Local production in association with Shanghai Volkswagen. ŠKODA aims to grow in China to more than half a million vehicles per year. A special version of the ŠKODA Yeti, specifically targeted at the local market, is now running off the production lines in China. Shortly after the launch of the European model at the Czech ŠKODA Kvasiny plant, production has now started in China in association with ŠKODA’s longstanding partner, Shanghai Volkswagen. In addition to its larger dimensions, the Yeti features an optional spare tyre on the tailgate. By now producing a locally-built compact SUV, the Czech carmaker has made their appearance in the rapidly growing segment of compact sport utility vehicles. The market launch of the new Yeti in China started in November. “The production launch of the ŠKODA Yeti is another milestone for our growth in China,” says ŠKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “We have now made our first appearance in the important class of compact SUVs with a locally-produced model in China. With the Yeti and our attractive model range, we will continue to write ŠKODA’s success story in China.” The ŠKODA Yeti is one of the most attractive and also most successful compact SUVs worldwide. A few weeks ago, ŠKODA unveiled the completely redesigned Yeti for the European market. For the first time, the Czechs’ compact SUV is now available in two versions; the elegantly-stylish ŠKODA Yeti for the city and the adventurous ŠKODA Yeti Outdoor. Both versions of the Yeti will also be available in China in the future, where the Chinese customers’ wishes for more space in the back have been met by extending the wheel base of the new Yeti by six centimetres. Alongside classic saloons, SUVs are increasingly being used as chauffeur vehicles in China. As an option the spare wheel of the ŠKODA Yeti can be mounted externally on the tailgate. The ŠKODA Yeti boasts excellent handling on roads and over rough terrain. The current ŠKODA design features a distinctive front, new rear wheels and more wheel options. For the interior, there are new three-spoke steering wheels, fabrics and patterns for the seat covers, as well as a new decorative trim for the dashboard. In terms of technical features, the ŠKODA SUV features several innovations; the ŠKODA Yeti can be equipped with an optional rear-view camera. There are also fantastic Simply Clever solutions and engine/transmission combinations. After the Octavia, Fabia, Superb and Rapid, the Yeti is currently the fifth ŠKODA model produced locally with the Chinese partner SVW. The new ŠKODA Octavia and new Rapid Spaceback are to follow in 2014. Since the market launch six years ago, over a million ŠKODAs have been built at the Chinese SVW plant. ŠKODA vehicles have accounted for a share of around ten percent of the total number of cars produced at SVW since 1983. China has been ŠKODA’s strongest individual market since 2010. In 2012, the brand achieved a new sales record of 235,700 vehicles sold in China. So far in 2013, 199,200 Chinese customers have opted for a ŠKODA (January-October 2013). This corresponds to approximately one quarter of the brand’s global deliveries. Source: ŠKODA