“The Volkswagen Group, including the carmaker Škoda Auto, has received reports of Russian attacks on Ukraine with great concern and concern. We hope for a speedy cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomacy. In terms of all activities at the scene, the safety and protection of our employees is our highest priority, “said Škoda Auto.
Since this year, Škoda has taken over responsibility for the Russian and Ukrainian markets within the entire Volkswagen Group. “The topic of all business activities in Russia is currently being addressed at the level of the management of Škoda Auto and the Volkswagen Group,” said the carmaker.
He is now looking for available parts supply alternatives that would help prevent adverse effects on production in the Czech Republic. Superb, Kodiaq, Karoq and Fabia Combi cars are produced directly in Ukraine. Production in Ukraine is provided by Eurocar’s business partner. Production of Škoda cars is currently suspended at the Solomonovo plant. “The cars manufactured at the Solomonovo plant are intended only for customers on the Ukrainian market,” said the carmaker.
According to Škoda, the effects on the company’s production and economic operation due to sanctions imposed on Moscow can be expected. Sales in Ukraine and Russia are also expected to fall.
The Russian market is one of the most important for the carmaker worldwide. In 2021, the country was the second largest market ever. The company delivered 90,400 cars. So far, Ukraine has also represented a stable market with sales of about 6,000 cars per year. Since 2002, the plant in Ukraine has produced approximately 190,000 cars.
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Production in Russia continues
In Russia, Škoda produces the Rapid, Octavia, Karoq and Kodiaq models. In Nizhny Novgorod three models, Rapid is created at the plant in Kaluga. Production at Russian plants is still running, but the effects of possible supply chain outages are being analyzed on an ongoing basis.
In Ukraine, Škoda has no employees, it produces cars through a partner. “In Russia, a total of 34 of our employees and family members are currently leaving,” said the carmaker. According to her, they are safe. 615 Ukrainian and several dozen Russian employees work at Škoda’s Czech plants.
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