Today, the Skoda Superb was ceremonially introduced on the Chinese market under the name Hao Rui. Production of Skoda Auto’s flagship in China started on June 11. The Superb had already been first introduced to the Chinese public on April 20, 2009, at the Automobile Fair in Shanghai.

“China has developed into one of our most important markets within the framework of the Global Strategy of Skoda Auto. The country plays a significant role in the future development of the brand. Therefore, the presentation of the model Superb Hao Rui is an important step in the expansion on the Chinese market. Until the end of July of this year we have succeeded in delivering more than 56,000 vehicles to Chinese customers. That is 57.2 % more than during the same period last year. The expansion of the model range with the Superb should lead to another noticeable increase in sales. Part of our strategy for the future is the introduction of one new model on the Chinese market every year,” said Reinhard Jung, the Chairman of the Board of Skoda Auto.

Skoda Auto supplies its Chinese customers through a network of more than 200 dealers. The vehicles are produced in the partner plant Shanghai Volkswagen. Besides the Superb, Skoda Auto already produces and sells the models Octavia Ming Rui and Fabia Jing Rui in China.

The Superb Hao Rui will be available to Chinese customers in four model versions – Classic, Comfort, Comfort+ and Elegance – featuring 1.4 TSI, 1.8 TSI, and 2.0 TSI engines. The European versions differ from the Chinese ones based on the engine lineup, the choice of colors, and primarily through generously applied chrome decor on the vehicles.

“The market introduction of the new flagship of the Skoda brand in one of our strategically most important markets sets a new course for the long-term commitment of the Volkswagen Corporation in China. This year we would furthermore like to increase sales for at least 50 % as compared to 2008. That would mean a significant exceeding of the threshold of 90,000 sold vehicles per year. Beginning with its market introduction in June 2007, the Octavia Ming Rui has experienced a great success. Then, in December of last year, the Fabia Jing Rui continued on the road of success of its bigger brother, as the successful development of the Skoda brand in China shows,” added Chairman of the Board Reinhard Jung.

Since its introduction in the European markets, the new Skoda Superb has been able to gain the favor of many customers. In the first half of 2009, the largest Czech automobile manufacturer sold a total of 18,573 Superb vehicles of the second generation. That is more than a doubling of the deliveries of the flagship from the same period last year.

In China, the names of Skoda vehicles bear an additional identifier next to the model names known in Europe. The addition “Hao Rui” for the Superb can be loosely translated as “better, than you can imagine” or “boundless”.

Courtesy: Skoda Auto

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Posted by Naresh Koshti on 20 August, 2009 1:10:08 PM IST #