Skoda is venturing out of Europe in search of new markets, attending for the first time at the Qatar International Motor Show.
They took their most significant vehicle, the MissionL concept, to the Qatari show, showing the Middle East audience the future design direction for the brand. In addition to MissionL, Skoda is displaying Fabia, Octavia, Yeti and Superb at the Qatar Motor Show, all models are available in the local market.
The MissionL itself is a close-to-production concept car, and will be launched in major international markets in late 2012 expanding Skoda’s lineup. It will be launched in Qatar by the end of the year.
The Middle East market can play a major role in Skoda’s expansion plan, which aims to substantially increase global sales of all models to at least 1.5 million units per year by 2018. Last year they enjoyed an increase of 15% in global sales, delivering 879,200 units.
“2011 was a very important year for us, in which we made significant achievements,” said Jürgen Stackmann, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “We set new records in 2011 and we are well on course for our 2018 growth strategy. The brand sold more cars in all regions than in the previous year,” said Stackmann, speaking at the presentation of ŠKODA’s MissionL concept in Qatar.
“Strengthening our international activities is a central element of our growth strategy.” added Stackmann. For this reason Qatar will see the introduction of the ŠKODA Yeti during 2012.