Škoda, a Czech car manufacturer with worldwide fame, has undergone a significant transformation over the past few years. They are trying to meet current trends, and customer preferences have completely shifted to SUVs and crossovers. It started with models like Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq and continued to the electric Enyaq.
An affordable SUV?
Even though the Kamiq is basically an “entry level” model, the price is not quite “entry level”. But this phenomenon is not specific to Škoda. What is more interesting, however, is that even the luxury model Enyaq iV got a new, cheaper version. This version with a smaller battery and shorter range is aimed at those who can recharge every day and at home.
Reaction to the market
According to Martin Jahn, Škoda’s head of sales and marketing, this change is a response to Tesla’s price cuts. But some markets also required a cheaper car with a shorter range. Škoda plans to offer the cheaper version of the 50 only in selected European markets, such as Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Unfortunately, the Czech Republic is not on the list.
Why not in the Czech Republic?
In the Czech Republic, Škoda only offers the basic version of the 60 at a price of 1,329,000 crowns. On the other hand, in Germany, the price of the new Enyaq 50 reached below 40,000 euros, which is roughly 924,000 crowns. The difference in price between the two countries is therefore almost 405,000 crowns, although the difference in range is only 29 kilometers.
Jahn further stated that instead of launching the version 50 in the Czech Republic, Škoda will offer all-inclusive leasing on the version 80, which he says will “beat Tesla”.
Considering future steps
Škoda is trying to keep up with the competition, but the decision not to introduce a cheaper version of the Enyaq iV to the domestic market may cause unrest among Czech customers. Although the automaker emphasizes its efforts to provide a quality, competitive offer. This strategy can lead to the feeling that the Czech market is considered secondary.
The Czech market – a non-negligible factor
It is important to realize that the Czech market is key for Škoda. Although it is true that the automaker manufactures and sells cars all over the world, its home country has a special meaning for it. The decision to disadvantage Czech customers can lead to disappointment and reduced trust in the brand.
Customer trust and loyalty
Brand loyalty is valuable and sometimes hard to come by. Škoda should carefully consider its decision and strategy so as not to jeopardize the trust of its customers. Maybe it’s time for the automaker to rethink its approach and start listening more to the needs of its domestic customers.
It raises questions
We will monitor the further development of the situation. Whether Škoda will reconsider its decision, or whether the Czech market will put up with higher prices, is a matter of time. Anyway, this situation shows how important it is for car companies to pay attention to the needs and demands of all their customers – including domestic ones.
Although Germany is a richer country, the question is why do they have the opportunity to save while we don’t? Domestic Skoda customers would certainly appreciate the cheaper Enyaq. So how do you see it? Should Škoda offer the same product range as in neighboring Germany? Share your opinion in the discussion below this article.
Photo: Shutterstock, source: Skoda car, Europe.autonews, Insideevs
2023-05-26 08:00:00
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