Skoda aiming to double Chinese production and sales volumes in coming years

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai November 22) - Skoda hopes to see production and sales numbers of its vehicles in China double in the coming years. According to a report appearing the Beijing Youth Daily today, Werner Eichhorn, board member for sales and marketing for the Czech manufacturer, Skoda will bring over new models aimed at attracting young buyers in the country. Mr. Eichhorn wants to see brand awareness for Skoda increase in the country. Compared to its history in Europe, Skoda is a relatively young brand in China.

Despite the poor state of the European economy, Skoda has managed to sell almost 800,000 vehicles from January to October, representing year-on-year growth of seven percent. Skoda currently possesses a market share of 30 percent in its home country of the Czech Republic and controls four to eight percent of other European markets. In order to capture the attention of new buyers, Skoda is in the process of introducing several new models, with its most recent offerings including the Citigo subcompact (pictured above) and a new version of the Rapid hatchback. According to Mr. Eichhorn, Skoda will release a brand new model every six months.

In the last five years Skoda's sales in China have increased from 20,000 vehicles to 200,000 vehicles. In addition to its current three model lineup, the manufacturer also plans to bring over the Yeti SUV (pictured below) to China next year.