Skoda Auto, the Czech carmaker owned by Volkswagen Group, had a remarkable year in 2023. Despite the challenges posed by the chip shortage and the transition to electric vehicles, Skoda Auto managed to increase its global deliveries by 18.5% year-on-year, reaching a total of 866,800 units.
This impressive result makes Skoda Auto one of the fastest-growing brands in the automotive industry, outpacing many of its rivals in key markets such as Germany, the UK, and the Czech Republic. It also shows that Skoda Auto’s strategy of offering customers a choice of combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrains is paying off, as the demand for its models remains strong across the board.
The Enyaq family leads the way
One of the main drivers of Skoda Auto’s success in 2023 was the all-electric Enyaq family, which consists of the Enyaq iV electric SUV and the Enyaq Coupe iV. These models, which are based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular electric platform (MEB), have been well received by customers and critics alike, thanks to their spacious interiors, long-range batteries, and attractive design.
The Enyaq family achieved the sharpest rise in deliveries among all Skoda Auto models in 2023, with 81,700 units sold, representing a 52.1% increase over the previous year. The Enyaq family also ranked among the best-selling EVs in many European markets, including Germany, where it topped the EV sales charts in October and November.
Skoda Auto’s CEO, Klaus Zellmer, expressed his gratitude to the customers who chose the Enyaq family, saying: “Our customers have spoken, and I’m truly grateful for their confidence in the Skoda brand. The hard work and dedication of the people who design, build, and sell our cars yielded an impressive result in our 2023 deliveries despite all the economic and market challenges of the past year.”
Zellmer also reaffirmed Skoda Auto’s commitment to e-mobility, announcing that the brand will launch six new all-electric models by 2025, starting with the Elroq, a compact crossover, later this year.
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The Octavia remains the top-seller
While the Skoda Enyaq family was the star performer of 2023, Skoda Auto’s other models also contributed to the brand’s growth. The Skoda Octavia, Skoda Auto’s flagship model, remained the top seller, with 246,300 units delivered, a 9.2% increase over 2022. The Octavia is available in sedan and station wagon versions and plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid variants.
The Skoda Kamiq, Skoda Auto’s smallest SUV, came in second place, with 142,500 units delivered, a 23.6% increase over 2022. The Kamiq is popular among urban drivers who appreciate its compact size, high seating position, and smart features.
The Skoda Kodiaq, Skoda Auto’s largest SUV, came in third place, with 122,900 units delivered, a 16.4% increase over 2022. The Kodiaq received a facelift in 2023, which improved its design, safety, and comfort. The Kodiaq is also available in a sporty RS version, which features a 2.0-liter TSI engine with 245 horsepower.
Other models that performed well in 2023 include the Karoq, another SUV, with 115,800 units delivered, a 13.9% increase over 2022; the Skoda Scala, a compact hatchback, with 64,800 units delivered, a 14.8% increase over 2022; and the Superb, a premium sedan, with 62,400 units delivered, a 7.8% increase over 2022.
Skoda Auto expands into new markets
In addition to growing its sales in its existing markets, Skoda Auto also expanded into new markets in 2023, advancing its internationalization strategy. The brand entered the Vietnamese market in the second half of 2023, offering four models: the Octavia, the Superb, the Karoq, and the Kodiaq. Skoda Auto also entered the Kazakhstan market in the same period, offering three models: the Skoda Octavia, the Karoq, and the Kodiaq.
Skoda Auto’s entry into these markets reflects its ambition to increase its global presence and reach new customers. The brand plans to enter more markets in the future, especially in Asia and Africa, where it sees growth potential.
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Skoda Auto looks ahead to 2024
Skoda Auto is optimistic about its prospects for 2024, as it expects the global demand for cars to recover from the pandemic and the chip shortage. The brand aims to continue its growth trajectory by launching new models, enhancing its customer experience, and investing in its digital transformation.
Skoda Auto’s CEO, Klaus Zellmer, said: “Our business model is robust, even as we remain vigilant for new challenges in an unpredictable global market. We remain focused on what our customers want and on continually growing our capacity to respond quickly to the market, including investing in the ongoing development of our employees to secure the future of Skoda Auto.”
Zellmer also highlighted Skoda Auto’s social and environmental responsibility, saying: “As a carmaker, we are aware of our impact on the planet and society, and we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. We are proud of our initiatives, such as the Green Future strategy, the Skoda Academy, and the Skoda Foundation, which aim to make mobility more sustainable, inclusive, and accessible for everyone.”
Skoda Auto is a brand that combines tradition and innovation, quality and affordability, performance and efficiency. With its strong results in 2023 and its ambitious plans for 2024, Skoda Auto is proving that it is a force to be reckoned with in the automotive industry.
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