Skoda ends first six months of 2009 with positive results

Skoda Auto, the Czech Republic's biggest car manufacturer, has achieved positive results in the first half of 2009. The Company delivered 329,641 vehicles to its customers over the first six months of 2009, 10.1 % less as compared with the previous year, however a positive result in a global automotive market that has slumped by 17.7 % over the same period.

The car scrappage programme has had a strong effect in a number of European countries. Due to scrappage, the Skoda Fabia model is now in great demand.

Reinhard Jung, Skoda Auto BOD Chairman, said, “We have taken a number of measures to cope with the current economic situation as efficiently as possible and maintain our financial strength and stability. Thanks to our advanced and environmentally friendly products, we continue to increase our shares in our strategic markets, such as Germany and China. The sales of Superb are very good – launched last year, the sales of this model have more than doubled, despite the difficult situation. Considering all these positive signals we are now getting from the market, we believe that the Skoda Yeti, our brand new model line, will also support our sales figures.”

Holger Kintscher, BOD Member for Finance, said, “We knew very well that 2009 would be a very difficult year for the entire automotive industry. The results achieved over the first six months have surpassed our expectations, although the exchange rates against some currencies have continued to worsen dramatically. However, we have managed to achieve positive results, the main factors being consistent reduction of all cost items, successful launches of new models and, obviously, car scrappage schemes established in some of Skoda's major markets. The German market has been a great boost for us. The prospects are still uncertain and we still face a number of threats.”