To mark 20 years in Ireland, SKODA, the third oldest car makers in the world, has announced it will host a large scale celebratory open event throughout its nationwide dealer network until 6th July 2013. 

Debuting back in 1993 with a two car range, the Czech car maker sold just 76 vehicles through a network of only four dealers. 20 years on the brand has become a household name with over 60,600 vehicles delivered to customers over the period. Represented by 22 established dealers, the range of vehicles offered by SKODA has grown to 10 model variants.  

Renowned for the quality, affordability and reliability of its vehicles, the period since 2008 has been SKODA’s most significant growth period as Irish motorists rediscovered the value of the SKODA range.  During this time, SKODA Ireland’s market share has doubled from 3.0% in 2008 to 6.9% year to date*, placing the car maker 6th on the sales leader board.

SKODA’s festivities will coincide not only with the recent arrival of the new SKODA Octavia but also with the introduction of the new 132 registration plate to mark the second half of the sales year. SKODA retailers will be celebrating with unprecedented trade in allowances and 3.9% APR finance rates for customers throughout June and into July.

Commenting, John Donegan, Brand Director for SKODA Ireland, said: “We are extremely proud of what has been achieved over the past 20 years. The last five years have been among the most challenging the car industry has seen but our products have proven they are fitting for the current environment where customers are attuning to value more than ever before. This is only the beginning for SKODA.  We have doubled our market share in just five years and the next five years will see the introduction of even more models to the range including two new SUVs by 2018. Looking to the future, I don’t see why SKODA cannot become a top 3 car brand in Ireland.”

Donegan continued:  “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal customers, our great network of dealers and all our employees, past and present, for their contributions to the SKODA organisation over the past 20 years.”