This year’s Geneva Motor Show is taking place in an atmosphere which is not especially favourable to car manufacturers because of the global financial crisis. Even so, there was huge interest on the part of specialists and motoring journalists from around the world at the start of the show, especially in the innovations with which individual brands arrived at the largest spring European motor show. And this is exactly how it was on Tuesday 3 March 2009 in the morning at the press conference held at the Škoda stand.

The sizeable crowd of journalists, photographers and television crews was welcomed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Skoda Auto, Reinhard Jung. 

He reminded everyone of the successful development of the Skoda brand up till now, and the fact that Škoda cars are at present exported to more than one hundred markets around the world. He also emphasised that the Škoda carmakers, along with the other brands of the VW concern, had become a renowned and respected automobile producer.

The year 2008 was, in his words, successful both from the point of view of record sales, with a total of 675,000 vehicles being delivered to customers, but also thanks to the very successful start of the new generation of the Superb and the fundamentally modernised Octavia. The many international awards which both models had received, but above all the continuing interest of customers in Škoda vehicles was proof, for R. Jung, that Škoda was on the right path.

The beginning of this year has been a difficult time for Škoda too. But every crisis offers new chances. We all at Škoda Auto are all working with maximum commitment and concentration to introduce another innovations onto the market which will capture the imaginations of our customers. You can see the fruits of our endeavours in the new Yeti and other vehicles on show here today in Geneva.

Thanks to its previous successful development, Škoda is weathering the current storm well. The high quality of our products, the sound progress being made in developing regions, the solid situation inside the company and finally the great satisfaction of clients with our products leads us to believe that we will come out of the crisis even stronger. We shall continue to invest in our future by coming up with new models,” declared Reinhard Jung at the press conference.

Eckhard Scholz, the member of the Board of Directors of Škoda Auto responsible for technical development, outlined to journalists step-by-step all the innovations in the exhibition, though clearly greatest interest was focussed on the new Yeti.

In the opinion of E. Scholz the Yeti, which will be available in front-wheel drive and a 4x4 version, is characterised by its design, which reveals all the typical traits of the Škoda brand. A good strong front and rear, firm hips, large bumpers, but friendly, outgoing reflectors. Despite the robust appearance the car´s design nevertheless seems light and offers an impression of openness.

According to E. Scholz the Yeti is also a clever response to new ecological requirements. This is above all because of its modern, supercharged petrol engine, and the diesel aggregates with the Common Rail fuel injection system. The engines meet the demanding requirements of EU5 norms and attain top parameters, even in respect of CO2 values and excellent fuel consumption statistics.

With its compact dimensions E. Scholz claims it is superior to its competitors, as well as in respect of its dynamic, low fuel consumption and outstanding road handling, where it offers the driver a unique driving experience. But as a real off-road vehicle its powerful torque means the vehicle is no slouch in the terrain.

“Its well-organised, functional, practical and yet elegant interior features only top quality materials, the most up-to-date electronics and a host of cleverly designed details. The entire experience of the vehicle is improved, for instance, by the higher seating position of passengers or the expansive glass roof.

The development of the Yeti was accompanied by many emotions, sympathy and enthusiasm, and we believe that our customers will respond to the vehicle with the same passion,” said Eckhard Scholz.