I filled in the feedback form on the Skoda website bemoaning the lack of official performance upgrades, suggesting it was an untapped revenue stream, especially given the widespread availability in Mainland Europe.

I got the following response:

I can confirm that there are currently no plans to introduce any performance enhancing modifications to our standard range of approved accessories. We believe that the Octavia offers excellent performance coupled to class leading levels of economy lead by the 146mph potential of the vRS. We are aware of independent companies that offer these modifications, however, as they are not approved for use in our vehicles by SkodaAuto, there may be serious warranty implications that you must be made aware of.

Here's my response:

Dear Customer Services,

Thank you for your "cut 'n' paste" form response. However, I believe that the Skoda brand would benefit considerably from a range of official performance enhancement packages, especially given Skoda's success in the WRC. Please pass on my dissatisfaction with this state of affairs to someone in authority.

I would be interested to hear about the "serious warranty implications", given the apparent willingness of dealers to honour warranties, even after modification. Another feather in the cap of the dealer network I feel.

Regards,

Rob Illing

You'd think they would jump at the chance to make wads of money out of doing upgrades, wouldn't you...

Rob

That should set the cat amongst the pidgeons! .....

couldnt agree with you more!

Skoda should introduce a range of vrs accesories like Ford RS had in the 80's.

Will be interesting to see the reply

Originally posted by Witchfinder in this post

You'd think they would jump at the chance to make wads of money out of doing upgrades, wouldn't you...

I think that's exactly Pon's (the Dutch VAG importer) stance. Warranty here is for two years only, so what's the risk?

They charge huge monies compared to the independent upgrade companies (chip or remap) and share the profits among the dealer, the approved supplier and themselves.

The dealer will get some money out of it as a premium for selling this exclusive performance option, the importer and supplier will probably team up in an insurance policy to cover any mishaps.

It may even be the case that the importer shifts warranty responsibility fully to the supplier (unseen to the customer), with the supplier covering the risk on his own, knowing full well that his stuff won't break the car until much later in its lifecycle.

The supplier will gladly take the risk as he gets a low-threshold dealer network in a foreign country to distribute his products practically for free! Consider the time it would take to set up such a network all by yourself. Or the money it takes to lure people like me to some industrial estate where a small back-alley company acts as their local agent.

And it's exactly by purposely and confidently stating that warranty will be upheld that people will start worrying about the independent route and are tempted to go the expensive route.

Then again, for centuries the Dutch have been renowned for their business cunning. We will sell our wife if it makes a handsome profit.

Go get 'em, Rob!

:cheers:

We will sell our wife if it makes a handsome profit.

Can we see a photo and know the price, please? And does the price include postage and packing? :rofl:

I'm sorry to tell you, Denis, that I'm not the average Dutchman. :p

Nah, they usually sell somebody else's wife there.

But hey, gentlemen, on topic now! Let's not spoil Rob's wonderful mission!

Well, I didn't expect a response, but they did respond:

Thank you for your email. I am sorry that my colleagues' previous response did not address your question to your satisfaction. Firstly, let me reassure you that all customer comments and suggestions sent in via email are fully logged and regularly reviewed by the relevant departments. Indeed a number of issues that I have personally dealt with sent in by customers have gone through this process and are now available in our accessory brochures. Skoda UK is very pro-active on such matters.

We are aware that performance enhancing products, or chips are available through other companies based in the UK. These generally increase the output of the vehicles. They do not however, also update other systems on the vehicle. It is necessary when increasing the power of a vehicle to increase the power also of the brakes, and possibly to change the gearbox ratios and other components of the running gear.

The kits available generally ignore this and therefore put unnecessary stress on the engine and create potential safety concerns. If a component in the engine requires replacement due to an increase of stress, our warranty department will reject the claim, as the component has not suffered a manufacturer or material defect. The warranty does not cover for wear and tear; neither does it offer cover when non-Skoda parts are used on the vehicles. Any failures that may occur that are not attributable to unapproved modifications, would be covered as usual.

I trust this has answered your enquiry, however, should you require further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me. I shall be happy to assist you.

Yours sincerely,

***********

Customer Services Specialist

Here's my response:

Thank you for your response. I am sure that the hundreds of Skoda drivers who have opted for performance enhancements, and who have covered millions of perfectly safe miles between them, would be interested to read this, given their apparently perfectly safe motoring. I would also like to know if the European Skoda dealers who offer official enhancements are aware of these so-called "potential safety concerns". Are they too putting their customers at risk?

Indeed, I would be gravely concerned if the safety features of the car would be compromised by enhancements that usually do not alter the maximum speed or handling characteristics of the vehicle, as it would indicate that they are not sufficient to the task for which they were originally designed.

My original point still stands: As a (paying) customer, I believe that Skoda UK should offer official packages for enhancing performance. This would eliminate any potential safety/warranty concerns, and would surely be a lucrative revenue generator.

Regards,

Robert Illing

Rob

You should have added after your last sentence..."...or UK customers may travel to Holland , for instance , and purchase a RHD Octavia there fitted with an Oettinger chip by the dealer and with full warranty!"....

Amen to that.

Originally posted by Witchfinder in this post

Are they too putting their customers at risk?

Putting my life on the line every minute I'm behind the wheel. And loving every second of it.

Well, they did respond, with something pretty positive:

Thank you for your message dated 30th April 2003.

All of your comments have been noted and forwarded to our design and development programme for discussion on any revision to our approved accessory range.

May I thank you once again for taking the time and trouble to contact us.

So, maybe the message is getting through?

Originally posted by Witchfinder in this post

All of your comments have been noted and forwarded to our design and development programme for discussion on any revision to our approved accessory range.

Is this Skodanese for:-

After no consideration what so ever we shall file all your comments in the nearest refuse container.

What do you mean "ah you sinic".