Skoda news

Car manufacturer, Skoda, have been in the news recently for a few reasons, from their high February sales and the upcoming Skoda Snowman to the decision to be made by Volkswagen on where to make a new SUV.

Skoda's February sales

The Czech brand revealed that sales had increased by 4.6% in February to 70,200 vehicles thanks in part to the strong European sales supported by the latest Octavia model. According to the company, European sales grew by 16%, while the number of Octavia model sold in western and central Europe jumped by a third.

With this, Skoda is in track to reach it's global sales target of 1 million cars.

Volkswagen SUV for Skoda and Seat

Parent company, Volkswagen, is close to deciding where to produce their new sports utility vehicle for it's subsidiary brands Skoda and Seat. The company is considering whether to use a plant in Spain or the Czech Republic.

Though an official announcement has yet to be made, it is rumoured the company have decided to use the Czech Republic plant to produce the SUV. A Skoda union official stated that no decision had been made and the company are due to meet with Volkswagen Chief Executive, Martin Winterkorn.

Jarolsav Povsik, Skoda's union group and supervisory board member, commented, “It is being considered but it is still not definite. Everything will depend on the results of a Friday meeting with VW general director Martin Winterkorn.”

No matter where the model is produced at the end of 2015, production will be for both the brands.

The Skoda Snowman SUV

Last December, Skoda boss, Winfried Varland, stated that an SUV will arrive in 2016 and recent reports suggest that the company will live up to it's promise. Towards the end of the year, in time for a 2016 launch, the Skoda group will begin production of their new SUV model at their Kvasiny factory in the Czech Republic. The model will receive the 'Snowman' moniker and will be produced alongside the company's current range of the Roomster, Yeti and Superb models.

The Snowman SUV will likely sit on a modified variant of the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform and should help towards the company's goal of being the largest automaker by 2018.

We'll keep you updated with more Skoda news, when it becomes available.