Skoda VisionD Shows New Direction, New Badge

Skoda has given the world a glimpse of the brand's future at the Geneva Motor Show today, revealing hints of its new styling language, and a new badge to boot. 

Skoda says its VisionD concept is a preview of its future styling direction, maintaining a connection to the carmaker's current design cues while bringing a more streamlined and modern feel to its cars.

With a long wheelbase designed to offer superior interior space to its hatch rivals, the VisionD also features a flowing roofline and a rear hatch that is integrated into a coupe-like shape.

"We are keen to express the new power of our brand not only through our future products, but also in the way we present ourselves to partners and customers. Our new design and fresh outlook reflect our plans for the future," Skoda's Jürgen Stackmann said.

The new concept is joined by a revised logo and badge that sees much of the complexity of the current Skoda identity eliminated, leaving only the trademark flying arrow in 'Skoda Green', framed within a circular border. 

The new badge and logo are joined by a new slogan: "The New Power of Škoda." 

The VisionD concept and new logo follow the announcement of Skoda's best-ever sales year, with some 762,000 vehicles delivered in 2010 - growth of 11.5 percent over 2009. The company plans to double its annual sales by 2018.

In Australia, Skoda sold 110 vehicles in January - 22 more than for the same period in 2010.