Škoda Auto boosts global sales despite Volkswagen decline

Czech carmaker Škoda Auto reported a strong start to the year, with global deliveries rising 14 percent to 271,900 vehicles in the first quarter, according to parent company Volkswagen. The wider group saw an overall decline of four percent, mainly due to weaker demand in China and North America. Škoda’s electric vehicle sales surged by 92 percent to 51,800 units, contrasting with an eight percent drop in EV deliveries across Volkswagen. The company is also shifting strategy, planning to exit the Chinese market and focus more on India and Southeast Asia. The move reflects long-term changes in global demand and growing competition.