In order to facilitate expansion for Škoda’s 160-strong dealer network and to accomplish the brand’s aim to grow 2% within the next two years, the manufacturer has employed a dedicated franchise team.

Iain Semple will be responsible for the national franchise strategy, heading up the four-member team in the role of national franchise manager.

Supporting him will be Peter James, network development manager, who will work on the network strategy. Bill Barnes and Martin Lucas will represent Škoda in the south and north respectively, working on building contacts and expanding the overall retail network.

One of the team’s main tasks is to ensure the growth of the retail network in areas where Škoda is currently not represented, as well as providing current and future retailers with the necessary service and support to operate a successful franchise.

Semple says: “I am looking forward to working with our retail network to help deliver the growth and profitability required in the future.”

In November, Škoda is due to hold its annual internal dealer conference, where general communication on the brand’s strategy will be discussed.

“We’ve seen year-to-date sales up by 3%,” says Juliet Carrington, spokeswoman for Škoda. This is a good performance for Škoda, whose sales are evenly balanced between private and fleet, in a market that is down year-to-date by 4.3%.

“Our success is a combination of a good dealer network, product range and marketing,” she says.