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5 Skoda Facts Every Car Salesman Should Know
Discover essential insights about Skoda, covering profit margins, resale values, and the brand's market advantages to boost your car dealership business.
Skoda is one of the oldest car manufacturers in the world, with a rich history that dates back over a century. The journey from a small bicycle manufacturer to a major global automotive brand is a story of adaptation, resilience, and strategic partnerships.
Let's explore some key facts about Skoda that will not only impress your clients but also help you make more informed sales.
Skoda origin and history
Skoda's origins trace back to 1895 when Václav Laurin, a mechanic, and Václav Klement, a bookseller, founded a company in Mladá Boleslav, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic).
The brand’s origins are deeply rooted in the history of the Czech Republic, and it has grown from a bicycle company to one of Europe’s leading automobile manufacturers.
Founders of Skoda
Initially, the company, named Laurin & Klement, started by producing bicycles under the brand name "Slavia." By 1899, it expanded into motorcycle production, and in 1905, the company produced its first automobile, the Laurin & Klement Voiturette A, which became popular for its reliability and quality.
Voiturette A was a light two-seater that was easy to drive and reached speeds of 40 km/h
In 1925, Laurin & Klement merged with Skoda Works, a large industrial conglomerate based in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. After World War II, Czechoslovakia came under communist rule, and Skoda was nationalized, becoming a state-owned enterprise.
By the 1980s, Skoda cars were often criticized for being outdated compared to Western European vehicles, although they were still known for their durability and simplicity.
How did Skoda become part of the Volkswagen Group?
In 1991, Skoda entered into a joint venture with the Volkswagen Group, marking the beginning of a new era for the company. Volkswagen initially acquired a 30% stake in Skoda, which gradually increased over the years.
Under Volkswagen ownership, Skoda underwent significant modernization. Models like the Skoda Felicia (1994) marked the transition to more modern design and engineering.
In 2001, the Felicia’s run ended after 1,401,489 cars produced
Skoda’s integration into the Volkswagen Group allowed it to expand its presence in global markets. The introduction of models like the Octavia (1996), Fabia (1999), and Superb (2001) helped re-establish Skoda as a strong player in the European and international automotive markets.
Where are Skoda cars made?
Mladá Boleslav, 70km north-east of Prague, is the town of Skoda. It has been the carmaker’s home since Laurin and Klement built their first car there in 1905. You’re unlikely to see much else being driven on the roads, except for the odd Volkswagen – which, given the company’s group owner, isn’t so weird.
Skoda has since become an international manufacturing force, building more than 1m cars last year at its own and Volkswagen group plants in the Czech Republic, China, Slovakia, Russia and India, as well as at several assembly plants.
Awards Skoda received
Skoda has received many awards over the years, recognizing the brand for its vehicles' design, safety, reliability, value, and innovation.
It has won multiple Red Dot Design awards, which are among the most prestigious design awards in the world. The Karoq, Kodiaq, and Octavia models have been recognized for their outstanding design, reflecting the brand's focus on aesthetics and functionality.
The Golden Steering Wheel award by Auto Bild is one of the most important automotive awards in Europe. The Superb and Karoq have both been winners, praised for their design, comfort, and overall excellence.
Skoda Karoq takes the prestigious Golden Steering Wheel
The Octavia and the electric Enyaq iV have both been finalists in the European Car of the Year awards, which is a significant achievement reflecting their excellence in various areas, including innovation, safety, and value.
The brand's consistent recognition in various categories shows its strong market position and reputation.
5 Interesting Facts About Skoda
Known for its reliability, innovation, and value, Skoda continues to impress both consumers and traders alike. Here are some fun facts that highlight why this brand remains a favorite in the automotive world.
Skoda Fun Fact #1 - Emil von Skoda
The name "Skoda" comes from Emil von Skoda, a Czech engineer who was crucial in the development of heavy machinery and arms manufacturing in the 19th century. His company, Skoda Works, became one of the largest industrial businesses in Europe.
Emil von Skoda: Czech entrepreneur
In 1925, Laurin & Klement merged with Skoda Works due to financial difficulties following World War I. The Skoda name was adopted for the entire automotive division, signifying high-quality engineering.
Skoda Fun Fact #2 - Winged arrow logo
The iconic Skoda logo was introduced in 1926, featuring a winged arrow inside a circle. The arrow represents speed, progress, and precision engineering. The wings signify the brand's global aspirations and innovation. The circle symbolizes completeness, unity, and the world.
However, in 2023 the name became the main communication tool. The research found that the typographic wordmark is easier to recognise and identify.
Skoda Fun Fact #3 - Hidden umbrellas
Like some luxury car brands, Skoda includes an umbrella hidden in the front doors of several of its models, such as the Superb. This feature is both practical and a nod to high-end comfort.
Umbrella compartment in the front doors
The umbrellas are cleverly integrated into the front doors of the vehicle. They are stored in a waterproof compartment that is designed to drain water away, ensuring that the car's interior remains dry even if the umbrella is put away wet.
Skoda Fun Fact #4 - Rally success
Skoda has a strong presence in motorsports, particularly in rallying. The Skoda Fabia R5 is one of the most successful rally cars in its class, winning numerous championships.
Skoda has won multiple titles in the WRC2 and WRC3 categories, with drivers and teams consistently finishing at the top. The Fabia R5 and its successor, the Fabia Rally2, are known for their performance and affordability, making them popular choices for privateer teams as well.
Skoda Fun Fact #5 - Milestone vehicles
Skoda has produced several milestone vehicles over the years, including the millionth Skoda Fabia in 2007 and the millionth Skoda Octavia in 2010. These milestones are celebrated as symbols of the brand's enduring success and popularity.
First member of Skoda’s popular SUV family
The Skoda Yeti, launched in 2009, was the brand’s first foray into the compact SUV market. It represented a significant step for Skoda as it expanded its model range into the booming SUV segment, paving the way for future Skoda SUVs like the Kodiaq and Karoq.
Most popular second-hand Skoda cars available on eCarsTrade
Now that you’ve mastered the fun details, here are some of the best used Skoda cars we have in our stock.
Skoda Octavia
The Octavia is Skoda's best-selling model and has been a cornerstone of the brand since its introduction in 1996. It’s one of the most popular cars in Europe, often ranking among the top sellers in several countries, including the Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland.
Due to its popularity and widespread production, spare parts for the Skoda Octavia are readily available and affordable, reducing long-term maintenance costs - which can help in resale negotiations.
The Octavia is a popular choice for fleet buyers and has been a regular supplier of police fleet vehicles in many countries for over two decades. In some regions, the Octavia, especially the hybrid version, qualifies for favorable tax treatment due to lower CO2 emission. Traders can leverage this aspect when targeting corporate clients.
For businesses operating in countries where VAT is reclaimable, the relatively lower initial cost of this Skoda model combined with the steady demand can lead to favorable tax savings and higher profit margins, especially on fleet sales. This provides a significant advantage in the B2B market.
Browse our second-hand Skoda Octavia cars!
Skoda Superb
The Superb is Skoda’s flagship model, launched in 2001. It has become known for its luxury, space, and advanced technology.
There is a strong aftermarket for the Superb, with options for customization and upgrades. This can appeal to a segment of buyers looking for a more personalized vehicle, giving traders additional selling points.
The estate version often enjoys higher resale values due to its practicality and demand in certain markets. The Superb is sold in over 100 countries, with particularly strong markets in Europe and Asia. Its wide availability ensures that traders can find buyers across diverse markets.
Browse our second-hand Skoda Superb cars!
Skoda Fabia
The Fabia is a small car that has been a key player in Skoda’s lineup since its debut in 1999. It’s especially popular in Europe, where it appeals to city drivers and taxi fleets.
While small cars often depreciate faster than larger vehicles, the Fabia's strong brand reputation and consistent demand help mitigate depreciation, making it an attractive option for traders focused on the used car market.
The Fabia is another popular choice for fleet buyers, particularly in the rental and corporate sectors, due to its low running costs, reliability, and compact size. Its popularity in fleets can help stabilize its resale value and ensure consistent demand.
Browse our second-hand Skoda Fabia cars!
Skoda Kodiaq
Introduced in 2016, the Kodiaq is Skoda’s first large SUV, designed to meet the growing demand for family-friendly SUVs. It has quickly become one of the brand’s most popular models.
The Kodiaq benefits from a robust supply chain, making parts widely available and generally affordable. This ease of maintenance is a strong selling point, particularly for used car buyers.
In regions where off-road capability is valued, Kodiaqs with four-wheel drive often command higher resale prices. This is an important consideration for traders targeting specific markets. Curious about which SUVs offer the best resale value? Here is a ranking of the best SUVs that maintain their worth over time.
Browse our second-hand Skoda Kodiaq cars!
How to access the history of your Skoda?
One of the most important things when buying a used car is being able to check its history. Best way to do that is checking its VIN number, a unique code assigned to every vehicle when it's manufactured.
This 17-character code serves as a vehicle's fingerprint, as no two vehicles have the same VIN. The VIN provides important information such as the manufacturer, model, production year, and specific features.
If you are buying a car via eCarsTrade, we display the VIN numbers in our appraisal reports available for each vehicle listing. This is so that our clients can see right away that we’re not selling cars with accident history, mileage fraud, or hidden damages. Building a trusting relationship with customers is essential for any business that wants to succeed in a competitive market.
Once you have the VIN number, put it through a VIN decoder to see the car’s history. This is especially beneficial for traders who buy in bulk and don’t have the time to check each car individually.
These reports provide details on previous ownership, accidents, repairs, and other important information, so you can make sure your desired Skoda is in tip top condition.
Conclusion
From strong resale values and low warranty claim rates to high demand in fleet markets, Skoda consistently delivers value that resonates with business clients. As a brand, it stands out as a reliable, cost-effective, and smart investment in the automotive trading industry.
As a used car dealer, you find success when your customers keep coming back to buy more used cars for their dealerships. That’s why automotive brand loyalty really matters in our industry. The more customers you manage to retain, the more easy sales you stand to complete in the lucrative future of your business.
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