Skoda Ireland H1 Sales up 25.7% from 2013

ŠKODA Ireland has announced H1 sales figures are up 25.7% from 2013 in the first half of 2014 (4,426 vs. 3,520), greater than the overall increase in the total car market (23.4%).  ŠKODA currently sits in sixth position in the Irish car market with a market share of 6.75%, an increase from 6.62% in H1 2013.  Growth in 2014 can be attributed to the addition of five new dealerships to the ŠKODA network, including the recent opening of MSL Park Motors, Navan Road, bringing the brand’s dealer network to 26 nationwide. 

New car turnover has increased 30% from €41.8m to €54.38m and vehicle parts and accessory turnover has also increased 9% from €3.14m to €3.42m. A growing number of customers are also availing of the competitive ŠKODA finance offers available through Volkswagen Bank. During the first half of 2014, ŠKODA Finance provided 1,619 new and used vehicle loans to the value of €24.32m,a 37% year on year increase. 

Commenting on the performance, John Donegan, Brand Director, ŠKODA Ireland said “ŠKODA has marginally outgrown the market in Ireland by nearly 2.5% thanks to our strong product offering coupled with readily available, competitive finance offers – from as low as 1.42% APR. ŠKODA Ireland also expects to exceed €100million in revenue for the first time in 2014. In addition to new car sales our finance and parts business has shown positive growth. At a retail level our franchised dealers are selling up to 40 more new and used vehicles than the same period last year. Although recovery is evident, operating costs at retail businesses remain high with net profits averaging 1.76% an increase from 0.77% on the same period last year”.