Why is Skoda Australia NOT Advertising

**Skoda Convert** · 22-10-2009, 01:14 PM

Is it just me or does Skoda seem non existant in the Australian media? The last 5 weeks in the Age they have had no ads for any dealer or by them as a manufacturer and they haven;t had an add on TV since they aired the Superb adds on SBS during late night Tour De Frog.

If Proton can have adds running flat out in prime time why can't Skoda?

Maybe they are contented by 100 or so units nationally a month???

**anthony_VWJET** · 22-10-2009, 03:16 PM

I've seen some of their billboard ad campaigns - "convince your better half" (something along those lines) ...which even has its own website.

Just because you may not see their ads doesnt entirely mean that they dont have any going... even though you show interest in Skoda, you may not be part of their target audience.

**gregozedobe** · 22-10-2009, 04:09 PM

I've seen a fair few of those "convince your wife" ads (pushing the Oct vRS) in car magazines and daily papers.

**TuNeS** · 22-10-2009, 06:20 PM

I have seen several billboards with the 'convince your wife' line.

Also, I know it isnt advertising, but Skoda has had coverage on several websites by allowing cars to be tested (caradvice.com.au) and I have seen two seperate articles giving them a wrap in courier mail here is Brisbane.

**K1W1** · 22-10-2009, 08:15 PM

Advertising goes in cycles (no pun intended).
Skoda as an International company are heavily into sponsorship of major bicycle racing events and when the tour De France is on there are Skoda ads at every ad break on SBS for the entire 3 weeks.
Whether that is right or wrong who can say but I suspect that's a directive from head office and it may soak up a large proportion of the budget here in Australia.

**Skoda Convert** · 23-10-2009, 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by TuNeS

I have seen several billboards with the 'convince your wife' line.
.

I have seen the3 billboards to in Melb and Perth but it is starting appear as though you have to convince your better half the car even exists, then convince her she should buy it.

I have also seen the adverts you refer to but none of this is really having an impact on brand recognision here in OZ. For a brnad to have any real success they need to throw themselves at the masses, you can't sit in the background hoping people will somehow stumble across you.

All i know is that some discount book wharehouse in collingwood can advetise on melbourne TV flat out during prime time week in week out then why can't Skoda have a crack. It appears they feel they can replicate VW success and just really on print and internet reviews.

Sales @ Mentone Skoda · 23-10-2009, 08:05 AM

I have to admit the advertising is a little scamp but from someone who is on the showroom floor i can tell you that the small amount of advertising they are doing is working well.

People are coming in excited about the product and very much prepared to purchase based on thier research especially the RS and Superb buyers. I came from VW and yes we did do very well from the print media reviews but the brand had much more recognition here in Australia for many years before this so it is an unfair comparison. I think to that Skoda Australia are well and truly aware of the parametres they are working within, they to have an invested interest in seeing the brand work and advertising would only form a part of the overall grand plan i would think?!.

However the advertising they are doing is bringing in Skoda cliental that seem to be more focused on our product and maybe one other. For the best part everyone who walks in we would have sold to at least half to a third of them and of those we are getting trade-ins that have brought people over from Lexus, BMW, Peugeot, Mercedes to name a few which is also encouraging.

I'm sure there is a grand plan in there somewhere, like all major companies we'll all know about it when it happens and in time it will.

**TuNeS** · 23-10-2009, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by Skoda Convert

I have seen the3 billboards to in Melb and Perth but it is starting appear as though you have to convince your better half the car even exists, then convince her she should buy it.

I have also seen the adverts you refer to but none of this is really having an impact on brand recognision here in OZ. For a brnad to have any real success they need to throw themselves at the masses, you can't sit in the background hoping people will somehow stumble across you.

All i know is that some discount book wharehouse in collingwood can advetise on melbourne TV flat out during prime time week in week out then why can't Skoda have a crack. It appears they feel they can replicate VW success and just really on print and internet reviews.

Well, none of us know their marketing plan do we? They are a new company to Australia, so to be honest, I think drilling adds into people non-stop on TV isnt the right image. Also, if they advertise too much, there is a chance they may not be able to deliver due to car shortages which could be even worse to the brand image. Have a look on the briskoda forums.....people are waiting 3 months from ordering as they are such a popular car.

Sustained steady growth is the key. Have a look how long it took VW and subaru to get noticed and respected here. A company like VW wouldnt be bringing Skoda's in just for ****s and giggles....takes time. For the moment, I will continue to enjoy the 2nd looks everybody gives me when they dont know what my Octy is.