Škoda Auto has made some changes within its Franchising Department with Martin Lucas appointed as Franchise Manager for the North. The importer has also signalled an interest in appointing new owner-driver dealers.

Martin has been with the Volkswagen Group for 17 years and has worked within the Škoda brand in various field roles over the past four years. Bill Barnes remains as Franchising Manager for the Southern Region. He has been with Škoda for eight years and within Franchising for the past five years.

Both recognise that the introduction of the new Block Exemption regulations will provide new challenges and opportunities in the coming months. Therefore, Martin and Bill are currently looking for new dealers who may be interested in the Škoda Franchise Scheme. Škoda feels that privately-owned dealers and smaller groups can provide the specialist skills and personal level of service that the brand requires.