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Worldwide deliveries of 1,126,500 vehicles reach new highs. ŠKODA achieves new record sales revenue of 13.7 billion euros. Operating profit grows by 30.8 percent to 1.197 billion euros.

ŠKODA’s record performance continues. The Czech carmaker achieved new best values in 2016, both in terms of global vehicle sales and financial results. Compared to the previous year, deliveries rose by 6.7% to 1,126,500 vehicles (2015: 1,055,500). In the same period, sales revenue also increased by 9.8% to 13.7 billion euros (2015: 12.5 billion euros), thereby also reaching a new record high. The traditional Czech brand recorded an increase of 30.8% in operating profit at 1.197 billion euros (2015: 915 million euros). ŠKODA has set the course for further growth with Strategy 2025 and the associated model campaign. The brand expects additional growth impetus in particular from the introduction of the new ŠKODA KODIAQ SUV, the upgraded ŠKODA OCTAVIA as well as other new models the company will be presenting in the course of the year.

"The results of the 2016 financial year exceeded our expectations. Achieving three record years in a row demonstrates the success of our sustainable growth strategy,” says ŠKODA CEO, Bernhard Maier. “With our Strategy 2025, we will consistently promote the growth of the ŠKODA brand over the coming years. In this context, we will renew and expand our model portfolio, and open up new markets, segments and digital business areas. We will also be focusing on the electrification of our vehicles. We are going to launch the first purely battery-powered ŠKODA model on the market in 2020. A first idea of how the electric future of ŠKODA might look will be presented at the motor show in Shanghai.”

Digitization, connectivity and new mobile services are among the cornerstones of Strategy 2025. Our aim is to develop completely new mobility services for ŠKODA customers. “The car will remain the core of our offer. We will be complementing this with services that make daily driving easier, safer, more comfortable and efficient. ŠKODA will be transitioning from being purely a car manufacturer to a mobility services provider. One component of this future-oriented strategy is the new ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab in Prague, with which we are strengthening our innovation and digital development expertise,“ Maier continued.

"Our profitable growth is primarily based on four pillars: a higher number of vehicles delivered, the utilization of capacities of our plants, an improved model mix, and optimized product costs," says ŠKODA CFO Klaus-Dieter Schürmann.

ŠKODA achieved new best figures in sales revenue and operating profit in the 2016 financial year. Sales revenue grew to 13.7 billion euros (2015: 12.5 billion euros), thus surpassing the previous record figure set in 2015 by 9.8%. Operating profit increased by 30.8% to 1.197 billion euros (2015: 915 million euros). This corresponds to 8.7% of the sales revenue (2015: 7.3%).

The profit before tax rose by 38.7% to 1.173 billion euros (2015: 846 million euros). After tax, the profit for 2016 was 951 million euros (2015: 708 million euros), 34.3% above the previous year. Investments amounted to 548 million euros in 2016 (2015: 591 million euros).

ŠKODA delivered a new record number of 1,126,500 vehicles to customers worldwide in 2016. This corresponds to an increase of around 71,000 vehicles or 6.7% compared to 2015 (1,055,500 deliveries). ŠKODA’s sales reached new highs in numerous key markets such as China (317,100), Germany (165,200), Great Britain (80,300) and Poland (56,200). In Turkey (28,900), France (23,000) and Israel (20,400), more people than ever before received a new ŠKODA car in 2016.

Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the successful partnership between the Volkswagen Group and the traditional Czech brand; a period in which ŠKODA transformed from being a regional market leader into an internationally successful car manufacturer. The product highlight of 2016 was the world premiere of the new large SUV ŠKODA KODIAQ in Berlin and its subsequent trade-fair debut at the Paris Motor Show. The KODIAQ marks the launch of the Czech carmaker’s broad SUV campaign with which the company intends to reach new customers and segments, expand its market shares and strengthen its position on the global markets.

"The success of the ŠKODA brand in the 2016 fiscal year can be attributed to the great commitment of the entire workforce. We would like to thank all our employees as well as the KOVO trade union, which constructively supported the company's growth throughout 2016," says Bohdan Wojnar ŠKODA Board Member for HR.

"ŠKODA greatly appreciates the efforts of its employees, which is also reflected in their remuneration. The average wage at the company has increased by 30% since 2010. We are also intensively preparing our employees for the future challenges related to Industry 4.0, especially with regard to developing their IT skills," adds Wojnar.

ŠKODA has also made a strong start to 2017. In January and February, the brand achieved new records, increasing its deliveries to customers in the first two months by 2.7% to 174,900 units (2016: 172,300 vehicles). In March, the extensively revised OCTAVIA, RAPID, RAPID SPACEBACK and CITIGO series, as well as the KODIAQ SCOUT and KODIAQ SPORTLINE, OCTAVIA RS 245 and OCTAVIA SCOUT model versions celebrated their world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. ŠKODA will be presenting a total of eleven model innovations in 2017.

ŠKODA AUTO Group in figures:

		2016	2015	Change in %
Deliveries to customers	Thousand cars	1 126	1 056	+6,7
Deliveries without China	Thousand cars	811	774	+4,8
Production¹	Thousand cars	1 152	1 037	+11,1
Production ŠKODA plants²	Thousand cars	776	694	+11,8
Sales³	Thousand cars	814	747	+9,0
Employees⁴	people	29 580	26 646	+11,0
Sales revenue	Million EUR	13 705	12 486	+9,8
Operating profit	Million EUR	1 197	915	+30,8
Return on Sales	%	+8,7	+7,3	-
Profit before tax	Million EUR	1 173	846	+38,7
Profit after tax	Million EUR	951	708	+34,3
Net Cash Flow	Million EUR	1 057	913	+15,8
Investments (w/o capitalized development costs)	Million EUR	548	591	-7,3

1) ŠKODA brand worldwide
2) Comprises Production of the ŠKODA brand, without production in China, Slovakia, Russia or India, but does include other Group brands, such as SEAT, Audi and VW; Vehicle production without part/complete kits
3) Vehicle sales without part/complete kits
4) Number of employees without agency staff, but including trainees

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

ŠKODA works driver Pontus Tidemand and co-driver Jonas Andersson win of special stage to take the outright lead in the overall WRC 2 standings.

Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S) emerged triumphant from a dramatic duel to win the Rally Mexico and continue ŠKODA’s winning run in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). At the end of the 295 kilometres of special stage, the new world championship leader finished 42.7 seconds clear of rivals Eric Camilli/Benjamin Veillas (F/F). Starting last season, 13 of the last 14 rounds of the world championship have now been won by drivers in a ŠKODA FABIA R5.

“I am proud of my drivers and the entire team. This rally was not for the faint-hearted, but Pontus Tidemand and Jonas Andersson kept a cool head to clinch a hugely important win,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. The latest success was more proof of just how fast and reliable the ŠKODA FABIA R5 is: “The Rally Mexico was really the ultimate test of durability. From the asphalt roads in the capital, the route climbed on gravel routes to almost 2750 metres above sea level and the highest point in the World Rally Championship. Our rally car ran perfectly in all conditions.”

26-year-old ŠKODA works driver Pontus Tidemand put on a great show for the Mexican rally fans. Over the course of the four days, he was embroiled in a thrilling battle for the win with Eric Camilli, with the lead changing hands on several occasions. After Tidemand had ended the opening two days at the top of the standings, Camilli briefly took the lead on Saturday. However, Sweden’s Motorsport Athlete of the Year 2016, who had taken his foot off the gas a little on the tough gravel roads, bounced back in style. Three stage wins in a row in the “Autódromo de León” and on the roads around the service park in the city of León were enough to see him regain top spot in WRC 2.

Tidemand took a slender lead of 2.0 seconds into the final two stages, and pulled out all the stops. The Swede was 22.5 seconds quicker than Camilli on the 32.96-kilometre “La Calera”, clocking an outstanding time to all but wrap up the win. Tidemand followed this up with another fastest time to bring home the win in style on the closing Power Stage, which was broadcast live on TV.

“That was a fantastic battle and a fantastic rally. We gained an incredible amount of experience at our first Rally Mexico. We are delighted with this success and are pleased with the great start we’ve made to the season,” said Sweden’s Motorsport Athlete of the Year. Victory in Mexico sees Tidemand succeed Finland’s Teemu Suninen, who won last year – also at the wheel of a ŠKODA FABIA R5. Local favourite Benito Guerra rounded off an outstanding result for ŠKODA in Mexico with third place in his FABIA R5.

This was Tidemand’s second victory in a row, having previously won his home rally in Sweden. He now stands alone at the top of the WRC 2 standings. With a perfect score of 50 points from two starts, he leads Camilli (42) and Andreas Mikkelsen (25). The Norwegian won the opening race of 2017, the iconic Rally Monte Carlo, in a ŠKODA FABIA R5. As such, reigning WRC 2 champions ŠKODA Motorsport have won the first three world championship rallies of the year.

Final result of the Rally Mexico (WRC 2):
1. Tidemand/Andersson (S/S) ŠKODA FABIA R5 3:32:56.5 hrs
2. Camilli/Veillas (F/F) Ford Fiesta R5 + 0:42.7 min
3. Guerra/Rozada (MEX/E) ŠKODA FABIA R5 + 7:46.1 min

The number for the Rally Mexico: 11:6
The dramatic duel for the lead in the WRC 2 class at the Rally Mexico was reflected in the battle for individual stage wins. Here too, ŠKODA driver Pontus Tidemand in his FABIA R5 came out on top 11:6 in the head-to-head with Eric Camilli. Two special stages originally scheduled for Friday had to be cancelled, as a traffic jam caused the rally cars to be late leaving the capital Mexico City on their way back to the service park in León.

The 2017 calendar for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)
Rally Monte Carlo 19.01.–22.01.2017
Rally Sweden 09.02.–12.02.2017
Rally Mexico 09.03.–12.03.2017
Rally France 06.04.–09.04.2017
Rally Argentina 27.04.–30.04.2017
Rally Portugal 18.05.–21.05.2017
Rally Italy 08.06.–11.06.2017
Rally Poland 29.06.–02.07.2017
Rally Finland 27.07.–30.07.2017
Rally Germany 17.08.–20.08.2017
Rally Spain 05.10.–08.10.2017
Rally Great Britain 26.10.–29.10.2017
Rally Australia 16.11.–19.11.2017

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

ŠKODA’s presence at the Geneva International Motor Show (7 - 19 March 2017) will include numerous world and exhibition premieres.

Two variants of the bestselling ŠKODA OCTAVIA model range will take centre stage at the stand in Hall 2: the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 with a power output of 180 kW (245 PS) and the revised ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT. The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT and the ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE will also be unveiled at the Palexpo in Geneva. Furthermore, the revised ŠKODA RAPID and the ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK will celebrate their debuts as well as the modified ŠKODA CITIGO. Last but not least, the ŠKODA FABIA will be presented with its new 1.0 TSI engine.

World premiere for the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 and ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT
The ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 – with its powerful engine and modern chassis technology including electronically regulated VAQ limited-slip differential – promises the ultimate driving experience. The compact athlete, with an increased power output of 180 kW (245 PS), is available as a hatchback and a Combi. The performance data is impressive: from a standing start, it takes only 6.6 seconds to reach 100 km/h, the top speed is limited to 250 km/h and maximum torque of 370 Nm is achieved between 1,600 and 4,300 rpm. Compared to the ‘standard’ models in the series, the sports chassis lowers the body by 15 mm; its rear track is 30 mm wider than that of its predecessor. The standard, burnished gloss-black alloy wheels are 19 inches in diameter. The ESC stability system with Sport mode and the electronically regulated VAQ limited-slip differential emphasise the car’s dynamic character, as do the progressive steering and the optional adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC).

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT comes with distinctive characteristics: a robust design in an off-road look, a wide variety of uses, powerful, yet efficient engines and all-wheel drive as standard. Its discrete, robust appearance is characterised by special features such as moulding on the bumpers, wheel arches and door sills, silver-coloured underbody protection at the front and rear, 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as a wider rear track. The standard equipment also includes the Rough-Road package, LED daytime running lights and the C-shaped LED tail lights.

World premiere for ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT and ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE
ŠKODA’s large SUV is a further highlight on the exhibition stand in Hall 2. The spotlight will be on two variants in particular. The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT and the ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE will be celebrating their world premiere. The Czech car manufacturer is continuing its campaign in the SUV segment with the new ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT model variant. The ŠKODA KODIAQ SCOUT comes equipped with all-wheel drive as standard and emphasises its off-road capabilities both visually and through its technological features. For fans of a sporty appearance, the Czech car manufacturer has designed the ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE as an elegant and dynamic SUV variant. The exterior and interior are both characterised by specially designed features. There is a choice of four engine versions available for the ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE: two TSI petrol engines and two TDI diesel engines ranging from 110 kW (150 PS) to 140 kW (190 PS). The ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE provides pure driving pleasure.

Premiere for the upgraded ŠKODA RAPID and ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK
The ŠKODA RAPID sets the benchmark for spaciousness amongst its direct competitors. Design and equipment have now been upgraded further. In Geneva, the ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK is on show in the particularly sporty Monte Carlo version. Numerous black design elements identify the 4,303-mm-long compact car as an athlete at first glance. Looking at the car’s rear, the longer rear window (now available as standard from the Style trim level upwards) is most eye-catching. Visually, it merges seamlessly into the large tailgate’s upper edge, which is also black.

Premiere for the upgraded ŠKODA CITIGO
The ŠKODA CITIGO and the ŠKODA CITIGO MONTE CARLO are presented in Geneva with a completely redesigned front section and an upgraded interior. The city runabout, available with three or five doors, impresses with a generous amount of space, an excellent layout, a high level of safety, good handling, new, particularly efficient MPI petrol engines and the traditionally attractive value for money.

Premiere for the ŠKODA FABIA with new three-cylinder 1.0-TSI engine
The third generation of the ŠKODA FABIA impresses with a dynamic and emotive design, a large amount of interior space, innovative safety, comfort and infotainment systems‚ and numerous ‘Simply Clever’ features. A new three-cylinder-engine is available with two different power outputs. Its aluminium pistons and the connecting rods are so well balanced that the engine runs almost friction-free, quietly and smoothly. Thanks to an increase in injection pressure to 250 bar, both power variants of the new 1.0-litre engine achieve good driving performance and reduction in fuel consumption of up to six per cent.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

On ŠKODA’s bike portal ‘We Love Cycling’, the ‘Lock Challenge 2017’ shows, how bicycles can best be secured.

With the new ‘Lock Challenge 2017’ campaign, ŠKODA is placing a focus on bicycle security. In its online cycling magazine ‘We Love Cycling’, the brand publishes fascinating stories, useful tips and entertaining videos on this topic. The campaign kicks off with a new video in which ŠKODA sends an amateur but determined thief around Barcelona to steal. Bicycles are the object of his desire. Watch the video at www.welovecycling.com to find out how successful he was in his mission, how passers-by reacted and what secret weapon he revealed for the most stubborn bicycle lock.

"ŠKODA has always been on the cyclists' side. After all, the company's history began 120 years ago with bicycle manufacturing," explains Stefan Büscher, Head of ŠKODA Marketing and Products, adding, “Bicycles are a great way of getting around city, especially in modern life. Unfortunately though, the more expensive bikes are stolen all too often. With the ‘Lock Challenge 2017’, we intend to highlight the topic of bicycle security, and give cyclists tips on how they can protect their bike even better. At the same time, we want to inspire even more people to take up cycling."

The amusing new video shows which bicycle locks can withstand a thief and which are a waste of money. The main character is a rookie bicycle thief with no previous kleptomaniac experience. His task is to try to open various bicycle locks and steal bikes on the streets of Barcelona. His opposition: a simple cable lock costing around €10, a standard U-lock – which appears stronger at first glance – and a U-lock made by a German manufacturer used in combination with a folding lock. The thief has two minutes per lock. He can use a bolt cutter and crowbar to help him, and he also has an unusual ace up his sleeve.

In the video, the culprit in a black hoody sidles up to the two-wheeler he is eyeing. As he pulls the bulky bolt cutters out of his bag, he’s already arousing more attention. How the different locks hold their ground in the ‘Lock Challenge’, how passers-by react to the brazen theft right in front of them and for which lock the perpetrator has to pull out his secret weapon can all be seen in the video at www.welovecycling.com.

With ‘We Love Cycling’, ŠKODA offers active cyclists a modern and diverse online magazine with fascinating bike-related stories. Furthermore, the online community facilitates a lively exchange of views and discussions about specialist topics. The negative side of life as a cyclist is also discussed and presented in a humorous way – including practical tips.

With the new video about the ‘Lock Challenge 2017’, ŠKODA has built on the successful production from 2015: back then, the clip of the ‘European Bike Stealing Championship 2015’ rocked the boat and went viral, reaching millions of people. ŠKODA was rewarded for this anti-bike-theft campaign at the prestigious British D&AD Awards, receiving the ‘Wooden Pencil’, and was honoured for the ‘Best Use of Video Content’ by New York’s Digiday.

For years, ŠKODA has dedicated itself as the ‘engine of cycling’ – partly because the roots of the long-standing Czech manufacturer lie in the production of bicycles: in 1895, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement founded a bicycle factory in the Bohemian town of Mladá Boleslav, the brand’s headquarters. Just ten years later, the ‘Voiturette A’ was the first motor car to roll out of the young company’s workshop. In 1925, Laurin & Klement merged with ŠKODA.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Elegant and affordable

The main headlights now shine with bi-xenon lights, the daytime running light uses LED technology. The modified fog lights shine in the newly designed lower part of the bumper. A narrow chrome strip connects the lights and creates a wider-looking front end. Black-tinted covers on the taillights in the distinctive C-shape give the rear an even sportier look.

The ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK now also features an extended rear window. The side view on both models is characterized by the long wheelbase and the coupe-like silhouette, with a sharp tornado line creating an interplay of light and shadow. The wheels are available in new designs: 15" COSTA, 16" EVORA and VIGO (also in black metallic), 17" TRIUS and TORINO (black polished for the Monte Carlo edition).

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Elegant and affordable

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