I was reading a copy of Which magazine.An article in it refers to VW not being happy about the level of standard equipment on Skoda vehicles.They say (VW)that this must stop,as it is having an effect on VW and Audi sales.If they own all these brands what is the problem.Sorry if this has been posted before.

I was reading a copy of Which magazine.An article in it refers to VW not being happy about the level of standard equipment on Skoda vehicles.They say (VW)that this must stop,as it is having an effect on VW and Audi sales.If they own all these brands what is the problem.Sorry if this has been posted before.

The level of standard equipment on any new car varies considerably from one market to another. UK cars tend to be quite highly specced and have long warranties. Now that Skoda has got over its old "joke" image and has had several years of providing excellent customer service, a large number of people have realised they can get VW/Audi quality on a budget brand ata fraction of the price of its VW/Audi competitors. My Elegance has cruise control, parking sensors etc etc which not long ago would only have been on luxury brands.

I can fully understand Which magazine comments.

I would imagine its because vw's and audi's are more expensive.

Audi - VwAG answer for the rich

VW - VwAG answer for the average

Skoda - VwAG answer for the poor

in recently years, more & more customers r demanding for skoda because of its great value for money compared to the other 2. same parts bin, almost the same look & feel, so why pay more for the other 2!?!?!

naturally VwAG won't like to see skoda taking potential customers away from audi & vw!!

so rumors have been flying around that they're going to "de-refine" the skoda brand.

i sure hope they don't, as skoda can do wonders for VwAG.

I previously had a Renault, and being unhappy with the quality and engineering I opted for a different manufacturer when it was written off.

I was looking at Vauxhall Vectra and had even picked one out - until a friend of mine took me for a drive around the VW Audi Group.

We checked out VW's - new ones were too pricey, old ones looked a little too used. I couldn't afford a new Audi, and second hand one's were the cost of new ones (remaining warranty was too short).

Then I went into the Skoda garage - I had the same pre-conceptions as most other people, Skoda's are a bag of sh!#e and only sad people drive them.

The first thing that smacked me in the face was the quality of the vehicle and the amount of standard kit - I was blown away by it.

The weekend after - I took 2 Octavia's for a test drive (a second hand 1.9 and a new VRS). That sold it too me.

The older 1.9 had 50K on the clock but felt the same quality as the new VRS with only 300 miles on the clock. I know this wasn't planned by the sales staff - as I chose the cars to drive.

The Skoda marque has gotten me into the VW/AG brand, and I know I wouldn't be the only one.

I hope the Badge snobs carry on buying Audi etc,i can get another good deal from skoda if i decide to buy another octy.

People will buy boring boring Golf's no matter what - I don't think VW need to worry too much about Skoda bringing home the bacon quietly in the background. Long may we smug Skoda drivers enjoy what the badge snobs won't touch.

Simple solution

Drop the price of the Audi's.. They are way over priced anyway

I used to have an Audi A4 Avant Sport (1.8T) i think that was a good car but like somebody said ...overpriced ... now i have Skoda number ..... yyy 7 in a row .... and im veeeeeeery happy

Badge snobbery still remains strong enough to keep VW Audi going strong.

My boss was ready to change his company car. After seeing the quality of my Octavia he decided on a Superb estate. The grandees at Swiss HQ said "No! A Skoda does not fit with the image of the company". He had to settle for an A6 - and it had to be Silver, Grey or Black to "fit in with the image of the company".

So I keep some exclusivity - there are 5 Audis on the company car park but just 1 Skoda though this will end as a colleague has a Blue VRS estate on order. When the the grandees visit I take great pleasure in parking my RED SKODA right next to the main entrance - maybe get the other guy to put his blue one at the other side

My own experience mirrors many. For work I don't do enough business miles to qualify for a company car so I get hire cars. This is great as I get to try out maybe half a dozen cars each year. 4yrs ago after getting a couple of Passats I decided my next car was a Passat. On my budget I was looking at a 2yr old 1.9TDi in SE spec.

Brother-in-law was on his 2nd Octavia, gave me the key and told me to go drive a real car! I did and was smitten! :love: Went straight down to the Skoda dealer and bought a 1yr old Elegance Octavia with way more spec than the Passat and 2yrs manufacturers warranty left on it.

3 or so years later I bought my 2nd Octavia - didn't even look at anything else! Though I guess in the previous year I had "test driven" an Avensis (tempting!), Auris (worst car I have ever driven!), Fabia, and Vectra (or whatever they call it now).

Audi inflated prices are well illustrated by one of the Audis on the company car park - an 06 Reg A4. The guy bought it last year. He paid the same for it as I had paid for my 06 Octavia Elegance 3yrs before. It is poverty spec and has no warranty - but he has the coveted Audi rings on the grill.

Simple solution

Drop the price of the Audi's.. They are way over priced anyway

They don't need to - I don't think Audi are getting squeezed that hard. They are the "premium" brand and the favourite of company car buyers - many people still aspire to the heady heights of Audi ownership - they just haven't noticed that Audis are now more common on company car parks than Fords. It is VW that are feeling the pinch hardest.

My start to skoda ownership didn't start off with wanting to own one. I will put my hand up I was one that made the jokes, and said a skoda sod off.

I started off gooing to volkswagen, sick of the unreliable peugeot/citroens that I had previous owned I wanted a car that would cover 20k a year with no issues so a VW fit the bill. New was out of the question as it was over my budget but pre-owned was. Went to VW in my Pug 206 to trade in. Never got a test drive and they came back with a p/x figure £2k less than what it was worth. So I walked away dishearten that I could not get into VAG.

Then I read about a Skoda Fabia vRS.......skoda......no.........but I went and had a look. Local deal that also had subaru's had one in and chucked the keys to me and said bring it back in 30mins or so. So off I went. Ok it was yellow but never one was looking at it and the drive................well it was amazing, so quick and refined compaired to the 206.

I took a little bit to get over the badge and place the order but since then I've not looked back.

Again when looking at the Octavia I did look else where and again VW felt I was not a worthy customer for them so I went back to Skoda.

Skoda does under cut VW but honestly in my experience VW needs to look at how they see their customers being a VW is not enough for those who are not badge snobs.

VW will always sell because its VW but I really do not think Skoda take any customers away that maybe VW's dealer dont push away.

Yes I would like an Audi, but not at the price that they are at.

In the future you may go to Skoda and find most of the equipment are options and the Skoda will be priced more like a VW.Which will you buy then?

I have ordered the Skoda because of the equipment levels.Have VW created a monster?

I was reading a copy of Which magazine.An article in it refers to VW not being happy about the level of standard equipment on Skoda vehicles.They say (VW)that this must stop,as it is having an effect on VW and Audi sales.If they own all these brands what is the problem.Sorry if this has been posted before.

In Portugal my 1.6 Tdi Elegance Pack comes with Dual AC, Bluetooth, MaxiDot, 4 Spoke steering wheel with controls, Boot storage box, Jumbo box with AUX entry, folding mirrors, light and rain sensor, plus all other equipment( 4 power windows, alarm, fog/Drl lights, reverse sensors, auto dimm mirror(side and interior) and Esp)

The VW Golf wagon with the same options has an extra cost of 2,500 € more.

Audi - VwAG answer for the rich

VW - VwAG answer for the average

Skoda - VwAG answer for the poor

in recently years, more & more customers r demanding for skoda because of its great value for money compared to the other 2. same parts bin, almost the same look & feel, so why pay more for the other 2!?!?!

naturally VwAG won't like to see skoda taking potential customers away from audi & vw!!

so rumors have been flying around that they're going to "de-refine" the skoda brand.

i sure hope they don't, as skoda can do wonders for VwAG.

Where does SEAT belong

Audi inflated prices are well illustrated by one of the Audis on the company car park - an 06 Reg A4. The guy bought it last year. He paid the same for it as I had paid for my 06 Octavia Elegance 3yrs before. It is poverty spec and has no warranty - but he has the coveted Audi rings on the grill.

Here in Portugal AUDI salesmen "consider" AUDI cars as »»»»»» OLYMPIC SKODA ( SKODA OLIMPICA)

Edited 29 January, 201115 yr by alberg

The problem is that Skoda as a company make a loss for VW Group.

Skoda has got over it's badge issue and the "old jokes" and now people want them.

One of my wife's brothers lives out in the Czech Republic and he was telling me that the plan is to lower the specification on Skoda or to start making some features on available on VW and Audi cars.

I don't know how true it is.

But VW aren't happy with their "profit losing" arm at the moment and I can see something happening we aren't going to like,

As far as I was aware Skoda make a profit for the vw group just not huge as the profit margins are much smaller than VW and Audi. Seat is the loss maker and god knows what they will do with that brand. They have tried to make a Spanish alfa but it doesn't seemed to have worked somehow. The trouble is they try to make all the brands 'premium' but all they are doing is creating more competition internally and I don't think the equipment cutting will increase VW sales more likely drive people to Kia etc. A better option surely is to for go some margin and have extra standard spec on VW's just leave the long option list for Audi.

The problem with SEAT being VW's "Alfa Romeo" is that to achieve that they need to handle better, go faster and look more beautiful than the other VW brands. This is difficult as they have no unique engines or platforms. These days Alfa struggle too in the same way as they are not far enough away from the bread and butter FIAT models they are related to.

It appears SEAT had more autonomy in the 70s and early 80s when they offered unique engines and other features on the FIATs they made under licence and even some distinct models like the original Bocanegra coupe.

The latest addition to the range of a marginally restyled previous generation Audi A4 probably hasn't helped the brand, although its a good car and fine value.

VW has a number of things to consider. Skoda has, esoecially over the past few years, made a name for itself in quite another segment than before. VW puts Skoda out to compete with Kia, Hyundai and other low price brands. However in order to build the current reputation of Skoda they where allowed a "free pick" on company shelves to get where they wanted. Now, VW's problem is that Skoda has become somewhat too good. The reason the first Superb did not come as a wagon was in order not to take on the Passat. When competitors of Skoda released cars in that segment, suddenly Skoda did not offer what they should according to whom they where to challenge. Along came the Superb wagon. Now this very car, as well as the Octavia and Fabia, collects customers from both VW and Audi as well. Of course not only them, but from them as well. People understand that it's now mostly down to image, even though Audi is still the inventive sister, VW is the comfortable ride at a fairly nice price, and Skoda is value for money without compromising too much. Seat is the sister with the sporty image, if not sportier by itself.

The Czech's have done a fantastic job at positioning Skoda. Who can blame them for doing their best? Trouble is the Germans have been somewhat sleeping during lessons, while Skoda has been marching on. A VW sales representative told me that they view it this way: Audi with their "Aufsprung durch technic" invents and comes up with the new stuff first. Then after a little while VW launches the same ideas on the masses, and "When we know it works, Skoda gets it". How is that for a unique selling point...? And, who's to say that those who do not pick a Skoda will choose some other VAG brand?

Anyway - VW has somewhat cornered itself. As far as I know all brands are currently profitable and as such I do not see the crisis ahead. However they need to see what's going on. A president at VW recently said, confronted with this, that if the Fabia comes out with a more representative and better feeling dash than the Polo, then we (VW) have a problem. It's not hard to agree, knowing how they want to position their brands. However solving this by taking it out on Skoda, who have done nothing less of a massive job, is wrongful thinking. Devaluation of Skoda risks putting off some (a lot) of those ho now favor the brand. What they should do is work with VW and Audi to make the differences even more visible than today. You can always manufacture a better car, but to intently make a car lesser, in any term - quality, solutions, overall image - is to me completely ridiculous.

In short: look in the mirror VW and Audi, instead of kicking your little sister for bing "Simply Clever"

UGH!

Edited 30 January, 201115 yr by takktakk

The problem is that Skoda as a company make a loss for VW Group.

Skoda has got over it's badge issue and the "old jokes" and now people want them.

One of my wife's brothers lives out in the Czech Republic and he was telling me that the plan is to lower the specification on Skoda or to start making some features on available on VW and Audi cars.

I don't know how true it is.

But VW aren't happy with their "profit losing" arm at the moment and I can see something happening we aren't going to like,

So where does this statement come from then!!!!!!!

Doesn't appear to be a loss making situation for Skoda.

Škoda Auto Announces Record Deliveries and Operating Profit in the First Nine Months of 2010

• Record sales of 568,990 year-to-date, up 12.5%
• Operating profit up 64.4% to £280 million
• Net liquidity significantly improved

Škoda Auto delivered a record 568,990 vehicles to customers in the first nine months of 2010, helping the company to significantly increase its turnover (up 16.3% to £5.6 billion) and operating profit, which increased by 64.4% to £280 million, when compared to the same period last year.

“The positive financial figures for the first nine months of 2010 are the result of our sustained and profitable growth strategy”, said Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland, Chairman of the Board of Škoda Auto a.s.

“We have never sold more cars in the first nine months of a year than we have done in 2010. We will continue on this path and, in doing so, we want to expand considerably in global growth markets such as Russia, India, and China, while at the same time strengthening our position in Europe.”

For the entire year of 2010, Vahland expects a clear increase in deliveries and the operating profit.

Also check this out

http://auto.consumerelectron.com/skoda-auto-presents-delivery-record-and-operating-profit-in-first-nine-months-of-2010/

Edited 30 January, 201115 yr by ramonford

The problem is that Skoda as a company make a loss for VW Group.

I laughed so hard I just let a little bit of pee out

Skoda is doing miracles all over the world with its sales figures - breaking previous sales records & gaining more momentum each year.

and that's in number of countries, spread across a number of continents!!

there is no way VwAG is making a loss with Skoda!!

VW has a number of things to consider. Skoda has, esoecially over the past few years, made a name for itself in quite another segment than before. VW puts Skoda out to compete with Kia, Hyundai and other low price brands. However in order to build the current reputation of Skoda they where allowed a "free pick" on company shelves to get where they wanted. Now, VW's problem is that Skoda has become somewhat too good. The reason the first Superb did not come as a wagon was in order not to take on the Passat. When competitors of Skoda released cars in that segment, suddenly Skoda did not offer what they should according to whom they where to challenge. Along came the Superb wagon. Now this very car, as well as the Octavia and Fabia, collects customers from both VW and Audi as well. Of course not only them, but from them as well. People understand that it's now mostly down to image, even though Audi is still the inventive sister, VW is the comfortable ride at a fairly nice price, and Skoda is value for money without compromising too much. Seat is the sister with the sporty image, if not sportier by itself.

The Czech's have done a fantastic job at positioning Skoda. Who can blame them for doing their best? Trouble is the Germans have been somewhat sleeping during lessons, while Skoda has been marching on. A VW sales representative told me that they view it this way: Audi with their "Aufsprung durch technic" invents and comes up with the new stuff first. Then after a little while VW launches the same ideas on the masses, and "When we know it works, Skoda gets it". How is that for a unique selling point...? And, who's to say that those who do not pick a Skoda will choose some other VAG brand?

Anyway - VW has somewhat cornered itself. As far as I know all brands are currently profitable and as such I do not see the crisis ahead. However they need to see what's going on. A president at VW recently said, confronted with this, that if the Fabia comes out with a more representative and better feeling dash than the Polo, then we (VW) have a problem. It's not hard to agree, knowing how they want to position their brands. However solving this by taking it out on Skoda, who have done nothing less of a massive job, is wrongful thinking. Devaluation of Skoda risks putting off some (a lot) of those ho now favor the brand. What they should do is work with VW and Audi to make the differences even more visible than today. You can always manufacture a better car, but to intently make a car lesser, in any term - quality, solutions, overall image - is to me completely ridiculous.

In short: look in the mirror VW and Audi, instead of kicking your little sister for bing "Simply Clever"

UGH!

After the last VAG AGM, It was identified and mentioned that VW are loosing sales mainly of the Polo to Fabia, as mentioned above along with

1- all the +'ve results from JD power

2- The awards that Skoda have been picking up

3- The biggest 'eye opener' for customers was the value for money of the cars

4- Badge is no longer a consideration.

I whole hartedly agree that VAG need to seriously look at what is wrong with the VW and address that issue.

Anyone with common sense in business does not devalue a product to decrease sales, that is commercial suicide, customers will defect to other brands.

While Skoda as a separate entity may be making a profit it doesn't mean that within the context of the greater group it isn't causing a loss. Perhaps what's actually being meant is that it causes a loss for the larger group in the sense that their overall profits are reduced compared with what they could have been if Skoda hadn't taken sales from the Audi and VW brands.

Regarding the value for money proposition, it depends on your viewpoint. I'd have liked an auxiliary heater on our diesel Octavia for demisting on cold mornings, but this was never available in the UK for that model but they were fitted to some Audi models of the same age. I'd have liked more comfortable seats -- leather and heated but the padding seems 'thin' -- but then perhaps I should have got a VW or Audi for the extra feeling of luxury.

Then there have been complaints in these fora about how Skoda won't entertain goodwill payments when there have been problems out of warranty whereas, it appears, some VW customers and more Audi customers have benefited in similar circumstances. So you could say that, when buying a new car, you can get a Skoda for less but the terms of the warranty are likely to be strictly adhered to, meaning the customer carries more risk over the period of ownership.