ŠKODA Delivers 1,004,800 Vehicles In 2020

ŠKODA Delivers 1,004,800 Vehicles In 2020

ŠKODA AUTO delivered a total of 1,004,800 vehicles in 2020 globally, surpassing the one-million-delivery mark for the seventh year in a row. 

Despite the ongoing challenging conditions, the Czech car manufacturer delivered 578,100 vehicles worldwide from July to December (first half of 2020: 426,700 vehicles). Also, ŠKODA AUTO confirmed its successful course in numerous markets over the past 12 months: 24,200 vehicles were sold in Turkey (+56.3%) and 5,500 vehicles in Egypt (+52.8%). In Europe, the car manufacturer also increased its market share to 5.4 %. In Russia, a new record was set with 94,600 vehicles delivered (+6.8%).

In the UK, ŠKODA increased its market share to a record 3.6% (3.2% in 2019). In an overall new car market that fell by -29.4%, ŠKODA UK registered 58,693 cars in 2020 (75,053 in 2019).

ŠKODA AUTO CEO Thomas Schäfer explains: “Delivering over one million vehicles worldwide is a great success for ŠKODA AUTO, especially against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting five-week production shutdown during the first wave in spring. I want to thank the sales team, importers and dealers for this joint effort. An equally big thank you to our colleagues from production, quality management and all other ŠKODA colleagues. The entire team has shown stamina, resilience and real passion in these challenging times. We can now look ahead with confidence: ŠKODA has many new products in the pipeline, and I have high expectations for them. Nevertheless, we remain vigilant, and we are keeping a close eye on further developments in the markets.”

ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Sales and Marketing Alain Favey adds, “I am cautiously optimistic for the coming months, even though, due to the current pandemic, it is not possible to make a reliable statement on the further market development at this point.”

In Western Europe, the carmaker recorded 434,500 deliveries in 2020 (January to December 2019: 520,500 vehicles; -16.5%), with December deliveries at 41,700 vehicles (December 2019: 42,200 vehicles; -1.2%). In Germany, the brand’s second-largest single market, deliveries totalled 161,800 vehicles last year (January to December 2019: 191,200 vehicles; -15.4%). In December, ŠKODA recorded an increase of 10.8% to 16,600 vehicles in this sales region (December 2019: 15,000 vehicles).

In Central Europe, ŠKODA AUTO delivered 181,900 vehicles from January to December 2020 (January to December 2019: 215,800; -15.7%). In December 2020, ŠKODA AUTO recorded 14,600 vehicle deliveries (December 2019: 17,700 vehicles; -17.2%). ŠKODA AUTO increased its market share in the region by 1.74 points to 19.65 %. In the Czech Republic's domestic market, deliveries decreased by 11.6% to 83,200 between January and December 2020 (January to December 2019: 94,200 vehicles), with market shares increasing by 3.34 percentage points to 41.0%. In December, the carmaker recorded 7,100 vehicle deliveries (December 2019: 7,000 vehicles; +1.1%).

In Eastern Europe excluding Russia, ŠKODA AUTO delivered 39,800 vehicles to customers from January to December 2020 (January to December 2019: 50,200 vehicles; -20.8%). In December, deliveries totalled 4,300 vehicles (December 2019: 4,300 vehicles; -1.8%).

In Russia, the car manufacturer grew by 6.8% in 2020, with deliveries reaching a new record of 94,600 vehicles (January to December 2019: 88,600 vehicles). In December, ŠKODA AUTO recorded 9,700 vehicle deliveries in the region (December 2019: 9,200 vehicles; +5.8%).

In its largest single market worldwide, China, the carmaker delivered 173,000 vehicles to customers between January and December 2020 (January to December 2019: 282,000 vehicles; -38.7%).

In India, ŠKODA AUTO delivered 10,900 vehicles between January and December 2020 (January to December 2019: 15,100 vehicles; -27.9%). In December 2020, deliveries amounted to 1,400 vehicles (December 2019: 1,800 vehicles; -23.0%).

ŠKODA AUTO was able to make significant gains in Turkey. From January to December 2020, the manufacturer increased its vehicle deliveries by 56.3% to 24,200 units (January to December 2019: 15,500 vehicles). In December 2020, the company delivered 2,800 vehicles in the region, an increase of 10.7% (December 2019: 2,500 vehicles). (MT)

Maruti Suzuki India, AU Small Finance Bank Launch Suhana Safar Initiative

Maruti Suzuki India - AU Small Finance Bank

AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, to introduce 'Suhana Safar', a scheme that links Recurring Deposits (RD) to auto loans. The initiative is aimed at first-time car buyers and applies to the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio and WagonR models.

Under the programme, customers open an RD account with AU Small Finance Bank and deposit a monthly amount equivalent to the future car EMI for 3 to 6 months. Upon maturity, the accumulated funds, which have earned interest, are used as the down payment for the vehicle, after which the bank provides the auto loan.

The scheme allows customers to save and earn interest while demonstrating repayment capacity before committing to a loan. The bank also uses this process to evaluate creditworthiness.

AU Small Finance Bank offers RD interest rates of 4.75 percent to 7.40 percent per annum for the general public, and 5.25 percent to 7.90 percent per annum for senior citizens.

Skoda Kodiaq RS Launched At INR 6.69 Million In India

Skoda Kodiaq RS

Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has introduced the new Kodiaq RS, the first SUV to carry the performance-focused RS badge in the Indian market at INR 6.69 million (ex-showroom).

The company limited the initial release to 50 units, which were sold out within six minutes of launch. This release aligns with the 50th anniversary of the RS badge and the 125th year of the brand’s motorsport history.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge represents an iconic performance legacy. Bringing it to our flagship 4x4, all-terrain, 7-seater SUV combines luxury, capability and motorsport DNA in one offering. The overwhelming response, with all units sold out in minutes, reflects the strong enthusiasm among customers.”

The Kodiaq RS features a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive. The vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 231 kmph.

The vehicle is equipped with progressive steering and the latest-generation Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) Plus, which allows drivers to adjust damping characteristics. The Driving Mode Select offers multiple settings, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow and a dedicated Off-Road mode.

The exterior includes black accents on the grille frame, mirrors, window frames, roof rails, and the D-pillar. The front features a bumper with black elements and a horizontal light strip in the grille. The rear includes a full-width reflector, blacked-out lettering, and stainless-steel exhaust tips. The SUV is fitted with 20-inch Elias alloy wheels and is available in Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.

Honda Cars India Reports 5,243 Unit Wholesales In June 2026

Honda City

Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced wholesales of 8,788 units in June 2026.

In the domestic market, the company sold 5,243 units and 3,545 units for export, which marks 71.5 percent YoY, when the company sold 4,618 units domestically and exported 506 units.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, "The launch of new City and India Premiere of global SUV Honda ZR-V has generated strong momentum for our overall sales including Amaze and Elevate during June, driven by healthy customer demand and a positive market response. With Monsoon conditions expected to improve during July, we hope to sustain this positive momentum in the months ahead.

“The deliveries of ZR-V are also scheduled to begin from July. It will draw discerning new customers and prospects into Honda showrooms, enhancing our premium brand appeal and unlocking new growth opportunities,” he added.

Renault India Reports 4,063 Unit Wholesales For June 2026

Renault Duster

French automotive company Renault India has recorded 4,063 domestic wholesale units in June 2026, a 55 percent YoY increase compared to the previous year. This also marks the 10th consecutive month of double-digit growth for the company.

Interestingly, for H1 CY2026, the company reported sales of 25,844 units, representing 61 percent YoY growth.

During June, Renault India began exports of the Duster, dispatching 750 units to South Africa. The company stated that this performance reflects customer response to its product strategy and demand across its portfolio.