21/03/06

Škoda Scores in Auto Express Driver Power Customer Satisfaction

" New-generation Octavia enters the charts at Number Two
" Three Škoda models in top six
" Third consecutive year with Škodas in Top 5

Škoda's strength in customer satisfaction continues apace, as the results of the Auto Express Driver Power Survey 2006 show. With three cars in the Top Six, Škoda has again impressed the Auto Express team with the results.

The new-generation Octavia entered the charts this year at Number Two, the highest new entry in the survey, with an overall rating of 90.78%. The Fabia supermini is in fifth place, an increase of two places from the 2005 survey. The first-generation Octavia remains strong in sixth place, increasing its overall rating to 87.62%.

Škoda UK Director, Chris Craft, is delighted, but not surprised. "We're very pleased that our customers are so happy with their cars. These results confirm that, at Škoda, we have an excellent combination of high-quality cars, offered at great value through retailers who provide outstanding customer service. Our retailers are part of their local communities and we're very proud of the work they do for Škoda customers."

More than 46,000 drivers took part in the Auto Express Driver Power Survey. The survey covered 10 key areas including build quality, reliability, performance, comfort and ride and handling.

13/03/06

vRS Makes Tracks to the Great Outdoors

Škoda vRS will be the headline sponsor of the Mountain Bike Arena at this year's Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show where the M.A.D. (Mountain Bike Aerial Demonstration) team will be showcasing their newest, most exciting and dangerous tricks.

Visitors to the arena will have a unique chance to see some of the best bikes in the market, learn how to bike better and even have a go on a fantastic obstacle source. Alongside the bike arena will be the vRS stand, featuring the New Octavia vRS, the Fabia vRS and a number of bikes from the Skoda range.

The vRS range has been designed to appeal to those who demand practicality and excitement in one amazing package and includes the all new Octavia vRS; Skoda's fastest-ever production car and winner of What Car's? Best Hot Hatch for 2006. Powered by a state-of-the-art 2.0 TFSI engine with output of 200 bhp and 0-62 mph time of just 7.3 seconds, the new vRS combines outstanding driving pleasure with the Octaiva's legendary equipment levels and carrying capacity.

The Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show is Europe's largest outdoor event and will be held at the Birmingham NEC from 17th to 19th March 2006. The show, now in its fifth year, is expected to attract 50,000 visitors who will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of outdoors activities ranging from the British Bouldering Championship, mountain biking, canoeing and dive displays.

Škoda first manufactured bicycles in 1895 when the company was founded by Laurin & Klement and for the past two years, has been an official partner of the world famous Tour de France.

21/02/06

Škoda Roomster to Make its World Debut at Geneva Motorshow

The new Škoda Roomster will make its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show on 28 February. Škoda's fourth model line, the Roomster is the embodiment of Škoda's future direction with its striking design, strong character and skilful use of space. Six Roomsters will be on display, showing the breadth of choice that will be available in the range.

The Roomster made its first appearance as a design study at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 2003. A very favourable response by both the media and the general public confirmed that Škoda Auto has the talent to develop innovative solutions for today's driving needs and so the Roomster was developed for production.

The Škoda Roomster offers excellent spaciousness while maintaining compact exterior dimensions. Its unique, highly flexible VarioFlex rear seat system makes it possible to use the vehicle as a two- three-, four- or five-seater. The raised position of the rear passenger seat and large windows in the rear passenger doors, combined with a panoramic sunroof, provide exceptional visibility and evoke a feeling of airiness and spaciousness.

The Roomster is equipped with four airbags and five three-point retractor seat belts. "Curve" halogen headlights and fog lamps with "Corner" function are offered for the first time in this segment. A diesel particulate filter (DPF) will be on offer soon after launch.

The Škoda Roomster will be launched in major European markets in the summer and autumn of 2000 and will go on sale in the UK in the Fourth Quarter 2006.

In addition to the Roomster, Škoda Auto will present its existing model ranges, the Fabia, Octavia, and Superb, in Geneva.

The Fabia's vehicle security has been improved with the installation of a new-generation immobilizer system. Moreover, four new exterior paint colours will be offered and the existing 1.4 l 16V/55 kW petrol engine will be replaced with a more powerful 1.4 l 16V/59 kW power plant for the Fabia Sedan and Fabia Estate versions from next June.

This engine will also be available in the Octavia model range. A new-generation diesel particulate filter (DPF), working without additives, will now be offered for the 1.9 TDI PD/77 kW diesel engine as well. The Octavia, too, will offer new paint colours and an expanded range of optional equipment.

Introduction of new turbodiesel engines for the Škoda Superb model in early 2006 will be followed by some changes in interior equipment along with two new exterior colours for the Superb.

The Roomster debut adds breadth to Škoda's model range and will provide the same outstanding design, practicality and value as the rest of the range. Combined with Škoda's award-winning customer service, the Roomster is bound to win hearts for Škoda.

08/02/06

Fabia vRS Gets a Good Hiding… At Last

o Bespoke leather seat option now available for Fabia vRS
o Offer open to new and existing customers
o Designed exclusively for vRS

There's good news for rivals of the Fabia vRS - the mould-breaking turbodiesel hot-hatch is about to get its first hiding since it rewrote the rulebook in 2003. However, those trailing in the wake of the award-winning supermini shouldn't think about cracking open the champagne just yet. The hiding in question comes in the form of sumptuous leather seats that are now available as an option on the Fabia vRS.

The new seats - which feature the same levels of support and comfort as the standard vRS seats - are covered in premium quality black leather and finished with green stitching and red piping at the sides. The seat facings are also trimmed on the upper half with the vRS logo, further enhancing the exclusive feel.

The new bespoke leather seat option costs just £1,300 and can be ordered immediately. The price includes full-leather trim on all four seats and headrests.

But the best news of all is that this exciting new offer isn't just open to those ordering new cars. Existing owners can also upgrade to leather, regardless of the age of their car. Customers wishing to upgrade their seats to leather will pay the same price and the process involves nothing more taxing than a couple of visits to their local Skoda retailer where the conversion work will be carried out.

Combining practicality and excitement in one package, the Fabia vRS was the first car in its class to use a high-performance diesel engine to deliver its kicks.

Launched in 2003, the Fabia vRS has been a winner from the start. It has been awarded a whole heap of honours including "Diesel Car of the Year" by the Scottish Motoring Writers in 2003, "Best Performance Diesel" by Diesel Car in 2004, and has won a number of key group tests - often against more expensive opposition.

Providing the thrills of a hot hatchback in an attractive, practical and incredibly cost effective package, its acclaimed 1.9-litre TDI PD diesel engine produces an impressive 130bhp and 310Nm of torque.

25/01/06

The New Škoda Roomster will Make its Debut at the Geneva Motorshow

Škoda Auto presents the first official pictures of the new Škoda Roomster, the brand's fourth model line. Not only does the Roomster represent Škoda's move into a new market segment, but also a new development stage as the century-old brand starts on its next hundred years.

The Roomster made its first appearance as a design study at the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show. In light of the positive response by the motoring press and customer interest, Škoda decided to develop the concept into a production car. After less than two and a half years, Škoda is now introducing its new Roomster to the public in Geneva.

The Roomster car concept is unique, with its variable interior and a young, fresh design. As usual with Škoda products, the Roomster impresses with excellent value for money, a vast luggage compartment and loads of storage space - Škoda's "extra bit of car". The Roomster will also impress with its new Varioflex rear seat design which offers an easy method of re-arranging the passenger and carrying space to meet the ways that people use cars today.

The side view of the Roomster is dynamic, while large windows underline ample interior spaciousness and light. Customers can choose their ideal engine from three petrol and three diesel powerplants combined with a selection of manual or automatic gearbox .

The Škoda Roomster will be manufactured at the company's Kvasiny plant. The Roomster will be launched in many European markets, including the Czech Republic, beginning in the summer and autumn of 2006.

The new Škoda Roomster will make its first public appearance at the International Motor Show in Geneva on 28 February 2006.

20/01/06

Škoda Records a Double Victory at the What Car Awards 2006

o What Car? magazine bestows honours on the Octavia… again
o Octavia vRS wins Hot Hatch of the Year
o Octavia Ambiente 1.6 FSI wins Small Family Car of the Year

The Škoda Octavia has scored a remarkable double victory by scooping a pair of What Car? awards - widely regarded as the Oscars of the motor industry. The magazine awarded its Small Family Car honour to the Octavia Ambiente 1.6 FSI for the second year running, and bestowed the prestigious Hot Hatch award on the scorching new Octavia vRS.

Chris Craft, Director of Škoda UK commented, "Škoda is becoming renowned for providing vehicles of real quality and practicality and, indeed, that little bit extra. To win the Best Small Family award for the second year in a row against some excellent - and new - competition confirms we have the formula right.

"Receiving the Best Hot Hatch award for Octavia vRS is a great accolade. The vRS takes all the strengths of Škoda in terms of space, quality and practicality and then injects exceptional performance and handling. To coin a phrase, you can have your cake and eat it."

The Octavia's victory in the fiercely-contested Hot Hatch category prompted the judges to say, "Don't think Škoda has won here simply by offering value for money - the vRS is Škoda's fastest-ever production car." The judges also praised the Octavia vRS's unique combination of sportiness and practicality, saying, "The chassis harnesses all of the performance with a blend of comfort and control. It also fulfils its brief as a hot-hatch for grown-ups by providing loads of interior space. Discerning owners will gain a glow of satisfaction from the knowledge that their unassuming Škoda can wallop many more brash rivals."

Although the car has only just gone on sale in the UK, the 200bhp Octavia vRS has already caused a stir thanks to its breathtaking performance, class-leading levels of practicality and unbeatable value for money. In a year that has seen a number of high profile launches from Ford and Vauxhall, the Octavia's win is made all the more impressive.

The new Octavia vRS continues Škoda's commitment to provide that "extra bit of car". Thanks to its 200bhp engine, six-speed gearbox and sports chassis, the vRS is the fastest production Škoda ever built. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre direct injection engine, the Octavia vRS is capable of a top speed of 149mph and can sprint from 0-62mph in just 7.3 seconds. Standard equipment on both the hatchback and the estate includes 17" alloy wheels, Climatic air conditioning, ESP traction control and part-leather sports seats. On the road prices are £17,500 for the vRS hatchback and £18,350 for the vRS Estate.

In awarding the Small Family Car title to the Ambiente 1.6 FSI, the What Car? judging panel described the 1.6 FSI Octavia as being "more spacious and practical than any direct rival. It even puts many cars in the class above to shame. Our pick of the engine range is the 115bhp 1.6-litre petrol, which endows this big car with spirited performance." The judges concluded by saying, "None of the new pretenders have been able to unseat our defending champion, the Škoda Octavia."

The award follows a number of group test victories in which the Octavia has triumphed over cars costing thousands more. In winning the award for the second year, the Octavia beat off category rivals in the shape of the new Honda Civic and the Ford Focus.

With an on-the-road price of £12,990, the double award-winning Octavia Ambiente 1.6 FSI offers unbeatable value for money. The 1.6 FSI engine features state-of-the-art technology and generates 115 bhp, with torque of 155 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Fuel consumption is truly outstanding, with a combined economy figure of 40.4 mpg, comparable to some diesel engines. Emissions of CO2 are just 168g/km, making it one of the cleanest petrol engines available. Standard equipment includes 15" alloy wheels, air conditioning, six CD multichanger, trip computer and remote central locking. Next month, the 1.6 FSI Ambiente will be joined by a version in Classic trim. With the same great styling, same great engine and a price of just £11,990 with air conditioning as part of the standard equipment, the Classic will offer even more value.

The Octavia range is available with a selection of two body styles, five trim levels - all with high levels of standard equipment - and four engine options: 1.4 16v, 1.6 FSI, 2.0 FSI and 2.0 TFSI petrol units and 1.9 TDI PD and 2.0 TDI PD diesel engines. Prices start at £10,990 for the 1.4 16v Classic hatchback, while the range-topping 2.0 TDI PD L&K Estate with DSG transmission is priced at only £20,285.

The Octavia is part of a multi award-winning range that also includes the Fabia supermini and the luxurious Superb. All three models provide Škoda's unique combination of great value, outstanding customer service and, of course an "extra bit of car". All of that has led to Škoda being recognised as second only to one, premium brand in the 2004 and 2005 JD Power Survey of Customer Satisfaction and ranked in the top five for the past 10 years - a unique achievement.

06/01/06

Škoda Octavia Estate Scoops Test Drive Gold Award

The Škoda Octavia Estate has been named the Compact Estate Gold Winner by Test Drive magazine. In their first annual Car of the Year Awards, staff at the monthly motoring magazine chose the Octavia Estate over a wide range of competitors.

The Test Drive road testers commented, "The Octavia is a good car. Really good. So you get a compliant ride, well-weighted steering and a tidy gearchange. There's an overall sense of solidity to the experience; the Octavia feels built to last."

The Škoda Octavia Estate is available with a choice of engines - five petrol and two diesel - manual, Tiptronic or DSG front-wheel drive transmissions and a 4x4 version. Joining the range later this month is the exciting Octavia vRS Estate with its 200 bhp, 2.0 litre T FSI engine.

Petrol engines include the FSI range with 1.6and 2.0 litre choices. Both use direct injection to provideoutstanding fuel economy with lower than normal CO2 emissions. The 1.6 FSI delivers 115 bhp while the 2.0 FSI weighs in at 150 bhp.

Six trim levels complete the wide choice of Octavia Estates open to customers. The Classic trim includes electro-mechanical power steering, electric front windows and door mirrors, air conditioning, driver and front passenger airbags and central locking. The Ambiente adds features to the Classic such as front and rear electric windows, remote central locking, tinted glass, 15" alloys, trip computer, cruise control and a six-CD autochanger.

The Elegance adds 16" alloys, rear parking sensors, dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control and auto dimming rear view mirror with rain sensor wipers and fog lights. The top-of-the-range L&K adds full leather upholstery with active headrests and heated front seats, multi-function steering wheel, light assistant and electrically-operated driver's seat and door mirrors with memory function.

Octavia Estate majors on space, both for passengers as well as stuff. Five passengers travel in comfort with excellent legroom in front and back. Luggage storage is unrivalled in its sector and larger than that of many cars that are much more expensive. With the rear seats in place, carrying capacity is 580 litres; with the rear seats down, it grows to 1,620 litres.

Another standard feature of all Octavias is great value. Prices for the estate start at just £12,840 for the Classic 1.6 FSI petrol and range to £16,500 for the Octavia Estate 4x4 2.0 FSI, to £20,285 for the top-flight Octavia Estate L&K 2.0 TDI PD with DSG automatic transmission.

With that combination of engine and trim choice, outstanding space and great value, it's no wonder that Test Drive chose Octavia Estate as its Compact Estate of the Year.

06/01/06

Škoda Adds Even More Value to Octavia and Superb Models

o Price reductions for most new Octavia petrol models;
o Octavia Classic 1.6 FSI added to range;
o New Superb engine/ trim combinations added.

Skoda has added even more value to its Octavia and Superb model ranges with new engine and trim combinations and lower prices on some Octavia models.

From 1 January, prices for the Octavia 1.6 FSI will be reduced significantly, and an additional trim level will be added to this engine, the Classic 1.6 FSI. Available in both hatch and estate, the new model will be priced at just £11,990 on the road for the hatch and £12,480 for the estate version. The Classic 1.6 FSI will have the same standard equipment as other Octavia Classic models, including electro-mechanical power steering, electric front windows and door mirrors, air conditioning, driver and front passenger airbags and central locking.

Prices for the rest of the Octavia 1.6 FSI range have been reduced significantly. The Ambiente 1.6 FSI is now priced at £12,990 and the Elegance at £13,990. Both are reduced by £725 and both continue to give buyers the same standard equipment they have in the past. The Ambiente adds features to the Classic such as front and rear electric windows, remote central locking, tinted glass, 15" alloys, trip computer, cruise control and a six-CD autochanger. The Elegance adds 16" alloys, rear parking sensors, dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control and auto dimming rear view mirror with rain sensor wipers and fog lights.

All Octavia models include Škoda's renowned "extra bit of car", with litre water bottle holders in the front door pockets, a ticket holder inside the front windscreen, lots of storage cubbies and the biggest boot in its segment, with 560 litres of space in the hatch and 580 in the estate, expanding to 1,350/1,620 with the rear seats folded.

The 1.6 FSI engine is state-of-the-art technology from Škoda. The EUIV petrol engine generates 115 bhp, with torque of 155 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Fuel consumption is outstanding, with a combined economy figure of 40.4 mpg, comparable to some diesel engines. Emissions of CO2 are 168g/km, making the engine among the best petrol engines available.

In addition to changes to the Octavia 1.6 FSI, the price of the Octavia Sport 2.0 FSI has been reduced to £15,800, a savings of £350 over 2005 prices.

The Superb range is being expanded with the addition of 1.9 TDI PD 105bhp in Comfort trim. The 2.5 V6 TDI Tiptronic is now available on Classic and Comfort Superb as well.
All in all, Škoda's legendary value is in full force as the new year begins.

22/12/05

Škoda Sold More Cars from January to November 2005 than throughout the Whole of 2004

As early as a month before the end of the year 2005, Škoda Auto managed to break its own annual sales record achieved last year. From January to November 2005, customers on 85 markets bought a total of 452,973 Škoda cars, which is 43,022 (+10.5%) more cars than during the same period of the previous year and 1,298 more than throughout the whole of 2004.

This good result was achieved mainly thanks to Škoda car sales in Western Europe with a total of 255,783 (+17.8%) cars sold there while a total of 41,867 (+50.2%) units were sold in Eastern European countries. On the home market in the Czech Republic, the Škoda cars have gone to 3,132 more customers than last year (a total of 58,837 units) since the beginning of this year.

In addition to a higher number of customers, Škoda Auto has also earned itself better and better customers' appreciation as regards car and service satisfaction. Being the best European contender, Škoda finished third overall in a customer satisfaction survey including almost thirty world-wide brands operating within the European car market.

Commenting on the company's results, Detlef Wittig, the Chairman of the Board of Management of Škoda Auto, said: "We are proud that we have achieved our all-time sales record in the year when the Škoda brand celebrates a centenary of automobile manufacturing. The increasing customer satisfaction with the Škoda cars is a great motivation for our future effort."

09/12/05

Škoda Auto to Support Private Teams on the 2006 WRC

" Škoda Auto confirms its continued presence in the World Rally Championship
" Two private teams chosen to be run from the Czech Republic and Austria

Škoda Auto is to continue giving official support to entries in next season's FIA World Rally Championship with the Fabia WRC model again spearheading the programme. The decision ensures that the Škoda brand's involvement with the WRC remains unbroken and at the same time extends the motorsport presence of a famous brand that celebrated a century of competition in 2001.

Škoda Auto has selected two partners for the future WRC co-operation, one based in the Czech Republic and the other in Austria. The team from the Czech Republic will be based around Czech Champion Jan Kopecký. It will be a single-car private team and Jan will contest 10 European rounds of the 2006 championship using the current Fabia WRC 05 model.

The Red Bull Škoda Team will run two Škoda Fabia WRCs on 10 events under the new 'Manufacturer 2' category that allows private and officially supported teams to contest a reduced number of events instead of the full 16-round WRC programme. The Red Bull Škoda Team will be run by Austrian Raimund Baumschlager and his Baumschlager Rally & Racing (BRR) Team. Already confirmed as one of the drivers for the Red Bull Škoda Team is 21-year old Austrian Andreas Aigner. Andreas has been gaining WRC experience in recent seasons as part of the Red Bull Junior Team. A second driver with international experience will be confirmed shortly.

Škoda Motorsport will provide both teams with the same level of extensive support including the supply of Fabia WRCs and a package of parts for the programme. Technical support will also be available throughout the season and additional engineers will be provided on events. The support will also extend to national activities of Škoda Auto importers in various European markets.

The 2006 WRC starts with the Monte Carlo Rally (January 20-22).

Quotes

Detlef Wittig, Chairman of Board of Directors, Škoda Auto: "We have given our future participation in the World Rally Championship a lot of serious thought and we believe that this is the most cost-effective way in which to maintain the Škoda brand's presence in the series. I am confident that both partners will be excellent ambassadors for Škoda Auto in the coming season"

Harald Ludanek, Director of Research and Development, Škoda Auto: "The technical improvements of the Fabia WRC 05 were visible towards the end of the past season but the overall performance of the technique, team and the crews was not enough to be successful against the competitors. Also the discussion about the FIA regulations in the future is the reason that we decided to create a partnership with young and talented drivers like Jan Kopecký and Andreas Aigner through their respective private teams. Škoda Auto will continue to observe the development of the championship and its regulations and will decide at some point in the future whether or not we will one day return as a factory team."

08/12/05

Škoda Sales Continue to Storm Ahead in November

Škoda sales continue to outpace the market, with a November total of 2,560 sales, resulting in year-to-date sales of 34.989. Coming shortly after an all-time record-setting month in September, Škoda has maintained its 1.5% market share and is already ahead of total 2004 sales.

Škoda sales are up 9.7% year-to-date in a market that is down nearly 6% over the same period last year, Buyers are coming from both retail and business sales segments, with fleet sales up by a stunning 88% over the same eleven-months of 2004.

By model, year to-date sales are lead by Fabia with 17,134 followed by Octavia with 15,155 and Superb with 2,680. The sporty and exciting vRS models - Octavia and Fabia - account for over 10% of total sales, with 2,816 Fabia vRS going to new owners and 832 of the first-generation Octavia showing the continuing popularity of the model. The new-generation Octavia vRS will make its debut in Škoda showrooms across Britain in early January.

Škoda 's strong sales in current market conditions are further confirmation that more and more new car buyers are finding Škoda's combination of great products, excellent value and outstanding customer service is the right choice for them.

28/11/05

Mencap Appoints Škoda

Škoda has been awarded solo supply status by the UK's leading learning disability charity Mencap.

Milton Keynes retailer Pilling Motor Group will supply the fleet of Octavia Ambiente hatchbacks to the organisation for employees travelling over 10,000 business miles per annum. The Fabia Ambiente hatchback will also be available to workers preferring a smaller car, and both models will be made available in petrol and diesel.

Susan Kernachan, Fleet Manager for Mencap, comments, "After many years of offering our employees a triple badge choice of company cars, we made the decision to switch to a single supplier as part of a cost cutting exercise. As a charity, one of our concerns when looking for vehicles is value for money. However, many of our employees travel a considerable distance on a daily basis, so it is essential the vehicles are reliable.

"When reviewed against other suppliers, Škoda came out on top, offering by far the best value for money."

Martin Burke, Head of Business Sales for Škoda UK, added, " The Octavia 1.9 Ambiente is becoming an increasingly popular fleet vehicle as it is a B-sector car at A-sector prices, and includes great extras. Features such as a six CD autochanger, trip computer, air conditioned glove box and remote central locking all come as standard in this trim.

Škoda Auto News Release

Škoda business sales volume has grown from 1,273 in 1998 to 10,030 in 2004, a phenomenal growth of 680 per cent. In 2004, while the fleet market was up 2.3 per cent on the previous year, Škoda business sales increased by 5.3 per cent. In light of this success, Škoda is also increasing its number of specialist business sales centres around the country from 18 to 40 to further increase its levels of business service. In the past 12 months, business sales staff has almost doubled, increasing from 12 in 2004 to 23 in 2005, under the supervision of the newly appointed Head of Business Sales, Martin Burke. Škoda aspires to provide a better service for customers and retailers, mirroring the customer satisfaction already proven in the retail market.

16/11/05

Škoda Top Among Mainstream Makes in the 2005 Top Gear Customer Satisfaction Survey

Skoda is the top mainstream make in the 2005 Top Gear survey of customer satisfaction. For the third year in a row, Škoda is ranked second only to luxury-brand Lexus among the thirty-six makes included in the survey.

All three models in Škoda's line-up were ranked in the Top Ten among the 159 models rated by their owners. The Superb, Škoda's spacious and luxurious top-of-the-range model led the way in fourth place overall. In its first year in the survey, the Superb gained five out of five stars in engine reliability, brakes and suspension, fit and finish, performance, comfort and practicality, customer care and ownership costs. These are all traditional areas of strength for the Škoda brand and Superb owners are just the latest to choose Škoda for these reasons and more.

The Octavia, Škoda's award-winning family car, was again ranked fifth overall. Owners of the Škoda Fabia supermini continued to rank the award-winner ninth overall.

Škoda Brand Director Chris Craft commented, "We're very pleased with the results of the Top Gear survey, and happy that our customers are so pleased with their cars. We're not entirely surprised, though, because we know that our cars are well-designed, engineered and built by our Škoda colleagues in the Czech Republic and the service our retailers provide is second to none."

Škoda continues to be the mainstream brand of choice for customers looking for outstanding products that are great to drive and easy to own, as this survey and others have shown year after year. Škoda's "extra bit of car" is definitely found in the design and engineering of its cars, and extends all the way through the purchase and ownership experience.

15/11/05

Škoda Motorsport Season Runs Beyond Australia

This weekend's World Rally Championship finale in Australia will not mark the end of the season for the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team. The Fabia WRC 05 will contest two 'celebratory' events on the weekend of November 19-20 in both Italy and the Czech Republic.

The Monza Rally Show is a rally taking place within the confines of the famous Formula 1 circuit. Last year Rinaldo 'Dindo' Capello took a Fabia WRC to victory on the event and the 41-year old sportscar driver will return to Monza to defend his title. He will be part of a two-car team with 37-year old Scot Colin McRae in the sister car for his third appearance in the Fabia WRC 05.

At the same time at the Autodrom Ceská Lípa (used as the opening stage of the Bohemia Rally) at Sosnové in the Czech Republic, Jan Kopecký will contest the fourth Meeting of Champions, a series of head-to-head contests on the superspecial style track. The stars of Czech rally, autocross and rallycross will compete against each other while the WRC category is always the most popular with Jan so far winning all three previous events - first year with Toyota Corolla WRC and twice with the factory Fabia WRC.

Martin Muehlmeier (Head of Škoda Motorsport): "These two events are very different from everything else we have done this season and are mainly fun competitions. However they are also important as they allow us to thank our fans for their support in an entertaining way and I am sure that 'Dindo', Colin and Jan will all prove to be popular drivers for the fans."

27/10/05

Colin McRae to Drive Škoda Fabia WRC 05 in Australia

Following a successful return to the World Rally Championship with the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team at September's Wales Rally GB, Colin McRae and co-driver Nicky Grist will contest their second event of the season when they drive the Škoda Fabia WRC 05 at next month's Rally Australia (November 10-13), the 16th and final round of the 2005 World Rally Championship. In Britain the 37-year old Scot finished seventh overall despite being absent from the WRC for nearly two years and having only four days' testing prior to the rally.

McRae contested Rally Australia 11 times between 1993 and 2003, finishing the most demanding gravel rally of the year eight times and always inside the top six. He won the rally in 1994 and 1997.

Quotes:

Colin McRae: "Australia is an event I always enjoy going to, even though the surface and the nature of the roads makes it one of the most difficult in the championship. I have had some really good results their and, having shown at Rally GB what the Fabia can do, I think that we can get another good result this time because we should be able to make good use of our road position."

Martin Muehlmeier (Head of Škoda Motorsport): "I am delighted that Colin has agreed to drive for us once again. His experience of this difficult rally will be important and we know that he will give 100% effort in trying to achieve the best possible result to end the season."

24/10/05

Corsica Rally - Final News

Alex Bengue finishes sixth overall to equal best ever result for Škoda Fabia WRC 05

Jan Kopecký is 12th on his debut over Corsica's twisting mountain roads

Škoda Motorsport now heads immediately to Catalunya for the last asphalt rally of 2005

Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team driver Alex Bengue equalled the best ever finish for the Škoda Fabia WRC 05 and set a career best result when he finished a challenging sixth place in Corsica. Jan Kopecký was 12th on his first visit to the twisting asphalt roads of the Mediterranean island while Armin Schwarz withdrew from the rally after yesterday's opening stage.

Alex used Michelin's softer compound tyres to ease clear of Xavi Pons after setting fourth fastest time on both of today's morning stages and put him into a shoot-out for fifth position with the Ford of Roman Kresta. Alex cut 23 seconds from Kresta's advantage but missed out on the place by just 6.3 seconds.

Jan suffered with broken mousse in his tyres which left him unable to hold off the private Škoda Fabia WRC 05 of French Federation driver Nicolas Vouilloz who confirmed the pace of the Fabia despite the car arriving on the island after the ceremonial start, leaving the 29-year old no practice time at all.

The World Rally Championship makes a short journey to mainland Europe for the Catalunya-Costa Daurada Rally (October 28-30) where the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team will again be represented by Armin Schwarz, Alex Bengue and Jan Kopecký.

Quotes:

Alex Bengue: "This was a fantastic result for me and for the team. I'm really pleased with how the car performed and how we were able to fight with Xavi and Roman today. I'm very happy to have given the team its best result of the season on such a difficult rally."

Jan Kopecký: "I came here to learn and to make the finish so I am happy to have achieved both those things and am now looking forward to Catalunya."

Martin Muehlmeier (Head of Škoda Motorsport): "This is a really good result for Alex and the team. He drove superbly and pushed very hard to try and get an even better result. The Fabia really showed its speed here with three top four times today and so this was a very important rally for us."

CORSICA RALLY FINAL RESULTS:

1 Sebastien Loeb/Daniel Elena Citroen Xsara WRC 3:35:46.7
2 Toni Gardemeister/Jakke Honkanen Ford Focus RS WRC 3:37:38.4
3 Petter Solberg/Phil Mills Subaru Impreza WRC 3:38:28.7
4 Stephane Sarrazin/Denis Giraudet Subaru Impreza WRC 3:39:20.9
5 Roman Kresta/Jan Tomanek Ford Focus RS WRC 3:41:08.2
6 Alex Bengue/Caroline Escudero Škoda Fabia WRC 05 3:41:14.5
7 Xavi Pons/Carlos del Barrio Citroen Xsara WRC 3:41:28.5
8 Nicolas Bernardi/Jean-Marc Fortin Peugeot 307 WRC 3:42:18.8
9 Gigi Galli/Guido d'Amore Mitsubishi Lancer WR 3:42:24.5
10 Harri Rovanpera/Risto Pietilainen Mitsubishi Lancer WR 3:45:09.2
12 Jan Kopecky/Filip Schovanek Škoda Fabia WRC 05 3:46:36.0
R Armin Schwarz/Klaus Wicha Škoda Fabia WRC 05 After SS5

24/10/05

No Break for Škoda Motorsport's Three Crews as the Fabia Wrc 05 Heads for A New-Look Catalunya Rally

Škoda Motorsport heads to Spain and the penultimate event of the 2005 WRC season

Armin Schwarz, Alex Bengué and Jan Kopecký again drive the Fabia WRC 05

A new rally base at Salou means a fresh format and a return to old stages in Tarragona

With no chance to draw breath after Corsica the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team heads to mainland Europe for the penultimate round of the 2005 World Rally Championship, the Catalunya-Costa Daurada Rally (October 27-30). The same three crews will contest this final asphalt event with Armin Schwarz/Klaus Wicha leading the team as usual while the second Fabia WRC 05 is driven by the French crew of Alex Bengue/Caroline Escudero and a third Fabia will be in the hands of Czech Champions Jan Kopecký/Filip Schovánek.

This year the rally moves away from its recent home in the Costa Brava holiday resort of Lloret de Mar and relocates to the town of Salou on the Costa Daurada. Several familiar stages (including the famous 'bridge' stage) have now disappeared from the itinerary but in their place have come stages not used for several years in the Tarragona region to the west of Barcelona.

Armin said: "Catalunya is a completely different character to Corsica. The stages don't have the same rhythm but they are still very fast. Most of the surface is new so the roads aren't as abrasive as they used to be. Any of the stages I knew from the past seem to be being run in the opposite direction this time so I think this rally will be as new for me as everyone else."

Alex said: "This will be a very interesting rally for me. I only did the recce before but this year everything is new! Hopefully that will mean that no one has a real advantage. The roads are much faster than Corsica but there are still a lot of corners and if the grip levels are good then we can go quite well."

Jan said: "I have done this rally once before but the stages this year will be new for everyone so different levels of previous experience won't matter so much. After having to drive carefully in Corsica it will be nice to be able to really try my best in Spain and I'm looking forward to it very much."

Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team manager, Joan Sureda, said: "Personally I am sad that the rally has moved away from my home area but the people of Tarragona will be just as enthusiastic about the event. The stages there are quite fast and I hope that they will suit our car and our drivers."

Catalunya Rally in detail:

Thursday evening sees a ceremonial on the seafront of Salou. Friday features five stages, two of which which be run for the first time on the event since 1995, totalling 155.82kms. Saturday's leg sees a further six stages (totalling134.85kms). Sunday's final leg features just three stages (totalling 68.08kms) before the finish on the seafront at 1329 CET.

07/10/05

Superb Celebrations for Škoda Centenary

Škoda is launching a Special Edition model Superb, the Edition 100. Built to celebrate 100 years of car production by the Czech-based brand, the Edition 100 Superb brings a new level of refinement to what is already one of the most luxurious cars Škoda has built in its history. Of just 500 units scheduled to be manufactured worldwide, 200 have been secured for sale in the UK.

Based on the Superb Elegance trim level, the Edition 100 boasts an exclusive combination of equipment including a grey leather upholstery interior found only on this model. The specification also includes Cubic 17" alloy wheels, sunset privacy glass, rear sunblind, solar sunroof, Edition 100 badging, and twin chrome exhaust, proving yet again that Škoda provides"extra bit of car" throughout the range.

For added convenience, the Superb Elegance standard equipment includes a colour satellite navigation system, acoustic rear parking sensors, multi-function steering wheel, bi-xenon headlights with headlight washers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, rain sensor and cruise control.

The Edition 100 is available in the 1.9 TDI PD 130bhp (manual and automatic) and in the 2.5 V6 TDI 160bhp (automatic). Prices for the Edition 100 will range from £20,900 OTR for the 1.9 TDI PD 130bhp to £23,205 OTR for the top of the range 2.5 V6 TDI 160bhp with tiptronic transmission.

The spaciousness and luxury of the Superb defines the model as an upper-medium segment car - and at a lower-medium price. Available in Škoda retailers across the UK now, the Edition 100 Superb joins the rest of the Škoda line-up, including the supermini Fabia, the new Octavia and Škoda's sporty vRS models as Škoda 's flagship model and definition of affordable luxury.

19/09/05

Rally GB - Final News

· Colin McRae finishes seventh and Armin Schwarz 14th in the Škoda Fabia WRC 05
· Both cars finish the rally in Manufacturer Championship points scoring positions
· Team now prepares for its debut at Rally Japan where Mikko Hirvonen will drive

Colin McRae achieved his stated aim of bringing the best result of the season for the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team when he finished seventh on Rally GB. Team mate Armin Schwarz ended the British event 14th. The Fabia WRC 05 proved reliable throughout the three-day event and McRae was able to show his characteristic speed despite having been out of the sport for nearly two years.

Today's final leg was halted after just two of the planned four stages. An accident involving the Peugeot of Markko Martin and Michael Park stopped the Margam stage and it was confirmed that Park's injuries had proved mortal. It was the WRC's first fatality in 12 years.

The World Rally Championship now heads for Rally Japan (September 30-October 2) where the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team will be represented by Armin Schwarz and Finland's Mikko Hirvonen.

Quotes:

Colin McRae: "Overall we did what we came to do. It would have been nice to have finished higher but we also had to be realistic once we saw the conditions on the opening morning. The car was fine and we have been able to see what we can do for the future. I've enjoyed the event and proved to myself how much I want to come back to the sport. Obviously we have had a sad end to the rally with the death of Michael Park. He was one of the championship's real characters and a really genuine person. Nicky, my co-driver, has also lost a very close friend."

Martin Muehlmeier (Head of Škoda Motorsport): "Colin did a very good rally here. We can also be very happy with the publicity that his entry has created for the Škoda brand and we have seen greater interest in our team than ever before. On behalf of the team I must also send our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Michael Park."

RALLY GB FINAL RESULTS:

1 Petter Solberg/Phil Mills Subaru Impreza WRC 2:45:57.8
2 Francois Duval/Sven Smeets Citroen Xsara WRC 2:47:15.2
3 Sebastien Loeb/Daniel Elena Citroen Xsara WRC 2:47:15.7
4 Harri Rovanpera/Risto Pietilainen Mitsubishi Lancer WR 2:47:27.2
5 Manfred Stohl/Ilkka Minor Citroen Xsara WRC 2:48:32.8
6 Roman Kresta/Jan Tomanek Ford Focus RS WRC 2:49:15.1
7 Colin McRae/Nicky Grist Škoda Fabia WRC 05 2:49:28.2
8 Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas Ford Focus RS WRC 2:49:38.7
9 Kris Meeke/Glen Patterson Subaru Impreza WRC 2:49:39.9
10 Henning Solberg/Cato Menkerud Ford Focus RS WRC 2:50:18.3
14 Armin Schwarz/Klaus Wicha Škoda Fabia WRC 05 2:55:17.1

FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP (AFTER ROUND 12 OF 16)

Drivers:

1 Sebastien Loeb 99
2 Petter Solberg 65
3 Marcus Gronholm 61
4 Markko Martin 53
5 Toni Gardemeister 47
6 Harri Rovanpera 27
7 Francois Duval 24
8 Roman Kresta 16
9 Manfred Stohl 16
10 Carlos Sainz 11

Manufacturers:

1 Citroen 137
2 Peugeot 117
3 Ford 76
4 Subaru 72
5 Mitsubishi 54
6 Škoda 12

15/09/05

From Pot Holes to Golf Holes

Škoda Motorsport's co-driver, Nicky Grist, will be swapping his crash helmet for golf clubs soon after this year's Wales Rally GB (September 15-18th) as he hosts the annual Nicky Grist Golf Classic which Škoda UK is proudly supporting.

The event, now in its fifth year, will be held at Cotterell Park Golf Club, near Cardiff on Monday 19th September and end with a Gala dinner and top entertainment at the MacDonald Holland House Hotel.

As part of the Golf Classic, Škoda UK will sponsor the 8th hole on the course and offer a Škoda Octavia Estate 4x4 to any lucky golfer who manages to score a hole in one at the hole. According to Cathie Bell, Head of Press and PR for Škoda UK, "we are proud to be sponsoring Nicky's Golf Classic and hope that the event raises lots of money for a very worthy cause."

Colin McRae, who will compete, with Nicky for the Škoda Motorsport team at this year's Wales Rally GB, will play at the Golf Classic along with many other celebrity players including Welsh International Football Manager, John Toshack and rugby legend, Gareth Edwards.

This year's celebrity golf classic holds particular importance to Nicky as all proceeds from the Gala Dinner will go to The Stroke Association. The charity has come to have real meaning following the loss of this brother in law last Christmas who died from a stroke at the age of 36.

Nicky Grist comments: "During all my years in rallying I've always thought that we're quite selfish in motorsport and don't do enough to help charities so I decided to put a charity event together."

The big day starts on Monday morning at Cotterell Park Golf Club, in St Nicholas, where participants will play 27 holes on the Macintosh Course followed by lunch and then another 18 holes in the afternoon. During the day there will be a series of competitions, such as the longest drive and the nearest pin on a par three.

Hopes are running high for Nicky and Colin who are currently preparing for Wales Rally GB where they will compete in the Fabia WRC car for the Škoda Motorsport team.

12/09/05

Škoda Motorsport Braces Itself for 'Mcrae Mania' as Britain's First World Champion Returns for Rally GB

* Colin McRae makes eagerly awaited comeback to World Rally Championship
* Fast roads of south Wales set to provide exciting challenge for Škoda Motorsport

The Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team returns to gravel for the 12th round of the World Rally Championship, Rally GB (September 15-18) where the Fabia WRC 05 will be driven by the regular crew of Armin Schwarz/Klaus Wicha alongside Britain's Colin McRae/Nicky Grist.

The return of Colin to the WRC after an 18-month absence is being eagerly anticipated by rally fans who have rushed to buy tickets to see their hero since the announcement was made last month. Colin and Nicky are the second most successful partnership in the history of the World Rally Championship. The Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team for Rally GB is also the most experienced partnership in the entry list with 257 WRC starts and 26 wins between them.

Rally GB is 61 years old this year and therefore one of the oldest events in the current championship. It is characterised by fast gravel stages and, while last year's date switch to September made little change to the traditionally wet weather, the possibility of dry and even faster conditions remains a possibility.

Colin said: "I'm eager to get back into competing again and to do so on my home event is something very special for both Nicky and myself. I'm looking forward to working with Škoda Motorsport and helping to push the development of the Fabia WRC 05 along in a positive way. I'm not really thinking much about a specific result but I'd like to think that, even having been out of the WRC for a while, I can still drive a car quickly enough to get well into the Top 10."

Armin said: "Rally GB is special to me as it was where I made my WRC debut with Audi in 1988 and it has remained a favourite ever since."

Head of the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team, Martin Muehlmeier, said: "I think that everyone is very excited about this event and the amount of interest being shown in Škoda Motorsport shows we made a good choice of driver. I hope that we can now get the result that everyone wants."

Team news:

Colin McRae's preparations for this event are continuing this week with a major test programme in Scotland. He has been working to get fully acquainted with the Fabia WRC 05 ahead of Rally GB and will conclude his programme when he drives the Fabia as '0' car on Saturday's Park Systems Rally that takes place near Dumfries. Details from the testing will be issued at the weekend.

Rally GB in detail:

Rally GB was traditionally the final event in the World Rally Championship until it moved from its November date to September last year. Despite predictions that the rally would be run in dry and dusty conditions with speeds threatening to reach similar levels to Finland, the weather proved just as difficult and the muddy conditions continued.

After a ceremonial start by the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff at 1930 on the evening of Thursday September 15, the event heads into west Wales to its base at the Felindre Rally Centre near Swansea. The opening leg features six stages (three run twice each) to the north and east of Felindre, totaling 139.24kms. Saturday's action is to the north with six more stages

(103.70kms) before the crews head to Cardiff for a one kilometre indoor superspecial at the Millennium Stadium. Sunday's final leg includes two runs over two of the event's longest stages, Resolfen and Margam (113.62kms). After an overall total of 357.56kms the rally finishes in the Welsh capital on Sunday afternoon at 1410 (1510 CET).

12/09/05

Škoda Octavia VRS - The Best Combination of Performance and Practicality

Introducing the most powerful production car ever made by Škoda

o 200bhp from turbocharged direct injection 2.0-litre TFSI engine
o 149mph top speed; 0-62mph in just 7.3 seconds
o Available in hatchback and estate forms
o Unrivalled combination of performance and practicality
o Deliveries start in December 2005

Overview

The Škoda Octavia VRS is a performance car with a difference. With hot-hatch dynamics, class-leading practicality and amazing levels of standard equipment, the new Octavia vRS offers outstanding driving pleasure without the drawbacks usually associated with sports motoring.

Powered by a state-of-the art 2.0-litre TFSI turbo engine, the Octavia vRS breaks new ground on many fronts. With an output of 200bhp, it's the most powerful production car ever made by Škoda. It's also the quickest with a top speed of 149mph and a 0-62mph time of just 7.3 seconds. And, with a price tag expected to be below that of all its class rivals, the Octavia vRS will deliver more bang per buck than any other car in the sector.

Characterised by deeper bumpers, a new boot spoiler for the hatchback and new 'Zenith' alloy wheels, the vRS is a striking addition to the Octavia range. The interior features new, figure-hugging sports seats along with aluminium-effect trim and a three-spoke sports steering wheel to enhance the sporty feel.

The vRS doesn't just look the part. A host of engineering changes have been made to the car to ensure the vRS drives as well as it looks. Lessons learned in Škoda's World Rally Championship programme have been put to good use in the pursuit of driving excellence. The body has been strengthened to increase torsional rigidity while the suspension has been modified to improve body control and cornering ability.

What really makes the Octavia vRS a unique proposition in the hot hatch market is that it delivers all this while still being a practical, everyday car. Both the hatchback and estate have large boots and cabins filled with innovative storage areas. After all, what's the use of having a great performance car if you have to leave it in the driveway when you need to carry five passengers and their luggage? With the Octavia vRS, you really can have it all.

VRS - a badge with serious heritage

The new Octavia vRS continues a sporting tradition that dates back 100 years. Škoda has a rich motorsport history and has been successfully competing with its production cars since the mid-1930s. In fact, Škoda has been involved in motorsport longer than most manufacturers have been in existence.

The vRS badge? Well that first appeared in the mid-1970s on the famous Škoda 130 RS. An instant winner on the race tracks and rally stages of Europe, it twice won its class on the Monte Carlo rally and scored an impressive string of victories in the European Touring Car Championship.

The badge was reintroduced in 2000 when the Škoda Octavia vRS with a 1.8-litre 20 valve turbo engine generating 180bhp blasted onto the market. The car rapidly achieved cult status in the UK and remains a highly sought-after performance model on the used market.

Škoda doubled the size of its vRS range in 2003 with the arrival of the Fabia vRS. Like the Octavia, the Fabia proved an instant hit thanks to its combination of performance, value for money and practicality. It was also the first diesel-engined car to be genuinely considered a hot-hatch - an achievement that still marks it out as unique.

Škoda's commitment to the vRS brand is considerable. Working on the old adage that racing improves the breed, Škoda has been involved in the World Rally Championship (WRC) since its inception and continues to be a driving force in the sport today. Indeed, the current Fabia WRC car is such an exciting package that British rally legend and former world champion Colin McRae has been tempted out of retirement to drive one in this month's Rally of Great Britain.

The VRS Brand in the UK

The vRS range was re-launched in the UK in 2001 with the introduction of the first-generation Octavia vRS. Its 180 bhp introduced UK drivers to Škoda's fabulous combination of performance and practicality. The Fabia vRS gave the fun a new dimension with its diesel-driven pulling power.

Together, the vRS range makes up 12% of Škoda UK sales. We expect sales to grow further as more and more people find the Škoda vRS combination of performance and practicality fits their lifestyle - people who don't want to sacrifice driving fun and style for everyday practicality.

Design

The sporty Octavia vRS builds on the design strengths of the standard car yet has a unmistakable visual link to the previous generation model and the current Fabia vRS.

Thanks to deeper bumpers, body-coloured side strips and stunning new 17 inch 'Zenith' alloy wheels, the vRS conveys a real air of sportiness. Customers wishing to go one stage further can specify larger 18 inch alloys as a cost option.

The front end is dominated by a large air intake in the lower half of the bumper, while the projector halogen headlamps further sharpen the whole look. At the rear, a strip of 'Cats Eyes' reflectors have been incorporated into the bumper, while the five door model is fitted with a distinctive spoiler that arches gracefully over the boot lip. Classic vRS touches such as the famous green brake calipers and vRS badging on the tailgate complete the exterior design package.

The Octavia vRS will be offered in a limited range of special colours, comprised of: Race Blue metallic, Sprint Yellow, Corrida Red, Diamond Silver metallic and Black Magic pearl effect. (Race Blue and Sprint Yellow will be introduced after launch.)

As you would expect for a car wearing the vRS badge, the Octavia's interior design is focused on driver involvement and enjoyment. The new silver and black sports seats support the body in all key areas, while the three spoke, part-leather steering wheel is as good to hold as it is to look at. Other additions include aluminium-effect trim on the instrument panel and doors, black rooflining and a leather gearknob.

But where the Octavia vRS really stands out from the crowd is in terms of interior practicality. vRS models have always been family-friendly cars and the new Octavia vRS takes this on to a new level. Not only can the interior comfortably accommodate five adults, the huge load compartments - 560 litres for the hatchback and 580 for the estate (with the rear seats folded down, that increases to 1,350/1,620 for the hatch and estate, respectively)- mean that performance car motoring no longer requires a compromise on luggage.

Chassis

Unlike some so called 'performance' models the Octavia vRS has been created from the ground up and incorporates a number of key engineering changes designed to give the car an even more rewarding driving experience.

The rear section of the body has been braced with special reinforcements to increase torsional strength, while the suspension has been lowered by 12mm all round and features modified shock absorbers and springs. The result? A chassis that lives for corners and makes every drive an unforgettable event.

To reign in the extra power produced by the 200bhp engine, larger, ventilated brake discs are fitted as standard to all Octavia vRS models, while a host of electronic safety systems including EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), ASR traction traction control and of course, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) are fitted as standard. UK spec vehicles will see the addition of ESP and TPM (Tyre-pressure Monitoring) as standard as well.

Engine

At the heart of any great sporting car is a great engine, and new Octavia vRS is no exception. The 200bhp TFSI 2.0-litre turbo engine fitted to the Octavia vRS is the most powerful ever offered by Škoda. It's also the most flexible with an amazing 280Nm of torque on tap from just 1,800rpm. On the road, this gives the Octavia vRS breathtaking performance. With a 0-62 time of just 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 149mph, the Octavia vRS is a fully paid-up member of the hot-hatch pack.

The Octavia vRS engine is also something of a technical marvel. This advanced engine is the first turbocharged petrol powerplant to feature direct injection. Unlike conventional turbo engines where the fuel injectors are located in an intake manifold, fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber.
The injectors on the cylinder head use the high pressure injection system with a pressure reservoir and work at a pressure of up to 11 MPa (110 bar). The advantage? With direct injection under very high pressure, fuel flow can be controlled more accurately. This gives a cleaner burn which in turn improves power output and fuel economy.

The cylinder block is made from cast iron which is strong and has excellent acoustic characteristics. Two balancing shafts ensure that it remains a smooth performer at all speeds. A specially-designed exhaust system has been developed to further enhance the vRS driving experience.

Despite its amazing power output, the TFSI 2.0-litre turbo engine is friendly on both the wallet and the environment. It complies with EU4 emissions regulations and has a combined consumption of 35.8mpg. The CO2 output is 190g/km.

Standard equipment

In true vRS tradition, the new Octavia vRS is packed with standard equipment. On the safety front, all models are fitted with four airbags, ABS and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution). In addition, the Octavia vRS is equipped with ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) as standard.

Those with a taste for the finer things in life will appreciate the standard-fit Climatic air-conditioning, CD player and remote central locking. All cars are covered by Škoda's comprehensive warranty package.

A wide range of optional equipment includes curtain airbags, electric sunroof, 18" alloy wheels and satellite navigation.

Pricing

The new Octavia vRS will go on sale in the UK in December 2006, with retailers able to take advance orders from the Autumn. The hatch version will be priced at £17,500 OTR, with the estate at £18,200; both continue the outstanding value that is such an integral part of the Škoda brand.

Summary

Based on the Octavia hatch and estate, launched in 2004, and the winner of a string of awards including the What Car? Best Small Family Car and overall Silver Award, the Octavia vRS is the newest definition of Škoda's "extra bit of car". The extra bit this time includes a staggering helping of sportiness along with the Octavia's legendary equipment levels and carrying capacity. These combine to make the Octavia vRS, the most powerful road-going Škoda yet, an unrivalled combination of performance and practicality.

Summary Exterior Equipment:

" Deep bumpers with integrated front air intake
" Rear boot or tailgate spoiler
" 17" alloy wheels with Škoda green brake calipers
" Chromed dual exhaust
" Lowered suspension
" Tuned exhaust
" Projector halogen lamps
" Cat's eye reflectors in rear bumper
" vRS badging

Summary Interior Equipment:

" Octavia's innovative storage areas and huge carrying capacity
" Silver and black sports seats
" Three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearknob
" Aluminium-effect trim on instrument panel and doors, black rooflining
" ESP traction control, plus ABS, MBA, MSR and ASR
" Tyre-pressure monitor (TPM)
" Six-CD autochanger
" Remote central locking
" Climatic air conditioning
" Driver and passenger front and side airbags
" Octavia's folding luggage hooks

UK Pricing

Hatch - £17,500 OTR
Estate - £18,200 OTR

12/09/05

Colin Mcrae Completes 800kms of Gravel Tests as he Prepares to Drive Škoda Fabia WRC on Rally GB

Colin McRae/Nicky Grist spent last week in Scotland carrying out intensive tests with the Škoda Motorsport Fabia WRC 05 ahead of Rally GB (September 15-18). During a three-day private test in Clatteringshaws Forest in the south west of Scotland, the 37-year old Scot and his 43-year old Welsh co-driver completed 700kms at the wheel including a marathon 350kms on Tuesday alone, a figure representative of the total stage distance of Britain's WRC event.

Heading to the ceremonial start line in Cardiff on Thursday evening, Colin has now completed two full WRC distances in the Fabia WRC 05 without any major problems.

While team mate Armin Schwarz took over the driving for a final day of testing on Thursday, Colin and Nicky continued their Rally GB preparations by recceing the route for the Park Systems Rally, a 100kms national event held near to the test, where they drove the Fabia WRC 05 as '0' car in a final high-speed run that was important to help the crew be ready for their first WRC event together in three years.

Most of the test was designed to let Colin find the most comfortable settings for his WRC comeback. He worked closely with the Škoda Motorsport engineers along with representatives from suspension suppliers Reiger and tyre partner Michelin, specifically evaluating the new BTO tyre that is expected to be a key factor on Rally GB.

Colin was immediately running flat out on the test, hitting top speeds of over 180kph and on one of the test roads regularly recording average speeds exceeding 125kph.

Quote

Colin McRae: "I am very happy with the Fabia. It feels really nice to drive and I was able to be up to full speed very quickly. It responds well to input and everything we've tried has changed the car in the way we expected so I'm confident that we will have a good set-up for the rally. The latest Reiger suspension has made it very stable in all conditions and the new Michelin BTO tyre was faster and more consistent than the older constructions every time we tried it."

"I still can't say what kind of result we can expect. We had no comparison times to work with at the test so I think everyone will be keeping a close eye on the times at the end of the first stage this Friday! I'm not so worried about our initial results but I'd like to think that we can progress as the event goes on and be setting some really good times by Sunday."

08/09/05

Škoda Auto at Frankfurt Motor Show

At this year's International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Škoda Auto will introduce its new sporty version of the Škoda Octavia vRS. Both hatch and estate versions will make their world debut at the show. The Octavia vRS follows in the footsteps of its successful predecessor, featuring an attractive dynamic design and a powerful 2.0 TFSI supercharged direct injection petrol engine, delivering an impressive 200 bhp.

Other novelties introduced at Frankfurt will include Fabia model family cars powered by new 1.4-litre three-cylinder diesel engines producing 70 bhp and 80 bhp respectively. These engines are set to replace the 1.4 TDI PD 75 bhp and 1.9 SDI 64 bhp engines currently on offer, later this year.

More surprises in the form of a design concept are ready for a Škoda Auto press conference to be held at the Škoda Auto stand in Hall 3 on Monday 12th September at 10:30 a.m.

02/09/05

Platinum Joins Forces With 107.9 Bath FM

Renrod Ltd, owner of the Platinum group of dealerships and associated company Wellsway BMW/MINI, is joining forces with 107.9 Bath FM in a unique partnership.

Encouraged by the success of recent advertising campaigns with commercial radio station - 107.9 Bath FM, Renrod were keen to form ongoing reciprocal working relationships with the local marketing partner. The ongoing commitment between the two local businesses will enable exciting new initiatives and mutually beneficial marketing activity.

Renrod Ltd is providing 107.9 Bath FM with 2 vehicles for staff to use at the radio station's events and outside broadcasts around the city. Branded with both Platinum and 107.9 Bath FM's livery, the Mitsubishi 'Warrior' and a Toyota 'Hilux' will be assisting 107.9 Bath FM's promotional activities over the coming months.

The vehicles' activities will be highlighted on air on 107.9FM prefixed with the strap-lines '…powered by Platinum Mitsubishi….' or '…….powered by Platinum Toyota' and listeners will be able to spot them out and about in Bath from 12th September.

Jeremy Cuff, Renrod Ltd's Group Marketing Director said, "We've had some very productive discussions with the Bath FM team, with the result being an ongoing commitment to work together. Our linkup with the radio station will include the loan of these two vehicles for their events, creating joint news stories for our magazines and websites and the sharing and distribution of marketing initiatives."

Jo Woods, Station Manager at 107.9 Bath FM said, "Staff are already planning the Hilux and Warrior's first big event which will be at the Roundtable Fireworks at the Rec on November 4th, but in the meantime look out for the Bath FM crew and the new vehicles out and about in Bath.'

For full details of 107.9 Bath FM's visits with the Mitsubishi Warrior and Toyota Hilux, view their website - www.bathfm.co.uk

11/08/05

Colin Mcrae to Drive Škoda Fabia WRC 05 On Rally GB

Colin McRae is to join the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team for Rally GB (September 15-18). McRae will be partnered in the Fabia WRC 05 by Welsh co-driver Nicky Grist, the pairing reunited for the first time since New Zealand 2003.

Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team manager Joan Sureda successfully concluded the deal for McRae to join the team during last weekend's Rally Finland. McRae drove the Fabia WRC on asphalt ahead of last year's Catalunya Rally. He will now drive the Fabia in competition for the first time and will carry out a programme of intensive gravel testing before his first WRC appearance since Rally GB 2003.

Since taking a temporary retirement from the WRC at the end of 2003, McRae has contested four Rally Raids, finishing 20th on his Dakar debut last year before winning the Baja Portalegre in Portugal. He also contested the 2004 Le Mans 24 Hour race.

The 37-year old Scot became Britain's first ever World Rally Champion when he won the title in 1995. His career includes 25 WRC event wins, a total beaten only by Carlos Sainz, and three outright wins on Rally GB (1994, 1995 and 1997). Having contested 143 WRC events to date he will be the most experienced driver in the field when he takes the start in Cardiff next month as team mate to Armin Schwarz, another veteran of over 100 WRC events.

Rally GB begins with a Ceremonial Start by the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff at 1930 on the evening of Thursday September 15 before the event heads further into west Wales to its base at the Felindre Rally Centre near Swansea. After an overall total of 357.56kms the rally finishes in Cardiff on Sunday at 1410 (1510 CET).

Quotes

Joan Sureda (Škoda Motorsport Team Manager): "I'm very happy that we have the chance to bring Colin back to the WRC on this event because we know that he was keen to return to the championship. He has a lot of experience on this rally which we will find very useful for our future development. I'm sure that the fans will be as excited about Colin's appearance as we are."

Colin McRae: "Rally GB is obviously very special to me, so I am very much looking forward to competing on my home event and giving the fans something to cheer. This is an opportunity for me to utilise my experience to help the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team develop the Fabia WRC 05 in a positive way for the future.

Although I have not competed in a World Rally Car since Rally GB 2003, the team have put together an extensive testing programme which will give me the opportunity to evaluate the Fabia and have it set up to my liking. It will also allow us to get ourselves up to speed before the event itself."

COLIN McRAE PROFILE

Date of Birth: August 5, 1968
Marital status: Married to Alison; two children (Hollie and Johnny)
First rally: 1985
WRC debut: Sweden 1987 (36th o/a, Vauxhall Nova)
WRC wins: 25 (1993: NZ; 1994: NZ, GB; 1995: NZ, GB; 1996: GR, I, E; 1997: EAK, F, I, AUS, GB; 1998: P, F, GR; 1999: EAK, P; 2000: E, GR; 2001: RA, CY, GR; 2002: GR, EAK).

Career highlights:

World Rally Champion 1995
25 WRC victories
British Rally Champion 1991 and 1992
3rd in GT Class, Le Mans 24 Hours 2004
Awarded OBE for services to Motorsport in 1996

04/08/05

The Škoda Range Becomes Even Better Value

The new Škoda range, already known for its outstanding design and engineering, high quality and overall great value has just become even better value. From 1 August until 30 September, Škoda has reduced prices on every Octavia and continued the "Big on Values" offer for Fabia.

For Octavia, reductions include £700 for all petrol models and £350 for all diesel models. The only exception to this is even greater value - the Octavia hatch 1.6 FSI in Ambiente trim, the What Car? Best Small Family Car 2005, is now priced at just £12,990 a saving of £725.

The special prices cover everything from the entry-level Classic 16v, now priced at £10,290 to the top-of-the range Octavia Estate L&K 2.0 TDI PD with DSG transmission, with an on-the-road price of £19,520.

Škoda's Fabia offer continues with free air conditioning across the range and savings ranging from £1,000 on most models to £1,130 on the entry-level 1.2 HTP 54bhp hatchback. Its recommended on-the-road price is just £6,995. The only Fabia models not included in the "Big on Values" offer are the Fabia Sport, Fabia vRS and Fabia Estate Bohemia. These models have air conditioning as standard.

All Škoda models still come with the same high levels of standard equipment as ever. They also come with Škoda's incredibly high levels of quality and customer satisfaction as standard and Škoda's century-long heritage of providing great design, solid engineering and Škoda's "extra bit of car".

Participating Škoda retailers across the UK are offering Škoda's "Big on Values" programme from 1 August until 30 September on Octavia and Fabia, as well as continuing great value on the Škoda Superb.

28/07/05

First Official Pictures Of Fastest Ever Skoda

The fastest and most powerful production vehicle ever made by Škoda is one step closer to our shores. Due to arrive at the end of the year, the Škoda Octavia vRS hatch has a 0-62mph of just 7.3 seconds and maximum speed of 149mph. Torque from the 2.0 TFSI 200bhp turbo direct injection engine is an impressive 280Nm at 1800 to 5000 rpm.

Available in hatch and estate versions, the estate can achieve 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 148mph.

The new Škoda Octavia vRS will make its first world public appearance at this year's International Motor Show in Frankfurt (IAA) on 12th September.

Following in the cult footsteps of the current Octavia vRS, this new vRS will be offered in a limited range of colours, comprised of a new colour, Race Blue metallic, Sprint Yellow, Corrida Red, Diamond Silver metallic and Black Magic pearl effect.

The first official photos of Škoda's hottest road car yet are enclosed.

Škoda, the world's third-oldest car company, celebrates 100 years of car production and 110 years in business in 2005.

21/07/05

Marie Curie Chooses Škoda

The cancer charity Marie Curie Cancer Care has appointed Škoda as one of only two contractors to supply its fleet of company cars.

Staff will now have the choice of a Škoda Fabia 1.9SDI Classic with Plus Pack, or a Škoda Octavia 1.9TDI Ambiente, both in either hatch or estate. Preston Motors is supplying the vehicles, which are on contract purchase via Leashold.

Tracy Henderson, Central Administration Manager for Marie Curie Cancer Care, comments, "After many years with one manufacturer, we have appointed Škoda to give our staff more flexibility and choice.

"As a charity, our main concern when looking for vehicles is value for money. However, our community fundraising managers, who will predominantly drive the vehicles, travel on a daily basis organising charity events and it is essential the vehicles are reliable."

The Fabia 1.9SDI Classic with Plus Pack provides more car than the supermini segment has ever seen, as well as fresh, timeless design. The Classic trim comprises features such as air conditioning, driver and passenger airbags and power steering as standard while the Plus Pack provides remote central locking and front electric windows.

Similarly, the Octavia 1.9TDI Ambiente provides Škoda with a great opportunity to gain sales in the fleet and small business markets, providing a B-sector car at A-sector prices, along with great features. The Ambiente trim includes features such as a six CD autochanger, trip computer, air conditioned glove box and remote central locking as standard.

Škoda business sales volume has grown from 1,273 in 1998 to 10,030 in 2004, a phenomenal growth of 680 per cent. In 2004, while the fleet market was up 2.3 per cent on the previous year, Škoda business sales increased by 5.3 per cent. In light of this success, Škoda intends to increase the number of retailers offering business sales, support and service to 20 per cent over the coming years. In the past 12 months, business sales staff has almost doubled, increasing from 12 in 2004 to 23 in 2005, under the supervision of the newly appointed head of business sales, Martin Burke. Skoda aspires to provide a better service for customers and retailers, mirroring the customer satisfaction already proven in the retail market.

15/07/05

Doubling Up

As part of Škoda's campaign to continue the success in growth of fleet sales, the company has just finished recruiting 11 new staff to ensure business customers continue to receive a first class service. Škoda has recently won a number of awards for high levels of customer service in the retail market, and is keen to ensure those levels are reflected for business users too.

Headed up by Martin Burke, the team now comprises 23 staff - nearly double since last year. From support executives to business sales managers, as well as three used car programme managers, business customers are now completely catered for. Škoda is also increasing its number of specialist business sales centres around the country from 18 to 40 to further increase its levels of business service.

Ranked second overall for the second consecutive year in the JD Power Survey of Customer Satisfaction, Škoda was beaten to the top spot by only one luxury brand. 2005 marks the 10th year in succession that Škoda has remained in the Top 5 of all manufacturers in the survey, which is based on reliability, build quality, running costs and aftersales service.

Škoda business sales volume has grown from 1,273 in 1998 to 10,030 in 2004, a phenomenal growth of 680 per cent. In 2004, while the fleet market was up 2.3 per cent on the previous year, Škoda business sales increased by 5.3 per cent.

Says Burke, "With excellent build quality, low running costs, high levels of equipment across the range and even better levels of service than before, Škoda is becoming a serious contender in the fleet sales market. With our new team in place fleet managers now have direct access to exactly the right person that suits their needs.

"It was the Octavia that paved the way for Škoda's entry into the Business Sales market in the UK. It's an ideal fleet car - reliable, practical and economical, and three additional trim levels have recently been introduced to provide even more choice for customers. It's no wonder that more and more fleet managers are adding it to their list of company vehicles."

16/06/05

Škoda Sales Growing In 2005

o YTD sales ahead of '04 by 7.6% in down market
o Fabia sales top100,000 in the UK since launch
o Business sales double compared to previous year

Škoda UK delivered 3,057 new cars to customers in May, for a year-to-date total of 14,875. That represents an increase of 7.6% over sales for the same period in 2004. Market share topped 1.6%, the highest share in Škoda's history - by the smallest of margins, but a record nevertheless. Škoda achieved these sales in a market that was down 3.4% overall.

By model, the supermini Fabia led with 1,301 May sales and 7,707 year-to-date. The Fabia range has now exceeded 100,000 sales in the UK since its launch in 2000, testament to its enduring popularity and outstanding value and design.

The new Octavia followed with 1,103 sales in May and 4,208 year-to-date. Octavia sales break down into 2,909 hatchbacks and 1,299 of the newly-launched estate so far in 2005.

Superb sales continue to grow, with 1,315 sold so far in 2005. The 1.9 TDI diesel engine is the most popular Superb, with sales of nearly 1,000. With standard specification that includes such features as air conditioning, driver, front passenger front, side and curtain airbags, and stereo with CD player, and prices starting at just £13,900, the success of Škoda's flagship Superb is no surprise.

Škoda's range of vRS models are flying out of retailers' doors, with 1,778 Fabia vRS hatchbacks and first-generation Octavia vRS hatch and estate reaching new customers through May 2005. The new Octavia vRS will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motorshow in September.

Škoda Business Sales account for 1,269 of the year-to-date sales. Škoda fleet sales have doubled compared to the same period last year as fleet managers and user/choosers continue to discover the benefits of Škoda's excellent products, great value and outstanding customer service.

Škoda UK Brand Director Chris Craft comments, "We are very pleased at the way the brand is growing in the UK. In fact, we've grown so much that we've had to expand our offices to keep up. We have the right combination of products and are proud to offer them with an excellent combination of price and equipment. We're also proud of our outstanding retail network. Their high level of customer service is evident in the consumer satisfaction survey rankings we receive - rankings such as our second-place in this year's J.D. Power survey, where we were out-ranked only by one luxury brand - and by less than one point. We're pleased that our customers are pleased with their Skodas and the service they receive."

17/06/05

Škoda Motorsport Sends Three Cars To Acropolis

* Armin Schwarz and Janne Tuohino are again nominated by Škoda Motorsport

* Jani Paasonen makes his Greek debut in the third Fabia WRC 05

* Acropolis Rally completes the series of four demanding rough gravel rallies

The Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team will enter three cars for the eighth round of the World Rally Championship, the Acropolis Rally (June 23-26) where Jani Paasonen/Jani Vainikka will drive the Fabia WRC 05 alongside nominated crews Armin Schwarz/Klaus Wicha and Janne Tuohino/Mikko Markkula.

Jani joins the team for the second three-car entry of the year at the beginning of a busy period of development that will see entries on at least two national status events and two more three-car entries (in Germany and Finland) over the next two months.

The Acropolis Rally is one of the oldest in the championship. This will be the 52nd edition of a rally that pre-dates the World Rally Championship by 20 years. In that time the ancient gravel roads have become smoother and faster but this is still one of the toughest events of the year.

Armin said: "I look forward all year to the Acropolis Rally. It is traditionally fast and rough and it is one of my favourite events. You need a strong and reliable car to cope with the abrasive surface that is very hard on tyres and suspension."

Janne said: "This is a hard event but it is faster than the last two rallies. It is very easy to damage the car so you have to be clever with your driving. I won the Junior category in 2002 and was seventh here last year."

Jani said: "This will be the first time that I have competed in Greece but I have driven the recce twice before so I have a good idea about the stages. We also had a good test in Greece so I am feeling quite confident and I hope to be able to get a solid result for the team."

Head of the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team, Martin Muehlmeier, said: "All three crews for this rally had a good test in Greece recently and we will have another test in the Czech Republic before the rally to finalise their personal set-up. Our new test team has also been working hard outside the WRC and we should start to see the results of the work it has been doing over the next few months."

Acropolis Rally in detail:

The Acropolis Rally is based at Lamia, approximately 200kms north east of Athens. After dropping the traditional ceremonial start in Athens last year, the rally will return to the capital this year for a start ceremony and superspecial inside the spectacular stadium built for the 2004 Olympic Games.

After Thursday night's start the cars will be brought back to Lamia from where the remainder of the event will be based. On Friday crews face two loops of three stages (including two attempts at the 32.55kms of Elatia-Zeli). Saturday sees two groups of four stages on the schedule while Sunday's final leg features four tests including Pyrgos which, at 34.80kms, is the longest of the event. The rally finishes at Thermopyles, approximately 15kms from Lamia, at 1445 local time (1345 CET).

28/04/05

Škoda Auto To Introduce Fourth Model Range - Based On The Roomster Concept Car

Škoda Auto will manufacture a fourth model range, based on the Roomster concept car first shown at the 2003 Frankfurt Motorshow. The new model will be introduced at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2006 and will be manufactured at the Škoda Auto assembly plant in Kvasiny, Czech Republic.

"In Kvasiny, we are currently producing our most prestigious vehicle, the Škoda Superb. In 2001, almost seventy years after it was established, the plant underwent substantial modernisation and is now rated as one of the best within the entire Škoda Auto and Volkswagen Group worldwide for long-term quality," said Detlef Wittig, Chairman of the Board of Škoda Auto.

"Since the production process of the Škoda Superb model also demonstrates high quality standards, we choose Kvasiny as the site to produce the new Roomster model." Škoda Auto will invest roughly three billion Czech crowns in production equipment and create 2,000 skilled jobs. The company plans to build a new logistic centre, and other staff facilities. The Czech government will provide investment incentives amounting to approximately 427 million Czech crowns.

28/04/05

Škoda Auto To Introduce Fourth Model Range - Based On The Roomster Concept Car

Škoda Auto will manufacture a fourth model range, based on the Roomster concept car first shown at the 2003 Frankfurt Motorshow. The new model will be introduced at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2006 and will be manufactured at the Škoda Auto assembly plant in Kvasiny, Czech Republic.

"In Kvasiny, we are currently producing our most prestigious vehicle, the Škoda Superb. In 2001, almost seventy years after it was established, the plant underwent substantial modernisation and is now rated as one of the best within the entire Škoda Auto and Volkswagen Group worldwide for long-term quality," said Detlef Wittig, Chairman of the Board of Škoda Auto.

"Since the production process of the Škoda Superb model also demonstrates high quality standards, we choose Kvasiny as the site to produce the new Roomster model." Škoda Auto will invest roughly three billion Czech crowns in production equipment and create 2,000 skilled jobs. The company plans to build a new logistic centre, and other staff facilities. The Czech government will provide investment incentives amounting to approximately 427 million Czech crowns.

14/04/05

Škoda Scores In 2005 What Car? J. D. Power Survey Of Customer Satisfaction

Škoda drivers are the most satisfied mainstream brand owners in the UK, according to the 2005 J D Power Survey of Customer Satisfaction. Ranked second overall for the second consecutive year, Škoda was beaten to the top spot by only one luxury brand - and by only one point. With a CSI score of 847, Škoda's rating improved by four points over 2003, compared to an industry average decline of two points. This year marks the 10th year in succession that Škoda has remained in the Top 5 of all manufacturers.

The Octavia and its supermini sister model, the Fabia, were ranked joint fourth overall among all models in the survey. The Octavia, Škoda's medium-sector car, was rated tops in the Family Car category, also for the second year running. Škoda is the only brand to have two models in the top five, out of the 124 models included in the survey.

Škoda was rated first among manufacturers in the Ownership Costs portion of the survey, which was completed by some 90,000 UK car owners. In the other areas of the survey, Škoda ranked third in Service Satisfaction, fourth in Quality and Reliability, and eighth in Vehicle Appeal, a category dominated by prestige models. Škoda's ratings were up in every category compared to the 2004 survey results.

Among Škoda owners, 98% say they would recommend their car to a friend, and 94% say they would buy another Škoda. By comparing the quality and reliability rankings with the percentage of owners who bought based on their car's reputation, it is clear that Škoda owners' experience is better than even their high expectations.

Škoda UK Brand Director, Chris Craft, commented, "This result, coming on top of last week's Driver Power survey, consolidates Škoda's position as the number one mainstream car brand for customer satisfaction in the UK. I am delighted to see the gap between Škoda and the single prestige brand ahead of us reduced to the tiny margin of just one point. This survey reflects the excellent quality of our vehicles, the value for money provided through-out the Škoda ownership experience, and importantly, the human touch delivered through our retailers."

06/04/05

Škoda Scores Big in Auto Express Driver Power 2005

Škoda has retained its place among the very best in the industry for customer satisfaction by being ranked second among all manufacturers in Auto Express Driver Power 2005. This is the second consecutive year that Škoda has achieved second place in the survey of more than 50,000 drivers. Auto Express commented, "Maintaining its second place has been easy for Škoda, a manufacturer with some of the most satisfied customers in the business."

The Škoda Octavia was ranked fourth among the top 100 models, moving up three places from 2004, and second in its Family Car class. Auto Express commented, "Of all the movers and shakers in the 2005 Driver Power survey, the Octavia's jump from seventh place to fourth overall is by the most impressive…The Octavia seems to be getting better and better with age." Although the model included in the survey is the previous-generation Octavia, The judges went on to say, "By Driver Power 2006, it is sure to have left an impression on its owners. Following in the tracks of its predecessor won't be easy, but early indications are that we had better get used to seeing an Octavia near the top of the chart."

The Fabia placed seventh overall and second in its City Car/ Supermini category. One of the survey respondents commented, "It has stood up to all the punishment it has been given. 10/10!"

In a separate section of the survey in which readers rated their retailers, Škoda retailers moved up five places to be ranked fourth overall. Škoda ranked second as having the most helpful dealers, third in the level of workmanship and fifth in technical knowledge. One reader commented, "I'm on first-name terms with the employees [at my dealership] and nothing is too difficult. My car is serviced within a day and a courtesy model is always offered."

07/04/05

Keep on Runnin'…

Amateur Elvis-impersonator David Ovenden is hoping to raise over £2,000 for needy children by running this year's gruelling London Marathon on 17 April.

The Head of Operations at Škoda UK is raising money for Whizz-Kidz, a charity that provides mobility equipment for disabled children.

It was two years ago when the 42 year-old - who lives in the village of Raunds near Wellingborough in Northamptonshire - first decided it was time to lose some weight. But instead of exercising gently at home or the gym like most of us, he started with the not-so-small task of training for the London Marathon instead, "I'd never really done much running before, but now I love it. It's a good way to unwind and a great way to raise money at the same time.

"I'm lucky because all my children are able-bodied. It's hard work bringing them up, but it is a lot harder for a parent to bring up a disabled child. That's why I like helping children's charities."

Last year the father-of-four ran the London Marathon for the first time, helping children with leukaemia. "Despite the many requests I won't be running the London Marathon dressed as Elvis. It's difficult enough running it in a plain t-shirt and shorts!"

06/04/05

Škoda Scores Big in Auto Express Driver Power 2005

Škoda has retained its place among the very best in the industry for customer satisfaction by being ranked second among all manufacturers in Auto Express Driver Power 2005. This is the second consecutive year that Škoda has achieved second place in the survey of more than 50,000 drivers. Auto Express commented, "Maintaining its second place has been easy for Škoda, a manufacturer with some of the most satisfied customers in the business."

The Škoda Octavia was ranked fourth among the top 100 models, moving up three places from 2004, and second in its Family Car class. Auto Express commented, "Of all the movers and shakers in the 2005 Driver Power survey, the Octavia's jump from seventh place to fourth overall is by the most impressive…The Octavia seems to be getting better and better with age." Although the model included in the survey is the previous-generation Octavia, The judges went on to say, "By Driver Power 2006, it is sure to have left an impression on its owners. Following in the tracks of its predecessor won't be easy, but early indications are that we had better get used to seeing an Octavia near the top of the chart."

The Fabia placed seventh overall and second in its City Car/ Supermini category. One of the survey respondents commented, "It has stood up to all the punishment it has been given. 10/10!"

In a separate section of the survey in which readers rated their retailers, Škoda retailers moved up five places to be ranked fourth overall. Škoda ranked second as having the most helpful dealers, third in the level of workmanship and fifth in technical knowledge.

05/04/05

Škoda Motorsport Heads For The Flowing Stages Of New Zealand With Armin Schwarz And Janne Tuohino

* Škoda Motorsport returns to New Zealand for the first time since 2003

* Spectacular flowing 'drivers' stages all new for the Fabia WRC 05

After debuting the new Fabia WRC 05 in Mexico the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team remains outside Europe for round four of the World Rally Championship. Rally New Zealand (April 7-10) is the furthest event from the team's Mladá Boleslav base in heart of Europe and for this second long-haul event of the season the team will be represented by Armin Schwarz/Klaus Wicha and Janne Tuohino/Mikko Markkula.

Rally New Zealand is one of the longest serving events in the current WRC calendar and is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. The stages are generally regarded as being among the most enjoyable in the championship thanks to their flowing nature. Severely cambered roads allow drivers to really show their skills at high speed and the spectacular North Island scenery through which the event passes, especially on the final day, provides some of the most stunning visual images of the season.

Despite being the most experienced driver in the WRC, the fact that this event didn't always count towards the full World Championship means that Armin Schwarz has only contested Rally New Zealand four times although he achieved a podium finish in 1994. The second Fabia WRC 05 will be driven by New Zealand debutant Janne Tuohino.

The Skoda Fabia WRC 05 has a revised aerodynamic package that should be ideally suited to the nature of the stages in New Zealand. So far this season the Fabia, both in its current specification and the one preceding it for the first two rounds, has shown significant improvements in pace but has so far been denied the overall result that the team is seeking.

Armin said: "New Zealand is a real drivers' rally and it should suit our car's handling. It's quite a high-speed event and you need to balance confidence with caution. The quite severe camber of the roads means you can push hard but you mustn't be over-confident, especially if the stages are dry as the loose gravel is very slippery. It is actually better if the surface is a little bit damp which is always possible at this time of year which is autumn in New Zealand as the grip is then much greater."

Janne said: "Although this is my first time competing in New Zealand I made the recce there in 2003. At the time I said that I really wanted to compete on this rally as the roads are really beautiful, very fast and in some places quite like Finland. They can be quite slippery so our starting position on the road will be quite important each day."

Head of the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team, Martin Muehlmeier, said: "We have seen good performances so far this season but not the best results. In New Zealand we must try to get both cars to the finish without problems and at the same time get the level of performance and speed from the car that we have already shown is there. That way we will end the rally with the result we deserve."

Rally New Zealand in detail:

Rally New Zealand is based in Auckland, also known as the City of Sails thanks to the city's passion for sailing and New Zealand's successful America's Cup campaigns of the nineties. The rally begins in the evening of Thursday April 7 with a traditional ceremonial start on the waterfront.

Friday and Saturday sees the event based north of Auckland at Paparoa. On Friday there are eight stages (129.22kms) run as two groups of four. On Saturday there are six more tests near Paparoa before the event returns to Auckland for two superspecial stages run at the nearby Manukau showground (leg total 139.49kms). Sunday's final leg is run to the south of Auckland near Raglan with no service during the four stages that include two runs over the spectacular Whaanga Coast stage. The event finishes in Auckland at 3.30pm (New Zealand is Central European Summer Time +10 hours).

04/04/05

Škoda Octavia Leaves The Competition Behind

Llandudno-based King Kabs is replacing its fleet of Mercedes C-Class taxis with Škoda Octavias - with no compromise on quality or space.

King Kabs proprietor Terry Moorhead is "delighted" with his decision, "I spent a lot of time looking into which car would be the best in terms of price, reliability, quality and interior space. I narrowed my list down to around five or six vehicles including some prestige brands, and in every category the Octavia was top of the table, so it left me with no choice!"

The taxi company is currently halfway through replacing its fleet of 14 cars. "Our customers have been commenting on the impressive legroom in the back, while drivers have been saying how much more roomy the Octavia is with its increased boot space and headroom."

All the Octavias being supplied are 1.9 TDI hatchbacks, which even in the Classic trim level has bags of Škoda's legendary great value as standard. Equipment includes height and reach adjustable steering wheel, front seatbelt pre- tensioners and heated door mirrors.

The Octavia is part of the Škoda family that includes the supermini Fabia, Škoda's sporty vRS models and top-of-the range Superb. All provide Škoda's "extra bit of car" and the customer service that earned Škoda and its retailers second place overall in both the 2004 J.D. Power Survey of Customer Satisfaction and the Top Gear Customer Satisfaction Survey.

31/03/05

Škoda Introduces The Fabia Estate Bohemia To Compete In The Mini Mpv Category

" High specification includes air conditioning, 15" alloys, roof rails, sunset glass

" Available with choice of 1.4 16V petrol or 1.4 TDI PD engines

" Prices start at just £10,300

Škoda is introducing the Fabia Estate Bohemia. A new breed of mini MPVs has sprung up in the UK, but Škoda has been providing more space and better value in the sector for years with the spacious and handsome Fabia Estate.

The Fabia Estate Bohemia has all of the estate's legendary carrying capacity (426 litres; 1,225 litres with the rear seats folded), making it larger than many mini MPVs. With even more standard equipment than Fabia normally boasts, the Bohemia offers an additional, unexpected choice of specification. A range of two engines - 1.4 16V petrol or 1.4 TDI PD diesel (both 75 bhp) - means choice for drivers. With prices of just £10,300 for the 1.4 16V and £10,910 for the 1.4 TDI PD, the Fabia Estate Bohemia is all-'round better value than many competitors in the mini MPV category.

Standard equipment is based on the Fabia Classic. In addition, the Bohemia also provides, as standard, air conditioning, 15" alloy wheels, roof rails, front fog lights, comfort seats, leather steering wheel, gearknob and gaiter; a functional net programme in the luggage area; Fabia Plus Pack (remote central locking and front electric windows); and sunset privacy glass from the B-pillar back.

The Classic equipment that is standard on the Bohemia includes stereo system with CD player, height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat; driver and front passenger airbags, power steering, immobiliser and split, folding rear seat. All in all, the Fabia Estate Bohemia is very well equipped to cope with the needs of mini MPV drivers, for work or for family life. The alloy wheels and sunset glass provide additional cues for customers looking for a bit of extra stylishness in their mini MPV.

Named after the region of the Czech Republic where Škoda began producing cars 100 years ago - and remains today - the Bohemia is available to order at Škoda's award-winning retailers across the UK.

With high specification levels, huge carrying capacity, Fabia's timeless design and Škoda's outstanding customer service, the Fabia Estate Bohemia is showing the mini MPV category new class.

15/03/05

Škoda Means Business

Following an impressive set of 2004 company car sales figures, Škoda is doubling its number of field staff in its Business Sales team from three to six. The move reflects Škoda's rapid increase in market share of the fleet segment.

Škoda has seen unprecedented growth in company car sales over the past few years, from just 1,273 in 1998 to over 10,000 in 2004. "That figure will continue to grow," says Martin Burke, newly appointed Head of Business Sales at Škoda UK. "Our aim is to become a serious contender in the fleet sales market. Today's fleet managers need more than just a reliable car on their lists - they're looking at the whole package, from low running costs to excellent customer support too. Fleet managers can simply pick up the phone and get straight through to our newly-created business centre to discuss anything they need."

In addition to doubling its number of staff at head office - one of whom will be working exclusively for national contract hire and leasing companies - Škoda will also increase its number of business sales centres around the country from 30 to 40. These retailers have been specifically selected to provide excellent business sales service and a one stop shop for all business motoring needs.

"It was the Octavia that paved the way for Škoda's entry into the Business Sales market in the UK. It's an ideal fleet car - reliable, practical and economical. It's no wonder that more and more fleet managers are adding it to their list of company vehicles."

15/03/05

Škoda Fabia WRC 05 Makes Its Debut At Rally Mexico

The Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team has launched the new Fabia WRC 05 after its FIA homologation inspection before Rally Mexico. The arrival of the new car completes the two-part homologation process that was started at last October's Rally d'Italia-Sardinia.

Armin Schwarz and Jani Paasonen ended Rally Mexico in ninth and 13th places respectively. The Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team's newly homologated Fabia WRC 05 showed its improved potential but the event proved difficult as the team had no experience at this rally. Martin Muehlmeier, Head of Škoda Motorsport, commented, "I'm happy that we had no major technical problems associated with the new car but we must find more speed if we are to get the results we are seeking."

Externally the new car can be distinguished from the previous version by its revised aerodynamic package that was developed in the Audi wind tunnel at Ingolstadt. Škoda Motorsport has taken this opportunity to create a bolder and brighter livery for the car that retains the familiar green/red/white colours and 'V' design but which also gives greater exposure to the Škoda brand name on the flanks of the Fabia WRC 05 and acknowledges that 2005 is a centenary year in the brand's automotive history.

Under the skin of the Fabia WRC 05 are a many changes that are a series of small improvements rather than a major change to any single item. The weight-reduction process that was started last year has been continued and this has allowed further improvements in the weight distribution of the Fabia WRC 05. A revised turbocharger has been fitted along with modified exhaust manifold to further improve the performance of the car.

The changes already introduced last October included (a) moving the exhaust system to the right side of the car so that it no longer crosses the propshaft; (b) modifications to the rear chassis to allow more space around drive shafts; and (c) fitting water injection to the intake manifold. The team tested the Škoda Fabia

WRC 05 on snow-covered asphalt in the Czech Republic and on gravel in Spain before the car's competition debut at Rally Mexico.

25/02/05

Škoda To Show The Yeti Design Study At Geneva International Motor Show

Škoda Auto will introduce the Yeti design study at this year's Geneva International Motor Show.

Škoda's compact SUV design study implies the company's potential in a segment that is completely new to Škoda Auto. In terms of size, the Yeti fits between the A0 and A segments; positioning vehciles on the border between different classes is typical of Škoda.

The Škoda Yeti study demonstrates characteristics of future Škoda vehicles, indicated previously by the Škoda Roomster concept. Wrap-around windscreen, coated windscreen side pillar, and characteristic roof covering - to name just a few features of the new design trend.

The study design lacks aggressive features. The Yeti is perceived as a positive, friendly object representing an enjoyable contrast to other off-road and sports utility vehicles. This concept makes the Yeti as fit for city driving as off-road exploration.

22/02/05

Škoda Superb Elegance Becomes Even More Elegant

The Škoda Superb, already very-well equipped and hard-pressed to become more spacious, will become even more elegant. From April, the Elegance model will add satellite navigation and full leather upholstery as standard. At the same time, the electric sunroof will become an option. Providing a value of £1,800 for a price of just £700, this change in standard specification increases the Superb's outstanding value even further.

Entry-level prices for Superb remain at £13,900 for the Classic 2.0 115 bhp. Even at entry level, the Superb Classic has a wide range of standard equipment and all of the Superb's spaciousness and luxury, truly an upper-medium segment car at a lower-medium price.

Prices for the Superb Elegance will range from £19,500 for the Elegance 1.9 TDI PD 130 bhp, to £22,300 for the top-of-the-range Elegance 2.5 V6 TDI 160 bhp with Tiptronic transmission.
Superb Elegance models with the new specification are available for factory orders from Škoda retailers across the UK now. With sales exceeding targets, the elegance and innovation of the Superb continue to define the value in the segment.

15/02/05

Škoda Motorsport Finishes in the Points Again After Dramatic Swedish Rally

" Mattias Ekström scores championship points on Škoda Motorsport debut
" Janne Tuohino forced to retire from Top 10 points position on final stage
" Fabia WRC again sets top times throughout the most specialised WRC event

Jani Paasonen and Mattias Ekström finished in 9th and 10th places respectively on the Swedish Rally. During the final day Mattias climbed six places to claim his first WRC points for the Skoda Motorsport World Rally Team but Janne Tuohino went off near the end of the penultimate stage when chasing eighth place. Despite running on only three wheels he attempted to complete the final stage but when he lost oil pressure with 7kms to go he had no choice but to retire.

The World Rally Championship now heads for two consecutive long haul events, starting with Rally Mexico on March 11-13 where the team hopes to debut the newly homologated second evolution of
the Fabia WRC.

Quotes:

Jani Paasonen: "This was a really difficult rally for anyone running near the front of the field but I am fairly happy with some of the times I was able to set. Now I am looking forward to Mexico."

Mattias Ekström: "I have really enjoyed this experience but I was quite frustrated last night about the power steering problem. If you take away the time it cost me I think that I could have finished on the podium and that would have been an incredible result for both myself and the Skoda Motorsport World Rally Team. Now I must concentrate on defending my DTM title with Audi Sport but maybe one day I will be able to drive the Fabia WRC again."

Janne Tuohino: "Overall I was happy with my performance until I made a mistake near the end of SS19. I suffered badly on the gravel yesterday afternoon but I thought that I could have still finished in the points. In the end we had to stop and that is a disappointing result for me."

Martin Muehlmeier (Head of Škoda Motorsport): "I was very pleased that all three of our drivers were able to be competitive here. It was a very good line-up for us on this rally. We still have to resolve our lack of consistency but otherwise we showed again just how fast the Fabia WRC can be."

SWEDISH RALLY FINAL RESULTS:

FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP (AFTER ROUND 2 OF 16)

Škoda, the world's third-oldest car company, celebrates 100 years of car production and 110 years in business in 2005.

14/02/05

Uniter Group Chooses Škoda Octavia

Essex-based Uniter Group has recently taken delivery of 26 Škoda Octavia 1.9TDI Ambiente Estates for their nation-wide team of field engineers. Travelling an average of 33,000 miles a year each, the engineers chose Octavia for its comfort, durability and value.

Uniter Group is an independent technical support company providing field-engineering support, through approximately 100 engineers, for electronic office equipment such as printers, fax machines and photocopiers.

Uniter Group's Managing Director Carlo Jawed commented, "We were looking for value-for-money and quality - an image we portray as a group - and Škoda loaned me a Superb for me to show our employees, customers and suppliers. Obviously, when a company's senior management is driving a certain type of car, it sends out a strong signal as to their confidence in the brand."

James Richardson, of Škoda Business Sales, set up the arrangement with the supplying retailer, AE Witham and Sons. "Uniter Group is a very switched-on, professional company and has a good eye for value.

We were able to deliver the cars in batches and are hopeful that they will take some more vehicles next year when the new Octavia Estate is available."

The Škoda Octavia Ambiente has bags of Škoda's legendary great value as standard. In addition, standard features include air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, remote central locking and a six-CD autochanger. Octavia's carrying capacity is another great standard feature. With 528 litres with the rear seats in place, Uniter Group's engineers will have plenty of room for their equipment and supplies.

The Octavia 1.9 TDI Estate is part of the Škoda family that includes the supermini Fabia, Škoda's sporty vRS models and top-of-the range Superb. All provide Škoda's "extra bit of car" and the customer service that earned Škoda and its retailers second place overall in both the 2004 J.D. Power Survey of Customer Satisfaction and the newly-released Top Gear Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Škoda, the world's third-oldest car company, celebrates 100 years of car production and 110 years in business in 2005.

09/02/05

Škoda Motorsport's All-Scandinavian Three-Car Line-Up Faces the Ice and Snow of the Swedish Rally

" Škoda Motorsport heads for Scandinavia with its first three-car team of 2005
" Mattias Ekström, Janne Tuohino and Jani Paasonen line up in the Fabia WRC
" Weather will play a big part in the challenge of the season's only snow rally

The Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team heads for the Swedish Rally (February 10-13) with three Scandinavian drivers at the wheel of the Fabia WRC. Janne Tuohino will be the nominated driver alongside Audi Sport's DTM Champion Mattias Ekström who joins the team from Škoda Motorsport's partner in the VW Group for a one-off drive. It is Janne's first drive for the team while Mattias arrives in Karlstad after dominating a recent Swedish national event with the Red Bull-liveried Fabia WRC as he prepared for his first WRC event in a manufacturer-nominated car. A third Fabia WRC will be driven by Jani Paasonen who is standing-in for the injured Armin Schwarz. It is his third event for the team but his first time in the Fabia WRC on snow as the testing was carried out by Mattias and Janne.

Mattias said: "I'm really looking forward to competing at this level for the first time in a factory car. Being nominated by Škoda Motorsport for points doesn't put any extra pressure on me but the fact that the team has felt it can trust me with the responsibility actually gives me even more confidence. All I am hoping for is a good clean run from start to finish."

Janne said: "This is one of my favourite rallies. I got my best result there when I finished fourth last year and I got two fastest times during the event. The big question is whether there is going to be enough snow to be able to use the snow banks to drive quicker."

Jani said: "It isn't perhaps the way that I would have liked to get this drive and I'm sorry for Armin but all the same I'm feeling very happy to have the chance. Sweden is one of my favourite events and I hope that I can get a good result for the team. The car is very good and so I am confident we can do well."

Head of the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team, Martin Muehlmeier, said: "This is quite a tricky event for us as it is the first time we have contested the Swedish Rally with the Fabia WRC. We know that it is usually a very close rally with good competition so we must try not to make even the smallest mistake. We have three good Scandinavian drivers and I'm looking forward to the challenge."

The Swedish Rally is based in Karlstad at the heart of the Värmland region although the service area is centred on Hagfors around 80kms to the north east. It is to be hoped that the recent warm weather breaks and brings snow-covered surfaces in time to maintain this event's tradition of being the only snow rally of the year and one of the fastest in the championship.

Following a ceremonial start in the Karlstad town square on Thursday evening the rally begins properly on Friday with seven stages featuring two runs each over three stages before a short sprint stage in the evening. Saturday's second leg includes another seven stages including the 26.40kms Lejen, the longest stage of the event. Sunday's six stages include the only new stage of the event, Lesjöfors, run twice. The event finishes in Karlstad at approximately 3.00pm.

27/01/05

Škoda Octavia 4x4 Estate Prices - Even Greater Value From Škoda

The new Škoda Octavia Estate 4x4 will be available in the UK from March 2005, the perfect answer to the '4x4 backlash' as it offers all the advantages of a four-wheel drive system in a normal-sized estate car. 'Normal' by Škoda standards is still larger than average, as this new Škoda offers an exceptionally roomy interior and luggage compartment - not losing any capacity because of the 4x4 system. With the seats in place, carrying capacity of 580 litres is top in its class, rising to 1,620 litres with the rear seats folded.

With two engine choices, this is the first time that the Estate 4x4 will be available in a diesel engine. Those preferring more economical performance are likely to choose the flexible and economical 1.9 TDI PD 105bhp, priced at just £16,150, whilst the powerful new 2.0 FSI 150bhp is available at £16,745, yet more proof of Škoda's great value.

The Octavia Estate 4x4 owes its off-road capability to the permanently available four-wheel drive with automatic torque distribution which is achieved (as with the last generation Škoda 4x4) through Škoda's Haldex coupling. This results in better handling in bad weather and poor road conditions.
The Haldex coupling system offers several advantages over other typical four-wheel drive concepts as it has front-wheel drive characteristics under the majority of driving conditions. The system works by near-instant evaluation of road conditions, fed from sensors in the car through the CAN-Bus system to the rear differential. Full integration with traction and braking systems such as ABS, EDL & ESP means there is less stress in the drivetrain when parking or manoeuvring.
The 4x4 is a stand-alone trim level that offers a number of additional features to Octavia's Ambiente trim, including Climatronic dual-zone air conditioning, leather steering wheel, gearknob and gaiter, ESP and front fog lamps.

Raised suspension and sump guard are standard too, as are the 15" alloy wheels. Both engine options have six-speed manual transmission.

The new Škoda Octavia Estate offers an extraordinary package - high build quality, excellent handling and performance, and fantastic space and comfort. The new Estate 4x4 delivers all this and more; satisfying off-road capability that doesn't compromise the excellent value for money one expects from Škoda - yet another "extra bit of car".

21/01/05

Škoda Octavia Scoops What Car? Award As Best Small Family Car

What Car? magazine has named the Škoda Octavia Ambiente 1.6 FSI their Small Family Car for 2005. Outpacing two former Car of the Year winners in the category, the Octavia showed its all-round qualities. The What Car? judges described the Octavia as "an outstanding all-round package that delivers better value for money than any of its rivals. Buyers get more space and practicality than most cars in this class can muster."

The judges continued, "In fact, the Octavia's generous proportions give it more interior space than many cars from the class above." This was borne out by a What Car? group test in which the Octavia took on and beat upper-medium cars such as Toyota Avensis, Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 407 from the market segment above the one in which Octavia normally competes.

Beating category rivals such as Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, the new Octavia showed the What Car? judges what it is made of. "More than simply big, the Octavia is also clever, providing surefooted, rewarding handling. Excellent refinement takes the strain out of long drives; engine, wind and road noise are all kept to a low level." The judges also cited Octavia's quality, mentioning its "superb finish and classy materials."

One of Škoda's strong suits is great value and the new Octavia is an example of just that. The What Car? judges agree. "Whether it's bought with private or company money the Octavia makes sound financial sense. The Octavia holds its value better than most, retaining half its original price after three years."

The model selected by What Car? is the 1.6 FSI in Ambiente trim. With an on-the-road price of £13,540, standard equipment includes Škoda's electro-mechanical power steering, stereo sound system with 6-CD autochanger; remote central locking, alarm and immobiliser; air conditioning; driver and front passenger airbags. Height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, height- and tilt-adjustable head restraints, and height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel ensure the comfort of driver and passengers.

The Octavia range is available with a selection of three trim levels, all with high levels of standard equipment, and six engine choices- the 1.4 16V, 1.6 MPI, 1.6 FSI and 2.0 FSI petrol engines and 1.9 TDI PD and 2.0 TDI PD diesel engines. Prices start at £10,750 for the 1.4 16v Classic, while the top-of-the-range Elegance 2.0 TDI PD with DSG transmission is only £17,420. The Octavia hatch will be joined by the Estate - in both front-wheel drive and 4x4 versions - and the Octavia Sport and Octavia L&K in the springtime.

Octavia joins its partners in the Škoda range, the award-winning supermini Fabia, the luxurious spaciousness of the flagship Superb, and the sport vRS range of Fabia and Octavia. All provide Škoda's unique combination of an "extra bit of car", great value and the outstanding customer service that has led to Škoda's second place in the 2004 J. D. Power Survey of Customer Satisfaction.

20/01/05

Škoda Finishes 2004 On A High Note

Škoda sold more than 35,000 new cars across Great Britain in 2004, taking a 1.4% market share while strengthening its model line up and retail network..

Highlights include:
New Octavia sales were 30% ahead of target, showing the popularity of the new-generation family-sized Octavia. From launch in July 2004, sales reached 3,801. Not content to win group tests against competitors in both the lower-medium and upper-medium segments in What Car? and become the first five-star car in Test Drive, Škoda's new mid-sizer took Best Family Car honours in the Daily Express at year end.

The Fabia vRS was so hot in its first full year of sales - 150% over forecast - that production was increased to meet demand. Named Best Performance Diesel by Diesel Car magazine, the Fabia vRS has defined an entirely new concept in driving. Nearly 3,000 new Fabia vRS owners know that it is possible to have both fantastic practicality and great performance in a small hatch.

Fabia vRS has built on the success of the established Octavia vRS. Jointly they captured 12% of Škoda's sales in 2004. The vRS range embodies Škoda's tradition in motorsport - stretching back for more than 100 years - and delivers the best combination of sportiness and practicality for the way people use cars today.

Superb sales continued to grow in 2004, with sales up 10% while the upper-medium sector in which it competes declined by 4.5%. Škoda's flagship model continues to impress both retail and fleet buyers with its high quality, luxurious space and great value.
Škoda's fleet sales exceeded 10,000 for the first time in history. Fleet customers accounted for 10,030 sales, 28% of the total. In addition to end-user fleets and contract hire and lease companies that account for the majority of sales, 85% of the UK's police forces drive Skodas, a testament to the product.

Sales are only part of the Škoda story in 2004, though. Škoda's trophy cabinet continues to fill, with awards for customer satisfaction adding to the product accolades:

Škoda achieved second place overall in the 2004 J. D. Power Survey of Customer Satisfaction, with 98% of Škoda owners saying they would recommend their car to a friend. Pipped to the top only by one of the luxury brands, it was the sixth year in a row that Škoda has been in the top five makes.

In the Auto Express Driver Power Survey, Škoda was second overall. As in the J. D. Power survey, nine out of ten owners indicated they would recommend their car to a friend, based on their great experience in owning and driving their Škodas.

In the BBC Top Gear owner satisfaction survey, Škoda also came in second overall and for the second year running. The Octavia was named best in the Medium/Family category, and, continuing a familiar theme, nine out of ten owners indicated they would buy another Škoda.

Chris Craft, Škoda UK Brand Director commented, "I am particularly pleased with our results in the various customer satisfaction surveys, demonstrating we have continued to impress our customers. This has been achieved off a platform of providing high quality cars with character, offering genuine value for money throughout the ownership experience and delivering all of that through a network of retailers who put customer relationships first.

"Škoda enjoys terrific customer loyalty as people value the Škoda ownership experience and, with products like vRS and new Octavia, we are gaining many new customers. 2005 will see us broaden our appeal further with the introduction of the new Octavia Estate including 4x4 version, Sport derivatives of Fabia and Octavia and the luxury L&K version of the Octavia. Through these vehicles, we will continue to deliver the excellent practicality people expect from a Škoda, with features and capability they wouldn't expect."

22/12/04

Fabia Sport Adds To Škoda's Sporty Line-Up

The Škoda Fabia Sport is on its way to the UK. Not content with the success of the sporty vRS range, Škoda is introducing the Fabia Sport as well. Based on the recently updated Fabia supermini, the Fabia Sport proves that credible sports styling is available in a car that also provides great value.

Powered by Škoda's 1.4 16v engine, the Fabia Sport's looks will be enhanced by it eye-catching rear spoiler, 15" alloy wheels, front fog lights and a chrome exhaust. Inside, sport seats and leather-wrapped sports steering wheel will add to the laid-back urban style.

Škoda, with more than a century of sporty cars and motorsport excellence to back it up, is introducing the new model to make its combination of sporty value available to even more car owners. The ultra-successful Fabia vRS has been purchased by more than 3,500 UK drivers since its launch in 2003, and Škoda anticipate selling 800 Fabia Sports in a full year.

Priced at just £9,750 on-the-road, the Fabia Sport comes with standard equipment such as air conditioning, including a cooled glovebox and drinks compartment; ABS brakes, a six-CD autochanger, driver and front passenger airbags, power steering and immobiliser. The Fabia Sport will be available in just four sporty colours - Diamond silver, Black Magic, Corrida Red and Dynamic Blue.

The technical specification bears out Fabia Sport's combination of sportiness and value. The 1.4 16v engine delivers 75 bhp, with combined fuel consumption of 43.5 mpg. The insurance group rating of 4E will add to the great value as well.

Both modern and original like the rest of the Fabia range, the Fabia Sport provides all the essentials for modern sporty driving while delivering Škoda's legendary great value, both in purchase price and operating costs.

Available in Škoda retailers across the UK in January 2005, the Fabia Sport will join the rest of the Škoda line-up, including the new Octavia hatch, the supermini Fabia, the vRS Fabia and Octavia, and the top-of-the-range Superb. All provide Škoda's "extra bit of car" and the customer service that earned Škoda and its retailers second place overall in both the 2004 J.D. Power Survey of Customer Satisfaction and the newly-released Top Gear Customer Satisfaction Survey.

30/11/04

An Interview with Detlef Wittig, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Škoda Auto

Detlef Wittig is the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of Škoda Auto, having started his new role in October 2004. However, he is not a new face within Škoda Auto. From 1995 to 2000, he was a member of the Board of Management responsible for sales and marketing and subsequently Vice-Chairman. Until October, he was Chairman of the Škoda Auto Supervisory Board. In his view, "The company is healthy, but we face a number of strategic decisions." His comments continue in the following interview, conducted in late October 2004.

You have already been a part of Škoda Auto, and now you are returning to the Czech Republic after four years. What are your memories of Mladá Boleslav and what is your relationship with the Czech Republic?

"For me, it is not a return because I was the Chairman of the Supervisory Board after my time with the Škoda Auto Board of Directors. I remained in regular contact with the company and visited either Mladá Boleslav or Prague about every two months. I never broke the connection and I have a reputation for always enjoying any moment spent in the factory or Prague. I have used my Mladá Boleslav career to get to know the people, culture and the countryside better. I think the Czech-German Understanding Prize that my colleague, Mr. Kulhánek, and I were awarded in 2000 gives the best evidence of my relationship with the Czech people."

What changes have you after four years away from working directly in Škoda Auto?

"The factory continued to develop, but it is not only that. It has become more stable and healthier as evidenced by launching more models: Fabia Combi, Fabia vRS, Superb and this year, the new-generation Škoda Octavia. This strengthens it for the competitive struggle. This has been proved by some figures: We sold 430,000 cars in 2000, while it is about 450,000 now. In spite of low worldwide sales of new cars, the company has advanced, which means something. Turnover increased even during the period of price and discount wars. The quality of our cars has improved, which has been proved by audit marks. Today, our quality coefficient is 1.2, while we were happy with 1.4 several years ago. This is an excellent performance."

You and Vratislav Kulhánek have swapped your positions. What has been your working relationship in the past and, more importantly, what will it be like in the future?

"Mr. Kulhánek and I have always worked together very well; we have complemented one another professionally and understood each other privately as well. This means that nothing will change - he in his capacity as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board and me in my capacity as the Chairman of the Board of Directors."

What are your priorities for the next twelve months?

"In a situation where the whole of Europe is rather stagnating and sales are even dropping in some markets, we must consolidate our position in the first place. Škoda Auto has a good starting position to achieve that goal. However, we must also define our future and a strategy of our brand and products, which models and when we will innovate; we must look for new segments and products to fill these segments with.

"We have the first generation of the Fabia and Octavia behind us, we have begun the second generation, and the question arises what else we can do. For this reason, we must adapt strategic decisions.

"We also have to think about how to further integrate the Škoda brand into the Group in order to create positive synergy for Škoda but also to bring something to the Group ourselves. At the beginning, know-how was only streamed from the Group to Škoda Auto, whereas now we have enough competent engineers to offer their knowledge for the benefit of the Group. This is another challenge for us."

The Korean car makers have lately made significant headway. Even recently, Škoda cars were said to compete with Volvo; nowadays, there are also talks about Hyundai. Where can you see your greatest competitors now?

"If we look where our customers come from, we can say that Škoda is a widely-defined brand. It is of interest to customers of European brands, but also to those of Japanese or Korean brands. Its engagement is wide, which means that it is healthy. We said a year ago that Volvo could be our strategic competitor; we have already outclassed this make. That was a challenge for us, and we have succeeded.

"At present, we concentrate on Western European competition; our corporate identity is expressed in the slogan "Simply Clever", the task of which is to communicate that our goal is to be attractive, to manufacture smart products and to accommodate a demanding customer. If Renault is called the creator of cars ("Créateur d'Automobiles") and a specialist in details, we prove to be this in every respect, as evidenced by our products.

"Simply clever" means that our offer is reasonable and intelligent, our design is attractive, which is Peugeot's pride, and we have also achieved Volvo's quality. I must repeat that we are a European-oriented company as to production, quality and style, and we are at least equal to the Asian competition."

Dacia Logan appeared on the Central and East European market, and a mini model will soon come from Toyota's and PSA's joint factory in Cologne. Will Škoda Auto respond to that? The media wonder about whether you consider transformation of the Fabia into a smallermodel."

"They have announced the Logan, originally planned for Central and Eastern Europe, now also for Western Europe although for a different price: € 7,500 to be specific. Renault had earlier put a similar small model, Thalia, on the market. So the question arises: What do customers want? As in the past, people want a roomy car for a low price. We offer this in the form of Fabia, and it was the same way with the Felicia. I don't think that a minicar can be a success in this market and that it would be worth developing it.
"The question is whether we are able to develop concepts for eight or ten thousand Euros instead of six or seven thousand. This is what we endeavour to do; an example of this is the estate version of the Fabia, which is a multipurpose vehicle rather than an estate. And we can manage that for ten thousand Euros and even less in some countries. We came up with the Roomster and think that this is an answer to the needs of Central but also Eastern Europe. If you look at the price structure in Central Europe, you will not find many vehicles for less than eight thousand Euros. You can find cheaper large cars but usually they are products that lose their value within a year or two.

"But we want to offer something of lasting value. We will not make amini car and think that there is no demand for that anyway. Customers still wants a roomy car. We want to sell it for a low price but don't want it to be small."

Having mentioned the Roomster design study, will it be produced? If so, will it be a multipurpose version based on the Fabia or even its successor?

"We have shown the Roomster and decided that it would go into production, but it is not a successor to the Fabia. It is a new model, possibly a new model range, and it does not follow any trend, although crossovers are much discussed at present. If we wanted a crossover and followed a trend, we would make a combination of a coupé and an estate as crossovers are generally construed today. They have been on the market for two or three years. The question is: What will the crossovers look like in the future?
"Škoda Auto's strategy is to provide plenty of space for a favourable price. The Roomster is not an MPV in the literal sense of the word; it will be very variable. It will be a space concept, much more than an estate car: a saloon with much space, a new type of crossover. I think that we will start a new trend and it will be a new Škoda Auto model family, not a successor to the Fabia. There will also be some models following in the footsteps of the Roomster."

Will it be based on the Fabia platform?

"At present, we don't take platforms so strictly; we can assemble vehicles in modules. What we will use is a modular concept. It includes Fabia as well as Octavia features and moreover, several new features."

The market comes up with interesting products that are competitive in terms of quality these days, offering an interesting utility value…

"You are right to mention a utility value. Selling price is not all that counts. The situation is that everybody or almost everybody has got a car, whether a new one or a used one. When buying a new car, the customer often gets rid of his old one. The value of the used car is important here. How much will I get and how much shall I add in order to buy a new car? That is why the utility value and again the selling value play a critical role. And Škoda Auto is successful here. We have a very high value for used vehicles. Škoda maintains its value; it is a kind of investment that does not lose value."

Škoda Motorsport is coming back to the World Rally Championship. Will you take this fact into account in your model supply? Will you continue with the vRS models? Given the sports tradition of Škoda cars, could a purely sporty model appear, for example a sort of the Škoda Tudor concept?

"Not only will we take part in the world championships, but we want to battle our way to the top and score podium places. Naturally, we will make the most of it on the market. We will certainly be engaged in concepts, as we will bring WRC features to our production models and derive some versions from that. But we will surely not produce any sports cars. We are not a classic sports brand and we don't want to make our profile unclear. This, however, does not prevent us from having top versions such as the vRS within the particular model ranges, sporty action models, for instance a WRC edition."

The Roomster concept car has shown a new, more distinct design. Will Škoda car design progress from the rather conventional to a more distinct one?

"Design is one of the most significant factors when deciding what car to purchase. It arouses emotions and excites, which is why new Škoda Auto cars, too, will feature a more distinctive design in the future. This has been shown by the Roomster, but the new Octavia design is also more outstanding as well. We have good designers, which is being reflected in new models."

How would you characterise the labour force in the Czech Republic? Can you see any basic differences as compared with the other countries, for example Germany?

"I can't judge the entire Czech Republic, but I can express my opinion of our factories. Our workers and their qualifications are among the factors of our company's success. Our employees who are master craftsmen, are motivated, skilled and hardworking. This is due to Czech tradition as well as Škoda training. Cars have been manufactured in Mladá Boleslav for over one hundred years. And although we, Germans, are very orderly and organized - so much that we can hardly break out of it - among the Czechs you can see a capacity for improvising, so we complement one another."

In which markets can you see growth?

"We still have room for growth in Western Europe. We are not satisfied with our expansion in some countries, and it is always a challenge for us. As to Central Europe, we are leaders here and want to keep this position. We have strong prospects in Eastern Europe, Russia and Ukraine as well as China and other countries."

18/11/04

Škoda Announces Three New Models For 2005

Škoda will introduce three exciting new models in the UK in 2005. The three will add to the range of Fabia and New Octavia models on offer and include:

Fabia Sport, joining the impressive Fabia vRS and expanding the sporty Fabia range;
Octavia Sport, adding a sporty dimension to the new Octavia;

Octavia L & K, providing even more equipment and luxury to the Octavia line-up.
The three new models will join the full range of Fabia, Octavia and Škoda's flagship Superb. The full list of Škoda model introductions is:

Fabia Sport - January 2005
New Octavia Estate - February
New Octavia Estate 4x4 - March
Octavia Sport - March
Octavia L&K - March
New Octavia vRS - December

More information about these three new Skodas will be available in the near future - watch this space!

22/12/04

Platinum Mitsubishi/Skoda Appoints New General Sales Manager

Renrod Ltd is delighted to announce the appointment of Ken Frith as General Sales Manager at their Platinum Mitsubishi/Skoda dealership in Bath.

Mr Frith, who is originally from London, has lived in Nailsea in Bristol with his wife for 29 years. He joins Platinum having worked for Williams Skoda in Bristol for 2 years as Sales Manager. Prior to setting up and establishing the Skoda franchise at Williams, Ken was with Carrs of Yeovil, which is part of the Helston Garage Group, as General Sales Manger setting up Skoda as a new site.

With a wealth of Skoda experience, Mr Frith has been in the motor trade industry for over 30 years. Most of his earlier experience is with VW Audi and German products, then concentrating on Skoda for the last 6 years. On joining Platinum Mitsubishi/Skoda, Ken is looking forward to utilising his experience in running a Skoda franchise with the additional challenge of the Mitsubishi brand.

Mr Frith is a member of the "Institute for Motor Industry", which keeps him up to speed with the latest rules, regulations and technology in the motor trade. The "IMI" is a professional body which can be joined through exams or experience. As well as receiving a monthly magazine with updates of the motor industry, the body can provide advice and guidance.

In his new position as General Sales Manager at Platinum Mitsubishi/Skoda, Mr. Frith will oversee the entire dealership's operation encompassing new and used vehicle sales and also the aftersales departments of service and parts.

Ken Frith said, "I have a great deal of motor trade experience in sales and management and I am really looking forward to my future with Platinum. I have been in contact with the business for a couple of years now as they are a large organization and I was very keen to join them."

He added, "I was delighted when the position here came up and I was invited to lead the team. My forte is team work and moving things forward. I want to give the team some continuity and build upon what has already been achieved at Platinum Mitsubishi/Skoda."

01/12/04

New Service Manager For Bath's Platinum Mitsubishi & Skoda

Renrod Limited are delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Stafford to the position of Service Manager at their Platinum Mitsubishi/Skoda dealership in Bath, where he will manage the busy service department.

Mr Stafford, who is 36 and lives in Trowbridge with his fiancé, will manage the overall activity of the service department and its team of service advisors and technicians.

His role will involve the maintenance of high levels of customer care in terms of ensuring that customer's vehicles are correctly diagnosed for repairs. He will then be responsible for seeing that those vehicles are off the road for a minimal amount of time thus reducing inconvenience, and that new and used cars are ready for delivery. He will also be involved with the health and safety aspects of the site.

Mr Stafford said, "I am very pleased to be working for such a forward thinking motor group with big expansion plans which I want to be a part of. Before applying for the position I had heard a great deal about Renrod Ltd and it was a company that I wanted to work for. I am delighted to have secured the position of Service Manager at Platinum Mitsubishi and Skoda in Bath and I very much look forward to my career with Platinum."

Mr Stafford's motor trade career started with his apprenticeship with Reed of Trowbridge in 1985 before moving to Oval of Westbury as a technician in 1990. From there he progressed to the role of Service Manager, firstly at Motor Services in Bath, and then at a Citroen dealership based in Salisbury. He was appointed as Service Manager at Renrod Ltd's Platinum Mitsubishi and Skoda in Bath on 1st November this year and looks forward to the new challenges ahead.

Mr Stafford went on to say, "Part of my job as Service Manager will be to provide customers with all of the information needed to make a really well informed decision on all aspects of their vehicle - whether arranging routine servicing or buying parts. Our success depends upon our ability to provide customers with outstanding levels of care. At Platinum Mitsubishi and Skoda our services include repairs, servicing, wheel balancing and alignment, breakdown, MOT, tyre fitting, valet service and body shop."

05/11/04

Vista Retail Support Chooses Skoda Superb

Vista Retail Support, of Cardiff, has ordered a pair of 1.9 TDI Škoda Superbs for use by two of their Area Managers. Vista Retail supply point-of-sale equipment, such as cash registers, to a number of well-known High Street stores.

Jo Clarke of Škoda Business Sales, who first met Vista's Fleet Manager Emmanuel Lewis at an HSBC Track Test at Silverstone Race Circuit in May, takes up the story. "Vista Retail Support has a fleet of vehicles that cover the country and I was keen to show Emmanuel just what the Superb has to offer. We subsequently lent him a demonstration model and I am delighted that it has led directly to this request for two new Superbs."

"Our cars are expected to travel in the region of 90,000 miles in a three-year period", explains Vista's Emmanuel Lewis, "and obviously we are looking for quality, reliability and value-for-money. In recent years, Škoda has moved forward immeasurably in the first two instances and, having studied the market very carefully, I know that the Superb cannot be beaten for value."

The Superb Comfort specification includes several technical innovations designed to make driving a pleasurable experience. Rain sensors that automatically activate the wipers, an auto-dimming rear view mirror to protect against headlight glare, parking sensors and a multi-function steering wheel with cruise control are all standard features, providing Škoda 's famous "extra bit of car".

For added convenience, the Superb's standard equipment includes Coming Home function, SkiSack behind the rear armrest, an umbrella with built-in holder and CatVision ambient lighting. All of these features add up to Škoda's aim of providing an "extra bit of car."

The Superb is Škoda 's flagship and tops a range that includes the supermini Fabia, the new Octavia hatch and Škoda's sporty vRS models. All provide Škoda's "extra bit of car" and the customer service that earned Škoda and its retailers second place overall in the 2004 J. D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey

05/11/04

Hourcar Adds Skoda Fabia To Their Fleet

HourCar, a car-sharing scheme in Hebden Bridge, West-Yorkshire has recently taken delivery of a Škoda Fabia 1.4 TDI to add to its fleet of time-share transport. The Fabia may be hired by Club members for as little as an hour at a time, as HourCar, a non-profit organisation, is set up to help people in the West Yorkshire area with their transport needs.

Supplied by Lightcliffe Motors of Huddersfield, this Fabia will run on bio-diesel fuel - a by-product of waste cooking oil. Use of this type of fuel makes the low-carbon emission Fabia diesel even more environmentally friendly. Running on bio-diesel, the Fabia's engine will be carbon neutral - that is, the level of emissions is the same as that absorbed by the plants from which the fuel is made.

Adrian Horton, of Lightcliffe Škoda Business Sales, is delighted to have been involved in such a ground-breaking scheme. "The Škoda Fabia 1.9 TDI Classic is ideal for HourCar's scheme. With an on-the-road price of just £9,600, it is up to 40% better value than some of its rivals in the supermini class. And it's class-leading levels of equipment and carrying capacity make it one of the best buys in the market."

The Škoda Fabia is available with a choice of either petrol or diesel engines. Safety features include ABS, driver and front passenger airbags, height-adjustable headrests and child-safety locks. Driving is made easy and pleasurable with power-steering, a fully-adjustable steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver's seat.

The supermini Fabia is part of the Škoda family that includes the new Octavia hatch, Škoda's sporty vRS models and top-of-the-range Superb. All provide Škoda's "extra bit of car" and the customer service that earned Škoda and its retailers second place overall in the 2004 J. D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey.

05/11/04

Skoda Announces New Octavia Estate Prices - More Great Value From Skoda

The new Škoda Octavia Estate, available in First Quarter 2005, will start at just £12,180, more proof of Škoda's great value. The entry-level price is for the Classic 1.6 MPI, with its 102 bhp and fuel-efficient petrol engine and customers can order Estates now for delivery in the first part of the New Year.

Available with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, the Estate will be fitted with the same three trim levels as the hatch. All the Estate models have roof rails as standard. Also standard in the new Octavia Estate are touches that make the car easier to use, like the luggage cover that rolls back automatically when you touch it anywhere across the width of the cover (even with your elbow if your hands are full of packages) and the shopping bag hooks in the luggage compartment.

The 4x4 version of the Estate is expected to make its UK debut in the First Quarter 2005 as well. Engine choices will be the 2.0 FSI 150 bhp petrol and the 1.9 TDI PD 105 bhp, the first time that the Octavia Estate will be available in the UK with a diesel engine. Prices and specification for the four-wheel drive estate are still to be finalised.

The Octavia Estate offers an exceptionally roomy interior and luggage compartment. With the seats in place, carrying capacity of 580 litres is top in its class, rising to 1,620 litres with the rear seats folded.

The new Škoda Octavia Estate offers an extraordinary combination of large interior, excellent handling and performance, loads of comfort, high build quality, and excellent value for money. All this adds up to another example of Škoda's "extra bit of car".

05/11/04

Fabia Group A To Battle On Tempest Rally

Skoda UK's successful Group A Fabia rally car makes a welcome return to competition on Saturday 6th November when it contests the Tempest Clubman Rally. Crewed by the pairing of Auto Express Road Test Editor Oliver Marriage and Test Drive Editor Mike Askew, this will be the car's final outing of the season and the team are confident of finishing on a high.

The Tempest Clubman Rally is run as part of the South of England Tempest Rally, the final round of the Kwik-Fit Pirelli British Rally Championship. From the start in Aldershot, competitors will face twelve special stages totalling 45 miles through which the rally will be won and lost.

"Working in London, the Tempest Rally is really our 'home' event," said driver Oliver Marriage who is relishing the prospect of getting back behind the wheel of the Fabia once again. "The team has put in a lot of hard work on the car and I really want to show everyone what it is capable of!"

Team Manager Andy Rogers commented, "The Fabia is currently leading the 1400cc category of the British Rally Championship and it's only fitting that our season concludes on their final event."

The Group A Fabia, with its 1.4 16v engine producing nearly 130 bhp, is based on the road-going Fabia range that includes the sporty Fabia vRS, and is little sister of the Fabia WRC World Rally Car, currently building its credentials in the FIA World Rally Championship.

15/10/04

New Customer Focused IT System To Be Introduced At Platinum

Have you ever made an enquiry and been told that a colleague will call you back as soon as possible, only to be left several days later still waiting for a call that never comes? The team at Renrod Ltd, owner the Platinum group of dealerships understands the frustration that this can cause and has taken measures to ensure that the occurrence of poor or non-existent customer contact from any of their dealerships is unlikely.

The group will phase in the introduction of the Dealer Web system across all sites over the coming months by investing in the region of £93,000 over the next 3 years to ensure that customers have the best possible service. The web-based system specializes in, but is not limited to, enquiry management and is designed for use in busy motor trade sales environments.

Martyn Read, Group Operations Director said, "We have invested a great deal of time into researching different systems and meeting with a range of companies to determine the best system for Platinum and our clients. Our aim was to identify the best possible computer based system to manage all of the enquiries that Platinum receives. As a result we are able to work more efficiently, as the system we have chosen ensures that enquires are dealt with in a professional manner within the sales department."

"Dealer Web will help facilitate a more professional approach that can be tailored to our own particular needs, and to that extent, it is flexible enough to evolve into a unique package that entirely suits the aspirations of our businesses whilst simultaneously meeting and exceeding customer expectations - thus balancing and harmonizing what some may see as mutually exclusive topics.

"The system also has the ability to track information that is useful to the efficient and knowledge based running of our businesses such as source of enquiry. If, for example, we attend an offsite event, we can measure the number of enquiries attributed to that event. That information can then be used in future discussions about the validity of being involved in that event again."

Dealer Web was introduced at Platinum sites in Chippenham on the 22nd Sept and shortly after, to Platinum sites in Frome and Trowbridge. The remaining installations will occur across all sites by the end of the year.

08/10/2004

Renrod Branches Go Platinum

As from 1st October 2004, branches of Renrod Ltd commenced trading under the new name of PLATINUM.

The purpose of the name change is to achieve a common trading title across our group of dealerships wherever possible and to deliver all the advantages and synergies that such an approach can provide in terms of communication, identity and economies of scale.

It is also important to reassure our customers that the businesses remain under exactly the same ownership (Renrod Ltd, based in Trowbridge) and that our ongoing commitment to meeting and exceeding customer requirements remains unchanged.
Renrod Ltd is now in its 29th year and has grown steadily to establish itself as one of the leading automotive retailers in the south west region.

Since 1998 Renrod Ltd has successfully embarked on a programme of acquisitions resulting in a number of different trading names being used by the group. The uniting of the businesses under the single banner of Platinum is designed to "tidy up" the public face of the company in anticipation of the new "Meridian Project" development in Trowbridge (due for December opening and housing four brands) thus placing the company in a stable and secure position for the future.

08/10/04

A Fresh Fabia Arrives In Skoda Showrooms

- Updated interior and exterior styling
- Entry-level price of £6,995 for limited time

A fresh new Fabia is arriving in showrooms across the UK. Building on the success that the great-value Fabia has had since its launch in 2000, the new 2005 model-year sees updated styling both inside and out.

And for a limited time only the Fabia is an even better buy with an entry-level price of just £6,995. In addition, air conditioning is standard on Classic trim for the rest of 2004. This means the entry-level 1.2 54bhp Classic is just £6,995 with air-con at no extra charge - a saving of over £1,000.

The Ambiente trim also benefits from free air-conditioning, whilst Elegance models - with air conditioning already a standard feature - get rear parking sensors, cruise control and small leather pack (previously unavailable on Fabia), all free of charge until the end of the year and adding up to £500-worth of extras.

The Fabia's 2005 design sees new front grille, spoiler and fog lamps, as well as new rear light clusters that echo the "C" shape of the new Octavia's rear lights. The interior look is modernised with new interior upholstery.

Model designations for the Fabia are changing at the same time. The current levels - Classic, Comfort, Elegance - will change to Classic, Ambiente and Elegance, again echoing the Octavia designations. The newly-updated Fabia continues to be available in hatch, saloon and estate, in the three trim levels, all with no change in price.

The sporty Fabia vRS, with its 1.9 TDI 130 bhp engine, remains unchanged for 2005. Its combination of hot hatch design and performance, and practical diesel economy and carrying space are fast becoming the talk of the town.

To date this year, 2,360 of the Fabia vRS, named Diesel Car's Best Performance Diesel, have been snapped up by smart buyers who want a stonking drive.

The Fabia range continues its five-year success story, with 14,703 sales year-to-date in 2004 (through September) and 90,199 sold since launch. Named Car of the Year in 2000 by both What Car? and Auto Express, Fabia was named the What Car? Best Supermini three years running. The media's outstanding evaluation was seconded by scores of satisfied Fabia owners; in the 2004 J. D. Power Survey of Customer Satisfaction, 85% of Fabia owners reported that they are satisfied with their car. The Auto Express Driver Power survey resulted in 98% of Fabia owners saying that their car matched their expectations.

With its combination of excellent levels of standard equipment, great value for money and outstanding customer service as well as a fresh face, the Škoda Fabia is unbeatable. And it's on sale at Škoda retailers across the country now.

30/09/04

Skoda Motorsport Confirms Its Return To The FIA World Rally Championship In 2005

Škoda Motorsport is to contest the 2005 FIA World Rally Championship. The decision to commit further to a WRC programme was taken by the Škoda Auto Board of Management this week and supported by the Volkswagen Group as the team prepares for the Rally of Italy-Sardinia.

In 2004 Škoda Motorsport withdrew from the World Rally Championship to concentrate on a limited programme of test and development with the Fabia WRC. During this strategic programme the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team recorded the first WRC stage victory for the Fabia WRC, sixth overall on Rally Finland and three outright victories on national events in Germany, Finland and the Czech Republic. This clear progress in performance was the key to persuading the board to back the 2005 campaign.

For 2005 Škoda Motorsport will register as a manufacturer entry with two Fabia WRCs on each event. Details of the driver line-up will be announced at a later date.
Škoda Motorsport represents the Volkswagen Group through the World Rally Championship while other VW Group partners follow different motorsport disciplines in racing and off-road.

Vratislav Kulhanek (Chairman of Škoda Auto) said: "I am delighted that the board has backed Škoda Motorsport's return to the WRC. The programme is an important element of Škoda Auto's history but history alone is no guarantee for the future. Everyone must work together to maintain motorsport's importance to the Škoda brand image."

Harald Ludanek (Škoda Auto's Head of Research and Development) said: "Under the team's new management structure, led by Martin Muehlmeier, everyone has worked hard to get this commitment for next season and a great deal of personal effort has gone into the programme this year. Now we must ensure that the motorsport programme becomes a vital part of the marketing policy of the entire sales network, especially of our key European importers in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Britain and across Scandinavia."

Martin Muehlmeier (Head of Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team) said: "I am happy that the board has recognised our efforts with this commitment to the immediate future. I am sure that our customers and fans around the world will be equally delighted that our motorsport programme is to continue. However, we can not now relax and, indeed, we must increase our efforts to ensure that our short-term future can be extended to the medium and long term."

Provisional calendar for the 2005 FIA World Rally Championship:
January 20-23 Monte Carlo Rally
February 10-13 Swedish Rally
March 10-13 Rally of Mexico
April 7-10 Rally New Zealand
April 28-May 1 Rally of Italy
May 12-15 Cyprus Rally
May 26-29 Rally of Turkey
June 16-19 Acropolis Rally Greece
July 7-10 Rally of Argentina
August 4-7 Rally Finland
August 25-28 Rally Germany
September 15-18 Rally Great Britain
September 29-October 2 Rally Japan
October 13-16 Rally of France
October 27-30 Rally of Spain
November 10-13 Rally Australia

24/09/04

Additional Engines On-Stream For The New Skoda Octavia

- 1.6 FSI Engine available at Škoda Retailers
- DSG Tiptronic Transmission available with 1.9 TDI

The new Škoda Octavia's range of engines is expanding, with the introduction of the 1.6 FSI petrol engine. In addition, Škoda's new DSG Tiptronic transmission is available with the 1.9 TDI engine.

The 1.6 FSI is Škoda's newest engine, petrol powered and constructed completely in aluminium. The 1.6 FSI is available with Ambiente and Elegance specification. With its 115 bhp, the Octavia 1.6 FSI has a top speed of 123 mph and, more importantly, torque of 155 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Zero to 62 mph time is 11.2 seconds. With combined fuel consumption of 40.4 mpg, the FSI delivers an outstanding combination of performance and fuel economy.

Technically, the 1.6 FSI's all-aluminium engine uses dual-OHC technology with an adjustable camshaft for the intake valves for better performance. Equipped with two three-way catalytic converters - main converter and front-end converter - two lambda sensors, and exhaust gas re-circulation with an electric valve, the 1.6 FSI is Euro IV-approved and is one of the cleanest petrol engines on the road, with CO2 emission levels of 168 g/km.

Prices for the 1.6 FSI start at £13,540 for the Ambiente trim and £14,640 for the Elegance and are on sale at Škoda retailers now. Both are equipped with a five-speed manual transmission; the 1.6 FSI will be available with Škoda's Tiptronic six-speed automatic gearbox from January.

The DSG Tiptronic transmission, now available with the 1.9 TDI PD, allows quick and precise gear changing with little impact on fuel consumption. This engine and transmission combination is EU IV compliant.

Quick, smooth gearshifts, without interrupting the transmission of power, distinguish the DSG transmission from all other available automatic or automated transmissions. DSG consists of two standard transmissions, it has two clutches joined by two input shafts. One section of the transmission is used for uneven numbered gear changes and reverse and the other for even numbered gear changes.

The operation of the transmission can be described by the following example. With the car in third gear, the intelligent transmission control identifies the next gear to be selected according to the speed and other parameters and changes to it. This, fourth gear, has already been preset but is not active because the clutch that controls even gears is disconnected. The transmission control unit waits for the most suitable moment to change the gear, which it does by disconnecting the clutch for uneven gears and simultaneously connecting the clutch for even gears. Changing is absolutely smooth and quick, taking only about 0.03 of a second.

The 1.9 TDI PD engine uses Škoda's Pumpe Düse technology to deliver another great combination of fuel economy - 47.1 mpg combined - and performance, with 250 Nm of torque at 1,900 rpm. Low CO2 emission levels, with 143 g/km, placing it in VED Band A. Top speed is 117 mph. Euro IV approval means that Octavia 1.9 TDI PDI/ DSG buyers do not need to pay the 3% diesel engine tax surcharge for company car drivers, making the model even more attractive. Available in Ambiente and Elegance trim, with prices starting at £14,820, the Octavia 1.9 TDI PD/ DSG again proves the rule - that Škoda provides excellent value and "an extra bit of car".

23/09/04

Skoda Introduces The New Octavia Estate At The Paris Motorshow

Škoda Auto will introduce the new Octavia Estate at the international 2004 Paris Motor Show on 23 September 2004. The Škoda Octavia Estate model, along with the Estate 4x4 version, will make its world debut. A freshened Škoda Fabia for the 2005 model year will also make its first public appearance.

The new Škoda Octavia Estate offers another bodystyle of the Octavia hatch, which went on sale in July. Built on the same all-new platform as the hatch, the Estate offers an exceptionally roomy interior and luggage compartment. With the seats in place, carrying capacity of 580 litres is top in its class, rising to 1,620 litres with the rear seats folded. The new Škoda Octavia Estate offers an extraordinary combination of large interior, excellent handling and performance, loads of comfort, high build quality, and last but not least, excellent value for money. All this adds up to Škoda's "extra bit of car".

The new Octavia Estate 4x4 car continues a tradition of Škoda four-wheel drive cars. As with the current Estate 4x4, the four-wheel drive system is operated by a Haldex electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that uses sensors around the car to determine the amount of drive needed for the rear wheels.

06/09/04

Draper Tools Choose Skoda For The Job

Draper Tools, the well-known suppliers of a wide variety of tools, are in the process of updating their fleet of vehicles with the addition of an initial quantity of nine new Škodas.

Thanks to an arrangement with Freeborn Škoda in Southampton, Draper Tools, the long-established Chandlers Ford-based family firm will soon have their new cars travelling the length and breadth of the country as they go about their ever-expanding business.

Paul Hyans, one of the Fleet Sales team from Freeborn Škoda first met the Sales Director of Draper Tools, Terry Cornwall, a number of years ago and has always kept in touch. It was through this contact that the order for seven Octavia Ambiente 1.9 TDI hatchbacks, an Octavia Estate and a Superb Comfort 1.9 TDI 130 saloon was placed. The first two cars were delivered in June, while the balance will be pressed into service during the next three months.
Drapers' reputation for high-quality obviously extends further than merely to their own products and Škoda is delighted to be associated with such a well-respected company.

Škoda Head of Business Sales John Rooney is delighted with the arrangement. "Draper Tools are a fine example of the smaller and medium businesses that we value so highly. They understand the value that Škoda's exceptional products can add to their business, and we welcome them as a customer."

06/09/04

Spaldings UK Ltd Make Hay With New Skoda Superbs!

Agricultural wholesalers Spaldings UK Ltd, who are based in Lincoln, have recently taken delivery of 12 new Škoda Superbs as part of their 70-strong fleet of vehicles that are used by their representatives to visit farms across the length and breadth of the UK.

Škoda Business Sales Manager Jo Clarke is delighted with the outcome. "Škoda and the local retailer, Dennis Horton and Son, first contacted Spaldings about twelve months ago and arranged for them to try a Superb. The cars they have had so far are a mix of Classics and Comforts and they all have 1.9 TDI 130bhp engines. Obviously we hope that Spaldings UK will be so satisfied with their Octavias that they will increase the number of Škodas on their fleet still further."

For their part, Spaldings UK are very happy with the new arrangement and Steve Biszko, their Fleet Manager, sees reliability as a major factor in their choice. "I receive a lot of fleet information and the Superbs have been getting some very good press. They're economical, good value and, with many of our employees covering up to 40,000 miles a year, this is of the utmost importance to us. The cars came through Dennis Horton Škoda, a dealership we have known for years that is only about 800 yards from our headquarters. Although our reps all work from home and the Superbs are just as likely to be visiting Cornwall as Scotland on any given day, they will all come back to us here in Lincoln for servicing and the proximity of the dealership will make life considerably easier for us."

For companies such as Spaldings UK, whose employees are regularly spending long periods of time in their cars, the Škoda Superb represents a major step forward in terms of comfort. Drivers will notice the interior space immediately and effective ergonomics fantastic and, with plenty of head, shoulder and legroom, comfortable driving is assured.

Equally, space and innovation in the Superb combine to create an enjoyable experience for passengers as well. In the rear, there's room for the longest legs and equipment has been thought through to even the detail of an umbrella hidden in its own pocket in the rear door.

The entry-level Classic 2.0 is priced at just £13,900, making the Superb Classic 2.0 one of the lowest priced entry-level cars in the upper-medium segment, and prices range to just £21,600 for the top-of-the-range Elegance 2.5 V6 TDI Tiptronic. The Superb is part of the Škoda family that includes the supermini Fabia, the new Octavia and Škoda's sport vRS models. All provice Škoda's "extra bit of car" as well as the outstanding customer service that earned Škoda and its retailers second place overall in the 2004 J. D. Power Survey of Customer Satisfaction.

15/10/04

New Customer Focused IT System To Be Introduced At Platinum

Have you ever made an enquiry and been told that a colleague will call you back as soon as possible, only to be left several days later still waiting for a call that never comes? The team at Renrod Ltd, owner the Platinum group of dealerships understands the frustration that this can cause and has taken measures to ensure that the occurrence of poor or non-existent customer contact from any of their dealerships is unlikely.

The group will phase in the introduction of the Dealer Web system across all sites over the coming months by investing in the region of £93,000 over the next 3 years to ensure that customers have the best possible service. The web-based system specializes in, but is not limited to, enquiry management and is designed for use in busy motor trade sales environments.

Martyn Read, Group Operations Director said, "We have invested a great deal of time into researching different systems and meeting with a range of companies to determine the best system for Platinum and our clients. Our aim was to identify the best possible computer based system to manage all of the enquiries that Platinum receives. As a result we are able to work more efficiently, as the system we have chosen ensures that enquires are dealt with in a professional manner within the sales department."

"Dealer Web will help facilitate a more professional approach that can be tailored to our own particular needs, and to that extent, it is flexible enough to evolve into a unique package that entirely suits the aspirations of our businesses whilst simultaneously meeting and exceeding customer expectations - thus balancing and harmonizing what some may see as mutually exclusive topics.

"The system also has the ability to track information that is useful to the efficient and knowledge based running of our businesses such as source of enquiry. If, for example, we attend an offsite event, we can measure the number of enquiries attributed to that event. That information can then be used in future discussions about the validity of being involved in that event again."

Dealer Web was introduced at Platinum sites in Chippenham on the 22nd Sept and shortly after, to Platinum sites in Frome and Trowbridge. The remaining installations will occur across all sites by the end of the year.

10/08/04

Skoda Presents The New Octavia Estate

SkodaAuto is presenting the first photographs of the new Octavia Estate on 11 August 2004. Based on the same new platform as the Octavia hatch, the Estate is 4572 mm long, 1769 mm wide and 1467 mm high, 5mm higher than the hatch.

The new Octavia Estate continues to offers Skoda's "extra bit of car" with outstanding interior space. Front and rear passenger space remains the same as in the hatch, with the Estate offering even more carrying capacity than the hatch. With the rear seats in place, the Estate will hold 580 litres of luggage. With the rear seats folded, the loading capacity increases to an outstanding 1,620 litres.

The Estate will be available in the same trim specifications, Classic, Ambiente and Elegance, as the hatch. The engine selection will be similar to the hatch line-up, with three petrol engines - 1.6 MPI, 1.6 and 2.0 FSI engines - and two fuel-efficient diesel units, the 1.9 TDI PD with 105 bhp and the 2.0 TDI PD with 140 bhp.

Skoda will present the Octavia Estate at the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris on Thursday 23 September.

The Estate will join the hatch in early 2005. The Octavia hatch, which went on sale in the UK on 19 July, is already gaining popularity among independent-minded new car buyers across the country with its combination of upper-medium class size and lower-medium segment pricing. Škoda retailers continue to provide the outstanding service that earned them second place in the 2004 J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey.

01/08/04

The Show Must Go On

Millmead were again major exhibitors at this years' North Wilts Show in Monkton Park, Chippenham.

Held over two days (23rd and 24th of July), the event attracted a large number of visitors on the Saturday although the Friday was hampered by light but persistent rain.

Millmead will also be present at the annual Frome Cheese Show at the West Woodlands Showground near Frome on Saturday 11th September. For further information please visit www.fromescheeseshow.co.uk

16/07/04

New Skoda Octavia Hits The Showrooms

Monday 19th July sees the nationwide launch of the all-new Škoda Octavia - designed and engineered at Škoda's technical centre at its headquarters in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic and brought to the UK.

Škoda is well-known for offering that 'extra bit of car' - the full Škoda range that has become known to the public as reliable, well-built and good value and the arrival of the new Octavia will push Škoda's advances even further.

Bigger and better than before, the latest vehicle technologies are used in the new Octavia. It offers more load space, more style, and more convenient design touches, all at great value. It competes in the upper medium sector at a price which better reflects the lower medium sector.
Prices reflect Škoda's commitment to outstanding value. They begin with the entry-level Classic 1.4 75bhp at £10,750. The top-of-the range 2.0 TDI PD Elegance with DSG transmission will be priced at just £17,420. P11D values and VED bands further show what great value the new Octavia is with the majority of sales anticipated to fall into the 16-18% company car tax rates whilst residual values are improved and Emmox, the industry-leader in car-cost analysis predicts the new Octavia will cost as little as £27.70* to run per month.

Chris Craft, Brand Director at Škoda UK said, "The new Octavia is a well-designed all-rounder, reflecting Škoda's tradition of one hundred years of engineering ability. It's a great package that satisfies the exacting safety, reliability and flexibility requirements of today's customers. Along with the rest of the Škoda family - the supermini Fabia and the flagship Superb - Octavia will continue to provide Škoda's legendary value. Its timeless design, high levels of specification, economical purchase price and operating costs, and, of course, Škoda's outstanding levels of customer service will, I am certain, make it a success."

Note:

The recently re-priced current Octavia, which will be sold alongside the new Octavia for some time, has been very popular amongst motorists and appreciated by critics. These are the Classic 1.9 90 bhp, the Ambiente hatchback, the Octavia 4x4 estate and the sporty Octavia vRS hatch and Estate. Its success is reflected by its records - it was the first Škoda model to reach the one million production level, in February 2004. UK sales have totaled over 60,000 since the launch here in 1998 and has helped to turn around Škoda's fortunes.

The new Octavia will be available with a choice of six engines which include the 1.4 MPI/75 bhp and 1.6 MPI/102 bhp petrol engines, as well as the 1.6 FSI/115 bhp and 2.0 FSI/150 bhp direct injection petrol engines. The range of diesel engines includes two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, the 1.9 TDI PD/105 bhp and 2.0 TDI PD/140 bhp.
*New Octavia 1.4 Classic after 3 years - 60,000 miles. Data Source: Emmox Carcost 29 June 2004. Carcost factors included in the calculation include residual values, service, maintenance and repair, finance, CO2 rating, cost of fuel, insurance, VED and National Insurance contributions.

01/07/04

Škoda Drives Value In Action

Škoda's current Octavia range just got better. Prices of the entire current range are tumbling as Škoda is showing again what the brand is all about - great products with exceptional value.

Value-packed models like the Ambiente SE range, the Classic 1.9 TDI, the 4x4 Estate and the thrilling Octavia Vrs are the backbone of the range that helped push Škoda to the top ranks of customer service. And now prices are falling, effective 1 July, by an average of over nine percent.

The Classic 1.9 TDI is now priced at just £10,700, a reduction of £1,170. Entry-level it may be, but it has all of Škoda's great value included, with power steering, central locking and safety features like ABS braking and driver and front passenger airbags.
The Ambiente SE is available with a choice of four engine and transmission combinations with new prices ranging from £11,100 to £13,490. With price reductions of £1,270 - and a whopping £1,400 for the popular 1.9 TDI PD 130 bhp version - and standard equipment like alloy wheels, metallic paint, cruise control and a multi-function steering wheel, the Ambiente SE is, indeed, Škoda value in action.

The sporty 1.8T, 180 bhp Octavia vRS is even better than ever. With a new price of just £13,990, it's gone from cracking to stonking, and with all of its sport equipment in tact, from the front spoiler to the stainless steel exhaust. It is also available in an estate version, now priced at just £14,690, a reduction of £1,545.

The new Octavia, which will overlap with the current range, goes on sale in the UK on 19 July. Built on an all-new platform, it will have the interior space of an upper medium sector car for the price of a lower medium sector one. With prices starting at £10,750 and excellent equipment levels, it will certainly carry on the tradition begun with the current Octavia of bringing an extra bit of car to Škoda buyers.

Across the entire Škoda range, great products combine with great value. Savvy buyers are snapping up great Škodas at retailers across the UK where they are treated with the industry-leading customer service that led to Škoda's ranking second in the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey

04/06/04

Škoda Adds Special Edition Models To Fabia Range

Škoda's high-value supermini, the Fabia, just got better, with the introduction of the Fabia SE, the Fabia SE has all of Fabia's great equipment, and adds air conditioning and alloy wheels at no extra charge. Available with all Fabia hatch and Estate engine choices in Classic and Comfort trim levels, this means £900 of standard kit free. This translates to prices for the Fabia SE ranging from £7,495 for the Fabia Classic 1.2 54bhp hatch, to £11,710 for the Fabia Comfort 1.9 TDI 100 bhp Estate.

Fabia's great value extends across the entire range of engine, trim levels and body shapes. With a choice of hatchback, saloon and estate models comes a pick of three levels of equipment, Classic, Comfort and Elegance. Add to this engine choices from the entry level 1.2 litre, three-cylinder six valve right up to the knock-your-socks-off, 130bhp 1.9 TDI PD vRS.

Standard equipment on all Fabias, from Classic upwards, includes ABS brakes, power steering, driver ad front passenger airbags, height and reach steering wheel and height-adjustable driver's seat and stereo radio/cassette player with four speakers and single CD player (except on 1.2l, 54 bhp). Further up the range, the Comfort adds such equipment as electrically operated front windows and central locking. Moving up to Elegance adds alloy wheels, air conditioning, heated front seats, and eight speakers to the stereo system. The award-winning Fabia vRS includes sporty trim and seats and a six-speed manual transmission for just £11,990.

Add to that the free A/C and alloy wheels and the Fabia SE means even better value from Škoda. Add in Škoda's world-class customer service and it's no wonder more and more customers are finding Škoda every day

04/06/04

DA Fabia WRC Development Programme Turns To Competition At Acropolis Rally

- Škoda Motorsport begins programme of selected WRC events
- Continued development of Fabia WRC to be the main priority
- Armin and Toni to contest three extra national events

Škoda Motorsport will increase the pace of its Fabia WRC development when it enters the World Rally Championship Acropolis Rally. After a seven month concentration on private testing and development, the team will now enter selected Europe-based WRC rounds alongside three national events in the Czech Republic, Germany and Finland.
Because Škoda Motorsport has decided not to register for this season's WRC there are limitations to the technical improvements that can be made within the existing homologation to the Fabia WRC and so the team will continue to concentrate on its planned development programme rather than overall results.

The new Head of Škoda Motorsport, Martin Muehlmeier, said: "The Acropolis Rally is another step in our programme of development. The main target for this year is to finish as many events as possible to continue the learning and development process. Overall results are not our priority this season."

Finland's Toni Gardemeister and co-driver Paavo Lukander remain in the team this season but rejoining the Škoda Motorsport Team for 2004 is Germany's Armin Schwarz and co-driver Manfred Hiemer. Armin previously drove for the team between 1999 - 2001 and played a key role in developing the Octavia WRC, the highly successful predecessor to the Fabia WRC.

Armin said: "The Acropolis Rally is one of my favourite events, even though like so many other rallies it has been cut down from its former glory. It is still a great challenge and you need a strong and reliable car to be sure of making the finish. It will be my first event in the Fabia WRC and my first event since Australia last year so I am really looking forward to seeing how we compare to our rivals. The testing went very well and I am very happy with the set-up of the car that we have at the moment."

Toni is now embarking on his third successive season with the team. He said: "This is a very mixed rally with some smooth stages and some very rough ones, some fast sections and some that are very slow. It's not my favourite rally but I am really keen to get back to competition. We have improved the Fabia quite a lot since we last competed; the handling and the response are both much better than before."

Team news:
Another new face joining Škoda Motorsport in Greece is Team Manager Antonio Rodriguez. Antonio will be familiar to many people from his days at SEAT Sport and, initially, he will combine his work with the SEAT race programme alongside his Team Manager role at Škoda Motorsport.

In addition to the seven-round WRC programme, Škoda Motorsport is to send cars to three national events to maximise the development opportunities. Firstly, Armin will contest the Saarland Rally (June 18 - 19) in Germany as it offers ideal test opportunities for Rallye Deutschland. Toni will then compete on the Exide Rally (July 2 - 3), one of the traditional 'warm-up' events for Rally Finland. And finally Toni will fly the Škoda Motorsport flag at the Bohemia Rally (July 9 - 11) that takes place around the team's home town of Mladá Boleslav in the Czech Republic.

Acropolis Rally in detail:
The Acropolis Rally (June 3-6) is one of the oldest events in the World Rally Championship. It is characterized by intense heat and rocky gravel roads that can destroy cars and tyres. Although the organisers have found special stages that are faster and smoother than was the case a few years ago, this remains one of the most gruelling events on the calendar and sits between similar challenging rounds in Cyprus and Turkey.

Missing this year is the ceremonial start in Athens beneath the Acropolis, topped by the ancient Parthenon. Instead the entire event will be based close to the host town of Lamia, approximately 200kms north east of Athens. The rally begins on Thursday evening with a superspecial at Lilea - Parnassos and then resumes on Friday with seven stages south of Lamia at the foot of Mount Parnassos before another visit to the superspecial.

Saturday sees six stages to the south and south east of Lamia before a third and final visit to the Lilea - Parnassos superspecial. Sunday's final leg features seven stages to the north west of Lamia, including the only new stage of the rally, before the finish at 1453 local time.

04/06/04

Interview With Mr Martin Muehlmeier, Head of Škoda Motorsport

The new Head of Škoda Motorsport, Mr Martin Muehlmeier, joined the team at the beginning of March. As Škoda Motorsport prepares to return to the World Rally Championship at the Acropolis Rally, he shares his thoughts on the challenge that lies ahead.

What are Škoda Motorsport's performance targets for the Acropolis Rally and the rest of 2004?
The main target for our comeback event and the rest of this season is to finish as many rallies as possible to continue the learning and development process. It is not possible to make any predictions about overall results until we see what improvements the competition has made and, even then, overall results are not our priority this season.

What changes can we expect to see on the Fabia WRC in Greece?
The car is largely the same as last year. Because we have not registered for the WRC we can not make any major changes that require a new homologation.

How much of a problem is this for the development process?
It allows us only to reach the performance potential possible within last year's rules which is definitely a disadvantage as we have to stay with the car in its original homologation specification. For example we cannot use all the lightweight materials like aluminium bonnets that are permitted this year.

What areas, specifically, have been changed?
The main changes have come in the driveability of the car. We have revised the engine mapping and the differential controls for this purpose. We have found new settings for the springs, anti-roll bar and shock absorbers and designed a new pedal box that gives better feeling and response for the drivers. We have also made a lot of small improvements to areas such as weight saving and the aerodynamic package.

Have you seen improvements to the car in the current round of testing?
The drivers have all made positive comments about the improved driveability of the car but we cannot really compare the results before we re-enter competition. We will have run approximately 1500kms on gravel and 400kms on asphalt by the time the team returns to competition. Our final test in Greece, a few days before the Cyprus Rally, involved testing for a full rally distance of close to 400kms.

What were your first impressions of the Škoda Motorsport team?
It was immediately clear that it had nearly all that a WRC team needs. I was surprised by the depth of some developments in detail, such as stress analysis, which I did not expect from such a small team. On the other hand not all components of the car were operating on the same level of performance so to co-ordinate these technical interactions was the first major target.

What have been your priorities since joining Škoda Motorsport?
To fix these processes first, but without neglecting the technical performance on which we will ultimately be evaluated.

Having been part of Audi's successful Le Mans-winning team, what experiences from that campaign are you bringing to Škoda Motorsport?
First of all we try to transmit the major development processes to the team in order to work more systematically with clear targets, schedules, responsibilities and competences. In the technical field we use some analysis and testing methods, like test benches and simulation tools. Hopefully my experience with circuit racing will allow me to bring some fresh ideas that will benefit everyone.

When will a new engine be homologated for the Fabia WRC?
The current development work is carried out on the current unit and at the moment it is not possible to say when we can homologate either major changes to the existing engine or a completely new engine.

Škoda Motorsport announced a programme of seven events this season. Is that programme still in place or is there a chance that it may change?
Currently there are no changes to be expected at WRC level. We plan to participate on the remaining European rallies starting with Acropolis but without Turkey. However, Toni Gardemeister will compete on the Exide Rally in Finland and also our 'home' event, Rally Bohemia in the Czech Republic. Before that Armin Schwarz will drive the car on the Saarland Rally in Germany. The Saarland Rally will give us excellent asphalt information as it runs close to where Rallye Deutschland is based. The Exide Rally is a well known test event for Rally Finland which is a very technical rally. And of course Rally Bohemia takes place around Mladá Boleslav and is therefore our 'home' event. Škoda Motorsport had to miss this event last year as we were in our final preparations for the Fabia WRC debut so we are happy to return to this rather special rally for us.

21/04/04

More Satisfied Škoda Owners

Škoda Scores In The J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey

Škoda owners are so satisfied with their cars that Škoda is ranked second overall in the 2004 J. D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index, earning the Czech brand the Silver Award. With a CSI index of 85.2%, Škoda has moved up two places from 2003. Škoda has shown continuous improvement in satisfaction over the past four years, with an increase of 16 points over 2003.

The Škoda models included in the study ranked in the top 10, with family-segment Octavia ranked fourth among all models at 85.4%, and the supermini Fabia ranked seventh overall, at 85.1%. As the survey is of owners of two-year old cars Škoda's newest model, the upper-medium segment Superb, is not yet included in the results.
In the survey, J. D. Power asked more than 23,000 customers to rank their ownership experience in four different areas - quality and reliability; vehicle appeal; ownership costs; and service satisfaction. Škoda scored in the top ten in every category, and is top among all makes in ownership costs.

Further evidence that Škoda owners love their cars is found in the survey. Asked if they would recommend their car to a friend, 98% say they would definitely or probably do so, and 95% would definitely or probably repurchase, both the highest scores in their categories.

In giving Škoda the Silver Award, What Car? Editor Rob Aherne said, "If any brand fancies a shot at the title, it's Škoda. Don't bet against an even more impressive showing from Škoda next year, either." And further, Rob commented, "The Škoda shows the other European car makers how to compete."

Chris Craft, Škoda Brand Director, responded, "The J. D. Power survey shows just how impressed our owners are with their Škodas, and with the service offered to them by our national network of retailers. We're proud to receive the What Car? Silver Award on behalf of all of our retailers Škoda across Great Britain, and want to thank our customers for their fantastic loyalty."

21/04/04

Škoda Helps The Czech Republic Celebrate Joining The EU

The Czech Republic, home of Škoda Auto, is one of ten new countries joining the EU on 1 May, and to celebrate the occasion the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is hosting a "Meet the Neighbours" open day on Saturday 24 April. Škoda is playing a prominent role at the all-day event, which it is anticipated will attract over 8,000 visitors.

Škoda Auto has an exceptional position in the Czech economy, as the largest exporter in the Czech Republic. In 2003, ŠkodaAuto manufactured 437,554 Fabias, Octavias and Superbs. Nearly 85% of the production was exported, with the majority going to Western European countries. Turnover in 2003 was £2.98 billion, making it one of the largest companies in the new EU countries.

Škoda Auto has been in business for over 100 years, beginning as the Lauren & Klement company, with bicycle production in 1895. Moving into car production in 1905, ŠkodaAuto is one of the oldest car manufacturers in the world. Exporting cars is nothing new to Škoda, who have sent cars all over the world since the early days of the 1920s to places as far afield as Japan and South America.

Škoda sales in the UK are the third-highest in the world, and in 2003, totaled 36,548. The award-winning Fabia supermini accounted for 19,710 of those, with the family-sized Octavia selling 14,541 and sales of the newest model, the upper-medium segment Superb, at 2,296.

Škoda has a network of some 150 retailers across Great Britain, offering exceptional customer service. So outstanding, in fact, that in three recent customer satisfaction surveys, nine out of ten Škoda owners said they would recommend their car to a friend.

Škoda, with its century-plus tradition of fine automobile manufacture, salutes its home country, the Czech Republic, as it re-claims its traditional place in the heart of Europe on May 1. The celebration will begin early, at "Meet the Neighbours" on 24 April, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge for entry.

19/04/04

Seasoned Professionals!

For the 2003/4 season, Škoda dealers Rainworth Motors are sponsoring their local football team, Mansfield Town, and the arrangement is proving to be a winner on both sides!

Having attended Mansfield Town's Open Day last autumn, at which the new kit, sponsors and players were all introduced, Rainworth Motors put a Fabia on display in the club colours (yellow with blue writing) which attracted a great deal of interest.

The sponsorship arrangement allows for a hoarding behind the goal in front of the 'away' fans, plus adverts in the fixture list and programmes for every 'home' game.

Mansfield Town's Commercial Manager has already swapped his Mercedes for a Superb, while the Club Manager has been offered a similar car as part of the sponsorship. Since the deal was announced, four members of the back-room staff have traded in their old cars for a variety of Škodas.

Anyone involved with the club, which is doing very well in the Third Division and currently fighting for an automatic promotion place, is entitled to discounted prices on everything from new/used cars to servicing, MOTs and tyres.

Rainworth Motors have also sponsored two individual matches, allowing them hospitality at the ground, with a signed match ball and shirts as mementoes of the occasion.

In return for their support, Rainworth Motors are given an allocation of tickets which are used for customer and staff incentives and Dealer Principal Simon Beckett is hoping that the hard work by all concerned will give them the result they all want - Second Division football next season!

20/04/04

More Satisfied Skoda Owners

Škoda Scores In The J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey

Škoda owners are so satisfied with their cars that Škoda is ranked second overall in the 2004 J. D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index, earning the Czech brand the Silver Award. With a CSI index of 85.2%, Škoda has moved up two places from 2003. Škoda has shown continuous improvement in satisfaction over the past four years, with an increase of 16 points over 2003.

The Škoda models included in the study ranked in the top 10, with family-segment Octavia ranked fourth among all models at 85.4%, and the supermini Fabia ranked seventh overall, at 85.1%. As the survey is of owners of two-year old cars Škoda's newest model, the upper-medium segment Superb, is not yet included in the results.

In the survey, J. D. Power asked more than 23,000 customers to rank their ownership experience in four different areas - quality and reliability; vehicle appeal; ownership costs; and service satisfaction. Škoda scored in the top ten in every category, and is top among all makes in ownership costs.

Further evidence that Škoda owners love their cars is found in the survey. Asked if they would recommend their car to a friend, 98% say they would definitely or probably do so, and 95% would definitely or probably repurchase, both the highest scores in their categories.

In giving Škoda the Silver Award, What Car? Editor Rob Aherne said, "If any brand fancies a shot at the title, it's Škoda. Don't bet against an even more impressive showing from Škoda next year, either." And further, Rob commented, "The Škoda shows the other European car makers how to compete."

Chris Craft, Škoda Brand Director, responded, "The J. D. Power survey shows just how impressed our owners are with their Škodas, and with the service offered to them by our national network of retailers. We're proud to receive the What Car? Silver Award on behalf of all of our retailers Škoda across Great Britain, and want to thank our customers for their fantastic loyalty."

20/04/04

Skoda Helps The Czech Republic Celebrate Joining The EU

The Czech Republic, home of Škoda Auto, is one of ten new countries joining the EU on 1 May, and to celebrate the occasion the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is hosting a "Meet the Neighbours" open day on Saturday 24 April. Škoda is playing a prominent role at the all-day event, which it is anticipated will attract over 8,000 visitors.

Škoda Auto has an exceptional position in the Czech economy, as the largest exporter in the Czech Republic. In 2003, ŠkodaAuto manufactured 437,554 Fabias, Octavias and Superbs. Nearly 85% of the production was exported, with the majority going to Western European countries. Turnover in 2003 was £2.98 billion, making it one of the largest companies in the new EU countries.

Škoda Auto has been in business for over 100 years, beginning as the Lauren & Klement company, with bicycle production in 1895. Moving into car production in 1905, ŠkodaAuto is one of the oldest car manufacturers in the world. Exporting cars is nothing new to Škoda, who have sent cars all over the world since the early days of the 1920s to places as far afield as Japan and South America.

Škoda sales in the UK are the third highest in the world, and in 2003, totalled 36,548. The award-winning Fabia supermini accounted for 19,710 of those, with the family-sized Octavia selling 14,541 and sales of the newest model, the upper-medium segment Superb, at 2,296.

Škoda has a network of some 150 retailers across Great Britain, offering exceptional customer service. So outstanding, in fact, that in three recent customer satisfaction surveys, nine out of ten Škoda owners said they would recommend their car to a friend.

Škoda, with its century-plus tradition of fine automobile manufacture, salutes its home country, the Czech Republic, as it re-claims its traditional place in the heart of Europe on May 1. The celebration will begin early, at "Meet the Neighbours" on 24 May, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge for entry.

19/04/04

Skoda To Enter Group A Fabia In 2004 British Rally Championship

Škoda UK will enter their Group A Fabia in selected rounds of the 2004 Kwik-Fit Pirelli British Rally Championship. The Fabia rally car was originally built by Škoda Motorsport at their factory in the Czech Republic and then despatched to the UK for further development. Fitted with a new 1.4 16v engine and Sadev gearbox, the car is now ready for some serious competition.

Accomplished Welsh rally driver Julian Reynolds is to drive Skoda UK's Group A Fabia. Co-driven by fellow countryman Ieuan Thomas, Reynolds' first outing in the Fabia will be at the end of April on the opening round of the British Championship, the Gateshead-based Pirelli International Rally.

Julian is no stranger to front-wheel drive rally cars and was the British National Formula 2 Champion in 1993. Since 1997, Julian, from Narberth, has competed on a number of events counting towards the FIA World Rally Championship that have taken him as far afield as Australia and New Zealand while, nearer home, he finished eighth overall on our own Network Q Rally GB at the end of 2002.

The British Championship campaign will be run by Morgan Motorsport and the team will be managed by Andy Rogers who is no stranger to Škoda, having masterminded the class-winning performance of the Group N production-specification Fabia in the 2002 National Rally Championship.

Sponsorship for the Fabia comes from the Incredible Group and, as a foretaste of the season, the car will be on display at BRC Live! at Bramcote Army Barracks, near Nuneaton, on Sunday 21 March. Škoda retailers Brooklyn Škoda of Rugby, Prestige Garage of Coventry and Farmer's of Leicester are nearby for rally fans to see the road-going versions of the Škoda Fabia, along with its sister cars, the Octavia and Superb.

19/04/04

Skoda Top Among Nine Out Of Ten Owners - Again!

Škoda's customers have again demonstrated how satisfied they are with their cars. In the 2004 Auto Express Driver Power survey, more than nine out of ten Škoda owners said that their car has lived up to their expectations. Škoda Octavia owners weighed in at 95 percent and owners of Škoda's supermini Fabia, at an outstanding 95 percent.

Škoda achieved an overall satisfaction rating of over 87 percent, the second highest rating among manufacturers and an increase of four places over the 2002 survey. Octavia was rated seventh overall, a jump of six places over the 2002 survey, with an overall satisfaction rating of 87.55 percent. The Fabia, ranked 12th overall, received a rating of 86.43 percent.

The Auto Express Driver Power survey incorporated responses from more than 37,000 readers. Owners were able to rated their cars in the ten key areas of build quality, performance, ride, handling, comfort, braking, ease of driving, practicality, reliability and running costs.

Škoda scored particularly well in running costs, proving, as Auto Express commented, "that the dealer network is doing a decent job of keeping servicing prices down". Also cited were practicality, ease of driving and ride quality.

The Driver Power survey is more proof, from nine out of ten savvy Škoda owners, - following on from the Which? magazine owner survey several months ago - that Škoda delivers an outstanding driving and ownership experience.

19/04/04

Skoda Fabia Among The Safest Superminis

Which? Magazine has ranked the Skoda Fabia in joint second place in the Supermini category of their 2004 car safety report. In the March issue of the magazine, cars were rated in two ways: the judges took into account existing Euro NCAP ratings and their own expert investigation of each car's design.

Škoda Fabia scored very well in both areas, with its four stars in the Euro NCAP being the top rating in the Supermini category - and a score of 9.5 among the Which? experts - the second highest score among the 29 cars in its segment. Euro NCAP ratings show how cars react to precisely controlled crashes and compares those results among other cars in the same size. The experts' investigation looked at such criteria as vehicle design and construction, airbags, leg impact areas, pedestrian protection, seatbelts, head protection, rear seat safety and head protection.

Since its introduction in 2000, the Fabia has been instrumental in rebuilding Škoda's image as a manufacturer of fine motor cars. The Fabia has won a cabinet-full of awards, including the What Car? Car of the Year Award in 2000 and the Best Supermini for three years running; the Auto Express Car of the Year 2000 and Best Supermini 2001; Diesel Car's Best Diesel Supermini 2001 and the Which? Safest Supermini in 2001 and the Scottish Diesel Car of the Year in 2003. For safety, economy and style, Fabia is the award-winning choice of savvy car buyers across Great Britain.

13/04/04

Skoda Fabia Is A Million-Seller - UK Customer Takes Delivery

The Škoda Fabia, What Car? Magazine's Car of the Year in 2000, is now a million seller. The 1,000,000th Fabia drove off the production line at the ŠkodaAuto plant in the Czech Republic at 10:00 on 8 April 2004. The silver Fabia vRS was handed over to a Škoda customer from the UK in a ceremony at the factory.

Vratislav Kulhánek, the Chairman of Škoda Auto, presented the car, saying, "I am pleased to see that our millionth Fabia has been made for a customer from Great Britain; and not only because this country belongs to our largest markets. It is in Great Britain that the transformation of the Škoda brand has become fully evident. Whereas, prior to 1991, we were a much-derided brand in the UK, nowadays Škodas are respected by customers in this demanding market."

One of the most successful Škoda cars in the company's history, the Fabia model made its debut at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 1999. The Fabia Estate followed a year later with a saloon version introduced in 2001. The incredibly successful Fabia vRS was launched in mid-2003.

Fabia sales in Great Britain have totalled 80,860 since the launch in 2000 through First Quarter 2004. Included in that total are some 1,400 Fabia vRS sales. Worldwide, Fabia sales split into some 622,000 hatchbacks (including vRS), 300,000 Estates and 76,000 sedan models. Fabia accounts for approximately 60% of total Škoda sales annually.

Fabia's trophy cabinet is full to bursting, with awards from one end of Britain to the other, in recognition of its outstanding design and fantastic engineering. In addition to being named as the Car of the Year by What Car?, the Fabia won the Auto Express Car of the Year award in 2000 and was named Best Supermini by What Car? for three years running (2000 - 2002). Further additions to Fabia's trophy cabinet included the Diesel Car's Best Diesel Supermini award in 2001 and The Scottish Group of Motoring Writers' Fabia Diesel Car of the Year award for the Fabia vRS in 2001.
In addition to awards, surveys of owners in the UK bear out Fabia's popularity. In the 2003 Which? car survey, nearly nine out of ten Fabia owners said they would recommend their car to a friend, with 90% of Fabia's sister model, Octavia, saying the same. The nine-out-of-ten theme continued with the 2004 Auto Express Driver's Power survey, with 93% of Fabia owners and 95% of Octavia owners saying that their car had lived up to their expectations.

One million Fabias, an overflowing trophy cabinet and overwhelming customer satisfaction, along with the continued success of the Škoda Superb and Octavia, and a new Octavia model coming this year - Škoda continues to grow in size and strength.

10/03/04

Skoda Joins The Tour De France, On Four Wheels Not Two!

ŠkodaAuto is entering the Tour de France for the first time this year…but on four wheels, not two! Škoda is perhaps more used to mountain runs and hill climbs when competing in the World Rally Championships but this year, Škoda will be entering the Tour de France to complete the 20-stage, 3,395km, at a more leisurely pace - as the Official Course Car.

The agreement between the Amaury Sport Organisation, organiser of the Tour de France, and Škoda Auto will run for the next four years and includes 11 bicycle races organised by the A.S.O., in addition to the Tour de France. Škoda has also become the sponsor of the White Jersey that is awarded to the best Tour de France junior racer, no more than 25 years old in the year of the race.

Škoda began manufacturing bicycles in 1900, shortly before the first ever Tour de France in 1903 and moved into the automotive industry in 1905 with the Voiturette. The official Tour de France fleet will be made up of Škoda models during the next four years.

The 91st Tour de France will run this year from 3 - 25 July, 22 teams will take place, 198 riders in total and 15 million spectators lining the roads. The Tour de France is ranked third in viewer ratings, right behind the Olympic Games and the World Soccer Championship.

27/02/04

Skoda Helps Birmingham Go 'Czechmania' In May

Between 14 May and 30 June, visitors and inhabitants of Birmingham will have the unique opportunity to discover the wealth and charms of contemporary Czech design via CzechMania, an exhibition of ceramics, glass, graphic design, jewellery, photography, film, music and cars that will be spread out over 14 high-profile locations around the city.

Produced and curated by the Czech Centre, in association with the Prague School of Design, CzechMania has been made possible by the sponsorship of Škoda, Staropramen and Czech Airlines.

The Czech Republic has long been recognised as a fountainhead of European arts and culture. Today, Prague and the Czech Republic have become a hotspot for young design talent in a wide variety of creative and artistic fields.

Commenting on Škoda's involvement with CzechMania, Tomas Ingenlath, head of design at Škoda said, "Skoda is inextricably linked with the history and culture of the Czech Republic and, contrary to some perceptions, we place great emphasis on the importance of first-class design. Our cars challenge perceptions, and CzechMania will too. We work closely with the Prague School of Design and are delighted to help bring the best of modern Czech design to the people of the Birmingham."

The 14 Birmingham locations showcasing CzechMania include Birmingham International Airport, Selfridges, St.Paul's Gallery, the Custard Factory and the Škoda stand at the Motorshow in the NEC. Also at the Škoda stand will be the unveiling of the new Octavia. The Octavia is a brand-new car using modern technology to deliver an "extra bit of car". It was designed and engineered at Škoda's technical centre at its headquarters in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic.

25/02/04

Martin Muehlmeier Appointed Head Of Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team

Škoda Auto has appointed 40-year old Martin Muehlmeier to head the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team. He joins the team on March 1 after six years with the Audi Sport team that claimed successive Le Mans victories between 2000 - 2002.

Mr Muehlmeier said, "This year is a big challenge for the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team. The Škoda brand has a great motorsport heritage but no one can live looking only to the past. Our priority is to make swift and precise development to enable us to quickly reduce the gap to the leading WRC teams. This will not happen overnight. We must review development in a wide range of areas, ensuring that all of the Škoda Fabia WRC components work together as one efficient unit."

The appointment of Mr Muehlmeier enables Škoda Motorsport to draw more closely on the extensive technical resources throughout the entire VW Group while retaining complete autonomy over its activities. He will report directly to Dr. Harald Ludanek, Škoda Auto Corporate Director R&D. Former Head of Motorsport Petr Kohoutek is to take up other duties within the Volkswagen Group.

The Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team, led by Armin Schwarz/ Manfred Hiemer and Toni Gardemeister/Paavo Lukander, will begin its 2004 competition activities at the Acropolis Rally in Greece on June 4-6 and will then undertake a programme of selected WRC events during the remainder of the season.

19/02/04

Skoda Sales Moving On Up

In 2003 ŠkodaAuto supplied a total of 449,758 customers worldwide with a Fabia, Octavia, or Superb. In spite of a tough global market and strong domestic competitive pressures, ŠkodaAuto has increased its sales by 1.0 per cent.

In 2003, the Fabia became the best-selling Škoda model with 260,988 units sold almost reaching the previous year's level of 264,641. During the same year, the Octavia achieved record-breaking sales with 165,635 units, an increase of 1.0 per cent. The Superb recorded the highest sales increase (+37.2%) with 23,135 cars sold on the European market.

And Škoda revived an old tradition in December 2003 when the President of the Czech Republic took delivery of his new official car - a special Škoda Superb presidential limousine. The Superb is used not only by President Vaclav Klaus himself but also by a number of government ministers in the Czech Republic.

Total Superb sales for 2003 were 2,296 units, well ahead of initial plans. Available in three equipment specifications, Classic, Comfort and Elegance, the Superb is equipped to satisfy the high expectations of drivers in the upper-medium class. With prices ranging from £14,255 to £24,850, the Superb offers the exceptional value for money that savvy customers know Škoda is renowned for.

19/02/04

Savvy New Skoda Website

Škoda's new-look website launches today and promises to offer the consumer a more complete research experience. The first in a number of stages of online development has resulted in a fully-integrated site which can deliver a host of new features to consumer and fleet buyer alike.

www.skoda.co.uk offers potential customers an easy-to-navigate browsing experience and access to detailed information for those looking to buy new or used cars before choosing to order a brochure, request a test drive and obtain specific data in the 'My Škoda' section.

The site offers more photos, current offers, product information and vehicle reports than ever before and can also offer interactive features such as the car calculator, retailer contact and pricing.

With more than 40,000 visits per month and with an average visit time of five minutes the new look www.skoda.co.uk reflects the recent positioning of the brand as 'the savvy choice for individuals with nothing to prove', promoting the brand to prospects and offering a special section for existing owners.

Škoda's Communications Manager Lindsey Bain said: " An online survey conducted on the site last summer helped to identify key areas for improvement. The new site is better equipped to meet the modern surfer's expectations by delivering information in a logical, efficient manner. By using the latest technology we believe we have achieved that objective."

11/02/04

Automatic For The People

Further to massive demand, Tiptronic automatic transmission is now available for customers who like the comfort of an automatic gearshift but prefer four-cylinder engines. This five-speed gearbox has previously been reserved for the powerful six-cylinder 2.5V6 TDI PD and the 2.8 V6 Elegance models.

The state-of-the-art transmission becomes available on the 1.8T 20V 150bhp (Classic, Comfort) and 1.9TDI PD 130bhp (Classic, Comfort, Elegance) this month and provides both manual and automatic gear changing. A five-speed automatic gearbox with a hydraulic torque converter that can be locked depending on the driving situation, this transmission alters the characteristics of the 1.9TDI PD. Whilst the manual produces a maximum torque of 285Nm at 1750rpm, the auto achieves 310Nm at 1900rpm.

The Superb has set the benchmark for Škoda quality and design and has become a very successful model since its launch in May 2002. It has received a number of accolades and continues to surprise the uninitiated with its fantastic rear seat capacity and high levels of standard specification.

Finished fourth overall in the prestigious 2003 Auto 1 awards;
- Most Popular Car of the Year 2003 in the Czech Republic;
- The Caravan Club 'Towcar of the Year 2003';
- Silver Award in the C- and D-class category of the Golden Wheel Awards 2002;
- 'Luxury Car of The Year 2002' by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers;
- The Superb range is available from an on-the-road price of just £14,255 (entry-level 2.0 Classic), offering outstanding value for money. The majority of sales of this model are of the Classic and Comfort models and these two new variants retail close to the average £17,388 spent on a Superb at £17,255 (Classic 1.8T) and £17,485 (Classic 1.9TDI PD). Fleet sales of Superb in 2003 increased 238% on the previous year to 1285 units and the increased availability of Tiptronic across the range is bound to tempt fleet buyers.

1.8T 20V 150bhp Tiptronic 1.8T 20V 150bhp MANUAL
Max speed (mph) 131 134
Acceleration 0-62mph 10.9 9.5
Urban (l/100km) 20.8 24.6
Extra Urban (l/100km) 39.2 43.5
Combined (l/100km) 29.4 34.0
CO2 (g/km) 233 199
1.9 TDI PD 130bhp Tiptronic 1.9 TDI PD 130bhp MANUAL
Max speed (mph) 125 127
Acceleration 0-62mph 11.7 10.4
Urban (l/100km) 28.0 36.2
Extra Urban (l/100km) 50.4 60.1
Combined (l/100km) 39.2 48.7
CO2 (g/km) 194 154

11/02/04

One Million For Octavia

Skoda is celebrating a remarkable milestone - after building the 1,000,000th Škoda Octavia eight years after its launch in 1996. The millionth Octavia will roll off the production line at the Mladá Boleslav plant on 17th February.

It's a fantastic achievement for the car that began the difficult task of turning the tide of Škoda's fortunes. From launch in the UK in 1998 the Octavia began to convince the British public that Škoda was a force to be reckoned with. Its wide-ranging abilities and finely balance levels of practicality and luxury laid the foundations for the turnaround Škoda has since enjoyed. Octavia continues to be a major success in the UK - a total of 14,766 were sold here last year.

From the distinctive design of the Octavia hatchback, through the rugged styling of the 4x4, to the sporty performance and good looks of the vRS and estate, the range offers great choices for contemporary driving. Available in four equipment levels - Classic, Ambiente, Elegance, and the sporty vRS - the car was updated in 2000 and will be replaced with the all-new Octavia in summer this year.

The current range is available with a choice of nine engines; 1.4-litre MPI (75bhp), 1.6-litre MPI (102bhp), 2.0-litre MPI (115bhp), 1.8-litre 20v Turbo (180bhp), 1.9-litre SDI (68bhp), 1.9-litre TDI (110bhp), 1.9-litre TDI PD (130bhp). Automatic transmission is available on the 1.8-litre 20v Turbo (150bhp) and the 1.9-litre TDI (90bhp).

The range starts at £10,260 on the road for the 1.4-litre Classic Hatchback and reaches £16,645 for the 1.8-litre Turbo automatic Elegance Estate.

Voted the 'Best Family Car' by consumers in the 2003 J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index, the Octavia was rated seventh model overall in the same survey. Additional awards include 'Best Used Medium Car' from Used Car Buyer magazine in August 2003, 'Best Diesel Estate' by Diesel Car magazine in 1999 and 'Best Towcar under £16,000' by the Caravan Club in 2001.

Savvy Škoda Octavia buyers also have the choice of a new special edition - the Octavia Ambiente SE, introduced at the beginning of the year, which offers £975-worth of equipment for just £300 over the price of the corresponding Ambiente models.

Chris Craft, Director of Škoda Auto UK said, "I am not surprised the Škoda Octavia has reached the 1 million mark - the car offers fantastic value for money and has set the scene for an exciting future at Škoda. The all-new Octavia is bound to build on the successes of the current model and will go on, I am sure, to even further heights."
As with the rest of the Škoda range, the Octavia comes with a full peace-of-mind warranty package which provides three years'/60,000-mile cover plus three years' paint/ten years' Anti-Perforation warranty and three years' Roadside Assistance emergency cover.

26/01/04

Skoda To Present The New Octavia At The 2004 Geneva Motorshow

Škoda Auto is presenting the first official picture of the new Škoda Octavia on 30 January. The new Octavia is the all-new successor to the popular Škoda model of the same name, nearly 1,000,000 of which have been sold since the Octavia's introduction in 1996.

The Škoda Octavia is a brand-new car using modern technology to deliver an "extra bit of car". It was designed and engineered at Škoda's technical centre at its headquarters in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic. The car is 4,572 mm long, 1,769 mm wide and 1,462 mm high. The basic luggage-compartment capacity amounts to 560 litres with the folding rear seats in place.

The new Octavia will be available with a choice of six engines. These include the 1.4 MPI/55 kW and 1.6 MPI/75 kW petrol engines, as well as the 1.6 FSI/85 kW and 2.0 FSI/110 kW direct injection petrol engines. The range of diesel engines includes two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, the 1.9 TDI PD/77 kW and 2.0 TDI PD/103 kW.
The new Škoda Octavia will make its first public appearance at the 2004 Geneva International Motor Show on 2 March.

21/01/04

Armin Schwarz Rejoins Skoda Motorsport

Armin Schwarz is to return to the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team after a two-year absence. The 40-year old German driver has signed a two-year contract with the team and will partner Škoda Motorsport's Finnish regular, Toni Gardemeister. Armin continues to be co-driven by Manfred Hiemer.

Armin last drove for Škoda Motorsport from 1999-2001, using his extensive testing ability to develop the Octavia WRC, Škoda Motorsport's first World Rally Car.

During that time he finished fourth on the 2001 Monte Carlo Rally and famously led the Safari Rally later that same year before finishing the African event in third place.
The Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team will carry out a programme of selected WRC events in 2004 with the emphasis on development of the Fabia WRC. The team anticipates that the first appearance for Toni and Armin will be the Acropolis Rally, June 4-6.