Skoda teaches training organisation value for money

National training organisation NTP has appointed Skoda to supply its fleet of 150 vehicles over three years.

Huddersfield retailer Lightcliffe Skoda will supply NTP with to a selection of Fabia 1.9 Ambiente in both hatchback and estate, Fabia vRS 1.9 and the new Octavia.

NTP, which has offices in Sheffield, Cardiff, Glasgow and Woking and provides businesses with work- based learning solutions, formerly had a Mazda-dominated fleet. The vehicles will be used by a variety of employees, from training assessors through to consultants and managers.

Hannah Stuchfield, Fleet and Facilities Manager for NTP, comments: "After investigating a number of different manufacturers it became patently clear that, given budget restrictions, Skoda could supply the highest specification vehicle. It also appealed as it produces reliable, well built, and fuel efficient vehicles that represent excellent value for money.

"Although some staff showed hesitation at the decision, as soon as they drove the vehicles their fears dissipated and we have received extremely positive feedback to all the vehicles in the fleet."

Martin Burke, Head of Business Sales for Skoda, comments: "NTP has joined the likes of IKEA, Mencap, Marie Curie and Caterham Cars who have all switched to Skoda fleets in 2005, making it our most successful year for fleet sales in our 100 year heritage. Fleet managers are increasingly realising that by choosing Skoda they get that extra bit of car for their money; a higher specification vehicle for the same price."

Skoda’s business sales volume grew from 1,273 in 1998 to 10,030 in 2004, a phenomenal growth of 680 per cent. In 2004, while the fleet market was up 2.3 per cent on the previous year, Skoda business sales increased by 5.3 per cent. In light of this success, Skoda is also increasing its number of specialist business sales centres around the country from 18 to 40 to further increase its levels of business service.

In the past 12 months, business sales staff has almost doubled, increasing from 12 in 2004 to 23 in 2005, under the supervision of the newly appointed Head of Business Sales, Martin Burke. Skoda aspires to provide a better service for customers and retailers, mirroring the customer satisfaction already proven in the retail market.