“Despite the difficult market climate in Russia and in China, ŠKODA’s sales figures in July were as high as in the same period last year. In Western and Central Europe, there was significant growth which balances out the declining trends in other regions,” said Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing.
Sales in Western Europe were particularly strong in July. Deliveries grew by 7.3 per cent to 35,800 vehicles (July 2014: 33,400). In Germany, ŠKODA sales increased by 8.8 per cent to 13,000 vehicles (July 2014: 12,000) and reinforced its position as the number one car importer. The brand saw double-digit growth in several markets: Spain(2,100 vehicles; up 33 per cent), Ireland (1,700 vehicles; up 49.8 per cent), Switzerland (1,800 vehicles; up 26.9 per cent), Italy (1,500 vehicles, up 25.9 per cent) and Sweden (1,300 vehicles; up 27.4 per cent).
In Eastern Europe, including Russia, ŠKODA delivered 7,000 vehicles in July (July 2014: 10,400; down 32.7 per cent). The decline is a result of the weak general market conditions in Russia and Ukraine. In Russia, ŠKODA sold 4,200 vehicles compared to 7,100 sold in July 2014 (a decline of 40.8 per cent). A double-digit increase was seen in Romania (900 vehicles; an increase of 19.9 per cent) and Bulgaria (200 vehicles; an increase of 44.1 per cent).
ŠKODA saw significant growth in July within Central Europe. Sales increased by 22.2 per cent to 14,500 cars (July 2014: 11,900 cars), the market share increased to 19.9 per cent in July. In the home market of the Czech Republic, ŠKODA deliveries increased by 38.8 per cent to 7,700 deliveries (July 2014: 5,600). Growth was also seen in Slovakia (1,600 vehicles; up 13.6 per cent) and Hungary (800 vehicles; up 22.0 per cent), representing double-digit growth rates.
The situation was challenging in China. In July, ŠKODA sold 18,400 vehicles in China (July 2014: 21,100; down 12.7 per cent). ŠKODA once again experienced growth in India. The brand delivered 1,200 vehicles in July, which corresponds to an increase of 7.4 per cent compared to July of the previous year (1,100 vehicles). ŠKODA saw a double-digit increase in Turkey (1,800 vehicles; an increase of 71.4 per cent), in Israel (1,800 vehicles; an increase of 29.3 per cent) and in Egypt (500 vehicles; an increase of 72.4 per cent).
Deliveries of the ŠKODA brand to customers in July 2015 (in units, rounded, by model; +/- in per cent compared to the same month of the previous year):
ŠKODA Octavia (34,200; +15.5 %)
ŠKODA Fabia (17,900; +44.3 %)
ŠKODA Rapid (13,800; -29.3 %)
ŠKODA Yeti (7,900; -3.0 %)
ŠKODA Superb (4,900; -35.0 %)
ŠKODA Roomster (800; -67.9 %)
ŠKODA Citigo (only sold in Europe: 3,500; +4.8 %)
