“We have continued the positive trend of the first quarter into April,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Sales and Marketing Director. “These developments show that we are winning over increasing numbers of new customers to the brand with our new models.” Eichhorn continues, “The 2015 automotive year, however, is not proving to be easy. The situation on certain markets, particularly Russia, remains challenging.”
In Western Europe, ŠKODA achieved growth of 4.5 % in April, delivering 38,200 vehicles to customers (April 2014: 36,600). In Germany, ŠKODA’s second-largest market in the world, the brand’s deliveries increased 7.0 % to 13,800 (April 2014: 12,900). ŠKODA reaffirmed their position as the number one import brand on the German market. ŠKODA achieved double-digit growth in Spain (2000 vehicles; up 16.8 %), Italy (1600 vehicles; up 24.1 %), Finland (900 vehicles; up 13.5 %), Ireland (600 vehicles; up 30.1 %) and Portugal (300 vehicles; up 15.4 %).
In Eastern Europe, including Russia, ŠKODA delivered 7400 vehicles in April (April 2014: 10,700). In this challenging market environment, ŠKODA’s market share had risen to 4.7 % by the end of April, compared to 3.9 % in April last year. In Russia, ŠKODA sold 4500 vehicles this April, compared to 7700 units in April 2014. The brand’s share of the Russian market reached 4.1 % after the first four months of this year (January to April 2014: 3.4 %). The brand achieved double-digit growth in Rumania (800 vehicles; up 25.5 %) and in Bulgaria (up 28.5 %; 200 vehicles) this April.
ŠKODA is doing excellently in Central Europe, where deliveries increased 6.1 % to 15,500 vehicles this April (April 2014: 14,600). The company’s market share increased to 21.5 % during these four months (January to April 2014: 20.0 %). In their Czech home market, ŠKODA’s sales increased 8.1 % to 7700 vehicles delivered in April (April 2014: 7100). ŠKODA recorded double-digit growth in Hungary (1000 vehicles; up 20.5%) and Slovenia (500 vehicles; up 18.8%).
ŠKODA is showing strength in China. In their strongest market in the world, the manufacturer’s sales increased 4.9 % to 23,000 vehicles delivered in April (April 2014: 21,900). ŠKODA has been doing very well with the Octavia, sales of which have increased by 49.4 %. In India, ŠKODA’s deliveries increased 9.6 % to 1300 in April. ŠKODA is also doing excellently in Turkey (2600 vehicles; up 187.1%), Egypt (700 vehicles; up 109.4%) and Australia (300 vehicles; up 33.7%).
ŠKODA’s deliveries to customers in April 2015 (in units, rounded off, by model; +/- in percent compared to April 2014):
ŠKODA Octavia (36,400; +10.3 %)
ŠKODA Rapid (18,000; +6.6 %)
ŠKODA Fabia (16,500; +9.5 %)
ŠKODA Yeti (7200; -30.8 %)
ŠKODA Superb (7800; +4.4 %)
ŠKODA Roomster (2900; +1.2 %)
ŠKODA Citigo (only sold in Europe: 3.300; -15.7 %)
