Skoda Superb in line for retirement as brand shapes future line-up
The Skoda Superb is set to be phased out due to shrinking demand for saloon and estate cars, and as part of the Volkswagen Group’s massive line-up reduction, according to company boss Klaus Zellmer.
The Octavia has been a core part of the Czech firm’s line-up since it was launched 30 years ago, while the larger Superb was launched in 2001. Both models are currently in their fourth generation.
Skoda has already shown the Vision O concept that previews a next-generation electric Octavia, which is set to arrive before the end of the decade on the VW Group’s new SSP platform that will also be used for the next Volkswagen Golf. Notably, the Vision O sits between the current Octavia and Superb in terms of dimensions.
The Volkswagen Group is embarking on a major cost-cutting programme, with plans to reduce the number of models offered across its various brands by around 50% by 2035. That is driven by a desire to achieve higher economies of scale, and higher volumes for its individual cars.
Skoda is one of the most profitable brands in the VW Group stable, posting record sales and profits in the first half of this year with margins of around 8.5%. Speaking to a select group of media, Zellmer said that Skoda currently had the biggest model portfolio it has ever had, because it is “catering for a market still divided between combustion drivetrains and electric vehicles, and everything in between such as mild hybrid, full hybrid, plug-in hybrid.”
Zellmer added that the “end game is electric, there’s no doubt”, but said “we will find out” if the transition would happen naturally by 2035, the current target date for both the UK and EU to phase out non-zero emission new car sales. He said that focusing on electric cars would take out some complexity from the line-up.
But asked if Skoda’s success means it wouldn’t trim models from the line-up, Zellmer said “that’s not a given.”
He hinted that a focus on range reduction could be Skoda’s saloon and estate line-up. “We’re very proud of the Superb, and we love the Octavia,” said Zellmer. “With both models we’re very safe in the market – the Octavia has led its segment since 2016.
“The big question is going forward: saloons and limousines and combis [estates] are not on the rising path. The [next-gen SSP] platform caters for wiggle room to go up to Superb dimensions. We’re currently looking into whether we still need the full monty, or whether we will have a smart way to cover both segments and target groups.”
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