- January sales increase 10.2% to 75,400 vehicles
- Best January result in ŠKODA’s 117-year history
- All sales regions experience growth
- ŠKODA UK January registrations up 22% when compared to 2011
Mladá Boleslav, February 13th, 2012 – ŠKODA’s growth continues as January sales rose 10.2 % to 75,400 vehicles, compared to the same month last year, representing the best January figure in ŠKODA’s 117-year corporate history.
Despite a declining worldwide market, ŠKODA raised its global share significantly to a total of 1.58%. The brand posted high growth rates in some markets in Western, Central and Eastern Europe, and made significant headway in many Asian markets.
Following record sales of 879,200 in 2011, ŠKODA has maintained its swift pace in the markets in the first month of the new year. The January figures are an early indicator that ŠKODA is set to continue on its growth path in 2012: 75,400 deliveries to customers represent a new high for January in ŠKODA’s corporate history. The company is aiming for continued growth in 2012. “We achieved a lightning start and grew further in all sales regions in January. This was a perfect pickup and one that creates the basis for more growth this year,” said Jürgen Stackmann, ŠKODA board Member for Sales and Marketing.
The new record figure is equivalent to a 10.2% year-on-year increase. “The ŠKODA brand has good momentum. Our model offensive will really start rolling this year. We are continuing on the course of our 2018 growth strategy,” continued Stackmann.
ŠKODA showed exceptional strength in Western Europe’s intensely competitive markets. Deliveries to customers in the region rose by 10.8% to 29,300 units in January 2012. This compares with 26,400 units delivered in January 2011. ŠKODA raised its market share by almost 21% in Western Europe: it now stands at 3.11%. Sales of Yeti, Octavia and Roomster were especially popular in Western Europe, increasing by 30.6%, 24% and 19.5% respectively.
ŠKODA UK also completed a record January, achieving registrations of over 3,700 cars, up an impressive 22% when compared to the previous year, whilst also reaching a record 2.9% market share.
ŠKODA also posted further growth in China and India. Sales in China rose by 1% to reach 20,800 units, despite a decline in the total market due to this year’s early Chinese New Year celebrations. In India, ŠKODA’s sales advanced by 6.7% to more than 3,000 units, compared to an overall market decline of more than 10% in January 2012. The Rapid, the new Indian compact saloon, had an excellent start to the year with more than 1,500 new customers taking delivery of their cars in January 2012 alone.
January sales were up in Eastern Central Europe: ŠKODA sold 10,200 units, about 2.5% more than inJanuary 2011. In the Czech Republic, ŠKODA’s sales came in at a stable 4,148 units, with the new Citigo subcompact achieving an excellent debut at home, defending its number one position in the minicar segment in January 2012.
Among the largest percentage wins recorded by ŠKODA in January 2012 was in Eastern Europe, where more than 7,700 deliveries translated into an increase of 44.5% for the region (5,400 units in January 2011). The lion’s share came from Russia, with 4,800 deliveries, up 41.7% on January 2011 (3,400 vehicles). ŠKODA grew twice as fast as Russia’s market overall.
ŠKODA models delivered to customers in January 2012 (in units; +/- in percent year on year): Octavia (34,200; +14.6%) Fabia (20,000; +0.1%) Superb (9,500; -11.2%) Yeti (6,200; +34.5%) Roomster (2,600; +21.3%) Rapid (in India only: 1,500; new model) Octavia Tour (1,100; +2.2%) Citigo (in Czech Republic only: 253; new model)
