Vehicle manufacturer Skoda has reported a significant growth during the first six months of trading this year.

According to the company's figures for January to June 2012, deliveries to customers rose by 8.4 per cent to 493,000 units during the period in question, while operating profits were up by nine percent to €449 million (£351 million).

Furthermore, total sales revenues increased by 6.6 per cent to €5.7 billion and gross profits totalled €904 million – a rise of 12.7 per cent in comparison to H1 2011.

"[The] Skoda brand posted solid financial results and completed important investments into its future," said chief financial officer Winfried Krause. "This was possible thanks to rising deliveries to customers and strict cost management."

Founded in 1895 as a bicycle manufacturer, Skoda created its first car model in 1905 – the Voiturette A. Today, popular models on offer as part of the Skoda range include the Octavia, Citigo, Fabia, Rapid, Superb and Yeti.

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Posted by Brendan Saunders