As 2025 approaches, and with it the tightening of emissions thresholds for European Union producers, “we are all doing the math to see how we achieve the objectives”. This was stated by the director of Skoda Spain, Fidel Jiménez de Parga, in a meeting with the press to take stock of the objectives for next year.
Next year, European manufacturers will have to reach an average level of emissions of 93.6 grams of CO2 per kilometer driven – lower than the current 120 grams – and failing to do so will mean paying fines that could exceed billions of euros.
Currently, 2.74% of the Czech brand’s sales in Spain correspond to 100% electric and plug-in hybrid models. In 2025, Jiménez de Parga proposed increasing it to 10%, which translates to around 4,000 cars. “An ambitious but achievable goal,” he said.
The current year aims to beat Skoda’s sales records, which will close with around 38,000 sales. This will mean achieving growth of 20% and a market share of 3.8%, four tenths of a percentage point compared to a year ago, heading towards 5% and entering the ten best-selling brands that they had set as their goal.
Furthermore, numbers which take on a more relevant aspect, in the manager’s opinion, in a market “that has shrunk by 30%”, given that before the pandemic 1.3 million cars were registered, while now there are around million .
To reach this desired 10%, the brand’s key launches are the Elroq, a compact electric SUV whose deliveries will arrive in 2025, and the plug-in hybrid version of the Kodiaq, capable of traveling 120 kilometers in electric mode. Furthermore, the Enya and its Coupé version will receive an aesthetic update.
However, to reach emissions targets – for which he believes plug-in hybrid propulsion will be a key element – Jiménez de Parga believes that “it will not be easy to work on profitability” for all brands, given that “the inertia of the market current” is to move to 120 grams, instead of 93.6.
The good sales data will translate into an improvement in those of its network, which will close with an average profitability, profit before taxes, of 2.4%, compared to the average 0.88% of the sector. Speaking of satisfaction, its distributors “will earn an average of 300,000 euros in profit in 2024”.
For this reason, and for its intention to expand in the market, Skoda is evaluating the possibility of opening more dealerships in places where it was not present, taking advantage of Audi’s commercial network.
How is Skoda addressing consumer concerns about electric vehicle performance and sustainability?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Fidel Jiménez de Parga on Skoda’s Future Emission Goals
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Mr. Jiménez de Parga. With 2025 fast approaching and the pressure to meet the European Union’s emissions thresholds, how is Skoda preparing for these changes?
Fidel Jiménez de Parga: Thank you for having me. As we approach 2025, we are indeed doing the math to ensure we meet the new average emissions target of 93.6 grams of CO2 per kilometer. This is a significant reduction from the current threshold of 120 grams, and it requires a strategic shift in our production and product offerings.
Time.news Editor: The stakes are high, with potential fines reaching billions of euros for non-compliance. How does this impact your planning for the upcoming year?
Fidel Jiménez de Parga: It affects us profoundly. The pressure to adapt pushes us to innovate and accelerate our transition to electric and hybrid vehicles. We are setting concrete goals, including increasing the share of our sales from 100% electric and plug-in hybrid models from 2.74% to 10%. This target equates to around 4,000 cars, which we believe is ambitious yet achievable.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of goals, you mentioned Skoda aims to close this year with around 38,000 sales, which would represent a 20% growth. What do you attribute this success to?
Fidel Jiménez de Parga: Our success this year can be credited to several factors: our commitment to quality, our diverse vehicle lineup, and our focus on customer needs. We are also increasingly adapting our marketing strategies to highlight our innovations in sustainability and electric offerings. This holistic approach is helping us boost our market share toward 5%, and looking ahead, we aim to break into the top ten best-selling brands.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a pivotal moment for Skoda, focusing on electrification and market growth. Can you share specific strategies you’ll implement to meet these ambitious electric vehicle targets?
Fidel Jiménez de Parga: Absolutely. We’ll enhance our R&D efforts to develop more efficient electric powertrains and expand our production capabilities. Furthermore, we’ll invest in infrastructure to support our vehicle range, like charging stations, and strengthen partnerships with local governments to promote electric mobility initiatives.
Time.news Editor: With these significant changes, how do you see customer perceptions shifting towards electric vehicles?
Fidel Jiménez de Parga: We’re already seeing a positive shift in consumer attitudes. As awareness around climate change and sustainability grows, customers are becoming more interested in electric vehicles. We aim to make it easier for them to transition by offering a range of models that suit different lifestyles and budgets. Additionally, we’ll be transparent about the benefits of EVs, not just for the environment, but also in terms of maintenance and performance.
Time.news Editor: what message would you like to convey to Skoda customers and stakeholders as you advance towards these targets?
Fidel Jiménez de Parga: I want our customers and stakeholders to know that Skoda is committed to leading the charge towards a sustainable future. We recognize the responsibility that comes with our growth and are focused on delivering not just vehicles, but solutions that contribute positively to our environment and society. Together, we can navigate this important transition.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Mr. Jiménez de Parga, for sharing these insights. It sounds like Skoda is not only gearing up for the regulatory challenges ahead but is also committed to a sustainable future. We look forward to seeing how these strategies unfold!
Fidel Jiménez de Parga: Thank you for having me. We are excited about the road ahead!