Skoda EV outsells petrol models in Australia
Sales of electric vehicles are on the rise in Australia, with Skoda poised to make history as the first legacy brand to have an EV as its best seller. This achievement would put Skoda ahead of larger manufacturers like Toyota, Nissan, and Hyundai.
The Enyaq mid-sized SUV is closing in on the Kodiaq seven-seater large SUV as Skoda‘s top-selling model. According to Lucie Kuhn, Skoda Australia Brand Director, the company is selling around 700 units of these models combined year-to-date.
Skoda‘s timing has been key to the success of its electric vehicles, with the Enyaq being relaunched with a facelift and a broader model range. The arrival of the Series II models in Australia last year brought a more conventional SUV Wagon shape and a new entry-level grade with a smaller battery, starting at around $55,000 drive-away.
This move has helped Skoda experience a surge in orders, with the company struggling to keep up with demand. Kuhn noted that sales would have been higher if production supply had kept up with demand, particularly during the period from March to June when oil prices spiked to record highs.
Demand for electric Skodas has been high, with order banks running as high as 80 per cent during the second quarter of this year. Although this has since settled to around 45 per cent, the continuing geo-political uncertainty means that demand may skyrocket soon.
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Kuhn explained that customer behavior has changed, with many opting for electric vehicles due to the uncertainty. This shift has caused empty stocks and longer waiting times for fresh production of EVs, but Skoda is working to stabilize its supply.
They plan to double the number of EVs they sell in Australia from next year, with the Epiq confirmed as its cheapest-ever EV in the country. The Peaq seven-seater SUV is also earmarked for release by 2028.
With its plans to expand its electric vehicle range, Skoda is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for EVs in Australia.
As the market continues to evolve, Skoda is poised to make history as the first legacy brand to have an EV as its best seller in Australia.
It is a significant development.
