Gasgoo.com (Shanghai March 16) - Winfried Vahland, former president of Volkswagen Group China and chairman of the board of directors at Skoda, is interested in expanding the range of imported Skoda models available in China, the Beijing Times reported today. In an interview with Chinese press at the floor of the International Geneva Motor Show, Dr. Vahland, who had helped VW China turn losses into profits during his time as president, said that the manufacturer was viewing expansion in China with great enthusiasm.

According to Dr. Vahland, vehicles made in Europe are very popular among Chinese consumers. Although he did not give any specific details, Dr. Vahland seems to be hinting at the possibility of selling imported Skoda models in the country. Skoda has brought up the notion of exporting vehicles to China several times in the past.

Furthermore, reports have appeared alleging that Skoda will begin exporting its Yeti SUV (pictured above) to China. The manufacturer's Chinese branch originally signed an agreement with Shanghai VW to sell the Yeti as an imported model before beginning domestic production, a plan which was once abandoned in order to bring out the Chinese made version earlier. According to Dr. Vahland, domestic manufacture of the Yeti will not begin until the end of next year, implying that Skoda will release an imported version in the meantime.

In addition to the Yeti, the Combi station wagon versions of the Octavia and Superb (pictured below), as well as the new Rapid sedan, made by Skoda India, may also be brought over to China as import models.