At present, Winfried Vahland, chairman of Skoda tells outsider about the independent hope of the company in China.
“We are not little brother, but an independent brand. We shall adopt clearer and straighter strategy in China for marketing of Skoda in China. At present, we negotiate with Shanghai Volkswagen about the independent of Skoda at marketing and sales aspects in China.”Winfried Vahland says.
As it known, Winfried Vahland has talked with Skoda brand marketing and brand build with Shanghai Volkswagen. However Shanghai Volkswagen staff tells media about Skoda independent with “we do not have timetable yet.”
In fact, Winfried Vahland works for Skoda independent since he takes Skoda boss position form president of Volkswagen (China). However, considered about the Skoda present situation in China and management structure of Shanghai Volkswagen, the independent of Skoda does not very optimize by insiders.
From perspective of Winfried Vahland, as long as sales of Skoda in China reach 500 thousands, Volkswagen and Skoda shall consider about independent in China.
Winfried Vahland visit China this time, he strengths his purpose of July year 2012 that “we plan to increase sales of Skoda in China to 500 thousands cars. I said 2 years ago, but today I proposal it again, and I confident with the goal.”
In fact, the reason for Winfried Vahland want to separate Skoda from Shanghai Volkswagen, his confident comes from the development situation of Skoda in China. The company annual sales start from 27 thousands the first year to 227 thousand of year 2013 since year 2007. In the first quarter of this year, Shanghai Volkswagen Skoda sales reaches 61.5 thousands, which has increased 15% over last year?Strong growth of Chinese market benefits Skoda sales around the world for12% growth and hit the record high of 250 thousand car sales. In year 2014, Skoda aims for 310 thousands car sales in China. The general growth of the company shall reach 40% to 45%. “The figures make me confident with the future of Skoda, and we will move faster. With the growth like this, it means that Skoda will find a better position for independent with Shanghai Volkswagen.”Winfried Vahland so expressed.
