Skoda scoops two more accolades

Skoda added an impressive two more trophies to its already bulging awards cabinet this month, as the manufacturer won twice at the Fleet News awards 2010.

The brand was named the Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer and the Superb model won the accolade of Best Upper-Medium car, at a glitzy awards ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on the 16 March.

Commenting, Martin Burke, Skoda’s head of fleet sales, who collected the awards on the evening, said: “Over the past few years, our team has worked hard to educate fleet managers on the benefits of choosing Skoda over another brand, and it is excellent to see that hard work really paying off.

“We have an excellent selection of products on the market, which perfectly fit the fleet offering, particularly the Octavia and Superb models, and since its launch in 2008, the Superb has really shone brightly as an exemplary luxury vehicle for both work and home.  I’m really proud of everyone in the factory, the brand and the retailer network who has contributed to this success.  It’s recognition for us all.”

The judges contending the Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer category, said: “[This was] a unanimous decision thanks to Skoda’s improved products, better support from the fleet department and the dealer network.” Regarding the Superb, they added: “High quality, more legroom and excellent cabin comfort make the Superb the best place to be when chalking up big miles.”

Fleet News added: “Skoda has gone from strength-to-strength in 2009 and its flagship Superb typifies the carmaker’s success.  Skoda achieved a record 1.6 per cent share of the corporate market in 2009; a tremendous performance considering it had no presence in fleet only five years ago.

“There are many rational reasons for choosing the Superb, including competitive residual vales and all-round running costs.  There is also a low-emission GreenLine version allowing the Superb to offer among the lowest benefit-in-kind tax liability.”