The price decline of Skoda models in Egypt can be attributed to the company's desire to expand and increase its market share through attracting new segment of consumers, said Nader Nabil, Skoda Egypt Brand Director at Kayan Egypt for Trading and Investment. The company aims to sell 6,000 units this year, taking its market share to 4.5% in Egypt. Skoda registered 4,000 sales in 2019, up 138% from 2018. Nabil pointed out that the company has a multi-year expansion plan starting with opening two large service centres in 2019, the first to provide integrated services of sales and maintenance, and the other for sales only, to make up a total of four centres. The company plans to add more four service centres this year. Moreover, Skoda will introduce new models of Scala and Kamiq in the second and fourth quarters (2&4Q) of the year, respectively. Additionally, Skoda has already released its Kodiaq in Egypt, a mid-size compact crossover SUV that perfectly suits the needs of consumers in the local market. Skoda will also release Karoq, Kamiq, and Octavia at competitive prices within a few months. Kamiq is Skoda's smallest subcompact crossover. Nabil believes the new and upcoming releases will enable Skoda to compete strongly in the Egyptian market, and by introducing these different models, it will be able to meet the needs of customers in various categories. The Kodiaq is the brand's best seller, accounting for at least 50% of Skoda sales in Egypt, followed by the Octavia (30%). As for Skoda's readiness for intense competition among car companies operating in Egypt following the price decrease of several brands due to lifting customs on Turkish cars, Nabil said they cut the price of Octavia by 8% to stimulate sales, besides offering distinct after-sales services. On a different note, he ruled out the emergence of demand for hybrid or natural gas vehicles in the coming period, while Skoda prepares for releasing electric vehicles in Egypt next year. Currently, the company is studying the possibility of local assembly, but a decision on that will take some time, he added. Nabil stressed that the company is keen on pumping more investments and increasing the number of service centres, the latest of which was in Abu Rawash, Giza, on an area of 6,434 sqm.
