Skoda has formed a dedicated franchise team to make sure its dealers receive the best service possible from the company.

Iain Semple has been appointed to head up the new team. As national franchise manager, he will focus the brand on its retailers and help deliver ambitious growth plans for the future.

David Ovenden, head of operations at Skoda UK, said: "This team was created to be devoted entirely to our retailers. Semple will head up this division to continue growing the brand as more and more people turn to Skoda. His knowledge of the retailer network and sound understanding of franchising make him ideal to tackle this new role."

Click on the next page to see how Skoda treats its dealers. #AM_ART_SPLIT# The company recently invited over 135 Skoda dealers to the launch of the new Roomster in Pisa, Italy. The staff enjoyed luxurious accommodation onboard cruise ship MSC Opera, which was chartered for two weeks by the Czech manufacturer to underline its ambitions growth plans to the retailer network.

The dealers heard about plans to grow the company in the UK while the ship sailed from Livorno to the historic island of Elba. On arrival employees had the chance to drive the Roomster, which will be the manufacturer’s fourth model. It goes on sale on September 23.