- Škoda Auto increases deliveries by 18.5% YoY
- Czech carmaker records growth in key markets despite challenging environment
- Globally, the Octavia remains the bestseller, followed by Kamiq and Kodiaq SUVs
- The Kodiaq and the newly launched Kushaq topped sales in the Middle East, with the Kushaq recording a 300% increase over 2022
- Škoda Auto advances its internationalisation strategy throughout 2023, expanding into Vietnam and Kazakhstan
Middle East, 25th January 2024 – In 2023, Škoda Auto achieved a notable increase in its vehicle deliveries, reaching a total of 866,800 units. This represents significant growth of 18.5% over the previous year. By entering the Vietnamese and Kazakhstan markets in H2 2023, Škoda is systematically advancing its internationalisation. The brand is also focusing on the Middle East, recognising the remarkable opportunities for growth in this region. The newly opened fully digitalised showroom in Kuwait is among the first in the world to adopt Škoda’s new CI. This establishment marks Škoda’s initial ventures in the Middle Eastern region.
Germany continues to be the brand’s largest single market, with 157,800 vehicles delivered (+17.6%). Additionally, Škoda posted a strong result in the Czech domestic market, with 87,800 deliveries (+23.4%). The strongest growth was recorded in Germany, the UK and the Czech Republic. The all-electric Enyaq series, which is among the best-selling EVs in many European markets, set a new record since its launch, with 81,700 vehicles sold (+52.1%).
Klaus Zellmer, Škoda Auto CEO, says: “Our customers have spoken, and I’m truly grateful for their confidence in the Škoda brand. The hard work and dedication of the people who design, build and sell our cars yielded an impressive result in our 2023 deliveries despite all the economic and market challenges of the past year. Growing demand across our model lines confirms our strategy of offering customers their choice of combustion, purely electric and hybrid powertrains during the transition to ever more e-mobility. Our business model is robust, even as we remain vigilant for new challenges in an unpredictable global market. We remain focused on what our customers want and on continually growing our capacity to respond quickly to the market, including investing in the ongoing development of our employees to secure the future of Škoda.”
Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, adds: “Škoda Auto achieved a substantial 18.5% increase in global deliveries to customers last year, translating to 135,500 additional cars compared to 2022. Europe, which continues to be one of our key markets, recorded a 27.4% rise in Western regions, securing our seventh-place ranking among leading brands. Outside Europe, we achieved milestones such as surpassing 100,000 vehicle sales in India over two years and successfully tapping the Vietnamese and Kazakh markets.”
Growth in the Middle East
In the Middle East, Škoda recorded impressive car delivery figures for 2023, achieving an unprecedented 108% growth compared to the previous year. Delivering a total of 2,463 units, the carmaker doubled the previous year’s figure, underscoring its successful integration into the Middle East market.
As a example of this success, 2023 saw the opening of the first Škoda showroom outside of Europe to feature the brand’s new CI, located in Kuwait. This facility exemplifies innovation and progress, not only strengthening Škoda’s presence in the region but also raising standards by delivering a holistic customer experience in a fully digital showroom.
Looking ahead to 2024, Škoda Middle East is focusing on expanding its footprint in the region. The company plans to continue enhancing its brand identity and growing its dealership network. Part of this strategy includes collaborating with existing dealers to open new facilities, aiming to broaden Škoda’s reach and reinforce its market position.
Lukáš Honzák, Managing Director of Škoda Middle East, emphasised: “Our team is ready to introduce the Škoda brand to new markets within the region as part of its commitment to reaching a broader audience. We take pride in delivering European excellence, innovative features, and excellent value for money.”
He adds: “Responding to customers’ evolving needs, Škoda has been progressively introducing models to the region, curating a versatile range to meet the unique demands of customers in the Middle East. As we enter 2024, we will be bringing out the Kushaq Monte Carlo, marking a strategic move to expand our target audience to include younger and more diverse groups.”
This forward-looking strategy aligns with Škoda’s global vision, emphasising innovation and the delivery of high-quality vehicles to customers worldwide. For further information and updates, please refer to the latest press release from Škoda’s headquarters.
