Skoda's Contemporary Marketing Strategy in Selected Countries

Abstract Contemporary organizations must often improve their business situations through drastic innovation; Skoda currently faces the question of how to improve its market position. A merger with Volkswagen during 1991 -- 2000 helped and has improved Skoda's situation significantly. However, this was just the first step towards further achievement. Volkswagen has not given approval for Skoda to create luxury, potentially faster, more innovative cars; furthermore, Skoda is forbidden from entering Northern American countries. Hence, Skoda has to create a new strategy regarding how to expand business through alternative ways. The intent of this thesis is to explore three already existing markets where Skoda does business as well as its business practices in each, including its methods of producing and distributing, and then to analyze a possible alternative solution for business expansion. Thus, this work investigates and analyzes Skoda's situation in: European Union, Russia and India. Thereafter it describes a new potential market of Burma. Several tools and frameworks are used to conduct this process, i.e. SWOT analysis and PEST analysis and 4PS analysis; the author also examines Skoda's modes of entry as well as their marketing practices. Using these same tools also helps to reflect the possibilities for Skoda in a new potential market. A description of these markets helps to draw a parallel for taking appropriate marketing decisions in a new market. The final part of the thesis provides conclusions and suggestions about possible market entry.