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VW Singapore plots Skoda comeback Volkswagen-owned Czech brand Skoda is making a comeback, yet again. But this time, it is parent group Volkswagen which will do its own importing and retailing here. Volkswagen Group Singapore - the manufacturer-owned importer and retailer of Volkswagen vehicles here - has registered a new company for this purpose. According to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, Skoda Centre Singapore was registered last month and will be operating out of 247 Alexandra Road, which is the same address as the VW showroom. The Straits Times understands renovations are being carried out at the facility and that Skoda Centre Singapore will start operations in the first quarter of next year. Volkswagen Group Singapore was not available for comment, but it is understood that a meaningful price differential will be in place to re-launch the Czech brand here. Previously, Skoda cars - which are based on Volkswagens - were the same price or even costlier than equivalent VW models. In other markets, Skodas are cheaper. The brand was last represented by Harvest Automobiles, part of businessman Peter Kwee's now dormant motor group of companies. Harvest Automobiles went bust in 2013 - the third Skoda agency to have failed in Singapore. The Straits Times understands Vertex Automobiles, the dealer for Chinese automobile brand Chery that is owned by egg trader Lian Fong, had made a pitch for the Skoda franchise. But it has since landed Seat, a Spanish brand also owned by Volkswagen Group. Skoda had also been courting Trans Eurokars, a multi-franchise group owned by businessman Karsono Kwee. Among its brands are Rolls-Royce, Porsche, Mini and Mazda. The best year for the Skoda brand here was 2010, when it sold 105 cars. That is less than 4 per cent of Volkswagen sales last year. Will the brand have better success under Volkswagen? Nanyang Business School's Adjunct Associate Professor Zafar Momin, previously an automotive expert with the Boston Consulting Group, said: "Skoda may be able to make a comeback in Singapore if priced and promoted properly. It needs to be very competitive with its Korean competitors in terms of pricing, as it could provide solid, competitive products targeted at value segments of the markets. "With VW Singapore now doing it themselves, it has a better chance than before. Having said that, I wonder what "comeback" really means in a small crowded Singapore car market which has small volumes for many non-mainstream brands. Would it really be worth the effort and to what extent would it cannibalise VW products?" When contacted back in 2014 - when Harvest Automobiles relinquished the business - Volkswagen Group Singapore said it had no plans to take over the Skoda retail business here. It has, however, taken over the maintenance and warranty of Skodas here. There are about 400 Skoda cars in Singapore today. As a onwer of both Skoda and VW model, I can attest that Skoda is indeed better, in almost every aspect, than VW. I can wait to welcome it back to Singapore!! Here are some interesting models in current Skoda lineup, that I hope can be made available to local motorist when sales start next year. Superb Superb Combi Kodiaq

Look larger and well proportioned. Stay tuned for more info.

@AriesGoat hey bro. Any latest news for the VRS estate launch? Saw the 2 mk4 red sedan and estate on a trailer last week.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/skoda/kodiak/88859/skoda-vision-s-concept-previews-7-seat-skoda-kodiak-suv Just came across this....will be launched end this year...but doubt will make it to our shores cos Skoda got no distributors here liao

Since Seat has a new AD here and some of us had been waiting till neck long long for Skoda to have an AD here... For the Kodiaq, would anyone buy the Seat Ateca if it was sold here? If yes, what reasonable price would you buy it at? Here is a review from Top Gear UK... https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/ateca/first-drive Disclaimer : I don't work for the local Seat AD...

SGCARMART ARCADE DRIVE sgCarMart is teaming up together with ŠKODA Singapore to transform the showroom into an arcade theme playground. Drive ŠMART, Play ŠMART! Excite your senses at ŠKODA Centre Singapore from 21 to 24 January and stand to enjoy up to $27,000 in discounts off a brand new car. JOIN US NOW! Event Highlights Register for our event to enjoy a $1,000 off your car purchase and receive an additional $1,000 discount if you are the first 10 customers to book a ŠKODA. Visit our showroom from 21-24 Jan and stand to enjoy discounts up to $27,000 on a new car. Catch attractive prizes with our claw machine Immerse and challenge your friend with a round of Daytona arcade machine! A new and exciting test-drive for you to try out all ŠKODA cars. $15 Grab voucher when you register with us (while stocks last). Current ŠKODA Line-ups JOIN US NOW!

Over 30 MyCarForum (MCF) members gathered at The Karting Arena located at The Grandstand at Turf Club Road on Saturday morning for the MCF Markdown with Skoda, with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the full Skoda lineup of cars, as well as to try their hands at a little go-kart action. Unfortunately, the weather proved to be a bit of a downer, as the non-stop rain meant that the MCF members were not able to head out onto the go-kart track. Nonetheless, there were still plenty to see and do during the MCF Markdown. Claire Jedrek and Yuey Tan, two of Singapore's premier motor racing drivers, were on hand to share their experience driving their new family SUV - the Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TSI Laurin & Klement. Together, they highlighted how the Kodiaq delivers when it comes to practical family needs, important as they now have two children. The car's ample safety features ensure that all passengers are well taken care of, while the seven-seater configuration also means that it can easily accommodate the whole family, parents and in-laws included. Convenience features like the hands-free tailgate allows easy loading of groceries, important for Claire as during grocery runs, she always tends to carry so much in one go that her hands are always full. However, the couple also highlighted how the Kodiaq still delivers when it comes to driving dynamics and sporty performance. This is important as the Kodiaq also allows them to partake in adventures up North, including a recent off-road experience. There, the Kodiaq was spacious enough to easily fit both of their mountain bikes, while the car's all-wheel drive system allowed them to easily tackle the dirt tracks along the way. Also, one aspect of the Kodiaq that Yuey especially enjoys is the driving modes - out on the open road, the Sport mode firms up the cars suspension, increases steering weight and sharpens throttle response, allowing him to engage in spirited driving befitting of his racing credentials. The discussion panel was moderated by sgCarMart Senior Automotive Journalist Desmond Chan, who also took the opportunity to share with the MCF members in attendance about his recent week-long holiday in Scotland where he had driven a Skoda Superb. While the rain meant that guests were unable to head out onto the track, thankfully the eight racing simulators ensured that everyone was still thoroughly occupied. The many youngsters in attendance were especially competitive when it came to sim racing, and even had the chance to race against Claire. Members also has plenty of opportunity to test drive all of the Skoda models, including the Kodiaq, the Karoq, the Superb, the Octavia, as well as the Octavia RS 245. Of course, attractive prizes were given out during the MCF Hangout, with the lucky draw winner winning four The Karting Arena Grand Prix vouchers worth $110 each. MCF members had ample opportunity to test out the full range of Skoda models. The Octavia RS 245 proved highly popular among all those in attendance. Claire and Yuey shared about their experience driving the Skoda Kodiaq. Everyone got behind the wheels of the racing simulators to try to set the overall best lap time. One lucky individual walked away with the grand prize of four The Karting Area Grand Prix vouchers!

REGISTRATION HAS BEEN CLOSED MCF MarkDown this June brings you ŠKODA, a ŠMART brand that sparks joy. ŠKODA brings you the ŠKODA Octavia 1.4L,one of the most generous mid-sized cars in terms of legroom and economical non-hybrid saloon car (official fuel consumption of 5.2L/100km), and packed with ŠMART details that make this car an excellent choice for families The ŠKODA Octavia provides with excellent value, superb quality and reliability since it was introduced in 1996, and in the form of a fast-back sedan, it is incredibly spacious for a car of its size. And now in its third generation, the punchy 1.4L turbocharged Octavia is arguably the best line-up of engines, as it combines impressive speed with good economy. We have arranged an exclusive test drive event with ŠKODA and not only that! There will be a special price announcement during the event for all the participant who wants to own a ŠKODA on that day; They can enjoy exclusive deals and promotion during the day! REGISTRATION HAS BEEN CLOSED With news like this, everyone Singaporean must be disheartening. But fret not! MyCarForum has partnered with ŠKODA to bring you the best deal in town. Join us to test drive the ŠKODA car that you will like and win Lucky Draw worth up to $400 that day! Date: June 8, 2019, Saturday Time: 10am – 1pm (Registration starts at 9.30am.) Venue: ŠKODA Singapore, 26 Leng Kee Road, Singapore 159104 Registration Fee: $10 per registrant (Free goodie bag worth $50 for every registrant) REGISTRATION HAS BEEN CLOSED *Limited to 40 participant. Successful registrants will be contacted via phone or e-mail. Payment will be processed only if your registration is successful (payment must be made via Visa or Mastercard). Terms and Conditions There will be a registration fee of $10 once you have confirmed your attendance. The participating party agrees to pay the registration fee when they confirm their attendance for the event. The Management of MCF will remunerate the registration fee in a form of $15 shopping voucher or grocery voucher during the event. Registration closes on 31 May 2019.

MCF HangOut with ŠKODA Award-winning European excellence, without the huge price tag. 13 Dec 2018 (Thursday) ŠKODA Centre Singapore | 26 Leng Kee Rd, Singapore 159104 When you think of smart things in your life, what would it be? I must say, I will think of ŠKODA. Simply Clever is what you will expect from a wide range of ŠKODA cars available now in Singapore. Registration has been closed At ŠKODA we understand life’s little everyday challenges. It’s the clever little touches that make our cars exceptional – we call this ‘Simple Clever’ philosophy. And here are 5 fun facts you might not know about ŠKODA! 1) ŠKODA continues on its growth course, delivering a record breaking 1.2 million vehicles worldwide in 2017. Its production volume and export to over 100 countries around the world makes ŠKODA one of the most profitable brand in the Volkswagen Group portfolio, beaten only by Porsche. 2) ŠKODA has a plethora of “Simply Clever” features in its modern cars including umbrellas mounted in the front door akin to a Rolls-Royce. 3) ŠKODA has an extensive range of add-ons to suit your different lifestyle needs, such as original dog accessories to travel with your best friend; or a convertible headrest adaptor with a hanger to hold your business suit, or a tablet to keep your kids entertained. 4) All ŠKODA cars are designed with your comfort in mind. Each model boasts generous leg and head room, class leading boot space as well as refined European material and finishes. 5) ŠKODA Singapore is relaunched in March this year, in a direct dealership model managed by parent company Volkswagen Group Singapore. Award-winning European excellence, without the huge price tag. Come test drive now! - RAPID SPACEBACK - OCTAVIA - OCTAVIA RS 245 - KODIAQ - SUPERB - KAROQ Timeline. 6.00 - 7.00 Registration 7.00 – 7.15 Brand intro & Product History of Skoda 7.15 – 7.30 Editorial talk by SGCM Editor, Mr Julian Kho 7.30 – 8.30 Dinner to be served, test drive your favourite Skoda 8.30 – 9.00 Lucky Draw; Two lucky winners will each walk away with attractive grocery voucher 9.00 Group photos/event ends