Škoda AUTO will be introducing the new compact saloon, the Škoda Rapid, and the ŠKODA Citigo subcompact, at the Istanbul International Auto Show on Nov. 1 – 11, 2012. This will be the first time that these models will be presented in Turkey. The launch of the two new models in Turkey will be launched in the market together with the presentation at the show. ŠKODA has already performed strongly in Turkey as its sales increased by 30.4% year on year from January through September even as the overall market declined by 8.7% in the same period. ŠKODA’s market share had increased by 1.9% as of the end of September while it was at 1.3% a year ago. The ŠKODA Octavia is the most popular ŠKODA model in Turkey.
Škoda CEO Winfried Vahland said that in the upcoming years, Škoda aims to continue to grow globally. He said that Turkey is an “important growth market” and thus it could prove to be a major element in its 2018 growth strategy. The Citigo, which measures 3.56 metres in length, marks the first time for ŠKODA to enter the subcompact segment. Eichhorn said that the ŠKODA Citigo provides all of ŠKODA’s brand values on a “very small footprint” as it is compact but spacious, efficient and agile while being appealing and innovative at the same time.
He added that this is a “perfect car” for the city, particularly for big cities like Istanbul. “With the new Škoda Rapid and the Škoda Citigo, we want to enhance our position in the market substantially and sustain our favourable development in Turkey resolutely,” says Vahland. “The Rapid is the new class of Škoda, and it will set standards in the compact saloon segment,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “It is a perfect car for the whole family, and it is sure to become extremely popular, especially with Turkish customers,” says Eichhorn. The engine offering in Turkey will include a total of four petrol and two diesel engines.
