ŠKODA is pushing for further growth in China with nine new models and by doubling the market product portfolio from three to a range of six models now available. The Czech car manufacturer will be showcasing the new ŠKODA Rapid for China at the Shanghai Auto Show from 20th to 29th April, 2013. The ŠKODA Yeti and ŠKODA Superb Combi are now also being sold as imports in China.
“2013 is the year for new ŠKODA models. Launching the new ŠKODA Rapid and starting the import business are two important milestones this year in the ŠKODA growth strategy for China,” explains ŠKODA CEO, Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “Our aim is to increase sales in China to around half a million vehicles by 2018,” according to Vahland.
The star of ŠKODA’s performance in Shanghai is the new ŠKODA Rapid for China. The classic notchback, sold in China as the ŠKODA Rapid Xin Rui belongs to one of the country’s most popular vehicle classes. With design modifications, such as the increased use of chrome elements and a total of nine optional packages, the car is tailored to the needs of Chinese customers.
“The Rapid is important for our growth strategy both worldwide and especially in China,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. The Rapid is the perfect car for this market and ŠKODA’s new class for China; positioned between the Fabia and Octavia,” according to Eichhorn. Lots of space, bold design, best price-performance ratio, high functionality, comprehensive safety features and economical engines are what make the ŠKODA Rapid Xin Rui such a good buy.
ŠKODA also wants to make a bold statement in China with the models now offered on the Chinese market; the ŠKODA Superb Combi and ŠKODA Yeti. Both models will be available on the market as imports. This is why, in Shanghai, the official launch of ŠKODA’s import business took place. “By including imports, we are implementing the next logical step in our operations in China,” explains Vahland. The ŠKODA Superb Combi expands the brand’s range in China in a new segment: with an estate in the upper mid-class. The brand’s entry onto the Chinese market with the ŠKODA Yeti marks a strategically important event in China by moving into the rapidly growing compact-SUV segment. The on-site production of the ŠKODA Yeti is set to begin at the end of 2013 at the Shanghai Volkswagen plant.
ŠKODA in China: a story of success spanning nearly six years. Since the start of production of the ŠKODA Octavia in July 2007, the brand has become firmly established in China. Between 2007 and 2012, ŠKODA increased the annual sales to customers in China by more than 800%. So far, the manufacturer has sold more than 913,800 cars in the country.
In 2012 alone, the brand delivered more than 235,700 vehicles to Chinese customers – more than ever before. China has been the strongest individual market for the Czech car producer since 2010. ŠKODA currently sells the hatchback versions of the Fabia as well as the Octavia and Superb in China. The brand’s operations in China are carried out working closely with the VW Group and the local partner – Shanghai Volkswagen.