Skoda Sales

[Elektron]

I can only speak for my own experience but the salesman I dealt with at Skoda Rockdale was excellent. Can't remember his name, it was a strange name, he was Czech I think. But he was super knowledgeable and very happy to spend a lot of time with me. He took me for a tet drive in the Fabia RS and the Octavia RS, and unlike 99% of other car salesmen, actually followed up with me several times. And although I didn't buy a car off him in the end I almost wanted to just to give the guy a sale, as he worked so hard for it..

I've dealt with him too, his name was Vojta. Unfortunately he left the dealership and is now selling Audis. Having said that, he was very passionate about Skoda and being Czech probably had a little to do with it too. I think I might have mentioned somewhere else that he actually prepared and gave out his own material on Skoda cars, such the company car and model history, articles of interest, etc...

And agreed, his conduct was great, he sold us our Superb but left the dealership before it arrived. Nonetheless, he sent an SMS (tried calling) explaining he's leaving the company and providing details of people that will continue to be in touch with us.

The following salesman were actually quite good too but admittedly he had limited knowledge of Skodas being lifted from the Kia arm of the dealership on short notice.

[brad]

I don't really care how people see me Brad, I will always support the product because it truly deserves it. If that means dealing with idiots along the way (Skoda dealers, Skoda Australia, haters, some people on here, etc) then so be it.

Also, because I can't be bothered replying on the other post (who started this thread twice??), I know I say it every time but I think this time with the new Octavia will be different - it's so much better this time around.

Yeti was their big sales booster. Fabia was the big sales booster. New Octavia will be the next saviour despite moving into a very busy segment.

You remind me of Monty Pythons Black Knight.

[VAG newbie]

VW may call the shots here but the sales staff on the floor have a lot to answer for. The knowledge of the brand by the salesman in Wollongong was abysmal. He confused KESSY with stop/start technology; didn't realise there were 2 types of steering wheels; wasn't sure what the front/rear bias of the AWD was and much more. I think the Superb wagon should be stealing Mazda 6 buyers in droves but it isn't happening. While there are limited dealerships and poor salesmen (and women) the brand will struggle. As far as the model names go; they date back to the original Skodas of the 1930s (and earlier) so maybe there needs to be a re-think. Other brands use different model names and designations in different countries so maybe VW(Aust) should consider this option.

I disagree that lack of knowledge is the main reason. Most people nowadays have access to internet, and many people know the car they are getting already. If you are talking about an old lady who doesn't know how to use google, she won't know the difference between KESSY and stop/start either, and she won't care how many spokes does the steering wheel come with,a dn won't even use the shift paddles. In fact, these old ladies won't even walk into a Skoda showroom. They will be happy with a Corolla and drive at 30km/h on the freeway.

I recently was researching on the new Mitsubishi Outlander. I was looking at the top-spec Aspire but I wasn't sure whether it comes with Bixenon or not. I asked 2 sales person from 2 different dealers, both reassured me that it comes with Bixenon. I went to the show room, turn the head light myself, it was just halogen. The sales person was still trying to tell me that was xenon. Hello, I am not color blind! That didn't stop Mitsubishi Outlander being one of Australia's best sellers.

I was also looking into the Liberty X. Asked a dealer if they have one in stock for me to test drive. "You mean the XV?" They asked. "No, not the XV. I am looking for the high riding sedan, called Liberty X" I said. "We have Liberty 2.5i, never heard of Liberty X." "Well, you better go on Subaru Australia Official Site: New Cars, Used Cars, Test Drives and do some homework!" That didn't stop Subaru's sale.

As I said in another post. It is definitely related with the ridiculous pricing of the Skoda range, which VWaG has full control of.

Skodas are bloody good, well engineered cars, with plenty of unique & advantageous design features which never get a mention. The reason they are reported as they are above, is to me totally a product of flawed or non existent marketing strategy. Meanwhile, we owners can look forward to keep crossing zeros off the end of the value number, it seems.

Fully agree with you Brad. All the people that sat in my Superb were extremely impressed. They are just not getting enough people to sit behind the wheel. But even if you can get people behind the wheel, there will be no doubt that people will compare it to the equivalent VW. VW also makes bloody good, well engineered cars. So when the price/equipment equation favors VW, (which is almost all the cars in the Skoda's range now), 99/100 will choose VW. You have to be a Skoda fanatic like me to pick a Superb over Passat. But even for me, as the Passat is getting much better value for money, I just can't justify to spent more money to buy a less equipped Superb. If you optioned electric seat, Xenon, a Passat is about the same price as the equivalent Superb, yet you get RVC, Driver's assistance package including land departure and blind spot warning, LED daylight running light, stop/start, MDI, driver's fatigue detection, electronic parking brake and the VW badge! Why would anyone buy a Skoda?

[Shakey]

I disagree that lack of knowledge is the main reason. Most people nowadays have access to internet, and many people know the car they are getting already. If you are talking about an old lady who doesn't know how to use google, she won't know the difference between KESSY and stop/start either, and she won't care how many spokes does the steering wheel come with,a dn won't even use the shift paddles. In fact, these old ladies won't even walk into a Skoda showroom. They will be happy with a Corolla and drive at 30km/h on the freeway.

I recently was researching on the new Mitsubishi Outlander. I was looking at the top-spec Aspire but I wasn't sure whether it comes with Bixenon or not. I asked 2 sales person from 2 different dealers, both reassured me that it comes with Bixenon. I went to the show room, turn the head light myself, it was just halogen. The sales person was still trying to tell me that was xenon. Hello, I am not color blind! That didn't stop Mitsubishi Outlander being one of Australia's best sellers.

I was also looking into the Liberty X. Asked a dealer if they have one in stock for me to test drive. "You mean the XV?" They asked. "No, not the XV. I am looking for the high riding sedan, called Liberty X" I said. "We have Liberty 2.5i, never heard of Liberty X." "Well, you better go on Subaru Australia Official Site: New Cars, Used Cars, Test Drives and do some homework!" That didn't stop Subaru's sale.

As I said in another post. It is definitely related with the ridiculous pricing of the Skoda range, which VWaG has full control of.



Fully agree with you Brad. All the people that sat in my Superb were extremely impressed. They are just not getting enough people to sit behind the wheel. But even if you can get people behind the wheel, there will be no doubt that people will compare it to the equivalent VW. VW also makes bloody good, well engineered cars. So when the price/equipment equation favors VW, (which is almost all the cars in the Skoda's range now), 99/100 will choose VW. You have to be a Skoda fanatic like me to pick a Superb over Passat. But even for me, as the Passat is getting much better value for money, I just can't justify to spent more money to buy a less equipped Superb. If you optioned electric seat, Xenon, a Passat is about the same price as the equivalent Superb, yet you get RVC, Driver's assistance package including land departure and blind spot warning, LED daylight running light, stop/start, MDI, driver's fatigue detection, electronic parking brake and the VW badge! Why would anyone buy a Skoda?

I've owned several good cars over the years. Some have been notable and great sellers. My last car was a Subaru Liberty GT. Yes...it stuck to the road like preverbal to a blanket, was quick off the mark, handled well and had good re-sale. But spare parts were difficult to obtain, servicing was expensive and it wasn't a comfortable car on long trips.

I've now got a Suberb sedan purchased new about two months ago. (All options) I've now done about 4,500 ks all being country trips and I recken it's the most comfortable car I've ever owned. Not to mention great fuel economy. (TDI - Average 5.4 Lts to 100 Ks) It's mostly done country trips.

From what I can see Skoda is suffering the following:

1. I agree with some of you about salesman and product knowledge. But the general public don't know too much about Skoda either. My salesman told me that puddle lights on the demo were put on by the manager as he had it optioned up. This was one of many tall stories told to me. But...I had done my home work and ignored what he said. I knew more about the car than him.
2. I don't believe the dealers are given enough information or training about Skoda. This is a poor reflection on VAG and Skoda Management.
3. There is not enough advertising of the product in Australia. In recent stories in the age & Cars Guide, both Holden & Ford failed to sell cars to Government because cars didn't meet "Green guide" purchasing requirements for Governments. Skoda should now jump on this with the engines already meeting Euro 5 emmisions and great fuel ecomomy.
4. Better re-sale value is needed to combat poor sales. Skoda should offer guarenteed buy back for used Skoda vehicles on trade in time. This forces other dealers to lift their trade-in prices of used Skodas and protects future sales. It also creates repeatative business.
5. Market the Superb the same way Audi markets the A6 or Mercedes C Class. Realisiculy...they are same quality car.
6. Do not remove some options from MDI when vehicles shipped to Australia. Keep options same as europe.
7. More advertising and marketing across all media aspects.
8. Increase warrantee period to 5 years. The Jananese and Koreans can do it! Why can't Skoda?
9. Increase the dealer network across Australia. This should be a task taken on by VAG.
10. Have a dedicated facebook page for the vehicle and not other trivial items which have nothing to do with motoring. (Have a look at thier FB page and you'll see it can be full of rubbish and nothing to do with Skoda cars)
11. Compete against clients for VW,Audi,Mercedes and other euro brands for sales.
12. Keep the vehicles fresh with modern techknowlegy and offer factory kit to people with slightly older models.


Above all...listen to us. This forum and people who own Skoda vehicles who already know they are a great car.

Shakey!

[brad]

Point 9 should read "Increase service network across Australia to include VW & Audi service centres". VWAUS/Skoda promised to do it but never did. I don't think we need more dealers (do we?).

[2009fsi]

VW Australia own Skoda Australia, as a result, they decide what models, the pricing, servicing and the marketing strategy for Skoda.
VW Australia will not aggressively promote the Skoda brand when they have their own to sell.
Everywhere else (worldwide), Skoda does their own thing, governed by VWaG.
Here, Skoda can't do their own thing. They do as per VW Aus.
As long as this is the case, don't expect to see Skoda up there with strong sales in Australia.

Thanks for that explanation dArK5HaD0w, it explains a lot. I thought Skoda ran the operation here as they do elsewhere in the world. If VWag calls the shots 100%, then you can bet executive KPIs & annual bonuses will not be served well by selling more Skodas. That would also explain why one doesn't see a single Skoda in vicinity of the Chullora HQ anymore.
If one remembers the history, Czechs & Germans have not exactly been the best of mates through the last century. My impression in deciding to buy my Superb was the Czechs nationally & Skoda are striving to recapture their pre 1940s reputation for high quality engineering & innovative design; the very reason old Adolph invaded them first.

Various have made the comment that people who notice their Superb or sit in it are always impressed. I've had the same response. Numerous people have approached me around shops or in carparks, to ask about the car when they see the boot/hatch transition used. (BMW are introducing similar in new models) Without exception the sedan boot space amazes everyone. They look at the car from the outside & presume the boot must be tiny.

People who actually sit in the car are amazed by the ease of access. Not braining ones self on the roof or pilar when getting in, for starters. The quality of finish impresses some, including a Automotive trimmer I know who was very interesed in how Skoda had engineered aircon outlets through out the car & the standard of the stitching of the leather upholstery. When one goes over the two, the Superb gains a huge amount over the Passat on only a small increase in Chassis length. Far be it for me to suggest VWAG ought to rebadged the Superb as a "Passat" & drop the current Passat, they might sell a damned sight more cars in the Medium/Family market. I see no sense in having two cars in the same stable competing against each other. Mind you, I wouldn't buy a current model Passat, because they are cramped compared with Superb. Both really only seat 4 adults, but at least the Superb has room enough for comfort. Sadly, I think VWAG's likely action before long might be quite partisan & bury Superb.

Cheers to all.

PS: I don't know if I'm the one to upset someone by starting this particular thread, but my post as I saw it was all in the context of Superb, a great car, lost in the wildreness.

[brad]

it's a good thread but i think it isn't just relevant to Superb.

I often recomend Skoda (new or used) to my friends. They know I've had fantastic service from mine but I may as well tell them to shove a cucumber up their date because their reaction & response is quite similar. They just think I own some weird, quirky, low volume, niche vehicle that was made in a dilapidated Eastern Block factory by a bunch of Vodka influenced comrades.

One of my mates wants to buy a 2nd hand mazda3. I suggested a 118TSI Octavia because for the same age & mileage they are about $3k cheaper. It's like piddling into a strong Southerly.

[BluChris]

Can you blame them Brad? As a now ex-Skoda Octavia owner I freely admit that while I thought of Skoda in the European context when I bought - a proud, long-existing manufacturer that went to the dogs under communist rule and successfully resurrected itself when conditions improved in the Czech Republic and VW injected money, in reality VAG positions Skoda as a weird, quirky, low volume niche brand here. The stagnant sales and lack of push from VAG is testament to that.

I could live with the fringe nature of the product, but very many people in Australia fear being seen as non-conformist. They need the approval that comes with mainstream acceptance. Even enthusiast friends thought I was resonably insane to risk a Skoda.

I couldn't live with the inconvenient and ridiculously expensive dealer servicing, (expensive) misdiagnosis of simple problems, (expensive) regular minor issues my car seemed to develop at 4 years old but with low K's, frustrating uncertainty about what servicing needed to be done when and endless repeat visits to (not) resolve said minor issues.

My resale was acceptable, but there are plenty who feel they have been burnt (largely with the more expensive variants it seems).

You have to ask - for most people, why would you buy a Skoda? if you want this kind of product VW seems a safer bet in terms of recognition, resale, dealer network etc.

Otherwise, like me, you go mainstream and steer clear of all VAG products. A real pity because I still like Skoda but the downside is too great and I'm no fan of VW servicing either...

[brad]

No, I can't blame them.

I'll be keeping my Octy until it is no longer an economic repair. Why? Because it's worth <$10k if the similar 118tsi's on carsales are any indication (2007/2008 models with 80,000km - 100,000km). Normally this would annoy me but the timing is right as my eldest is about to start driving so i'll transition ownership to her over the next couple of years & make it the family hand-me down for the 2 kids.

Would I buy another? maybe I'll consider either a used Superb wagon or a Roomster if the depreciation is similar to my car. Otherwise I might get a WRX or maybe a used Renault Megane or a SAAB (may as well get a really marginalised/niche vehicle)

[Lemonskin]

I've dealt with him too, his name was Vojta. Unfortunately he left the dealership and is now selling Audis. Having said that, he was very passionate about Skoda and being Czech probably had a little to do with it too. I think I might have mentioned somewhere else that he actually prepared and gave out his own material on Skoda cars, such the company car and model history, articles of interest, etc...

And agreed, his conduct was great, he sold us our Superb but left the dealership before it arrived. Nonetheless, he sent an SMS (tried calling) explaining he's leaving the company and providing details of people that will continue to be in touch with us.

The following salesman were actually quite good too but admittedly he had limited knowledge of Skodas being lifted from the Kia arm of the dealership on short notice.

That was him! He'll do well selling Audi's. He's one of the two best car salesmen I've ever met (The other guy was at the Toyota dealership in Parramatta, his name is Sarge. He's probably selling Ferrari's by now!)