Carmakers around the world are in for a treat as sales figures are skyrocketing. From luxury car maker to mass producers, the automobile industry is witnessing a tremendous buyer rise.
Czech car manufacturer, Skoda, also saw record-breaking sales. The rise in sales clubbed with the company’s satisfied dealers has earned it the prestigious ‘Carmaker of the Year’ honour from Motor Trader. The industry publication also honoured Liam Cusack from Benfield Skoda in Newcastle as ‘Sales Manager of the Year’.
The last 12 months have been highly successful for Skoda with full year UK sales for 2013 ending at an all-time high of 66,081 units, up 23% and a fourth successive record year. Pushing through the 60,000 barrier for the first time in its history gave Skoda a market share of 2.9%.
Demand for Skoda’s range of cars hasn’t let up in the first half of 2014 either, with the January-to-June figure the best ever for any six-month period. More than 39,000 new cars were registered, which is growth of 21% and a market share of 3.0%.
Curtis Hutchinson, Editor-in-Chief for Motor Trader, said the ‘Carmaker of the Year’ award was in recognition of Skoda’s strong performance and high rating amongst its retailers in the NFDA Dealer Attitude Survey. He said, “Much of Skoda’s success over recent years is down to the network’s ability to retain existing customers while conquesting new ones. No one understands Skoda customers better than its dealers.”
It’s the second time Skoda has taken the ‘Carmaker of the Year’ Award, repeating its victory of 2007. Commenting on the ‘Sales Manager of the Year’ award, Hutchinson said that Liam had recruited, led and developed his sales team to reach new heights. “He sets ambitious yet realistic targets and coaches them to help achieve. His team greatly respects him.”
delighted with the company’s success at the Motor Trader Awards, Alasdair Stewart, Skoda’s Brand Director said, “Our dealers are at the heart of everything we do. To be recognised as ‘Carmaker of the Year’ above some other fantastic brands is testament to their achievement, and for Liam to be singled out for a national honour is the icing on the cake. Congratulations to him and all at Benfield Skoda.”