“In recent years, ŠKODA has developed extremely well in China,” stressed ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier. “The fact that over 1.5 million cars have been sold since our 2007 market launch in China shows that ŠKODA cars and Czech engineering expertise are much sought after by Chinese customers. Over the next few years, we wish to continue along the road to success in our largest individual market with the expansion of an attractive SUV campaign,” said Maier. “I am therefore delighted that we are definitely going to press ahead with the expansion of the model range in this segment.”
In this context, an agreement to build a further SUV derivative as part of the worldwide SUV strategy was signed with the Chinese partner, SVW, as was a memorandum of understanding for the development of a CUV (crossover utility vehicle) in the compact segment.
Over the course of the brand’s worldwide model campaign, ŠKODA has also consistently expanded its model range in China in recent times. In the last year alone, the model range doubled in the world’s largest car market. From the Fabia to the Superb, six different models are now available from the long-established Czech brand. The latest highlight was the new ŠKODA Superb’s market launch at the end of October 2015. The completely redeveloped ŠKODA flagship also meet the tastes and needs of customers in China with its modern, striking design as well as innovative technology and outstanding interior space.
ŠKODA has had a presence in China since 2007. Since that time, the brand’s annual sales have increased most recently to 281,400 deliveries during 2014. This corresponds to around a quarter of ŠKODA’s total sales. Between January and October 2015, ŠKODA delivered 226,100 cars to the Chinese market. As a result, the brand was once again able to increase its deliveries compared to the same period last year.
From the very beginning, the Czech manufacturer has successfully relied on close cooperation with its partner Shanghai Volkswagen, (SVW), the joint venture between SAIC and Volkswagen. ŠKODA vehicles are currently manufactured in the four Chinese SVW factories in Anting, Nanjing, Yizheng and Ningbo.
The ŠKODA Yeti has rolled off the production line at the Anting factory since November 2013. This factory, located close to Shanghai, received a visit from Prime Minister Sobotka. The ŠKODA Yeti comes with a 6-cm-longer wheelbase compared to the European version of the Yeti, thereby meeting the demands of Chinese customers for more space in the rear seats. The ŠKODA Yeti convinces with its outstanding driving characteristics both on roads and on rough terrain.
China visit – Prime Minister Sobotka visits ŠKODA production in Anting
