Latest news with #KlausZellmer
NDTV
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
Skoda Vision O Concept Previews Brand's Future Estate Car's Design
Skoda has now revealed the first details of the Vision O concept car, due to premiere in Munich in early September. The study will give an outlook on the brand's future in the estate segment and marks an evolution of the Modern Solid design language. At the same time, the Vision O is reflecting Skoda's 130-year tradition and underlines the company's commitment to sustainable innovation. Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Skoda Auto, has stated, "The Skoda Vision O design study will highlight the future trajectory of estate models under the influence of new technologies, sustainability, and the deep experience of Skoda Auto in this segment. This will be one of our most significant steps in developing and evolving our design language even further for this period of transition in the automotive industry. It will position us to remain a major player in the estate segment, where Skoda Auto has been engaged since the 1920s. We are excited to present this concept to the world in early September 2025, marking a new era for Skoda Auto. Stay tuned for further information which will be released in advance of the Skoda Vision O world premiere". The brand claims that the Vision O study presents a consistent evolution of the Modern Solid design language. At first sight, the estate concept features a sleek, distinctive silhouette. The design is predominantly shaped by the light contours, the aerodynamic body, the steeply raked windscreen, and the gently sloping roof typical of Skoda estate models. The model designation "Vision O" is derived from the concept of circularity. This holistic approach to recycling and reusing components minimises the environmental impact of vehicle development and production. Furthermore, the concept is also characterized by the combination of functionality and user experience. The Vision O concept continues the manufacturer's legacy of estate cars, encompassing models such as the historical L&K 110, known for its variable body options. The most successful is the Skoda Octavia estate, first introduced in 1960. Modern versions of the Skoda Octavia estate have already surpassed the milestone of more than 3 million units produced in four generations since 1998, making it also the best-selling estate model in Skoda history. First launched in 2008 with the second-modern-generation Superb, the Skoda Superb estate is also highly popular. Other well-liked Skoda estate models include the Skoda 1101 Tudor Station Wagon (STW) with a folding rear seat, as well as the Skoda 1200/1201/1202 car family. The Skoda Vision O design concept will be presented in Munich at the beginning of September 2025.
India Today
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- India Today
Skoda unveils first glimpse of Vision O Concept, heralding new era for estate models
Skoda Auto has today revealed the first silhouette images and details of its bold new concept car, the Skoda Vision O, which will make its global debut this September at the international motor show in Munich. The concept offers a forward-looking preview of Skoda's design and technological direction for its future estate models, while paying tribute to the company's 130-year Vision O embodies the next phase in Skoda's Modern Solid design language, a visual and philosophical shift that integrates sleek, aerodynamically refined lines with a focus on sustainability and functional innovation. Marked by a steeply raked windscreen and a gently sloping roofline, the Vision O silhouette signals a new standard for future estate models, balancing form and CEO Klaus Zellmer highlighted the significance of the concept, stating, 'The koda Vision O design study will highlight the future trajectory of estate models under the influence of new technologies, sustainability, and the deep experience of Skoda Auto in this segment. This will be one of our most significant steps in evolving our design language for this period of transition in the automotive industry.' Central to the Vision O's philosophy is the idea of circularity. The concept's name itself reflects koda's holistic approach to environmental responsibility, prioritising the reuse and recycling of materials across the vehicle's lifecycle. This sustainable vision is deeply embedded in both the design and development of the concept has a long-standing legacy in the estate segment, beginning with models like the L&K 110 and continuing with contemporary icons such as the Octavia Estate, which has surpassed 3 million units sold across four generations since 1998. Other notable estates include the Superb Estate, 1101 Tudor Station Wagon, and the 1200/1201/1202 series, all reflecting the brand's enduring commitment to versatility, innovation, and Skoda celebrates its 130th anniversary in 2025, the Vision O concept signals a bold new chapter, bridging the brand's rich history with its forward-thinking Skoda Vision O will celebrate its world premiere in early September 2025 in to Auto Today Magazine- Ends
The Independent
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
Skoda's CEO reveals all on electric cars, petrol cars and sporty Skodas
Klaus Zellmer runs one of Europe's favourite car brands, Skoda. He joins our EV editor Steve Fowler for a drive around London in the new all-electric Skoda Enyaq to talk through the entire Skoda business including new model plans, the challenge faced by Chinese brands, Skoda's role in the VW Group, expansion in India, hot and sporty Skodas and much more. Watch more from Drive Smart on Independent TV.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
VW's Skoda posts 12% profit rise in H1 as electric sales grow
Skoda Auto , a Volkswagen unit, increased the share of electric vehicles in its sales mix in the first half of the year and posted a nearly 12 per cent rise in operating profit to 1.3 billion euros ($1.52 billion), it said on Monday. The Czech carmaker's revenue for the first six months rose nearly 12 per cent year on year to 15.1 billion euros. Deliveries were up 14 per cent to 509,400 vehicles in the period. Around 23 per cent of those deliveries were either fully electric or plug-in hybrid models, up from 9.4 per cent in the first half of last year, the company said. Chief Executive Klaus Zellmer said customers had placed more than 120,000 orders for Skoda's all-electric Enyaq and Elroq models by the end of June, highlighting progress in its electrification strategy. European automakers have booked multi-billion-euro losses and issued profit warnings as they struggle to handle competition from China, U.S. import tariffs, and EU regulations aimed at speeding up the EV transition. "Sales relative to the overall market performance, we are doing good," Zellmer told journalists in a video conference. While overall car sales have fallen in Europe this year, sales of electric vehicles - a priority segment for companies like Skoda Auto - have been rising. Zellmer said the company sees big potential with the new Epiq, an electric SUV priced at 25,000 euros that will target entry-level consumers. It plans to launch the Epiq in the first half of 2026. "We put a lot of hope or I would even say ... expectation on that car," he said. "Our current rate of electrified drive train sales ... has to go up." In the European market, Skoda delivered 409,100 vehicles to customers, an increase of nearly 11 per cent that outperformed the overall market and was underpinned by the sales of 72,000 electric vehicles and 21,400 plug-in hybrids, the company said. Skoda also achieved record results in India where it delivered 33,000 vehicles, representing year-on-year growth of 108 per cent, the company said.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
Europe's Third-Best Selling Car Brand Is Who?
Strong Czech brand Škoda has swooped in to claim third in the first half-year car sales in Europe. ... More Photo: Škoda Auto. The third-best selling car brand in Europe so far this year is… Škoda Auto. Yes, Škoda. The 130-year-old Czech brand, part of the Volkswagen Group, clambered above mainstays like Peugeot, Citroen, Opel and Ford to sit in third place in year-to-date sales to the end of June according to both JATO Dynamics and automobile industry body EMEA. Sitting behind only Volkswagen and Renault, Škoda also managed to be third without a single model selling in the top 10, instead preferring strength across the board in combustion, battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrids. Škoda Auto delivered 509,400 cars globally (up 13.6%), including 409,100 in the Europe and the UK, and delivered a 10.4% rise in net revenue to €15.070 billion, on an operating profit of €1.285b (up 11.8%). The tightly run Czech ship managed an 8.5% return on sales, too (up 8.4%), putting the Volkswagen, Audi and Seat brands to shame beneath the Volkswagen Group umbrella. 'Škoda Auto is thriving, delivering solid financial results for the first half of 2025 despite significant challenges across our industry," Škoda Auto CEO Klaus Zellmer said. "Once again, we have achieved growth across our core KPIs and demonstrated that we are one of the most profitable automotive brands in the volume segment. 'It is notable that our success in the first six months has been spread across powertrains, confirming we are on the right course by offering freedom of choice in this era of transition. And our order numbers prove, that our EV strategy is also on track: More than 120,000 orders for our all-electric new Enyaq and Elroq models were made by end of June.' The Volkswagen brand retained its overall Number One sales spot in Europe for the first half of ... More 2025. Photo:. Volkswagen as a brand took its number-one slot with the support of big sales numbers from the T-Roc, the Golf and the Tiguan, despite the perennial big-selling hatchback Golf sliding 17% in year-to-date sales to sit fifth on the charts. France's Renault followed in second overall, with the Clio hatch comfortably outselling the Golf to be the second-biggest selling model overall in 2025 so far. Tesla was overtaken by China's MG over the same period, with its market share declining in Europe from 2.4% to just 1.6%, despite having its own factory in Germany, in a rising BEV market. BEV sales rose 25% in the first half of the year, to 1,193,397 according to JATO Dynamics, while PHEVs rose 24% to 597,588 sales, but the biggest stat was a 91% rise in sales of Chinese brands. Volkswagen has also kept its foot on Tesla's throat in the American brand's BEV stronghold, outselling it by 135,427 BEVS so far this year to Tesla's 109,262. And while Volkswagen's BEV sales are up 78% in 2025, Tesla's have slid 33% backwards. BMW has pushed its way into third place in BEV sales, with 94,468 (up 15%), though Audi (74,561, up 53%) and, particularly, Škoda (71,789, and up 147%) are aiming to slip past the Bavarian brand in the second half of the year. Tesla sales continue to slide in Europe, down 33% this year despite the Model Y finishing the June ... More sales month as the second strongest BEV. Photo: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images. It has been a surprise to some that the rise in the Chinese brands has not come at the expense of the Renault Group's budget Dacia brand, though, whose Sandero is the biggest selling car in Europe so far this year. It sold 128,842 buyers, according to JATO Dynamics, while the stablemate Clio (122,489) finished the half-time break in second and the Peugeot 208 (108,146) was third, followed by three Volkswagens (T-Roc, Golf and Tiguan). Dacia slotted its new Duster in at seventh (97,188), while the Peugeot 2008, Citroen C3 and Toyota Yaris Cross rounded out the top 10. It has been a difficult six months for the Stellantis Group, even though it held on to the second slot behind the Volkswagen Group and ahead of the Renault Group. Where the Renault Group has the Renault, Dacia and boutique Alpine brands, Stellantis has Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Abarth, Maserati and Jeep brands to draw from. Only the Alfa Romeo brand has shown significant signs of sales life for the Stellantis Group in ... More Europe this year. PhotoL AP photo/Nam Y. Huh. It has bet the farm on Europe's BEV uptake, and so far, European customers aren't signing on. Only Alfa Romeo (up 33%), Peugeot (+6%) and Jeep (+2%) showed any signs of life from the Stellantis fleet. Renault was chased home by an energetic and creative Hyundai -Kia Group in fourth (with 540,917 sales) and BMW Group (including a surging Mini), with Toyota in sixth (478,686 sales). Mercedes-Benz ran a distant seventh (355,152), followed by Ford, the Geely Group and Nissan. Consistently the engine room of the European car market, Germany saw its H1 sales fall 13.8% this year, but it wasn't the worst. The Italian market dropped 17.4% to lead the market the wrong way, along with Belgium (down 16.4%) and Estonia (-14.5%). The leaders were Ireland (up 63.2%), Latvia (39.4%), Lithuania (32.7%) and Iceland (27.2%), while the major markets were lead up by Spain (13.9%) and the UK (3.5%).
