Skoda marketing

[wombatoutofhell]

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Does anybody remember the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show? One lonely dirty, battered Scout (that Scout Around Australia one) on some rocks behind a barrier in the corner of the VW stand. When I asked about Skodas I was politely told to find a dealer in the phone book because the person i asked knew nothing about them.

There were a few skodas-i spent a fair bit of time there. It was the Australian debut of the Superb for a start, the facelifted octavia was there in sedan and wagon and also a vRS with the new interior but the old exterior. And the scout you've allready mentioned. I think there was something else but I forget what-I'll have to check my photos. They had some merchandise (I got a polo shirt) and they had their own sales counter, not Volkswagons.
The Superb was a 1.8 model which Bayford had for a bit afterwards as I was invited over for a test drive. I was quite stoked to drive a brand new (to Australia anyway) model that wasn't even on sale yet!

[woofy]

I didn't realize there was an Indonesian tie with Richmond Audi etc. That explains how Adil came from banking to be there and is now at the Audi centre.

And yep ad you mentioned Dave, that's exactly what I saw at the show, so either kiwi somehow missed all that or Skoda set up late and he went early on.

[Swuzzlebubble]

The Saab dealership in Richmond is really suffering trying to sell 2005-2009 models on their new model showroom floor space. It is rrreaaalllyy sad. However, expect them (according to sales staff) to have new models on the floor by about October. Pitty, would have been a good place for Skoda to branch out on their own away from the Audi snobs!

SAAB only have the new/facelift 9-3x coming soon don't they? The totally new 9-5 is not on radar here yet, afaik, which otherwise might have been worth a look before commiting to a Superb or something else).

[Bayford Skoda]

Correct. Penfolds own the Audi Centre Doncaster along with the one in Burwood. They also have a VW service centre in a back street behind the Audi Centre in Doncaster. I have a mate who takes his Golf there.

The VW service centre out the back of Audi is owned by our group and is seperate from Audi all together...

[K1W1]

The VW service centre out the back of Audi is owned by our group and is seperate from Audi all together...

That's good to know. I've heard good things about it.

[RSwag]

Correct. Penfolds own the Audi Centre Doncaster along with the one in Burwood. They also have a VW service centre in a back street behind the Audi Centre in Doncaster. I have a mate who takes his Golf there.

The Richmond Skoda is part of the same group that owns the Richmond Audi and the City Audi Centre in Swanston St. I don't know whether or not there is an association with the Saab / Hummer in Richmond other them being neighbours. I believe the Audi / Skoda business is owned by an Indonesian group.

I heard that Adil the manager, his uncle owns the entire group, that's what the Audi bloke said about 7 months ago. It's really interesting how many dealers are foreign owned. All those millions heading offshore , I believe that Bayfords are one if a few very large groups that are still Australian owned and run but not 100% on this.

[Bayford Skoda]

I heard that Adil the manager, his uncle owns the entire group, that's what the Audi bloke said about 7 months ago. It's really interesting how many dealers are foreign owned. All those millions heading offshore , I believe that Bayfords are one if a few very large groups that are still Australian owned and run but not 100% on this.

Thats correct... 3rd generation family business. Charles Bayford is the 4th generation and is a very active Dealer Principal for Skoda and Kia. Even works on Saturday's

[K1W1]

All those millions heading offshore , I believe that Bayfords are one if a few very large groups that are still Australian owned and run but not 100% on this.

All the metro Subaru dealers are owned by Inchcape a UK based company (who used to be the VW/Seat/Subaru importers up until the early 1990's) and there is obviously Barloworld who are South African based and the group that owns the City Audi and Richmond Skoda / Audi but other than those I think it would be safe to say that the majority of Melbourne dealerships at least are Australian owned.

[bobski]

You are already buying a car thats completely made overseas and so 95% of your hard earned would go there regardless. And the profit part that does go overseas is good because thats why they are employing Australians to manage, deliver, sell and service your car.