MLADA BOLESLAV, Czech Republic - In 2010, Škoda Auto will sell more cars than ever in a single year. With a plus of 12.3% and 702,400 sold units after eleven months, the Czech manufacturer has already exceeded the previous year's total (January to December 2009: 684,200) and has shattered the threshold of 700,000 delivered vehicles for the first time ever.
In November alone, the brand had a worldwide increase of 15.8% and sold 64,200 vehicles (November 2009: 55,000 units). In doing so, Škoda Auto recorded high double-digit gains in the growth markets China, India, and Russia in particular.
Škoda is clearly accelerating and has every chance to grow at a double-digit rate this year", emphasizes Jürgen Stackmann, board member for Sales and Marketing of Škoda Auto. "With the strong growth in November, we're on track to achieve our sales forecast of 750,000 sold vehicles this year. That is a more than solid basis for our ambitious growth objectives for the coming years."
On its home market of the Czech Republic, the company was once again able to expand its leading position. The market share rose to 34.3% in November (last year: 32.9%). Overall, the company sold 53,400 vehicles in the Czech Republic in the first eleven months of the year (January-November 2009: 50,800). This corresponds to a growth rate of 5.1% compared to the previous year. High increases were recorded for the Octavia Combi and the Superb Combi. Furthermore, the first models of the second generation Octavia Tour were delivered.
In Central and Eastern Europe, too, Škoda Auto continued to improve its position. In the Ukraine (+15.9%), Hungary (+11.4%), Slovenia (+18.8%), Estonia (+17.5%), or Serbia (+24.4%), deliveries as well as market shares rose.
In Western Europe (without Germany), Škoda Auto also gained market shares. In Ireland (+107.0%), the Netherlands (+92.1%), Finland (+52.6%), or Great Britain (+23.1%), the manufacturer achieved significant increases.
The markets of India, China, and Russia continue to grow at a fast pace. In all three countries, Škoda Auto has recorded a high double-digit sales plus. In India, deliveries rose 33.3% to 17,800 vehicles in the first eleven months (January-November 2009: 13,300). In China, Škoda Auto is 56.2% ahead of the previous year's level, with 167,000 units sold to date this year (last year: 106,900). In Russia, 41,500 vehicles were sold (last year: 30,100), a plus of 37.9%.
Škoda Auto also recorded high growth rates in other emerging markets: For example, in Egypt (+154.4%), in Turkey (+90.0%), in Israel (+58.4%), and in Australia (+32.1%).
