The year of 2011 was extraordinarily successful for Škoda. In terms of sales, the Czech automaker (a member of the Volkswagen group) had the best year in its history.
What shall we expect from Škoda this year?
First of all, Škoda wants to reinforce its position in the domestic and European market, so it needs a small urban car - that's why Škoda will introduce a five-door version of its Citigo model. Volkswagen's factory in Bratislava, Slovakia will start to produce this small urban car in a few weeks.
Skoda carmaker CEO eyes another record year
Skoda to launch new Octavia at Paris Motor Show 2012
Volkswagen currently faces competition from South Korea's Hyundai. In order to counter its growing influence in Europe and Russia, Škoda will have to introduce a new SUV - its Yetti is no longer fit to do the job. Also, the automaker needs a utility van or pickup for small companies and sole traders.
Škoda prepares yet another model, based on the Mission L concept from the Frankfurt motor show. The model is currently called Rapid, even though the name has yet to be confirmed. This car will offer large interior space and reasonable price. It is planned as an alternative to Hyundai Elantra or Renault Fluence. The Czech automaker will also try to revive the design of the Roomster model.
Škoda will keep flirting with "green technologies" such as electric, hybrid or CNG (compressed natural gas) engines.
The latter type of motor, already fully developed in the Volkswagen concern, is expected to be introduced into the Roomster and Octavia models.
The long-awaited new model of Škoda Octavia will not be introduced this year. However, the first pictures could be released by the end of 2012.
Finally, it is possible that 2012 will be the year when Škoda breaks the barrier of one million produced cars. If the introduction of new models (five-door Citigo and Rapid) and increasing sales in the BRIC countries meet expectations, and the European crisis does not deteriorate, Škoda can very well make it.
