Škoda Auto becomes Europe's third-best selling car brand amid industry challenges

In the first half of 2025, the Czech car manufacturer Škoda Auto emerged as the third-best selling car brand in Europe, standing behind Volkswagen and Renault. Škoda, a part of the Volkswagen Group, reported that it delivered a total of 509,400 cars globally during this period, marking a significant 13.6% increase compared to the previous year. Notably, 409,100 of these sales occurred in Europe and the UK, contributing to a 10.4% rise in net revenue, amounting to €15.070 billion, with an operating profit of €1.285 billion, reflecting an 11.8% growth in profits. The company's success amidst a challenging automotive market can be attributed to its diverse offering of powertrains, including electric vehicles (EVs). According to Škoda Auto’s CEO Klaus Zellmer, the brand's order numbers indicate a positive reception of their electric vehicle strategy. Specifically, over 120,000 orders for the new all-electric models, Enyaq and Elroq, were made by the end of June. This signifies that consumers are increasingly embracing the transition towards sustainable mobility, reinforcing Škoda's position in the market despite hefty competition. In a broader context, the automotive industry in Europe has faced several hurdles, including a decline in sales figures in some regions, notably in Germany which saw a 13.8% drop in sales for the first half of the year. However, brands like Škoda, alongside Volkswagen, continue to perform well. Notably, while Volkswagen leads overall sales largely due to successful models such as the T-Roc, Golf, and Tiguan, Renault maintains its strong position with the Clio model performing notably well. This competitive landscape is further complicated by the rise of Chinese automotive brands, which have seen a remarkable 91% increase in sales over the same period. Despite facing setbacks, Tesla has maintained a significant market presence, though its share has declined in the emerging battery electric vehicle market. Brands like BMW, Audi, and Škoda are in pursuit of greater market shares in the EV segment, indicating a rapidly evolving automotive landscape where consumer preferences are shifting towards electric options and sustainability is becoming a core focus for manufacturers moving forward.