Skoda finishes 2008 as NZ's fastest growing brand

[Ssom]

Just some Skoda news from across the Tasman. Skoda finished 2008 with a 79.6% increase in sales to sell 325 cars, putting it as the 19th best selling passenger car brand (Though falls to 21st when FIAT and Land Rover LCV's are included). This was in a new car market that fell 5% from 2007.

86% of sales were diesel, thus prompting Skoda NZ to become a diesel only brand.

Best selling line was Octavia (197 units, a massive increase) followed by Fabia (98 Units, more than 5 times what the old one sold), while the remaining 30 sales were shared between the Roomster and both the new and old Superb.

Biggest selling single model was the Fabia 1.4 TDI, followed by the Octavia 1.9 TDI.

[GoLfMan]

I just came back from NZ and was amazed at how many Skodas I saw around the place.... It was great to see, because every other car over there seems to be a Subaru

[Ssom]

Yeah, Skodas are widely spread around Wellington and Auckland, probaly about 80% Octavia, but the new Fabia looks like it could do 150 units a year, which would make it very sustainable and profitable. Housing New Zealand have a fleet deal with Skoda, which helps as well.

I hear you on the Subaru thing, plenty of clapped out JUC Legacy GT wagons around the place with panel damage everywhere. Thankfully the market is moving a way from Imports thanks to new legislation + competition from Russia for JUC's.