Škoda Australia announces new Ambassador partnership

27 June 2008 · posted by Staff

Monday 19th May 2008: Škoda Australia announces new Ambassador partnership with the internationally acclaimed Australian cyclist, Phil Anderson OAM.

Škoda and one of Australia’s cycling hero’s, Phil Anderson, both share a real passion and commitment to cycling. Škoda’s association with cycling reaches back over 100 years. Now part of the Volkswagen Group, the fourth largest automotive group globally, Škoda first began manufacturing bicycles in 1895 before commencing production of motor vehicles, and the association with cycling continues. Škoda is a partner of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) and sponsor of the most prestigious cycling event worldwide, the Tour de France. This year Škoda became the premier partner and official car sponsor of Australia’s Tour Down Under.

Phil Anderson won gold in the 1978 Commonwealth Games, turned pro and joined the intensely competitive professional European road circuit with a career spanning 16 years and culminating with additional Commonwealth gold in 1994, the year of his retirement. Anderson also holds the unique honour of being the first Australian (and first non-European) to wear the prestigious yellow jersey in the Tour de France. Ultimately Phil Anderson wore the yellow jersey 11 times and rose to number one in the world.

“Phil Anderson paved the way to Europe for the Australian riders of today and is highly respected for his achievements. In some ways we are trying to do what he did, but in reverse, by introducing the Škoda brand to the Australian market. It’s a great fit and its fantastic having Phil on board”, said Mattthew Wiesner, Head of Škoda Australia.

To further cement its support of cycling in this country, Škoda Australia is now the Official Broadcast Partner of Cycling on SBS. Škoda sponsors the daily highlights from the most exhilarating and challenging cycling races across Europe. In May, Škoda and SBS bring you the best highlights of the Giro d’Italia, July sees coverage of the most gruelling cycling event of the year, the mighty Tour de France and August highlights the Vuelta a España. Cycling fans also have the opportunity to enter a prize draw on www.sbs.com.au for the chance to enjoy their own VIP Tour de France experience, courtesy of Škoda Australia and SBS.

Matthew Wiesner
Head of Škoda Australia

For more information on Škoda Australia please check out www.skoda.com.au

ABOUT ŠKODA

Škoda is one of European’s fastest growing car brands – and Škoda’s accolades support this with Škoda winning a host of awards including “Best Car of the Year” – Driver Power U.K, 2007 & 2008 and “Top Manufacturer” – Top Gear Magazine, 2006.

Octavia
The ultimate combination of European style and modern engineering, the ŠkodaOctavia was voted ‘Best Small Family Car’ in 2005 and 2006 by UK magazine, What Car? Available in a choice of two Turbo-Diesel (TDI) and three petrol engines, including the powerful turbo-charged 2.0 litre in an RS model, it performs as well on the bends as it does in the value-for-money stakes.

Ocatvia RS
The ŠkodaOctavia RS is the perfect blend of family car and sports machine. Available in sedan or wagon, with a powerful 2.0 Turbo FSI/147kW petrol engine, gently press the throttle and you’ll marvel at the instant transformation from practical and spacious family car into thrilling sports car. Take it on a family trip and you’ll appreciate the comfort and safety it provides you and your loved ones. Take it for a spin and experience it’s first class performance. The Octavia RS blends spacious comfort with a feisty, aggressive character just as naturally as it combines German technology with a classic design sensibility.

Roomster
The car for the new ‘everyday’ in Australia, the Roomster is distinguished but still unique. Compact when you’re driving or parking, it really is amazingly roomy. You’ll find loads of storage space. The Varioflex rear seating system is super flexible – making it easy to fit surfboards, mountain bikes or anything else you can think of.
An optional panoramic roof, modular dashboard, heaps of luggage space and a 5-star European NCAP safety rating makes the Roomster a great companion for any traveler. And with its distinctively roomy boot, it only takes one glance to know this car is a one of a kind.