Bejing Olympics move with Skoda Octavia cars

Skoda is shouldering the responsibility of moving sportsmen, guests and support staff at the 2008 Bejing Olympics as the official vehicle partner of the ongoing Olympic Games. The Czech automaker, part of the Volkswagen Group, employed a total of 650 Skoda Octavia Ming Rui cars to take care of the transportation needs of the athletes and officials.

The VW Group, which owns Skoda, also has a display stall at the Olympic Games facility to showcase Skoda's heritage and racing history. There are also of course versions of its madein-Shanghai Ming Rui to increase awareness about the brand and its products amongst visitors from all over the world, apart from its Chinese consumers. China is fast emerging as a key market for Skoda, promising continued growth and presence that rides on a booming middle class.

This is not Skoda's first effort to gain visibility by aligning with worldwide sporting events. Earlier this year, Skoda cars were seen supporting bicycle riders from seven cycling teams at the famouse Tour De France cycling classic.