25th January, 2009

Compared with 2007, Skoda Auto's total global sales grew by 7.1% and reached 674,530 vehicles, a new record in the history of the Czech Republic's largest car manufacturer. Considering the impact of the financial crisis in the second half of 2008, this is an excellent result. The Company's sales grew primarily thanks to the markets in China and Eastern Europe. However, even the West European markets were successful – although the overall passenger car market slumped by 8.4%, the brand's share in this region grew 2.3%.

Skoda Auto's sales in Eastern Europe grew by 30.1% and reached 123,630 vehicles – the most dynamic market in 2008 was Russia, where the Company sold 50,733 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 84.2%.

The Czech Republic's largest car manufacturer delivered 59,284 vehicles to China in 2008, 117% more than in 2007. A further 16,051 were delivered to customers in India, 31.9% more than over the previous year.

Germany remains Škoda Auto's strongest market in Western Europe. The Company increased its market share to 3.9% in 2008, despite the 1.8% drop in the overall passenger car market. German customers purchased 121,277 Skoda vehicles in 2008, 2% more than in 2007.

With 344,857 vehicles sold last year in total (11.3% more than in 2007), the Octavia was Škoda's best selling model in 2008. The runner-up in terms of sales volume is the Škoda Fabia (246,561 vehicles worldwide, + 5.9 %), the vehicle with the biggest percentage growth was the new-generation Škoda Superb (+ 24.9%, 25,645 vehicles in total). In addition, the Company sold 57,467 Roomsters.

“Despite the current difficulties, we have managed to keep positive sales trends in some of our markets. We are going to continue monitoring Russia, China and India. Although the future sales trends are difficult to estimate now, we believe that the demand for small vehicles such as the Škoda Fabia will grow worldwide, as this category offers financial savings and is in line with the growing environmental awareness. We also hope that our new models to be launched in 2009 will be a success” said Fred Kappler, Škoda Auto BOD Member responsible for sales.