VW Group's Skoda Division Sets New Record in 2010 with 762,600 Sales

The once ailing Skoda brand is turning out to be a solid investment for the Volkswagen Group as the Czech automaker is breaking one sales record after the other. In the year that just passed on, Skoda Auto recorded is best-ever sales results delivering 762,000 vehicles, which represents an increase of 11.5% over 2009 when it sold 684,200 units. Furthermore, the company broke the threshold of three quarters of a million vehicles sold in a single year for the first time in its history.

Commenting on the results, Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland, Chairman of the Board of Skoda Auto said:

“In 2010, Škoda achieved an outstanding performance. In almost all markets, we have had significant growth and increased our market share. Once again, our sales have risen at a double-digit pace. In the most significant developing markets, our growth rates are above 40%. Within the framework of the Škoda growth strategy, we will shift up a gear in the coming years. By 2018, we want to at least double our worldwide sales. In order to do so, we will clearly expand the Škoda model range and strengthen the activities in international markets."

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New VW Passat Lingyu: Skoda-Based Sedan Makes World Debut in Shanghai

On the opening day of the Auto Shanghai 2009, Volkswagen lifted the covers on its new domestic market mid-size sedan, the Passat Lingyu. For those that like paying attention to details, the Lingyu is essentially a previous-generation Skoda Superb with a new front and rear-end design. If you're not already confused, then this will help: in turn, the previous Skoda Superb was based on the last generation Passat featuring a longer wheelbase and different nose and tail design...

Like its Czech counterpart, the Passat Lingyu has a 2803mm long wheelbase offering plenty of space for the rear passengers. Volkswagen's China-built Passat will be available with various powertrains including a V6 engine and a 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline unit with 160HP that returns 6.2lt/100km or 38mpg US.

During VW's press conference in Shanghai, Dr. Winfried Vahland, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, said: "VW sales figure in the first quarter of this year has clearly exceeded our expectation at the beginning of the year. We have complemented our product portfolio with our new locally produced stars Passat New Lingyu and New Golf. Additionally, we have displayed the most advanced and environment-friendly technologies."

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

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Skoda's Superb Greenline becomes the Czech Republic’s official EU Presidency vehicle

The most eco-friendly version of Skoda's flagship model, the Superb Greenline, is to be used as the official vehicle by the Czech Republic government to transport EU ministers and delegations visiting the country. Overall, VW's Czech subsidiary has provided the government with 27 vehicles. The first event to see the Superb GreenLines in action is this weekend's EU-US summit that will take place in Prague and will be attended by US president Barack Obama as part of his first official visit to Europe. However, don't expect to see Obama riding one of the Skodas.

Skoda Auto PR Manager Radek Spicar comments: "We are pleased that the Superb GreenLine is to be used as the official vehicle when Barack Obama visits the country. We are aware of his positive attitude to environmental protection and giving environmentally-friendly vehicles political support is very important in terms of increasing the number of such vehicles in general."

"We are really pleased that the vehicles will also be used to transport the EU environment ministers in Prague - this is surely going to be seen as an example worth following," he concluded.

According to Skoda's official data, the Superb GreenLine which is equipped with a 105HP 1.9-liter turbo diesel emits a mere 136 g/km and has an combined fuel consumption of 5.1 lt per 100 km or 46.1 MPG (US).

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

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Skoda Superb

Skoda Superb is an automobile marvel. Skoda Auto India Pvt. Ltd. announced the launch of this luxury sedan in June 2004. Over the passing years, the car has bewitched its buyers with its attractive styling, exquisite interiors and superior performance. A huge cabin space is offered by the car, which gives its occupants a luxurious sense that is never felt before. Skoda Superb fits the budget of upper-middle class buyers perfectly. The automobile is available in both petrol and diesel variants.

Engine
At the heart of the petrol model of Skoda Superb lies a powerful 2.8L 30-valve V6 gasoline engine, which pumps out a mind blowing 193 bhp of power at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 280 Nm @ 3200 rpm. The diesel variants of the automobile are powered by 2.5 L V6 engine that churns out a power of 163 bhp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm @ 3000 rpm.

Design And Comfort
Powerful Bi-Xenon headlights, with integrated fog lamps, adorn the frontage of Skoda Superb. The stylish design of the luxurious car is accentuated by chrome detailing in the interiors as well as exteriors. Adding to the sophistication is the outside rear view mirror, with built-in turn signal lamps. Electrically operated sunroof can be slide-opened at the touch of a button. The headlamps of Superb are equipped with inbuilt power washers, for daylight visibility. The cushioned seats provide a comfortable ride for five people.

Interiors
The plush interiors of Skoda Superb truly mesmerize its occupants. The cabin is full of small storage spaces that are tucked away within easy reach. A unique climate controlled travel box is fitted into the flip-out rear seat armrest. There is a wet case for storing umbrella as well. Climatronic air conditioning system is integrated on the dash, with vents located on the front and rear portion of the cabin. The central console and gear knob look elegant with wooden finish. The instrument cluster of Skoda Superb consists of CD player, with MP3 playback.

Ride And Handling
The multi function steering wheel of Skoda Superb is height and reach adjustable, providing you great driving comfort. Adding to the driving pleasure is the four-way electrically adjustable driver's seat. Effortless driving is also facilitated by cruise control of the car.

Safety
Skoda Superb is laden with safety features that facilitate safe driving and help the driver to acquire control over the vehicle at critical situations. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Acceleration Skid Restrain System (ASR), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Electronic Brake Assistance (EBA) are the key safety features of Skoda Superb. The car is equipped with six airbags in order to shield the driver and co-passengers in the event of collisions.

Variants, Price And Color
Skoda Superb is available in three variants - Comfort 2.5 V6 TDi AT, Elegance 2.5 V6 TDi AT and Elegance 2.8 V6 MPI AT. The luxury sedan is priced at Rs 23.45 lakh (approx). It comes in three colors - Candy White, Black Magic and Diamond Silver.

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