Skoda sales reach record levels in 2005

Skoda sold nearly 38,000 new cars in 2005, a new record for the brand in the UK. The brand’s market share of 1.6% is also a record-breaking achievement.

Skoda’s sales total of 37,803 represents an increase over 2005 sales of 8%, accomplished in a market that fell by 5% compared to last year.

Highlights include:

All three of Skoda’s model lines posted sales increases compared to 2004:
The award-winning Fabia supermini sold 18,541, up 1%;
The Octavia, winner of the What Car? Best Small Family Car 2004 and Test Drive’s Best Compact Estate 2005, recorded sales of 16,379, up 16%;

The Superb, Skoda’s top-of-the-range model with its outstanding passenger space and luxury details, was up 13%, with sales totalling 2,883.

Sales of Skoda’s vRS range totalled 3,826, equal to 10% of total sales. Customers continue to flock to the vRS models, which deliver exciting performance and outstanding practicality. The Fabia vRS, with its 1.9 TDI 130bhp engine, made up the majority of vRS sales at 2,961, while the first-generation Octavia vRS accounted for the rest. The exciting new-generation Octavia vRS will make its debut on 23 January.

Skoda’s market share increased in each of 10 months in 2005, setting new monthly records for the brand in seven of those months.

Fleet sales also broke all previous records for Skoda UK. The total of 17,324 shows that more and more fleet buyers are discovering the joys of Skoda’s style, quality and value for their companies’ drivers.

Brand Director Chris Craft commented, "I am delighted with the sales result, which is a testament to the quality, value and appeal of our expanding model range. Of greater significance to me personally is the fact the Skoda broke new ground in 2005 by becoming the first manufacturer to achieve a Top 5 position in the J D Power Customer Satisfaction Survey for 10 years in succession.

"Achieving these results in our centenary year and during the early stages of our new model programme underscores the fact that Skoda not only has a past, it is clearly a brand of the future."