Currently reading: Skoda removes Octavia PHEV from sale due to order backlog

Czech manufacturer tells Autocar the move is temporary but has put “no timescale” on its return

Skoda has removed the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the Skoda Octavia from sale as it battles with a growing order book backlog.

The Czech firm confirmed to Autocar that the Skoda Octavia iV, which was priced from £33,110, had been pulled “to ensure we're fulfilling customer orders in good time”.

It's understood that the order delay is down to a shortage of key parts, heavily reported to be caused by the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, coupled with the continued (although starting to be lessened) Covid shutdowns in China – a key manufacturer of semiconductors.

When the Octavia iV will return to sale also remains unknown. A Skoda spokesperson said they “don't have the timings on when it will go back on sale” but confirmed it is expected to be a temporary measure. It first went on sale in November 2020.

Octavia iv charging

This follows the £38,970 Skoda Enyaq iV 60 electric SUV, which arrived back on sale recently having also been pulled so that the order backlog could be lessened. 

According to figures from Jato Analytics, the Octavia is Skoda’s most popular model, selling more than 96,000 units so far this year, although this is down 19% on the same period in 2021. This figure includes all powertrain options: petrol, diesel, mild hybrid and PHEV.

Octavia iv hatchfront

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Skoda is one of many car makers that have pulled models in the past few months. Others include Volvo, which has temporarily axed the S60 saloon as it re-evaluates its range. It's thought a lack of sales coupled with a parts focus on more popular models is the reason behind it. Another was Skoda sibling brand Volkswagen, which removed the Touareg R from order books after just 18 months. Although not confirmed, this is expected to be a permanent measure.

Will Rimell

Will Rimell
Title: News editor

Will is Autocar's news editor.​ His focus is on setting Autocar's news agenda, interviewing top executives, reporting from car launches, and unearthing exclusives.

As part of his role, he also manages Autocar Business – the brand's B2B platform – and Haymarket's aftermarket publication CAT.

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jason_recliner 12 December 2022
This is a very interesting story.
LP in Brighton 12 December 2022

One way of reducing the order backlog.... is to ensure that customers don't have anything to wait for. No doubt Skoda would prefer buyers to opt for something that is more readily available. But right now, for those wanting a plug in, that is more likely to b something if Chinese or Korean origin.