Skoda Auto Jan-May sales up 17%

The car maker said the Chinese market has again contributed a great deal to the overall figures, where Skoda shipped 14,162 vehicles in May, and 68,977 in the five-month period into May.

Skoda’s sales in the domestic market grew by 20.9% in January till May 2010, reaching 24,700 vehicles.

The brand’s sales in United Kingdom and Spain grew by 72% and 65% respectively, while in Germany, in the aftermath of the end of the Government-subsidized car scrappage scheme, the sales fell 36%, but defended its leading position in the market.

“We have managed to make use of our strong position in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as profit from the company’s international profile, primarily in China, India and Russia where we keep growing. With the car scrappage schemes being over, the situation in Europe in 2010 remains a big challenge,” said Reinhard Fleger, Skoda Auto board of directors member for sales and marketing.

In May, Skoda Auto sold 63,349 vehicles, 10% more than the same period of last year.

Just like in the previous months, Skoda’s worldwide best-selling model in May was Octavia (26,967 units, up 16.7%). There is also big demand for Superb (+193.3%, 9,217 vehicles) and for Yeti (500%, 4,266 vehicles).