Skoda to add six new models to its China line-up in 2008

Skoda has confirmed that Fabia and Superb will be locally produced in China next year. The Fabia hatchback will hit Chinese market by the second half of 2008, the model featuring a 1.4 liter TSI engine provided by Shanghai VW's engine plant, while the Superb, which is based on VW's PQ46 platform, will be locally produced by the end of 2008 or even later.  

Along with its local production agenda, Skoda is also gearing up efforts for its importing program. The Czech-based automaker is set to import four new models next year, including a 4WD recreational vehicle, a minivan, a station wagon and a sporty SUV. The much-expected Octavia RS model is not on the latest short-list to be introduced.

The importing of these models will start early next year, and local production of these models will depend on results of the market research, said Fu Qiang, deputy director of Skoda Marketing & Sales Business of Shanghai VW, which is the only authorized seller to sell imported Skoda vehicles in China.   

Earlier reports said that Skoda aims to annually produce 100,000 vehicles in China and grab a 3 percent share of China’s passenger vehicle market by 2010. Currently, its hot-selling model Octavia is the only Skoda model to be locally produced and sold in June this year. In the first 11 months this year, 26,788 Octavia sedans were sold in Chinese market.