Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Skoda picks up the Greenline to ask for extra volume
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Skoda picks up the Greenline to ask for extra volume

Date: 02 June 2008   |   Author:

Skoda is the latest manufacturer to experience stronger demand than expected for its special low-CO2 models, after it sold its 2008 supply of 300 eco-friendly Greenline Fabia models.

"We've gone back to the factory to ask for more," fleet boss Martin Burke told BusinessCar, a move that echoes action taken by VW for its Bluemotion line-up and Ford for its Econetic models following huge demand for both.

Burke also confirmed Skoda will have an Octavia Greenline slotting below the 120g/km barrier next summer, a model that would be the largest sub-120g/km car on sale. Late this year, a Greenline version of the new Superb will arrive, emitting 136g/km.

"I see Greenline becoming a bigger part of the mix in coming years," Skoda UK boss Robert Hazlewood told BusinessCar. "We're getting a lot of fleet interest in the Fabia - it's much stronger than expected and it's given us a real boost."

Skoda is also gearing up for a new product push, with the new Yeti small 4x4 coming mid-next year, followed by a Superb estate in 2010. There's also a facelifted Octavia due late this year, as well as potential plans to bring in a sub-Fabia city car and a budget model to sit between the Fabia and Octavia. The latter model was originally planned just for eastern Europe, but is now likely to be launched across the continent, including the UK.

Skoda also has "very advanced plans" for a seven-seat MPV.

The firm is also continuing to see demand from the taxi market for its last-generation Octavia, despite the car having been replaced three years ago. Burke said Skoda sells around 1700 units a year to private hire firms.



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