Americans Will Find Out Next Year If Skoda is Coming: CEO
North American motorists with a hunger for foreign badges will have to wait a little longer for a yes/no answer from Škoda.
The Czech subsidiary of Volkswagen Group will make up its mind on a possible entry into the North American market by next year, CEO Bernhard Maier said to German newspaper Handelsblatt (via Wards Auto).
Škoda, which just recorded its best first-half sales numbers in its history, spent the last few months dropping hints of a foray across the Atlantic. Maier was recently quoted as saying the company’s upcoming three-row Kodiaq SUV would be a “home run” in the U.S. marketplace. U.S. trademark filings for Škoda model names and associated badging began in May.
It sure looked like the automaker was preparing all the necessary groundwork for a U.S. entry. Now, Maier has said when we can expect to see Škoda signage added to Volkswagen dealerships (or not).
“During the next year, we want to have the question of North America decided for us,” Maier told Handelsblatt. “When we talk about our plans until 2025, then you cannot leave out one of the most important car markets in the world. Therefore, we examine under what conditions and with what cars the entrance to the U.S. market would be possible.”
Volkswagen plans to recapture U.S. car buyers’ hearts with a healthy lineup of crossovers and SUVs. The company’s small-car “clean diesel” push is over, and won’t reappear once the emissions scandal ends, its American CEO said recently. The strategy shift could leave an opening for some Škoda models.
For now, Europhiles will have to wait patiently.
[Image: TuRbO_J/ Flickr]
More by Steph Willems
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Cruising the Skoda UK site, I do see manual brown diesel wagons. Is that not reason enough?
Skoda has really turned things around in Europe - where they are probably getting more positive press/reviews than the offerings from VW. But with the already dumbed-down Jetta and Passat for the US market - does bringing Skoda to the States really make sense?
I just wrapped up a week of driving a rental stick shift Skoda Rapid wagon for a week in Ireland. Heavily polluting diesel, of course. I really liked it. However I don't see many Americans willing to throw their money at a Czech automotive brand with no US history.
Well, VW stacked ~$18 bil on a bridge, and lit it all on fire. Maybe Skoda will be the "new" VW that sells non-hybrid cars?