New franchise team for Skoda

Skoda is pleased to announce the formation of a dedicated franchise team to ensure its retailers receive the best service possible from the company.

To head up the new team, Skoda has appointed Iain Semple to the new role of National Franchise Manager, in a bid to focus the brand on its retailers and help deliver ambitious growth plans for the future.

Head of Operations at Skoda UK David Ovenden, commented: “This team was created to be devoted entirely to our retailers. Iain will head up this division to continue growing the brand as more and more people turn to Skoda. His knowledge of the retailer network and sound understanding of franchising make him ideal to tackle this new role.”

Iain added: “I am pleased to have joined Skoda at such an exciting time for the brand, specifically with the launch of the new Roomster model in September. I am really looking forward to working with our retailer network to help deliver the growth and profitability required in the future.”

To further re-inforce Skoda’s commitment to its retailers, the company recently invited over 135 Skoda retailers to join a UK contingent of 450 at the launch of the new Roomster in Pisa. The staff enjoyed luxurious accommodation onboard cruise ship MSC Opera, which was chartered for two weeks by the Czech manufacturer to underline its ambitions growth plans to the retailer network.

Retailers heard about plans to grow the company in the UK while the ship sailed from Livorno to the historic island of Elba. On arrival employees had the chance the drive the impressive new Roomster, which will be the manufacturer’s fourth model.

Skoda designers flew in from the Czech Republic to discuss the model, which was entirely designed and developed by the in-house team. The Roomster – a compact MPV with a choice of six engines and three different trim levels – offers new levels of interior space for its size and is the first of its kind for Skoda. It is available to order from retailers now and goes on sale across the UK on September 23rd.