ŠKODA Ireland has today announced record sales results for the first half of 2019. ŠKODA registered 6,449 vehicles for the period; an increase of 2.4%. This is a notable achievement considering the Irish car market contracted 7.3% over the same period. ŠKODA’s increased sales have pushed them into the top-5 bestselling car brands for the first time with record market share of 7.9%. In a challenging financial half year for the motor industry, ŠKODA Ireland also improved new vehicle turnover by 8.2% and profitability by 12.5% compared to 2018.
More customers are availing of financial products such as PCPs (personal contract plans) through ŠKODA Finance. A total of €65.8 million was loaned to customers to the end of May to fund both new and used ŠKODA vehicles representing an increase of 24.8% on the same period in 2018. The brand’s best-selling model was the OCTAVIA, with 2,209 units sold. The ŠKODA KODIAQ enjoyed further success with 1,229 units delivered to customers in the same period. Remarkably ŠKODA has experienced increased demand for their Diesel vehicles with 15% more Diesel powered cars delivered year on year!
Commenting today, John Donegan, Brand Director at ŠKODA Ireland said:
“Our record performance is down to the hard work of our dealer network and the investments they have made over the last 5 years. With the recent launch of the new SCALA hatchback and the arrival of the new KAMIQ SUV in autumn we expect to cement our 5th bestselling car brand position for 2019. Looking more closely at the data, ŠKODA has delivered 15% more Diesel vehicles than the same period last year. Our customers trust our quality Diesel engines and value their efficiency, reliability and low emissions. This is evident in our increased sales figures. Assuming there is no radical vehicle taxation change we expect the demand for Diesel to hold steady for the foreseeable future. Donegan added: “Electric vehicles are unfairly dominating the conversation of late. With pricing out of reach of the average driver and limited range unsuitable for many commuters we believe our modern Diesel and Petrol vehicles should be acknowledged more for their efficiency. Timing is everything! ŠKODA will launch its first electric vehicle later in 2020 in line with improvements in the charging network. Throughout the next decade we will be offering our customers a choice of Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid and Fully Electric vehicles”
