In the news: Skoda, Volkswagen subsidiary and recipient of VW exhaust part will once again try its luck in the Australian market after 25 years. Volkswagen plans to introduce its Skoda brand in Australia this coming October. Matthew Weisner, Volkswagen Group of Australia general manager, press and public relations have been appointed as head of Skoda Australia and his duty includes the re-launch of the Skoda brand. Although a bit reluctant Weisner said that he will do his best to promote Skoda to the Australian market.
Skoda’s lineup for Australia includes the following:
o Fabia – this Volkswagen Polo-sized light car derived its styling cues from the Mini Cooper and Suzuki Swift. The Fabia was launched last year at the Paris Motor Show. It offers economical, three-cylinder, HTP short for High Tech Performance petrol and TDI engines. It also offers 16-valve, 63kW, 1.4 liter and 77kW, 1.6 liter petrol models. The 1.6 liter petrol engine is offered with a six-speed tiptronic automatic. Both the 1.4 and 1.6 petrol units are to be brought to Australia.
The Fabia has a length measuring at 3992 mm long and with a wheelbase of 2462 mm. Comparing it to the Polo, the Fabia is approximately 76 mm longer overall and 3mm longer on the wheelbase. It also possesses 300 liters of luggage space. The Fabia that will be sold in Australia will also feature six airbags, climate control airconditioning and active headlights. The Fabia will be priced at $16,000.
o Octavia – the Octavia bears similar features with the VW Passat and just like the latter, the Octaivia is a mid-size offered either as a front-wheel-drive sedan and wagon. It will also be made to compete with the premium priced Japanese models with the likes of Honda Accord Euro, Mazda6, Subaru Liberty, and soon-to-be Ford Mondeo.
The Octavia is powered by a range of petrol and turbo-diesel engines ranging from 110kW, 2 liter FSI up to a 125kW, 2liter TDI and 147kW, 2 litre FSI four cylinder in the RS. Likewise, a 1.4 liter model will also be made available for Australia along with the five and six-speed manual transmissions with the addition of a six-speed VW-sourced DSG manual. The price of the Octavia is about $30,000.
o Superb – this is an essentially long-wheelbase version of the Octavia designed for the higher end of the market. The Superb is spacious offering extra legroom in the back and plenty of leather and luxury. The Superb is equipped with the Passat’s older 142kW, 2.8 liter V6 petrol and 120 kW, 2.5 liter six cylinder TDI engines which are both available with a tiptronic five-speed automatic.
This long-wheelbase sedan is available in Europe with a 110kW, turbocharged 1.8 liter and naturally aspirated 85 kW, 2 liter four cylinder engine. The price for the Superb is about $45,000.
o Roomster – this vehicle started as a funky concept car at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show while a production version was unveiled last year. The Roomster is distinguished by its high-set, van like styling. Its versatile, five-door concept is similar to the VW Caddy that is quickly converted from a five-seater into a load-lugging two-seater vehicle.
The Roomster Scout adds plastic-cladding around the body which provides it with an off-road look despite the fact that it is a front-wheel drive vehicle. The price of the Roomster is about $27,000.
In addition, Volkswagen also plans to introduce in Australia next year the VW Polo-sized Fabia. This Fabia was previously presented at the Geneva Motor Show. Likewise, by 2009 Volkswagen will launch a new generation version of its long-wheelbase Surperb sedan.
Skoda leading automaker in Czech Republic and a subsidiary of Volkswagen maker of the unparalleled VW engine part has announced recently that it will return to Australia in October. It can be recalled that Skoda used to be treated as a big joke in the automotive world but with the disciplined that it gets from its German parent company; Skoda has been able to obtain Teutonic know-how, engineering and quality standards which has helped it to become the automaker it is today.
Skoda vehicles are to be distributed by Volkswagen Group Australia after its debut at the Sydney Motor Show. The lineup for Australia will include mid-size front-wheel-drive Octavia sedan and wagon plus the funky-looking five-door-wagon-cum-people mover called the Roomster. Both of these models were built at a modern plant at Mlada Boleslav near Prague.
To lead the range is a high-performance 147 kW, 2 liter FSI turbocharged Octavia RS. Volkswagen also plans to add the VW Polo-sized Fabia next year to the range of vehicles to be sold in Australia. The VW Polo-sized Fabia has been previously presented at the Geneva Motor Show. And by 2009 Volkswagen will launch a new generation version of its long-wheelbase Superb sedan.
The basic selling point of Skoda is its prices and this same strategy is what the automaker will also employ in Australia. The prices of Skoda vehicles to be sold in Australia will start from $16,000 for the Fabia and up to the mid $40,000s for the Superb.
And although Skoda vehicles are built using VW engine parts and components it is still 5 to 8 percent cheaper that its equivalent Volkswagen models due to the low-cost production price at Eastern Europe. Volkswagen Group Australia executive this makes the Skoda especially appealing to cost-conscious Australian buyers who wants European cars.
The plan to sell Skoda in Australia has been developed last year, however pricing and local identity issues have delayed the plans. But now since everything has been finally settled the moving is finally moving forward with its plans.
Matthew Weisner Volkswagen Group Australia general manager, press and public relations have been appointed head of Skoda Australia and part of his responsibility is to re-launch the brand. The first Octavia and Roomster are to be sold through 15 VW dealerships. Wiesner also emphasized the Skoda and VW would be distinct even with BMW which sells its Mini brands through associated dealers. “You won’t see shared Volkswagen-Skoda showrooms. We’ve got to give them more separation. Obviously we need to protect what we’ve done with Volkswagen but at the same time grow the Skoda branding,” said Weisner.
But eventually half of VW’s 56 dealers nationally will be made to sell Skodas. “By the end of 2008 we’d like to have about 25 dealers. The regional-rural side of the business will be very important, particularly with Skoda’s turbo-diesel line-up,” added Weisner.
After-sales services are also going to be improved and with the well developed network and highly trained technicians, servicing and logistics is not going to be a problem. Despite the seemed to be flawless sales plan of Volkswagen in Australia, Weisner is still worried that the company’s lack of profile may affect the sales turnover. It should be noted that Skodas have not been sold in Australia for almost 25 years.
“We’ve got to be creative about how we sell the Skoda message. We need to reasonably clever in how we go about it. It’s a pretty congested market, so we have to come up with a reasonable answer to the question of why you would consider a Skoda,” explained Weisner. He also described himself as”cautious but optimistic” about Skoda.
Presently there 41 different passenger car brands that are fighting to take a slice of the sales pie and Skoda must try to find its way through the ultra competitive market. Another fear of Weisner is that the Skoda may cannibalize VW sales. But then he said, “Yes, we have to be mindful of that. That’s why it has taken such a long time to put this together. We need to be very careful how we approach both marques, because there’s no point robbing Peter to pay Paul. You get one opportunity to do it properly.”
Weisner also admitted that positioning Skoda without affecting the VW sales is one of the challenges that he is facing right now. “We’re hoping the Skoda buyer will be an aspirational European buyer who might not have been able to stretch themselves before. They might always have been Japanese buyers who have aspired to Europe and hopefully we’ll give them that opportunity,” said Weisner.
Last year has been a very good year for VW Group Australia by selling more than 20,000 vehicles and they are hoping that the coming of the Skoda will further help VW Australia to increase their sales.
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Benjamin Hudson
Skoda Superb has been given a rebirth by Volkswagen designers who have named this flagship car of Skoda family in honor of the luxurious Skoda Superb of 1930’s. It shares its platform with highly successful WV Passat model. Dubbed as executive car, current models include 1.8L I4 Turbo as standard engine. More powerful petrol and diesel engines include 2.8L V6 30v and 2.5L V6 TDI, respectively.
Specifications
A recent facelift offers new radiator grille, headlights, side repeater indicators and C-shaped tail lights. As part of refurbishment project, interior panel is fitted with real wood and includes extras that were once hallmark of original Skoda Superb. Utilizing transverse engine layout, the all new B6 comes with fuel stratified injection turbocharged engine which can be upgraded to a powerful 3.6L 191kw FSI VR6 versions, providing reduced fuel consumption. For automobile enthusiasts who prefer even more power, Skoda engineers are now offering an optional direct shift gearbox with 6 or 7 speed transmissions in all trim combination. These trim levels are classified as Comfort, Ambition and Elegance in Europe, however, in UK they are marketed as S, SE, Elegance and Greenline. A Combi 5 door estate model is already introduced in Frankfurt Auto Show. This version of Skoda family cars is made for car owners who prefer luxury and more passenger space.
B6 Models
Produced in Czech Republic and India, Skoda Superb B6 2008, contains 4motion four wheel drive which is fitted with more advanced technology, constituting top of the line petrol engines such as 3.6 L VR6 FSI 4×4. Similarly, powerful diesel variants have also been reintroduced to include 1.9 L I4 TDI PD DPF Greenline and 2.0 L I4 TDI CR DPF. It seems that Skoda Superb designers are bent on providing even more choices. Their motives are expressed in classical ‘Laurin and Klement’ model which derives its features not only from original Skoda masterpiece but also from Rolls Royce. Like Rolls Royce it includes components such as an umbrella hidden in rear door panel.
As of 2008, the first generation Skoda Superb has stopped production. In its place, B6 is being offered in either 5 door liftback sedan or 5 door estate versions. Based on Volkswagen Group A5 PQ35 platform, the new version is a touch longer and wider than its predecessor. Fortunately, a slight price difference should not limit loyal Skoda buyers to catch onto the latest frenzy in Czech Republic and certain other East European markets.
Gurg Sumit Kumar
Skoda marks its presence in the luxury segment in India with its Octavia and Laura. Skoda Octavia has spelled success ever since it was launched. Laura picked up slowly and still marks a good presence on the Indian roads. A new version of Skoda Laura was also launched, Skoda Laura Ambient also made a quiet entry in to the market subsequently. Although the both the models have marked a subtle presence, nevertheless, both have their unique characteristics that make their owners be proud of their style and elegance. Skoda Laura competes with against Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry in its segment.
The Power and the Technology
Skoda Laura is based on the A5 platform that is accompanied with cutting edge technology which tries its best to match the Indian road and driving conditions. It has a 1.9 Pump Dense Technology engine that is known for its low emission which is BS III complaint. This engine also delivers good fuel efficiency. It gains its top speed as 189Kmph. It comes with automatic and tip-tronic transmission that has six forward and one reverse gear.
It has McPherson suspension in the front while the rear wheels have multi-element axle with one longitudinal and three transverse links. It has dual braking system in front and back and comes with power steering.
Inside Out
The exteriors are plush and stylish with extremely elegant look. It is a 4-door 5-seater car and a shining fully galvanised body. Interiors also carry stunning look that are well designed for maximum comfort. The overall design quite resembles with Skoda Octavia. It has a storage capacity of 560 litres that can be extended up to 1350 litres by folding the rear seats.
You can experience the rich upholstery, adjustable driver seats that have memory setting options so that it remembers your preferences. A long wheelbase gives a lot of room to the driver and makes driving the vehicle a real pleasure. It has an illuminated and refrigerated glove compartment with ample storage amenities. It carries all the safety measures that are usually present in any luxury car in the same segment.
Price Factor
The new Skoda Laura can give 11-16 kmph fuel efficiency on the city roads. It is priced at Rs 16-17 lakh in India and is amongst the elite peers in its segment that offers enticing looks clubbed with superb technology. It is available in 5 colours in India to choose from – Storm Blue, Candy White, Black Magic, Diamond Silver and Sahara Beige.
However, smaller changes in style and technology can further enhance the worth of the model. The front vent sometimes makes it difficult to see in front. The tyres still need to be improved upon for Indian road conditions. Moreover, the car still needs further adaptability for Indian driving conditions. The audio system can be still better but on the whole the car is a queen in the luxury segment that is tough enough to give a good competition to Accord, Camry or Sonata.
Satish Kalepu
Skoda Laura is a small luxury sedan that is built on Volkswagen platform, and is very popular in India. It is offered as 4 door estate or 5 door hatchback models. Actually, Skoda Laura is a second generation variant of the original Skoda Octavia. Nevertheless, new models are completely refurbished and are designed after evaluating extensive customer surveys. Therefore, consumers will find ample leg space in rear, and a lot more ground clearance; features which were absent in earlier version.
More Choice
In order to compete in challenging segment, Skoda Laura is available in different engine classes which range from 1.3L I4 to more powerful 2.0L I4 TFSI versions. In diesel variants, Skoda Laura comes with I4 TDI engine type. Both estate and hatchback versions also provide complete flexibility to choose from either 5 speed manual, 6 speed automatic or 7 speed auto DSG transmission. Perhaps, it is among very few cars which are also marketed as 4×4 drive. There are two four wheel drive versions. Both these versions contain Haldex Traction system based on computer controlled clutch centre coupling. These off-road models are well suited to rough road conditions frequently encountered in India. Furthermore, Scout four wheel drive version has an even higher ground clearance. It also has exterior modifications similar to SUV and sports cars.
More Power
In 2010, Skoda Laura is also being offered in 1.2 TSI petrol variant which use turbo fuel stratified injection with 1197 cc 8v DOHC engines that are able to produce 77kw power at 5000rpm. It’s more powerful 2.0 TFSI vRS 1984 cc engine uses 16 valve system. Just a year earlier, Laura underwent significant facelift including improved exterior design and brand new interior. The interior rim, stereo and steering wheel are notable features. Also, these new models have slightly better outlook after modifications to bumpers and headlights. Compared to competitors, the quality is further enhanced by lower price and more interior space.
More Acclaim
Skoda Laura has got rave reviews from almost every major European publication. Top Gear has described it as a masterpiece and dependable, whereas Auto Express has rewarded it with Gold Medal for being the most satisfying car of 2007. In India, Skoda Laura is fast gaining market share from Audi and high-end models of Volkswagen. Recent facelift is bound to add to its charm.
Gurg Sumit Kumar
When we think of the Austrian car-makers Skoda our mind automatically jumps to the Superb, a sort of upper middle class vehicle. But, not much hype or fan-fare follows their lower models like the Fabia. The topic for discussion here is the “Skoda Fabia vRS”, Skoda’s latest attempt at introducing a rally car on the roads.
Let’s start off with the most important part of the vehicle, the engine. This particular engine has been used in everything from the Golf to the A6 and is, to be fair, far better than anything else it has ever produced in this class. The 1.9 liter, 4 cylinder, OHC, turbo charged diesel engine might not be the fastest car around but it sure does try really hard.
130 bhp at 4000 rpm doesn’t sound like much, but keep the car between 1500 and 2700 rpm and you feel the full effect of the 310 nM of torque under the hood. It does 0-60 mph in approximately 9.6 seconds. Quite normal for this class of vehicle but the crucial pick up from 50 to 75 mph can be achieved in around 10 seconds in 5th gear which sounds very contenting when you think of the vehicle class. It tops out at a maximum speed of 127 mph which isn’t very fast, but, it is good for its class. This car can easily complete 40 mpg, but, hit the motorway and you will be touching 60 miles to the gallon. The steering wheel (a three spoke sports steering wheel) gives terrific feedback and the performance of the car is far superior to any other ones in its class. The vRS moves on 16 inch aluminium alloy wheels through which you can spot green brake calipers.
When it comes to looks, the Fabia, has very little on offer whether it is on the inside or the outside. Skoda’s chief designer, Thomas Ingenlath was in charge of designing the vRS and he has done a decent job in raising the bar for its down-market siblings. The front has been equipped with a pleasant front bumper, encasing the usual mesh-vent between two fog lamps. Around the back, you will find a deeper bumper with a chromed tail pipe which is a little off-centre, a boot spoiler and some discreet badging. This all sounds real nice, but, it is not even close to the stunningly fashionable World Rally Car.
The interiors have the same feeling as most of the cars from the Volkswagen group. The switch gear (made of aluminium) is well laid out and the dials are clear and easily readable. The seats (monogrammed RS grey and black fabric sports seats) are actually, very comfortable and move in every possible way which makes finding a comfortable position relatively easy. A couple of vRS logos on the dials complete the look.
Skoda has gone all out when it comes to specking the vRS. ABS, MSR and ASR all help with the handling while ESP can be added at an extra cost. On the comfort and safety front, air-conditioner, electric front windows, single-slot CD player, alarm, remote central locking and driver and passenger airbags all come as standard.
Now that everything has been discussed let’s come down to the price. At £12000 it is far better priced than any of its rivals and it has a good re-sale value as well.
All-in-all, this car is good without being great. It is very reliable, economical too and it can still turn heads. Really. .
Since 1999, the Czech manufacturer, Skoda Auto has been producing one of the most stylishly designed supermini. The looks of Skoda Fabia are based on new designs by its parent company, Volkswagen. The car is offered as 4 door saloon or 5 door estate and hatchback models. Available in petrol and diesel versions, most recent models are equipped with 1.4 16valve 80 PS engines which are able to produce torque up to 132N at 3800rpm.
Appeal
Earlier models of Skoda Fabia were heavier in comparison to its competition but designers soon came out with an innovative 1.2HTP engine which became so popular that VW Polo also adapted it in their newer vehicles. In 2006, engineers boosted specifications by adding a rear seat headrest, three point seat belts and four bodywork colors. In fact, it was the overall design which attracted young buyers who were readily impressed by its sporty looks. To cater to increasing demands, engineers have introduced classical designs including Silverline, Bohemia, Sport, Ambiente and Blackline. Minor changes are also reflected in junior models sold in Eastern Europe which are relatively low priced but doesn’t include standard features.
Powerful Diesel Engine
The diesel version of Skodia Fabia has also been an instant hit. The 1.9L turbocharged direct injection system can produce 130 metric horsepower and an amazing 310N at 1900rpm. It is controlled by a manual six speed gearbox which can accelerate to 100km/h in approximately 8 seconds. Although, the official acceleration speed is quoted to be more than 9 seconds but tests by major industry outlets have proved that the reliable diesel engine is actually more powerful than its contemporaries. A 6 speed tiptronic transmission and 7 speed direct shift gearbox are also available for customized models.
5J Model
The new 5J models have been rolled out with additional safety features. All European models are fitted with driver, passenger and side airbags. A highly advanced internal safety feature that prevents wiring from heating up is another distinguishing aspect of 5J models. According to Euro NCAP safety tests, Skoda Fabia is recommended to be 4 stars in adult occupancy ratings and three star for child occupant. Considering traditionally lower safety ratings for small cars, it is an impressive feat to achieve such high ratings in its class.
Gurg Sumit Kumar
Skoda a subsidiary of Volkswagen maker of VW Cabrio parts is going to join the second Le Mans Series event that will be held Valencia, Spain. The Skoda Charouz Racing System-Lola/Judd team will appear this weekend in Valencia, Spain. For the second Le Mans Series event it will be raced by trio Jan Charouz, Stefan Mucke, and Alex Yoong. The crew believes that this time they will prove the car’s immense power just like what it showed in the first race in Monza, where the LolaB07/17 Judd factory vied for podium.
Unfortunately for the team their April chances were crushed by gearbox failure. The technical trouble is unlikely to reappear despite of the efforts given by Lola’s engineers in sorting out the construction problem. One of the highlights at the opening of the LMS race was the power of the vehicle painted in Czech tricolor. The factory Peugeots 908 was the only one found faster than the Charouz and Mucke.
The second race which will last for six hours will also measure 1000 kilometers and if in the Malaysian F1 the ex-pilot Alex Yoong was missing, in Monza the team will be complete. The coming race will also be a great chance for the Skoda Charouz team to prepare for the peak of the season which the famous June marathon 24 Hours Le Mans.
The Mücke’s start is still uncertain, but the Berliner figured it out amazingly. During the day, he what he will do is to make it to both FIA Grand Turismo in Silverstone and the Spanish six-hour race. And together with a few other drivers he will avail of the charter flight between the British and Spanish circuits. He will then launch the Lamborghini Murcielago into the two-hour race transferred the wheel to compatriot Frank Biela and take off for Valencia where he is expected to drive the final part of the six hours.
The Valencia race is a wider competition than Monza as a matter of fact at least 46 cars enrolled for the race of which 23 are sport prototypes. The Czech Lola/Jud belongs in the elite LMP1 class. For this coming race there will be two experienced and fast crews that skipped the Italian opening that will be joining: Swiss team Swiss Spirit (Deletraz, Fässler, Alexander-David) and British team Arena (Johansson, Shimoda). The Valencia race will be broadcasted by Czech TV channel Galaxie Sport in a series of live and record programs (12.55-13.50, 15.55-16.50 a 19.10-20.05).
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Benjamin Hudson works as a supervisor at one of the top engineering firms in the business district of Louisiana. He is also a freelance journalist and has passion for anything automotive.
Skoda, a subsidiary of the international VW Group that is based in Czech Republic has four cars in India. Though the brand is not a global hit, Skoda automobiles in India have seen great success. Skoda aims at producing environment-friendly new cars with high standards of comfort and safety. It has a manufacturing plant based at Shendra, on the outskirts of Aurangabad in the Maharashtra state of India. In this article let’s have a look at the Skoda automobiles in India.
Fabia, a Skoda automobile in India, is loaded with the best-in-class technology and extraordinary comfort. Active, Classic, Ambiente and Elegance are the four variants of this Skoda automobile in India. It comes with a choice of one diesel and 2 petrol motors. An impressive 70 bhp is packed in the 1.4-litre PD TDI Inline-3 diesel motor while 1.4-litre MPI Inline-4 delivers 86 bhp and the 1.2 MPI I4 petrol engine churns out 70 bhp. The Skoda Fabia’s engine is coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission which allows smooth shifting of gears on the humpy bumpy roads in India. Lavish dual-tone interiors add the final streak of luxury.
The Skoda Laura, a leader when Skoda automobiles in India are considered, is a masterpiece of modern styling, outstanding manufacturing quality and ground-breaking engine technology. This Skoda automobile in India comes as three variants: Laurin and Klement, Elegance, and Ambiente. The engine varieties include a 1.8-litre TSI, a 1.9-litre TDI PD, and a 2.0-litre TDI PD. The classy, elegant and comfy interiors draw attention to the chrome-accentuated interior door handles, rich Ivory upholstery, and wood furnishing. This Skoda automobile has made its entry in India with a 12-way electrically adjustable driver seat and plenty of other features.
The Skoda Octavia is a well-built luxury-filled Skoda automobile in India. The car symbolizes the fine blend of quality, ideal designing and fresh technology. This Skoda automobile has made its entry in India as four variants: Ambiente Turbo, Ambiente, Laurin and Klemant, and Elegance 1.9 TDi and these suit the roads of India just right. The Octavia comes with a choice of two engines, a 1.8-litre turbo petrol and a 1.9-litre TDi diesel motor. The engine in all variants is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Superb, roomy interiors in a mixture of wood and leather give it the looks that make the car so well known in India.
The Superb is one of the four Skoda automobiles in India that offers a 7-Star experience. The car comes in just three variants in India – 1.8 TSI, TDI PD, and V6 FSI 4×4. Making its entry in India in two petrol variants, the 1.8-litre turbocharged and 3.6-litre V6 turbocharged versions, the Superb is certainly a superb car. The diesel variant derives its power from a 2-litre I4 turbocharged motor. The Skoda Superb shows off ivory Nappa leather seats, dual tone Onyx-Ivory interiors, wood design interior décor, 2-way electrically adjustable driver seat with programmable memory and loads of other features for car buyers in India.
Deepthi Alvares
It is no secret that the Czech Republic’s biggest car maker Skoda Auto has been in the past – a laughing stock in the automotive world. But things are finally turning around for the automaker and right now it has become a profit producing force for its owner Volkswagen.
The Czech Republic’s biggest car maker is also planning to open up new markets in China, India, and Russia. Skoda Auto was bought by Volkswagen in the year 1991 and become one of the forces behind the latter’s global force. And as part of Europe’s largest automaker, Skoda Auto makes use of quality Volkswagen auto parts for its production like the popular Volkswagen spark plug wires.
Skoda Auto was able to record net profits for the last week of 2006 totaling to 11.06 billion koruna or 392 million euros (515 million dollars). It obtained a 40% increase as compared to its earnings in the previous year.
Skoda Auto’s production also increased by 12.6 percent or 556,347 units with successful deliveries of up 11.7 percent resulting to an overall sales increase of 8.7 percent to 203.7 billion koruna. For this year, Europe’s largest automaker Volkswagen owner of Skoda is expecting for it to produce more than 600,000 cars.
According to Marc-Rene Tonn an analyst from German bank MM Warburg and Co., “Skoda is an extremely profitable part of the Volkswagen Group.” He also stressed that about one in every 10 Volkswagen Group cars are produced in the Czech Republic especially those sold in the year 2005. This was seconded by Stephen Pope, a London-based analyst with financial services group Cantor Fitzgerald Europe, “Volkswagen will rely heavily on Audi and Skoda during this current period.” Since he said that the Europe’s largest automaker is currently struggling with an ageing range of models and it needs new launches to revive it. “The whole new image of Skoda has changed. It is no longer taken as a joke and is now seen as a pure derivative of Volkswagen, but much more reasonably priced.”
Pope also added that this simply shows the remarkable development that Skoda Auto has achieved under the management of Volkswagen for the past 15 years as part of the VW Group. Praises also to Volkswagen for being steadfast in its decision not to scrap the Skoda brand in spite of the not so good image that the brand has in Western Europe (DaimlerChrysler could used some advice from Volkswagen).
The turning of the Skoda into one of Volkswagen’s flagship producer of reasonably priced reliable cars just goes to show the effective management style that Europe’s largest automaker have. And today, Volkswagen is leading Skoda to become its low-cost spearhead into the booming economies of China, India, and Russia without damaging along the way it attempts to target a more prestige market.
Pope also said that “Skoda will be designated as the entry level car with the premium part of the market left for Volkswagen.”
The boss of Skoda Detlef Wittig has announced last week the company’s goal of producing low-cost car for the Asian market, mentioning also that the company plans of opening up markets in India, Russia, and China. The low-cost Fabia and the top-of-the-range Superb are scheduled to be produced for China in partnership with Shanghai Volkswagen. Likewise, launches production of the mid-range Octavia model are set for China this year.
The Czech automaker has already car assembly and production projects in Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Bosnia, and India. Current models lined up for production includes the mid-range Roomster which will complete the current four model range and the three-door sporty vehicle called the Skoda Joyster which is designed for young buyers.
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Growing up with three brothers, Natalie Anderson became exposed early to the world of automobiles. This 29-year-old account manager now dreams of having her very own top-of-the-line vintage car.