The company hopes that by doing this, it will extend Skoda Auto’s product portfolio and better meet consumers’ expectations. The small SUV model has been doing well for the Czech carmaker, making deep footprints in the market since its debut in 2009.
“Since its entry into China in 2006, Skoda Auto and Shanghai Volkswagen have a successful cooperation and achieved fast and robust growth. Skoda Yeti’s local production in Shanghai Volkswagen is opening a new growth perspective and shows Skoda Auto’s long-term commitments to the Chinese market. New customer segment will enjoy Skoda?s clever engineering also with a SUV,“ stated Skoda China President, Alfred Rieck.
China is one of the largest auto markets in the world and is growing at a steady pace. Luxury vehicles and SUVs play a big part in this market, as last year the SUV segment saw around 730,000 cars sold. The Skoda brand was introduced into China in late 2007, and has seen its brand grow extremely well. Skoda was previously in China in the late 90′s, but was reintroduced under VW management only a few years ago. Skoda has so far launched the Octavia sedan, Fabia hatch, and Skoda Superb in China.
“Skoda Yeti’s local production at Shanghai Volkswagen signifies the Skoda official entry into the compact SUV market segment in China. We believe Skoda Yeti will continue to sharpen the market competitive edge of Skoda brand and lay a solid foundation for its long-term growth. We expect, Skoda Yeti local production will help optimize Skoda Auto’s product portfolio and extend customer base of Skoda," according to a statement made by Shanghai Volkswagen General Manager, Zhang Hailiang.
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