Škoda Auto Extends Roomster Production

[ColinD]

Škoda Auto is going to set up a third shift for the Roomster production in its Kvasiny plant as of November 22 this year. The reason is that the demand for Škoda's fourth model line is increasing and that the vehicle has quickly become popular with the car manufacturer's customers. The initially estimated production figures have been updated to match the number of orders collected by dealers. As a result, Škoda Auto is planning to produce over 20,000 Roomsters by the end of this year.

"Even the very first reactions from industry experts as well as potential customers after the vehicle's premiere at the Geneva Motor Show were very positive and we are pleased to admit that the interest people have shown in the Roomster after we launched the series production has surpassed our expectations,” said Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member responsible for HR management. “The combination of modern design, innovative interior elements, excellent handling characteristics and a number of smart solutions typical of all vehicles with the winged arrow emblem show we have chosen the right direction. On top of all that, the Roomster is very likely to help us produce and sell 500,000 vehicles this year, i.e., reach another major milestone,” said Jahn.

The series production [of the Roomster] was launched in late March, the sales in the Czech market started in June. Besides the Czech Republic, the company has subsequently launched the Roomster also in other countries, including Germany, Slovakia, France, Austria and Great Britain. As the production in Kvasiny is being extended, the company is recruiting new employees – 1,300 new employees have been hired already, a further 600 are to come by the end of the year. Škoda Auto employs over 26,000 people in its three plants in the Czech Republic.