As a world premiere, Škoda Auto is going to present a facelifted version of the Octavia at this year’s Paris Motor Show (2-19 October, 2008).

Produced or assembled in altogether eight countries, the Octavia is Škoda’s bestseller. The rejuvenated version is now coming with a more emotionally powerful design. “The Octavia has always had a special position among Škoda vehicles. It is our most successful model, very popular worldwide. Now it has gone through a complete transformation that is apparent in the new interior and exterior, as well as the applied technology,” said Dr. Eckhard Scholz, BOD Member responsible for technological development.
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Škoda’s results for the first quarter of 2008 have exceeded all expectations. Sales over the past three months totalled 173,474 vehicles – that’s an increase of 15.7% compared to the same period last year.

Elsewhere, the Octavia also retained its popularity with buyers. Nearly 71,000 were sold in the first 12 weeks of 2008.

These impressive first quarter results were largely due to growing demand in Eastern Europe and China. Over 27,000 Škoda vehicles were sold in Eastern Europe (up 38.6%) with Chinese sales totalling 16,212.

Over the past year, Škoda Auto supplied a total of 449,758 customers worldwide with Fabia, Octavia, and Superb model range cars (2002: 445,525). In spite of a globally tough boom and stronger competitive pressures on particular markets, the auto maker has increased its sales by 1.0%. In 2003, the Fabia became the best-selling Škoda model range with 260,988 units sold (2002: 264,641) almost reaching the previous year’s level. During the same year, the Octavia achieved record-breaking sales with 165,635 units (2002: 164,017, which means +1.0%). The Škoda Superb recorded the highest sales increase (+37.2%) with 23,135 cars sold on the European market (2002: 16,867).

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