Skoda Reports Higher Deliveries But Lower Profit

SkodaSkodaCzech Rep., 1895 > present57 models
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has released its 2012 fiscal report, and it tells a very interesting story. The Czech carmaker now has 25% of its sales and 30% of its production coming from China.

Skoda had delivered 939,000 vehicles to customers in 2012, a 6.8% increase, and a new record for the company. Of those, 235,000 were sold in China. it is the eighth consecutive year that Skoda has seen a sales increase. Sales in Western Europe fell slightly from 361,800 in 2011 to 358,400 in 2012, but market share increased to 3%, up 0.2%. There were sales gains in Eastern Europe and Russia. 

Its best-selling vehicle is the OctaviaSkoda Octavia (Modern) 3Czech Rep., 2013 > present141 versions
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, which had 409,600 units sold in 2012, up 5.8%. The FabiaSkoda Fabia Gen.2Czech Rep., 2007 > present280 versions
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was in second place with 240,500 sold, down from 266,800 in 2011. 

"We have achieved a new record for the sales and turnover, expanded our model range and further strengthened our position in the international automobile markets. We have invested in new models and capacities, as well as maintained a largely stable operating profit at a high level in a difficult economic environment," said Skoda Chairman Winfried Vahland.

While sales appear strong, Skoda actually had less profit than last year. Total revenue was up slightly to €10.438 billion, a 1.7% increase. However, profit before tax fell 8.9% over last year to €713 million.

Skoda does seem very serious about investing in its future. Investment in the company increased 46.5% to €832 million.

Skoda plans to add eight new or revised models in 2013. Among these new cars will be the Octavia CombiSkoda Octavia Break 1.2 T...Czech Rep., 2013 > present1 photo
, Combi 4X4, Octavia RSSkoda Octavia Combi RSCzech Rep., 2014 > 2000 and Octavia CNG. It plans to refresh its cars again in 2015.