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  • Skoda Sales

    I'm often at a loss to connect what I read in forums & my own experience as a Skoda owner. While others are seeing lots of other Skodas about, I'm lucky to see one, (except for my sisters Occy), per quarter. Maybe the fact there is no dealer in my immediate area is the reason for that, even though I'm not far from the Skoda/Audi/VW HQ.

    Today's SMH online is carrying a run down on data just released on car sales. Sadly, Skoda is listed as an unloved brand.
    Skoda

    When the market is up 10 per cent, most makers would hope their sales would be up by more than that. But Skoda didn't manage to do any better in 2012 than it did in 2011. In fact, it sold just one more car last year than in the previous 12 months, which meant its growth was a stagnant 0.0 per cent. After being on sale in Australia for five years, Skoda somehow managed to sell fewer cars in November than Opel, which only started selling cars here in September. Volkswagen's Czech arm will be looking to the new Rapid sedan to put it on buyers' wishlists in 2013.
    That to me only reflects the invisibility of Superb & now Octavia in the market place.

    This Snippet from another article on the same site really does beg the question that should be being asked in Skoda/VAG HQ; Why is it that Toyota is able to propel Camry & Aurion sales to the top of the sedan pile, but our V6 & 103TDIs don't even register on the chart. My Supeb V6 is parked in the side street outside, between my neighbours Aurion V6 & his wife's Camry. I defy anyone to tell me which one of those 3 cars is bigger or smaller than the other.

    In contrast, sales Toyota’s locally-made Camry rose by more than a third. The Camry and its V6 twin, the Aurion (they are essentially the same car with different engines) have taken over from the Commodore as Australia’s favourite family car.
    I will never understand why Skoda/VAg chose to throw the Superb into the Australian market with a "Large car" label in 2009. Nor will I ever understand why they seem to have been happy to attach a "quirky" label to every Skoda launched. Skoda marketing may know, but somehow I doubt anyone can explain the strategy. Launch & forget seems to be the strategy.

    My background is engineering up to a group general manager of one of Australia's biggest companies, before retirement. If one were responsible for sales of Skoda, I would expect the relevant COE or chairman ought to be on the phone demanding demanding to know,"Why is it so?" I'd expect to be told to find another job too, if I was responsible.

    Skodas are bloody good, well engineered cars, with plenty of unique & advantageous design features which never get a mention. The reason they are reported as they are above, is to me totally a product of flawed or non existent marketing strategy. Meanwhile, we owners can look forward to keep crossing zeros off the end of the value number, it seems.

    It occurs to me the (quirky) buyer finds Skoda, rather than Skoda reaching out to buyers. Anyone else get that impression?
    Last edited by 2009fsi; 04-01-2013, 08:41 PM.

  • #2
    Re: Skoda Sales

    Oh definitely.
    Most of the people I know don't even know Skoda is a brand of car at all. If they want to be taken seriously in the market, Skoda Australia need to get the name into the mainstream. Much of their current marketing is aimed at the lycra mafia and very little else

    Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2
    NOW: 2018 MY19 Kodiaq Luxury and Tech Packs: 132kW Petrol 7DSG Sunroof and Ivory Leather
    HISTORY: 2012 Fabia RS (FOR SALE) ; 2013 Fabia RS (SOLD); 2015 Octavia RS 135TDI (SOLD)

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    • #3
      That is really disappointing news that they have only sold 3502 cars this year after looking very promising a few months ago. I checked the figures on caradvice.com.au and there was a bit in there. Octavia sales were down 41% to 914 and Superb sales were down 24.9% to 653. The Superb results aren't so hard to understand as it's segment was down about 20% but its lucky there is a new Octavia on the way as it has gone against the trend with it's segment up 15% for the year. There were 722 Fabias sold for the year in the light car class.

      I was able to work out that Yeti sales were around 1013 (Tiguan 6871) as they said they were up 134% on last year's total (433). That leaves about 200 sales unaccounted for, which I'm guessing is the Roomster and possibly the Scout (putting it in the SUV category as they did with the Subaru XV).

      Not only were they outsold by Opel in November but December as well (122 to 116). The Rapid and new Octy can't come soon enough along with a new sales strategy.

      edit - on another article they have Superb sales up 280.7% to 1085 in the large car under $70k. http://www.caradvice.com.au/206679/c...s-popular-car/
      Last edited by Rooboy; 04-01-2013, 11:09 PM.
      Indium Grey Golf 7.5 Alltrack 135tdi Premium - all options

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      • #4
        Originally posted by Rooboy View Post
        Octavia sales were down 41% to 914 and Superb sales were down 24.9% to 653.
        That's because Skoda Australia launched a newer and arguably more interesting, relevant (especially to Australians and our love for compact SUVs) and well-rounded vehicle in the Yeti. They also kept Superb and Octavia at the same price/equipment levels. The Rapid and new Octavia will do very well for the brand because their styling is much nicer than any Skoda before it. You read the comments on Australian motoring sites from 2007-2011 and all people say is how they don't like the styling. Most comments on the new Octavia articles were positive and that was towards the styling alone. Skoda's one main international flaw has been fixed as far as I'm concerned, now Skoda Australia really have to push marketing and value.
        Last edited by Jake02; 05-01-2013, 12:07 AM.
        Mine: Silver 2006 Volkswagen Golf Sportline 2.0FSI 6M (with a sunroof)
        Parents': Candy White 2008 Skoda Octavia RS 2.0TFSI 6M Liftback

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        • #5
          VW Australia own Skoda Australia, as a result, they decide what models, the pricing, servicing and the marketing strategy for Skoda.
          VW Australia will not aggressively promote the Skoda brand when they have their own to sell.
          Everywhere else (worldwide), Skoda does their own thing, governed by VWaG.
          Here, Skoda can't do their own thing. They do as per VW Aus.
          As long as this is the case, don't expect to see Skoda up there with strong sales in Australia.
          MY17 Superb 162TSI, Business Grey, Tech+Comfort Pack, APR ECU+TCU Stg 1, SLA, Rieger Splitter + Side Skirts, Eibach Pro-Kit Springs, Hardrace Swaybar, TPMS
          sigpic

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          • #6
            VW may call the shots here but the sales staff on the floor have a lot to answer for. The knowledge of the brand by the salesman in Wollongong was abysmal. He confused KESSY with stop/start technology; didn't realise there were 2 types of steering wheels; wasn't sure what the front/rear bias of the AWD was and much more. I think the Superb wagon should be stealing Mazda 6 buyers in droves but it isn't happening. While there are limited dealerships and poor salesmen (and women) the brand will struggle. As far as the model names go; they date back to the original Skodas of the 1930s (and earlier) so maybe there needs to be a re-think. Other brands use different model names and designations in different countries so maybe VW(Aust) should consider this option.

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            • #7
              Originally posted by Jake02 View Post
              That's because Skoda Australia launched a newer and arguably more interesting, relevant (especially to Australians and our love for compact SUVs) and well-rounded vehicle in the Yeti. They also kept Superb and Octavia at the same price/equipment levels. The Rapid and new Octavia will do very well for the brand because their styling is much nicer than any Skoda before it. You read the comments on Australian motoring sites from 2007-2011 and all people say is how they don't like the styling. Most comments on the new Octavia articles were positive and that was towards the styling alone. Skoda's one main international flaw has been fixed as far as I'm concerned, now Skoda Australia really have to push marketing and value.
              Jake I admire your optimism but you've been playing the same tune for 3 years & Skoda keeps making you look like a fool.

              edit: & this thread should be merged with the sales thread in the Octavia section.

              BTW: Did Weisner leave because he felt his hands were tied or was he pushed? Surely his superiors didn't think his results were acceptable?
              Last edited by brad; 05-01-2013, 03:03 PM.
              carandimage The place where Off-Topic is On-Topic
              I used to think I was anal-retentive until I started getting involved in car forums

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              • #8
                I'd have to think the "quirky" marketing (and product design) leaves limited scope for sales increases. Maybe more of an emphasis on "this is VW technology" and "made in Europe" would help. And FFS (and this doesn't bother me, but it surely does others), would it blow the budget to put a couple more bits of aluminium/chrome bling around the cabin, say around the radio or on the door handles, for instance?
                Now gone.... 2012 Skoda Fabia RS

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by brad View Post
                  Jake I admire your optimism but you've been playing the same tune for 3 years & Skoda keeps making you look like a fool.
                  I don't really care how people see me Brad, I will always support the product because it truly deserves it. If that means dealing with idiots along the way (Skoda dealers, Skoda Australia, haters, some people on here, etc) then so be it.

                  Also, because I can't be bothered replying on the other post (who started this thread twice??), I know I say it every time but I think this time with the new Octavia will be different - it's so much better this time around.
                  Last edited by Jake02; 06-01-2013, 12:56 AM.
                  Mine: Silver 2006 Volkswagen Golf Sportline 2.0FSI 6M (with a sunroof)
                  Parents': Candy White 2008 Skoda Octavia RS 2.0TFSI 6M Liftback

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Albervin View Post
                    VW may call the shots here but the sales staff on the floor have a lot to answer for. The knowledge of the brand by the salesman in Wollongong was abysmal. He confused KESSY with stop/start technology; didn't realise there were 2 types of steering wheels; wasn't sure what the front/rear bias of the AWD was and much more. I think the Superb wagon should be stealing Mazda 6 buyers in droves but it isn't happening. While there are limited dealerships and poor salesmen (and women) the brand will struggle. As far as the model names go; they date back to the original Skodas of the 1930s (and earlier) so maybe there needs to be a re-think. Other brands use different model names and designations in different countries so maybe VW(Aust) should consider this option.
                    I can only speak for my own experience but the salesman I dealt with at Skoda Rockdale was excellent. Can't remember his name, it was a strange name, he was Czech I think. But he was super knowledgeable and very happy to spend a lot of time with me. He took me for a tet drive in the Fabia RS and the Octavia RS, and unlike 99% of other car salesmen, actually followed up with me several times. And although I didn't buy a car off him in the end I almost wanted to just to give the guy a sale, as he worked so hard for it.

                    BTW I haven't test driven it yet (I will) but the new Mazda 6 is horny as. I think it will give a lot of cars in the mid size segment a scare. Even BMW, Audi and Merc might be looking over their shoulder at it as a competitor. Brilliantly put together.

                    Current Ride: Golf GTI Mk7 MY2014|DSG|Carbon Steel
                    Previous Ride: Polo GTI MY2012|DSG|RNS510|Shadow Blue|Lenso GF7 18” rims
                    Instagram: @lemonskin

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Lemonskin View Post
                      I can only speak for my own experience but the salesman I dealt with at Skoda Rockdale was excellent. Can't remember his name, it was a strange name, he was Czech I think. But he was super knowledgeable and very happy to spend a lot of time with me. He took me for a tet drive in the Fabia RS and the Octavia RS, and unlike 99% of other car salesmen, actually followed up with me several times. And although I didn't buy a car off him in the end I almost wanted to just to give the guy a sale, as he worked so hard for it..
                      I've dealt with him too, his name was Vojta. Unfortunately he left the dealership and is now selling Audis. Having said that, he was very passionate about Skoda and being Czech probably had a little to do with it too. I think I might have mentioned somewhere else that he actually prepared and gave out his own material on Skoda cars, such the company car and model history, articles of interest, etc...

                      And agreed, his conduct was great, he sold us our Superb but left the dealership before it arrived. Nonetheless, he sent an SMS (tried calling) explaining he's leaving the company and providing details of people that will continue to be in touch with us.

                      The following salesman were actually quite good too but admittedly he had limited knowledge of Skodas being lifted from the Kia arm of the dealership on short notice.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Jake02 View Post
                        I don't really care how people see me Brad, I will always support the product because it truly deserves it. If that means dealing with idiots along the way (Skoda dealers, Skoda Australia, haters, some people on here, etc) then so be it.

                        Also, because I can't be bothered replying on the other post (who started this thread twice??), I know I say it every time but I think this time with the new Octavia will be different - it's so much better this time around.
                        Yeti was their big sales booster. Fabia was the big sales booster. New Octavia will be the next saviour despite moving into a very busy segment.

                        You remind me of Monty Pythons Black Knight.

                        carandimage The place where Off-Topic is On-Topic
                        I used to think I was anal-retentive until I started getting involved in car forums

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                        • #13
                          VW may call the shots here but the sales staff on the floor have a lot to answer for. The knowledge of the brand by the salesman in Wollongong was abysmal. He confused KESSY with stop/start technology; didn't realise there were 2 types of steering wheels; wasn't sure what the front/rear bias of the AWD was and much more. I think the Superb wagon should be stealing Mazda 6 buyers in droves but it isn't happening. While there are limited dealerships and poor salesmen (and women) the brand will struggle. As far as the model names go; they date back to the original Skodas of the 1930s (and earlier) so maybe there needs to be a re-think. Other brands use different model names and designations in different countries so maybe VW(Aust) should consider this option.
                          I disagree that lack of knowledge is the main reason. Most people nowadays have access to internet, and many people know the car they are getting already. If you are talking about an old lady who doesn't know how to use google, she won't know the difference between KESSY and stop/start either, and she won't care how many spokes does the steering wheel come with,a dn won't even use the shift paddles. In fact, these old ladies won't even walk into a Skoda showroom. They will be happy with a Corolla and drive at 30km/h on the freeway.

                          I recently was researching on the new Mitsubishi Outlander. I was looking at the top-spec Aspire but I wasn't sure whether it comes with Bixenon or not. I asked 2 sales person from 2 different dealers, both reassured me that it comes with Bixenon. I went to the show room, turn the head light myself, it was just halogen. The sales person was still trying to tell me that was xenon. Hello, I am not color blind! That didn't stop Mitsubishi Outlander being one of Australia's best sellers.

                          I was also looking into the Liberty X. Asked a dealer if they have one in stock for me to test drive. "You mean the XV?" They asked. "No, not the XV. I am looking for the high riding sedan, called Liberty X" I said. "We have Liberty 2.5i, never heard of Liberty X." "Well, you better go on Subaru Australia Official Site: New Cars, Used Cars, Test Drives and do some homework!" That didn't stop Subaru's sale.

                          As I said in another post. It is definitely related with the ridiculous pricing of the Skoda range, which VWaG has full control of.

                          Skodas are bloody good, well engineered cars, with plenty of unique & advantageous design features which never get a mention. The reason they are reported as they are above, is to me totally a product of flawed or non existent marketing strategy. Meanwhile, we owners can look forward to keep crossing zeros off the end of the value number, it seems.
                          Fully agree with you Brad. All the people that sat in my Superb were extremely impressed. They are just not getting enough people to sit behind the wheel. But even if you can get people behind the wheel, there will be no doubt that people will compare it to the equivalent VW. VW also makes bloody good, well engineered cars. So when the price/equipment equation favors VW, (which is almost all the cars in the Skoda's range now), 99/100 will choose VW. You have to be a Skoda fanatic like me to pick a Superb over Passat. But even for me, as the Passat is getting much better value for money, I just can't justify to spent more money to buy a less equipped Superb. If you optioned electric seat, Xenon, a Passat is about the same price as the equivalent Superb, yet you get RVC, Driver's assistance package including land departure and blind spot warning, LED daylight running light, stop/start, MDI, driver's fatigue detection, electronic parking brake and the VW badge! Why would anyone buy a Skoda?

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                          • #14
                            Originally posted by VAG newbie View Post
                            I disagree that lack of knowledge is the main reason. Most people nowadays have access to internet, and many people know the car they are getting already. If you are talking about an old lady who doesn't know how to use google, she won't know the difference between KESSY and stop/start either, and she won't care how many spokes does the steering wheel come with,a dn won't even use the shift paddles. In fact, these old ladies won't even walk into a Skoda showroom. They will be happy with a Corolla and drive at 30km/h on the freeway.

                            I recently was researching on the new Mitsubishi Outlander. I was looking at the top-spec Aspire but I wasn't sure whether it comes with Bixenon or not. I asked 2 sales person from 2 different dealers, both reassured me that it comes with Bixenon. I went to the show room, turn the head light myself, it was just halogen. The sales person was still trying to tell me that was xenon. Hello, I am not color blind! That didn't stop Mitsubishi Outlander being one of Australia's best sellers.

                            I was also looking into the Liberty X. Asked a dealer if they have one in stock for me to test drive. "You mean the XV?" They asked. "No, not the XV. I am looking for the high riding sedan, called Liberty X" I said. "We have Liberty 2.5i, never heard of Liberty X." "Well, you better go on Subaru Australia Official Site: New Cars, Used Cars, Test Drives and do some homework!" That didn't stop Subaru's sale.

                            As I said in another post. It is definitely related with the ridiculous pricing of the Skoda range, which VWaG has full control of.



                            Fully agree with you Brad. All the people that sat in my Superb were extremely impressed. They are just not getting enough people to sit behind the wheel. But even if you can get people behind the wheel, there will be no doubt that people will compare it to the equivalent VW. VW also makes bloody good, well engineered cars. So when the price/equipment equation favors VW, (which is almost all the cars in the Skoda's range now), 99/100 will choose VW. You have to be a Skoda fanatic like me to pick a Superb over Passat. But even for me, as the Passat is getting much better value for money, I just can't justify to spent more money to buy a less equipped Superb. If you optioned electric seat, Xenon, a Passat is about the same price as the equivalent Superb, yet you get RVC, Driver's assistance package including land departure and blind spot warning, LED daylight running light, stop/start, MDI, driver's fatigue detection, electronic parking brake and the VW badge! Why would anyone buy a Skoda?


                            I've owned several good cars over the years. Some have been notable and great sellers. My last car was a Subaru Liberty GT. Yes...it stuck to the road like preverbal to a blanket, was quick off the mark, handled well and had good re-sale. But spare parts were difficult to obtain, servicing was expensive and it wasn't a comfortable car on long trips.

                            I've now got a Suberb sedan purchased new about two months ago. (All options) I've now done about 4,500 ks all being country trips and I recken it's the most comfortable car I've ever owned. Not to mention great fuel economy. (TDI - Average 5.4 Lts to 100 Ks) It's mostly done country trips.

                            From what I can see Skoda is suffering the following:

                            1. I agree with some of you about salesman and product knowledge. But the general public don't know too much about Skoda either. My salesman told me that puddle lights on the demo were put on by the manager as he had it optioned up. This was one of many tall stories told to me. But...I had done my home work and ignored what he said. I knew more about the car than him.
                            2. I don't believe the dealers are given enough information or training about Skoda. This is a poor reflection on VAG and Skoda Management.
                            3. There is not enough advertising of the product in Australia. In recent stories in the age & Cars Guide, both Holden & Ford failed to sell cars to Government because cars didn't meet "Green guide" purchasing requirements for Governments. Skoda should now jump on this with the engines already meeting Euro 5 emmisions and great fuel ecomomy.
                            4. Better re-sale value is needed to combat poor sales. Skoda should offer guarenteed buy back for used Skoda vehicles on trade in time. This forces other dealers to lift their trade-in prices of used Skodas and protects future sales. It also creates repeatative business.
                            5. Market the Superb the same way Audi markets the A6 or Mercedes C Class. Realisiculy...they are same quality car.
                            6. Do not remove some options from MDI when vehicles shipped to Australia. Keep options same as europe.
                            7. More advertising and marketing across all media aspects.
                            8. Increase warrantee period to 5 years. The Jananese and Koreans can do it! Why can't Skoda?
                            9. Increase the dealer network across Australia. This should be a task taken on by VAG.
                            10. Have a dedicated facebook page for the vehicle and not other trivial items which have nothing to do with motoring. (Have a look at thier FB page and you'll see it can be full of rubbish and nothing to do with Skoda cars)
                            11. Compete against clients for VW,Audi,Mercedes and other euro brands for sales.
                            12. Keep the vehicles fresh with modern techknowlegy and offer factory kit to people with slightly older models.


                            Above all...listen to us. This forum and people who own Skoda vehicles who already know they are a great car.

                            Shakey!
                            MY 2013 125 TDI Candy White Superb Sedan. Passat CC Mags, Paddles,Tinted Windows, Factory Roller Blinds, Mud Flaps, Park Assist, KESSY, Sun Roof, Mats, Tow Bar, Wind Deflectors, 3M vehicle wrap, Audi Reverse Camera.

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                            • #15
                              Point 9 should read "Increase service network across Australia to include VW & Audi service centres". VWAUS/Skoda promised to do it but never did. I don't think we need more dealers (do we?).
                              carandimage The place where Off-Topic is On-Topic
                              I used to think I was anal-retentive until I started getting involved in car forums

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