VW Adds Skoda SUV Production in China

Volkswagen AG has added the Skoda Yeti small SUV to its lineup of locally produced models in China.

The redesigned Yeti, which began production in Europe in early November, was added in China by Shanghai Volkswagen a few weeks later.

China, which currently accounts for about 25% of Skoda's global sales, has been the brand's biggest market since 2010.

The new Yeti joins four car models already being produced in China: the Octavia, Superb and Rapid sedans and the Fabia five-door hatch. Next year the Octavia will be replaced with a next-generation model, and the Rapid will add a wagon model, according to the company.

VW says Skoda has produced more than one million vehicles in China since the brand established local production six years ago. Skodas are produced in Anting, Yizheng and VW's new factory in Ningbo.