in Mladá Boleslav for the production of the ŠKODA Rapid/Rapid Spaceback and the new ŠKODA Octavia. ŠKODA is also currently building its technology and development centre in Česana near the headquarters in Mladá Boleslav.

Deliveries in 2013

The current economic climate, numerous model changes and production start-ups have had an effect on this year’s sales performance. During the first seven months of 2013 ŠKODA delivered a total of 534,300 vehicles, 5.5 per cent less than the in the same period of the previous year.

After production start of the ŠKODA Octavia at the Mladá Boleslav main plant, production in Russia is ramping up as well. Production of the new ŠKODA Rapid is currently ramped up in China, and that of the ŠKODA Octavia in India. The most intense year of ŠKODA’s model offensive is also seeing a fundamental redesign of the ŠKODA Superb and ŠKODA Yeti.

ŠKODA at the 65th International Motor Show in Frankfurt:

• ŠKODA location: Hall 3.0, booth A05
• ŠKODA exhibit space: 1,732 m2
• ŠKODA press conference: 10 September 2013, 10.15 to 10.30 a.m.
• Number of ŠKODA vehicles on exhibit on first press day: 14 (2 × Rapid Spaceback, 1 × Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo, 1 × Rapid Sport, 1 × Rapid GreenLine, 1 × Yeti, 1 × Yeti Outdoor, 1 × Octavia RS, 1 × Octavia Combi RS, 1 × Octavia GreenLine, 1 × Superb Combi, 1 × Superb GreenLine, 1 × Citigo Sport, 1 × Fabia Monte Carlo)
• Number of ŠKODA vehicles on exhibit on second press day: 19 (2 × Rapid Spaceback, 1 × Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo, 1 × Rapid Spaceback GreenLine, 1 × Rapid Sport, 1 × Rapid GreenLine, 1 × Yeti, 1 × Yeti Outdoor, 1 × Octavia Combi, 1 × Octavia RS, 1 × Octavia Combi RS, 1 × Octavia GreenLine, 1 × Superb Combi, 1 × Superb GreenLine, 1 × Citigo Sport, 1 × Citigo CNG, 1 × Fabia Fresh, 1 × Fabia Monte Carlo, 1 × Roomster Noire)
• Number of ŠKODA vehicles on exhibit on days open to public: 19 (2 × Rapid Spaceback, 1 × Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo, 1 × Rapid Spaceback GreenLine, 1 × Rapid Sport, 1 × Rapid GreenLine, 1 × Yeti , 1 × Yeti Outdoor, 1 × Octavia Combi, 1 × Octavia RS, 1 × Octavia Combi RS, 1 × Octavia GreenLine, 1 × Superb Combi, 1 × Superb GreenLine, 1 × Citigo Sport, 1 × Citigo CNG, 1 × Fabia Fresh, 1 × Fabia Monte Carlo, 1 × Roomster Noire)
• Press days: 10 to 11 September 2013
• Industry visitor days: 12 to 13 September 2013
• Public days: 14 to 22 September 2013

ŠKODA produces 4,000,000th Octavia

•  ‘Heart of the brand’ - ŠKODA Octavia - setting new standards in the compact segment for almost 17 years
•  Millions sold: Best-selling ŠKODA ever
•  Winner: new ŠKODA Octavia successfully launched
•  International success model: production in the Czech Republic, Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Ukraine  and from 2014 in China

ŠKODA has just produced the 4,000,000th ŠKODA Octavia. The anniversary vehicle – a third-generation Octavia in ‘Race-Blue’ rolled off the production line today at the Mladá Boleslav main plant. The ŠKODA Octavia has been setting standards in the compact segment since 1996 and is by far the brand’s best-selling model.



​“Four million Octavias produced – this impressive figure represents the great success of the model and brand,” says ŠKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “As the ‘heart of the brand’, the Octavia has decisively shaped ŠKODA’s outstanding development and made the company what it is today – an internationally successful manufacturer, present on over 100 markets worldwide. We are continuing this development with the third generation. The new Octavia is once again a winner with its excellent ŠKODA genes.  It is the largest, lightest, safest, most practical, comfortable and environmentally friendly Octavia ever.”

The Octavia has always been the epitome of a ŠKODA: timelessly elegant design, above-average space, highest functionality, many Simply Clever features, sophisticated modern technology, quality and precision and not least unbeatable value for money. The launch of the third generation in early 2013 topped all of that again.  The new Octavia offers mid-class qualities for the price of a compact, now more than ever.

At its launch in October 1996, the Octavia was the first completely new ŠKODA model after the fall of the Iron Curtain and marked the start of the partnership between ŠKODA and Volkswagen. Nearly four million Octavias had been delivered to customers worldwide between 1996 and July 2013 - around 38% of the brand’s total sales in this period, making the Octavia the undisputed best seller in the 118-year history of the company.

This also makes the new Octavia the most important model in the most comprehensive product campaign in ŠKODA’s corporate history. The manufacturer is promoting its high-impact path of growth with a powerful model extravaganza. The aim of this growth strategy is to increase the number of vehicle sales worldwide to at least 1.5 million per year by 2018.

In the first half of 2013, the Czechs presented their new bestseller in four versions: the saloon, the Combi and Combi 4x4 as well as the sporty Octavia RS – with a top speed of 248 km/h, making it the fastest series-produced Octavia ever. As the cornerstone of ŠKODA’s growth strategy, the Octavia is an international success story. In addition to its manufacture at ŠKODA’s main plant in Mladá Boleslav, the compact car is also produced in Russia (Nizhny Novgorod), India (Aurangabad), Ukraine (Solomonovo) and Kazakhstan (Ust-Kamenogorsk).  Additional production is also planned from 2014 in China; ŠKODA’s strongest individual market.  “The ŠKODA Octavia is a car for Europe and the world, now more than ever,” says Vahland.