Skoda in China

[Damo105]

Have just been to China, and based on what I saw there Skoda's future is very bright. The Octavia is a very common sight on the streets of Beijing and Shanghai. There are literally thousands of them. Every day I'd see hundreds of them. There are also plenty of Superbs and Fabias getting about.

I had no idea they were selling so many cars there. I guess it makes sense, the growing Chinese middle class aspire to own European cars, and Skoda is a great entry point for them. In fact the VAG group is dominating in China. I'd say the majority of imported cars are VW, Audi or Skoda.

VW has obviously been in the market a long time, as there are older cars that are locally made and re-badged SEATS among others.

[Inego]

I'd say the majority of imported cars are VW, Audi or Skoda.

Skoda's been manufacturing cars in China for over 5 years, as has VW. Many of the newer VAG cars would be Chinese made rather than imports.

[zei20t]

that may be true for production. but I think we will probably get euro produced models being that the UK is a large RHD market and its closer for shipping them there.

most of China's production is for their own market, being that its huge. this isn't for ALL manufacturers.

I know the AUDI 'L' models are all Chinese made.

[dArK5HaD0w]

u should c how many millions r there in india!!!
china, india, russia, europe make of millions of units for VAG, via skoda.

sales in aus r just a blimp on the radar for VAG.

[Mysticality]

u should c how many millions r there in india!!!
china, india, russia, europe make of millions of units for VAG, via skoda.

sales in aus r just a blimp on the radar for VAG.

A mate of mine who lives in India has a Mk1 Laura (Octy)
When I took delivery of mine, he was freaking out!

[Jake02]

Skoda's first year in China was either 2007 or 2008 (I can't remember which exactly) and they sold almost 40,000 cars in their first full year. Skoda Australia almost sold 500 in their first full year... I read somewhere that Skoda China alone have sold almost 70,000 cars until the end of September this year, a very solid result, especially considering their products are slightly different and they sell no wagons, diesels or even the Yeti quite yet. They're developing a long wheelbase Yeti specifically for China too.

[Damo105]

A mate of mine who lives in India has a Mk1 Laura (Octy)
When I took delivery of mine, he was freaking out!

Yeah was in India in 2010 and saw plenty of Skodas there too. The Indian middle class think of Skoda as a somewhat prestigeous brand.

Curiously I only saw one VRS in China, and the rest were TSIs.

[Mysticality]

Yeah was in India in 2010 and saw plenty of Skodas there too. The Indian middle class think of Skoda as a somewhat prestigeous brand.

The Australian middle class think of Skoda as a somewhat prestigeous brand, too! >.<

[Jake02]

The Australian middle class think of Skoda as a somewhat prestigeous brand, too! >.<

Well, for the quality I think it's very prestigeous! In India the Superb is compared to the Honda Accord Seppo (the other big seller there) and I definitely think the Superb is prestigeous compared to the Honda. Skodas (Rapid aside) are just honest, high quality cars in their respective classes (as we all know).

[bobski]

Google translation of the VRS page...

"Who in the wake uninhibited soul of your heart? Who will meet you ride, beyond, leading the desire? The sports gene racing legend, of adhering Skoda RS Series coupe, new high-performance urban Octavia Octavia RS is equipped with a powerful driving force, given the sensitive manipulation driving recklessly Chi you to experience the passion of the dream of mastery."

Fabia range from between $13528 and $17529
Octavia VRS Price - $32458

Superb 118 From $27687
Superb with the 147Kw TSI (interesting!) - From $33997

Source
ChinaAutoWeb - Skoda Superb from Shanghai-Volkswagen

I imagine these are just advertised prices. Shows in Australia there is some fat for middlemen (and higher costs of lower volume) in the pricing.

[zei20t]

our costs are higher due to import taxes and duties etc. typical government rip-offs

if they manufacture a car locally, said taxes wouldn't apply.

[bobski]

our costs are higher due to import taxes and duties etc. typical government rip-offs

if they manufacture a car locally, said taxes wouldn't apply.

The government is a great middleman I think the import tarrif is now 5% and free trade countries will be 0%. GST, insurance, rego, stamp duty. So call it around $5k on a $30K Skoda.

[zei20t]

dont forget there is GST on tarrifs, yes thats tax on tax.

[Tigger]

I love the 'chinglish' translations of the marketing spiel!!
so poetic in the descriptions...
awesome!!

Imagine Aust marketing..."Buy it! its a bloody rippa!"

[Mysticality]

Imagine Aust marketing..."Buy it! its a bloody rippa!"

But it IS a bloody rippa! XD