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Fantastic Start to 2014: Å KODA Grows By 16.5% in January (319)

A strong start to the year for SKODA AUTO: Worldwide vehicle deliveries in January increased by 16.5% to 80,900 (January 2013: 69,500 vehicles). The Czech manufacturer once again achieved double-digit growth in Europe with 48,200 vehicles sold. In the brand's strongest individual market, China, SKODA’s deliveries increased by 27.3% to 27,500 units, thereby selling more cars in China than ever before in one month. The new SKODA Octavia has made an excellent start to the new year with growth of 40.2% in Western Europe.

"This has been an excellent start to 2014," says Werner Eichhorn, SKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. "With 16.5% growth and the best January ever, we have truly confirmed the outstanding performance of the second half of 2013. Our model campaign is paying off in the markets. The strong start to the year and the promising number of incoming orders make us confident that we will continue to grow this year.”

After a record eight new or revised Š KODA models launched in 2013, 2014 is all about the Š KODA growth strategy. “The design and model campaign is continuing into the next stage,” says Eichhorn. The design of Š KODA cars is playing an increasingly important role. At this year's Geneva Motor Show in early March, Š KODA will be presenting the spectacular ‘Š KODA VisionC’ design study. The five-door coupé study demonstrates the brand’s emotional appeal and power, and leads the next step in the evolution of Š KODA design.

Š KODA’s strength was demonstrated in Western Europe this January, where deliveries rose by 13.4% to 30,100 vehicles (January 2013: 26,500). In the brand’s second largest market, Germany, Š KODA grew by 6.7% to 9,500 vehicles delivered, thus confirming its position as the country’s strongest foreign brand. The brand once again achieved a great result in the UK, where deliveries rose by one quarter (25.3%) to 5,400 deliveries. Š KODA saw double-digit growth in Ireland (1,600 vehicles; up 31.0 %), France (1,600 vehicles; up 10.1%), Italy (1,300 Vehicles; up 20,5 %), Finland (1,200 Vehicles; up 80%), Spain (1,100 vehicles; up 79%), Denmark (1,100 vehicles; up 40.0%), the Netherlands (900 vehicles; up 54.7%), Norway (600 vehicles; up 44.4%) and in Portugal (200 vehicles; up 54.2%).

In Eastern Europe, Š KODA boosted vehicle deliveries in January by 11.1% to 6,900 (January 2013: 6,200). In Russia – Š KODA’s third largest market - the brand grew by 2.6% to 4,700 vehicles sold. Russia will see the market launch of the Š KODA Rapid this spring. Š KODA also achieved strong growth in Serbia (200 vehicles; up 77.5%), Romania (300 vehicles; up 19.4%) and in the Baltic States (300 vehicles; up 8.5%).

Š KODA had a fantastic start to the new year in Central Europe, with deliveries to customers increasing by 26.0% to 11,200 (January 2013: 8,900). In their home market, the Czech Republic, the manufacturer increased deliveries by as much as 27.8%, selling 4,700 new vehicles; almost 1000 cars more than in January 2013. Š KODA also achieved significant growth in Poland (4,300 vehicles; up 33.0%), Slovenia (400 vehicles; up 56.6%) and Croatia (200 vehicles; up 44.7%).

In the brand's strongest individual market, China, Š KODA achieved the best sales month ever in January and grew by 27.3%. In total, the brand delivered 27,500 vehicles to Chinese customers (January 2013: 21,600 vehicles); more than ever before in one month. In India, the brand achieved 1,600 deliveries in January (January 2013: 2,400; -32.5%).

Š KODA deliveries to customers in January 2014 (in units, rounded off, listed by model; +/- in per cent against January 2013):

Š KODA Octavia (34,400; +14.5%)
Š KODA Fabia (12,900; -18.6%)
Š KODA Superb (7,400; -13.6%)
Š KODA Yeti (5,400; -2.3%)
Š KODA Roomster (2,300; +19.4%)
Š KODA Rapid (15,800; +286.7%)
Š KODA Citigo (sold only in Europe: 2,800; -21.3%)

About Š KODA AUTO

• is one of the longest-established vehicle production companies in the world. Since 1895, the Czech headquarters in Mladá Boleslav has seen the production firstly of bicycles and then, shortly afterwards motorbikes and cars.
• currently has seven passenger car models: Citigo, Fabia, Roomster/Praktik, Rapid, Octavia, Yeti and Superb.
• delivered around 920,800 vehicles to customers worldwide in 2013.has belonged to Volkswagen since 1991. The VW Group is one of the most successful automotive groups in the world. Š KODA, in association with the Group, independently manufactures and develops vehicles, as well as components, engines and gear transmissions.
• operates at three locations in the Czech Republic, produces in China, Russia, Slovakia and India mainly through Group partnerships, as well as in Ukraine and Kazakhstan through local partners.
• employs over 26,400 people globally and is active in more than 100 markets.