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Mladá Boleslav, January 24, 2011 – Škoda Auto is introducing its complete all-wheel model range within the framework of an international media presentation. From January 24th to February 4th, 2011, 180 journalists from 17 countries will have the opportunity to subject the Czech manufacturer's popular all-wheel vehicles to thorough test drives. To an equal measure, Škoda's 4x4 models offer both good traction as well as fuel-efficiency and comfort. Five versions of the models Octavia, Superb, and Yeti will be available for test drives.

The test drives will be conducted in the vicinity of the Spanish city of Barcelona. The vehicles can be tested on four different road surfaces or road types. In a "Škoda 4x4 Experience Area" provided especially within the framework of the event, the all-wheel characteristics of the vehicles such as climbing performance or cross-country capability are the focus. Furthermore, Škoda will also offer the media representatives simulated development test drives with experienced technicians of the company. These kinds of tests are typical for the development phase of a vehicle and take place under extreme driving conditions that the vehicle would hardly encounter in normal operation. This gives participants a special opportunity to experience the excellent handling characteristics of the all-wheel models.

The current all-wheel offering by Škoda consists of the models Octavia Combi 4×4, Octavia Scout, Yeti 4×4, Superb 4×4, and Superb Combi 4×4. The all-wheel vehicles will be available for all test drives with both manual as well as automatic dual clutch transmission (DSG). The combination of the 4x4 drive and the DSG transmission provides the highest driving comfort. The all-wheel drive in the brand's current vehicle generation is realized by means of the state-of-the-art fourth generation intermediate axis coupling by Haldex.

All-wheel vehicles made by Škoda are becoming more and more popular with customers. The good reputation of the models can be seen not least in numerous public awards the company has received in the recent past. Thus, for example, the Yeti was chosen three times as the Car of the Year 2010 in the Czech Republic. The German periodical Auto Bild Allrad selected the Czech all-wheeler as the best import vehicle in the SUV segment up to 25,000 Euro.

The Škoda 4x4 models also make an important contribution to the previous and future growth of the company. Within the framework of the "Škoda Growth Strategy", the manufacturer wants to at least double its worldwide sales until the year 2018 and increase market shares in all relevant markets. Besides expanding its good position in established markets, Skoda wants to gain strongly in the growth regions of China, India, and Russia. For this purpose, the brand will gradually widen and deepen the model range in the coming years. In doing so, the all-wheel models will play an important role.

15.5 percent of Octavia Combi customers selected the all-wheel version of the respective model in 2010. In case of the Superb and the Superb Combi, the figure was 5.4 percent, and 15.7 percent respectively. The Yeti recorded the highest demand for the 4x4 drive last year. 39 percent of customers chose the all-wheel version of this model during the first full production year. In markets such as the Alpine countries or Scandinavia, the percentages are even higher.

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