Škoda Grows in Russia
Besides the ongoing production of Škoda vehicles at the Russian plant of the Volkswagen Group in Kaluga, the production of other Škoda vehicles is currently being ramped up at its Russian partner GAZ in Nizhny Novgorod
“We see a great growth potential for Škoda in Russia, which is why we need additional production capacities,” Prof. Dr. h. c. Winfried Vahland, the chairman of the board of Škoda, said at the occasion of the opening of a new training center at the Russian partner GAZ. Within the course of the global Growth Strategy 2018, Škoda requires additional capacities in Russia. “For our Growth Strategy 2018, the Russian Federation is of particular significance. Russia is already our third-largest market today.”
For Škoda, GAZ is an important and stable partner who possesses the necessary know-how and highly qualified employees. At the GAZ plant in Nizhny Novgorod, the Škoda Yeti, among others, is built for the Russian market. Its production was already started in October 2011.
“Consistent quality all over the world is the basis for the success of our vehicles in the market. Therefore, the thorough training of our employees is particularly important at all locations. With the training center at GAZ in Nizhny Novgorod, we have the best prerequisites for a consistent quality management at this site,” adds Vahland.
The agreement with GAZ regarding the production of vehicles for the Škoda and Volkswagen brands in Nizhny Novgorod covers a total volume of up to 110,000 units. Together with the production in Kaluga, the local capacity thus rises to a maximum of 350,000 automobiles per year. Vehicle sales in Russia are being carried out by 120 Škoda dealers; their number is scheduled to double in the coming years.
Cars adorned with the winged arrow on the hood are a regular element of Russian street scenes. A look at the sales statistics confirms the popularity of the current models Fabia Roomster, Octavia, Yeti and Superb. In 2011, demand for Škoda models grew at an above-average rate of more than 60%.
Overall, 74,000 customer took possession of new Škoda vehicles in Russia in 2011. About half of these customers selected models produced domestically, such as the Octavia or the Fabia, both of which are being assembled in Kaluga. They are complemented by the SUV Yeti, which is built at the partner plant at GAZ in Nizhny Novgorod.