Car manufacturers in Czech Republic to roll out new mid-priced vehicles in 2012

Despite gloomy news and grim forecasts almost all around these days one sector of the economy - namely the automotive industry – is in top gear. In 2011, two out of three manufacturers – Hyundai and Škoda Auto exceeded previous expectations, and while TPCA suffered a drop in production, all three together produced a record 1,186,000 vehicles. And they are gearing up for an equally good year in 2012, readying to launch mid-priced new or revamped models aimed at both the domestic market and markets abroad.

Škoda Citigo

I spoke to Vojtěch Med, a journalist for Motor Presse Bohemia:

“If we begin with the biggest player Škoda Auto: they are releasing the five-door Citigo which is a small city car which will be launched in the first half of this year. In the second half they are planning to launch a new model tentatively called the Rapid, which is a four-door sedan which fits between the lower-priced Fabia and the mid-range Octavia.”

Is the Rapid aimed at the medium-price market then?

Škoda Rapid

“That’s right. Škoda has always been known for good value for money and I think thats what they are stressing with this design. By comparison the TPCA ‘triplets’ are quite expensive for their class. What they’re doing is a second generation, giving a complete facelift to their vehicles for this year. Hyundai, meanwhile is now launching a new ‘30’, a second generation the i30. I don’t think either will be as competitive as the Škoda Rapid.”

How well are these models likely to do on the foreign markets? And how is that the automotive industry here has been insulated from the economic downturn in Europe?

Hyundai i30

“There are a number of reasons for the different firms: Škoda’s success is tied to new markets in China and Russia and to its value for money, TPCA because buyers like their cars as second or third family vehicles for the city while the success of Hyundai – globally – has to do with a broad expansion of its line. Hyundai is increasingly becoming a big player.”