Whilst no other manufacturer was presented with four awards, this is second year in a row that Skoda has been presented with four award in the same four categories.

Skoda Brand Director Robert Hazelwood commented: “It’s fantastic to get such high-profile recognition for our cars and customer service. for the Yeti, Superb and Superb Estate to win for a second straight year is a tremendous achievement. and to be awarded the Driver Power gong for the third year running is a great honour for the brand and our retailers.”

Acting Editor Graham Hope commented on the awards:

Skoda Yeti – best Crossover

“What makes the Skoda Yeti such a hit? It’s all down to the depth of its talents. those tough Tonka-toy looks set the tone, but the model is about substance as well as style. inside, you’ll find a brilliantly crafted layout with high-quality materials, plenty of standard kit and loads of space, while its sparkling dynamics deliver unexpected driver appeal.”

Skoda Superb – best Family Car

“The Skoda Superb has the full family car skill set and won over our judges with its sparkling engines, dazzling ability to accommodate people and luggage and its blinding interior quality. Competitive prices ensure the sums add up as well.”

Skoda Superb Estate – best Estate

“Our favourite Family Car is even better as an Estate, making it a dead cert for this prize for the second year running. Nothing over the past year has eclipsed the Superb Estate’s blend of space, value, style and performance.”

Skoda – Driver Power Award

“Our Driver Power customer satisfaction poll is one of the biggest owner surveys in the business, and Skoda’s third consecutive victory shows how far the brand has come.”

The new Octavia (Laura for Indian market)-sized concept is an evolution of Skoda’s current design language rather than a revolution, its clean exterior looks; which includes an enlarged gloss-finished front grille and widened lower air intake, are borrowed from parent firm Volkswagen. A slimmer design for the front headlights also features, as does a more distinctive design for the C-pillars and an integrated taligate.

The long wheelbase design with short overhangs also allows for greater interior space. The futuristic interior includes clear glass on the centre console and a reduction in the amount of switchgear. The dials, seats and steering wheel form part of the futuristic look, while most of the interior controls appear to be carried out by a small touchpad facing the driver and positioned on the edge of the centre console.

The new model previews the design language Skoda will start to introduce to its models from 2012. The year will also see the launch of the firm’s revised badge, which is seen on the concept for the first time. Designed to be much larger and more visible, it now features brighter colouring and chrome rim to give it more of a modern flair.

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source:www.autocarindia.com

“Skoda continues its growth trend with new record numbers. In particular, the brand has profited from high demand in China, as well as a positive trend in Western and Eastern European markets. In some countries however, the market remains weak after a difficult 2009. The second half of 2010 will bring great challenges but we are on an excellent path”, said Reinhard Fleger, Member of the Board responsible for Sales.

The key driving force behind the increase in growth is the development of the Chinese market, which in June alone sold 15,158 vehicles, an increase of more than 51% when compared to the same month in 2009. From January to June 2010, 84,135 vehicles were delivered in China, 82.3% more than in the first half of the previous year.

Skoda overseas markets performed well in the first six months of 2010, increasing sales by almost 50% (25,000 vehicles). In Russia, twice as many cars were sold when compared to the same month of the previous year. In Western Europe (excluding Germany), the brand increased its sales by 34.5 percent to 117,283 vehicles. In particular, Skoda recorded significant growth numbers in Great Britain (+ 61.2%) and Spain (with the Canary Islands; + 50%)

In the Czech market, sales remain positive for Skoda: 5,743 vehicles were delivered in June 2010. This represents a cumulative increase of 16.6% when compared with 2009.

Skoda’s second largest market (after China) is Germany where 13,343 vehicles were registered in June. Skoda was able to increase its registration figures to a total of 67,556 units, reinforcing the Czech Republic manufacturer as the number one imported brand in Germany.

The best selling Skoda model worldwide was the Skoda Octavia. From January to June 2010, sales of this model increased 20% to 158,024 cars. The Skoda Yeti (25,868 vehicles) and the Skoda Superb have also enjoyed outstanding sales. Skoda’s flagship Superb saw an increase of almost 150% with 47,830 cars sold. Additionally, 111,967 Skoda Fabias and 14,900 Skoda Roomsters were delivered to customers.

source: www.carpages.co.uk

The Skoda Fabia is a best-selling model of Skoda's range in the Russian and global markets. In 2009, 264,173 Skoda Fabias were sold globally; an increase of 7.1 per cent on the previous year. The Skoda Fabia was Russia's best seller in 2009.

"Over the past few years, Skoda has been very successful and record sales were once again achieved in 2009. A main contributing factor for this market growth is the continued development in areas such as Russia, India and China. With our investments in Kaluga production, dealer network and products we will continue to strengthen our position in the Russian market," said Reinhard Jung, head of Skoda Auto board of directors.

Petr Janeba, Head of Skoda Russia added: "Russia is one of the key markets for Skoda and we expect to see sustained future growth. One of our primary objectives is to increase our production capacities and we are already achieving success in this as all Skoda models are produced at the Russian factory in Kaluga; providing attractive price-quality ratio to our clients, faster reaction to the local market changes and to our Russian customers' requirements. In October 2009, we started full-cycle production of the Skoda Octavia and today we are ready to announce the start of the second model production by CKD.

"The Skoda Fabia is such a popular vehicle in the Russian market and we happy to say that it is now the second all-Russian car of our brand. We are pleased to showcase it for the first time at our factory!"

"Skoda Fabia is the third model in the Group to be produced in full-cycle including welding, painting and assembly. Our Kaluga factory with its wide model line-up is unique for Volkswagen Group and we intend to increase the number of models in the future. Most importantly, we produce all vehicles in accordance with the highest quality standards," concluded Dietmar Korzekwa, General Director of Volkswagen Group Rus.

The new Skoda Fabia will be available at all official Russian dealerships from the beginning of May 2010. Skoda Fabia together with Skoda Octavia are participating in the state credit and scrappage incentive programs. Special terms of car purchase make this model affordable. Success of the Fabia has allowed Skoda to gain a leading position in Russia's compact car segment.

A sophisticated compressor-and-turbo combination increases the engine power smoothly and harmonically, and the maximum speed of 140 mph (141 mph in the estate version) and 0-62mph acceleration in just 7.3 seconds in both versions mean a sporty driving experience. With fuel consumption of 44.1 mpg, the Skoda Fabia vRS offers high power and maximum fuel efficiency as well as excellent environmental parameters.

Both versions boast an attractively designed front bumper and integrated fog lamps with integrated LED lights that can be fitted with cornering lights as an option. The vehicle’s unique position in the Skoda Fabia range is underlined by 17″ lightweight alloy Gigaro wheels developed specially for the vRS, red brake callipers, tinted windows, a new rear bumper with a diffuser and dual exhaust. Depending on the colour of the body, the roof, roof spoiler and wheels for the Skoda Fabia vRS hatchback will be available in a choice of black, white or silver.

The vehicle’s sports-tuned chassis – with ESP, ABS and ASR – is designed for powerful dynamic and safe driving performance. To enhance the driving experience, the new XDS electronic differential improves the car’s cornering ability. It brakes the inside front wheel electronically to increase the torque on the outside front wheel. Accelerating through corners, the resulting torque gives the vRS impressive agility. A tyre pressure monitor (TMP) and uphill start assistant are standard, providing greater comfort and safety.

Both the Skoda Fabia vRS hatch and estate are fitted with height-adjustable sports seats with vRS logos on the backrests. A height- and reach-adjustable, three-spoke leather-wrapped sports steering wheel has paddles for manual control of the seven-speed DSG gearbox. The purity of the interior design is underlined by an Onyx-shaded dashboard and stainless steel pedals with an anti-slip surface.

In connection with the new design of the Skoda Fabia vRS, Skoda has also adapted the design of its rally car, the Skoda Fabia Super 2000. Under new FIA regulations for the Super 2000 category, the vehicle has been widened to 1,820 mm. To improve the performance of the Fabia Super 2000 rally car, Skoda has also adapted the engine’s air intake and exhaust system.

With all the benefits of a 4×4 vehicle combined with the practicality of a family hatchback, the Skoda Yeti has been making light work of the UK’s treacherous weather conditions thanks to its ability to tackle rough terrain and wintry conditions.

Robert Hazelwood, Skoda UK Director explains: “No one could have expected the snowy conditions we have experienced so far this year and with more forecast until the end of January, having suitable transport to get around is essential. The Skoda Yeti is a versatile family car no matter what the weather.”

The Skoda Yeti combines safety, comfort and bold styling in a car that drivers and their families will love to own. It is available in front-wheel or four-wheel drive, in a choice of five diesel or petrol engines and four trim levels.

Equipment levels are high across the range with electric front windows and CD player, air conditioning, six airbags and Skoda’s hugely practical Varioflex seating standard on all models. Add the practicality of frugal fuel consumption and low emissions to Skoda’s great value and family-friendly touches, and it’s clear why the Skoda Yeti is the car of choice all year round.

Despite the misery that the winter weather is causing on roads across the country, families still managed to enjoy some good old fashioned fun in the snow over the weekend. During a snowball fight, one family were joined by a surprise playmate as the rarely seen furry Yeti frolicked in the snow with them, throwing snowballs and making snow angels.

The Skoda Yeti is priced from £13,990 and was named ‘Family Car of the Year 2009′ in the Top Gear Awards.

source: carpages.co.uk

Robert Hazelwood, Skoda UK Director explains: “Skoda sold more cars in the UK this year than last, which is especially significant in the economic conditions we’ve all faced this year. We are a brand that delivers great quality cars at outstanding value for money for the consumer. The excellent care that our retailers deliver to their customers is another reason that more and more people are choosing Skoda.”

“We were quick to take hold of the opportunity afforded by the government’s scrappage programme, making it even more attractive for customers. As a result, we have sold over 10,000 cars through the scrappage programme since it began.

“With more new product arriving in 2010, starting with the elegant new Superb Estate, I believe Skoda will continue to provide the design, value and service that consumers across the UK desire.”

The new decade looks set to continue the upwards trend with 2010 being the first full year for sales of both the Skoda Yeti – Top Gear magazine’s Best Family Car 2009, shortlisted for European Car of the Year – and the new Skoda Superb estate, Top Gear magazine’s Best Luxury Car 2009, to be launched in February 2010.

Skoda’s five-car range includes the top-selling Skoda Fabia supermini with over 18,500 sales in 2009, followed by the Skoda Octavia, with more than 13,800 sales last year. The luxurious Skoda Superb exceeded all expectations in its first full year of sales with more than 2,600 registered. Since its launch in September 2009, Skoda has sold nearly 700 Skoda Yetis.

One of the keys to Skoda’s success, great customer service, continues to be demonstrated by the brand being placed top of the Auto Express Driver Power Survey and fourth in the J D Power Study of Customer Satisfaction, a survey in which Skoda has placed in the Top Five for the last 14 years.

With 2010 starting with Skoda’s most comprehensive and competitive range of cars ever and its largest order bank to date, the new decade is shaping up to be even more successful than the last.

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source: carscoop