Škoda Auto ranks as Europe’s 2nd best-selling car brand

This performance was driven largely by the all-electric Elroq and Enyaq, which ranked second and fifth respectively among the best-selling BEVs in Europe. Škoda Auto also delivered solid financial results, with revenue of €7.9 billion (+9.1%), a record-high operating profit of €660 million (+20.9%) marking the strongest first-quarter result in the company’s history, a return on sales of 8.3%, and net cash flow of €867 million (+64.4%). These results were supported by a broad, modern model line-up, strict cost discipline, and synergies within the Volkswagen Group and Brand Group Core. Beyond Europe, Škoda also recorded continued growth in India (17,400 vehicles; +16.7%), Morocco (1,700 vehicles; +45.0%) and Egypt (1,600 vehicles; +58.5%).

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, said: “We carried the strong momentum of a record 2025 into the first quarter of 2026 to deliver the highest Q1 operating profit in Škoda Auto’s history. For the first time, Škoda has become Europe’s second best-selling car brand — a milestone we can be proud of in a highly competitive market. This achievement reflects the trust of our customers, the dedication of our employees, the constructive partnership with the KOVO Trade Union, and the strong commitment of our dealer and supplier partners. Our broad and modern model portfolio continues to resonate with customers across Europe and beyond. At the same time, our financial strength shows that growth and efficiency can go hand in hand. With the all-new Epiq and Peaq on the way, continued momentum in key markets such as India, and a clear focus on quality, efficiency, and customer choice, we are well positioned for a successful and sustainable future.”

Holger Peters, Škoda Auto Board Member for Finance, IT and Legal Affairs, said: “Our solid first-quarter financial performance reflects the discipline with which we are running the business. Strong revenue growth was accompanied by very solid profitability. The return on sales remains at a healthy level, and the strong increase in net cash flow confirms the stability of our business model while strengthening the company’s resilience as we move through a period of major transformation. Combined with the benefits of synergies across the Group, this leaves us well placed to meet future challenges from a position of strength.”

Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, added: “Our first-quarter results underline Škoda Auto’s growing strength in global markets – and especially in Europe, our home market. Worldwide, we delivered 271,900 vehicles to customers. A key driver was the outstanding performance of our electric models, the Enyaq and Elroq: global BEV deliveries almost doubled year on year, helping Škoda become the third best-selling BEV brand in Europe. We also recorded strong momentum across several countries and regions, including the Nordic markets, India and North Africa, further broadening our international footprint and consistently attracting new customers.”

Between January and March, Škoda Auto delivered 271,900 vehicles worldwide (+14.0%). In Europe (EU27+4), the brand became the second best-selling car brand for the first time, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA)^*, with deliveries rising 17.1% to 222,500 vehicles, significantly outperforming overall market growth. March also marked the highest-ever monthly delivery volume in the region, with 90,915 vehicles delivered. Germany remained the largest market, with deliveries rising to 58,500 vehicles, an increase of more than a quarter (+26.0%). Growth was also recorded in the UK, the Czech Republic, India and Poland, as well as in markets including Denmark, France, Italy, Austria and Spain.

^{*Applies to the whole of Europe (EU27+4), source: ACEA, April 23, 2026}

Deliveries of Škoda’s electrified models rose sharply in the first quarter of 2026. Globally, the company delivered 63,200 electrified vehicles (+71.4%), including 51,800 all-electric vehicles (+91.9%) from the Elroq and Enyaq families. PHEV deliveries reached 11,400 vehicles (+15.4%). In Europe (EU27+4), electrified models accounted for 27.3% of total deliveries. The Elroq ranked second and the Enyaq fifth among the best-selling BEVs. The Elroq was the best-selling electric car in Germany, ranked second in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Lithuania, Austria and Switzerland, and reached 29,700 deliveries, slightly ahead of the Karoq with 24,900 delivered units (+2.2%).

The Enyaq was the number-one electric car in the Czech Republic and Switzerland and also secured podium positions in Estonia and Austria. As a result, Škoda ranked third overall among BEV brands in Europe, and second in Germany and the United Kingdom. The Octavia led the line-up with 46,900 deliveries (−5.1%), while Kodiaq deliveries rose to 35,600 vehicles (+10.5%). The Kamiq and Fabia also remained among the brand’s best-selling models.

To meet strong demand, Škoda Auto is making full use of the capacity and flexibility of its main plant in Mladá Boleslav. It remains the only Volkswagen Group site capable of producing both MQB-based combustion-engine vehicles and MEB-based electric vehicles on the same production line.

Škoda Auto also continued to make rapid progress in electromobility during the first quarter. In February, the plant reached another milestone as its 500,000th all-electric vehicle rolled off the line. Škoda also opened a new battery systems assembly hall at its main plant, making it the Volkswagen Group’s largest producer of BEV battery systems. This also helped to further strengthen the European battery supply chain for the Volkswagen Group. The car manufacturer will also be unveiling two new all-electric models, doubling its BEV portfolio: the production version of the Epiq crossover in May, followed by the range-topping seven-seater Peaq in the second half of the year.

Škoda Auto continued to grow in India, one of its key strategic markets, with first-quarter deliveries rising to 17,400 vehicles (+16.7%). The brand thus maintained its position as the seventh largest car manufacturer in the Indian passenger vehicle market. The performance of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited was supported by strong demand for the Kylaq, which passed the 50,000-unit production mark in the first quarter.

At the same time, the updated Kushaq was launched in India, bringing technical improvements to the powertrain, comfort and safety. The first vehicles are now reaching customers, while the refreshed Slavia saloon will follow in the second half of the year. North Africa was another promising growth region, with strong delivery increases in Morocco (1,700; +45.0%) and Egypt (1,600; +58.5%).