A group of female drivers in Bradford have been learning about how to look after themselves, as well as important car parts.

Skoda organised the Women in Gear workshop at one of its showrooms in the city to advise motorists how they can keep on top of vehicle maintenance and protect themselves from potential attackers should they find themselves stranded at the roadside.

The session was led by karate instructor Grant Hicks, who showed people how they can disarm a would-be assailant in three simple moves using an everyday object like a pen or a torch.

Meanwhile, former police officer Vic Botterill also offered tips on how drivers can diffuse situations that could become aggressive.

He stated: "Mouthing sorry can stop a minor incident turning into road rage. If you know you’re wrong, just say it."

In other news, a mother of three from Walsall recently won a Skoda Yeti after taking part in a nationwide competition organised to mark the launch of the company’s latest model.

Production of Skoda car parts may receive a boost from the extension of the scrappage scheme, if comments from the manufacturer are anything to go by.

The company welcomed the news extra funding is to be made available for the initiative.

Buyers looking to take advantage of the programme will find that, over and above the contribution being made by the government, the Octavia is available with an additional £2,500 discount.

Meanwhile, the Yeti, Superb, Roomster and Fabia have had an extra £1,500 knocked off their price tags.

Robert Hazelwood from Skoda commented: "The brand has now taken over 8,000 orders on the scheme and our retailers continue to offer great value to customers though our scrappage offers."

It was recently announced enough extra money is to be set aside by the government so that a further 100,000 vehicles can be bought through the scheme.

The total budget for the cash for bangers initiative now stands at £400 million.

A new model from Skoda is due to arrive in showrooms up and down the UK later this month.

The Yeti will be available in four different trim levels and buyers will be able to pick from five engines.

In addition, customers can opt for either two or four-wheel drive.

Skoda claimed the model offers an impressive range of standard equipment.

The entry-level Yeti E features electric front windows, a CD player, 16-inch alloys wheels, numerous airbags, air conditioning and remote central locking.

Prices for this variation of the vehicle start at £13,725.

Motorists keen to get their hands on the car as soon as possible may be pleased to hear the auto is due to arrive in showrooms up and down the country on September 17th.

In related news, Skoda previously announced people would be able to drive away in the model for as little as £189 per month.

The upcoming Skoda embodies the company’s style with a "timeless design", it said this week.

Ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, details of the Superb Estate car were given by the manufacturer.

It said this version of the flagship motor was the most logical next step to take to expand the range.

The vehicle combines elegance and practicality, Skoda added, going on to suggest it is "an ideal car for every driver who requires a comfortable, reliable car in all circumstances".

September 15th is the scheduled start date for the Frankfurt event.

Earlier this month, Skoda announced its Yeti model had been awarded low insurance ratings.

The motor was described by the firm as being affordable for lots of families who want to achieve great value.

Available from September 17th, there will be two petrol and three diesel options in showrooms with prices starting at £13,750.

The quality of Skoda car parts may have contributed to the company’s success at a recent award ceremony.

At the latest Auto Express honours, the manufacturer took the best family auto accolade and was named the brand offering the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

The group’s Superb drove away with the first award and the judges said they had been impressed with the fact the vehicle is luxurious but affordable.

It was also noted the car offers excellent handling and agility.

Meanwhile, Skoda expressed delight at taking home two accolades.

Brand director Robert Hazelwood said: "We’re proud of our success at the Auto Express awards and pleased that our owners are satisfied with their Skodas."

He added the Driver Power honour indicates the firm really is the "manufacturer of happy drivers".

Meanwhile, motorists with a much-loved model built by the group may find they can keep it running smoothly for years to come by replacing any worn parts with Skoda car spares bought online.

Skoda car parts are to be enjoyed by more than 4,500 drivers who have ordered new models from the manufacturer.

It said in the three months since the launch of the scrappage scheme, lots of cars from Fabias to Superbs have been ordered.

According to Skoda, taking advantage of the cash for bangers scheme and choosing a vehicle from the company’s line-up makes environmental and financial sense.

The cars offer "great" fuel economy, comfort, convenience and "low" carbon emissions.

Some of the car parts drivers can benefit from include electric front windows, a radio with CD and mp3 capabilities and shopping bag hooks.

"Customers have discovered that the Czech manufacturer really does make happy drivers as they have become proud new owners," it said.

Earlier in July, Skoda announced it was extending its free VAT offer to include Fabias, Roomsters and Octavias.

It applies to motors ordered, delivered and registered before December 31st 2009.

A range of new finance solutions may create more potential Skoda car parts buyers.

The manufacturer has outlined its intention to attract more customers by offering long-term deals rather than short-term headline promotions.

One of the finance packages on offer is a zero per cent APR two-year hire-purchase contract.

Motorists who decide to take the company up on this particular offer could end up paying £229 a month for a new Octavia S or £149 a month for a Fabia 1.

The group claimed its deals should prove to be much more cost effective than the borrowing rates currently being advertised by many banks.

Spokesperson Jacqui Rowley commented: "Skoda customers can benefit from extremely competitive finance products that meet a wide range of customers’ needs."

The new offers are available until the end of the year.

Meanwhile, motorists who already have one of the manufacturer’s models may find they can keep it running smoothly by replacing worn parts with Skoda car spares purchased online.

A number of new Skoda car parts and accessories could help to ensure drivers enjoy a "pleasurable" holiday this summer, it has been claimed.

The manufacturer announced it has released more than 50 items that are likely to prove particularly useful during the warmer months of the year.

Head of aftersales John Bower commented: "We want our customers’ summer motoring to be a pleasurable experience and our Skoda retailers are in a position to provide them with the right equipment and expertise."

The products on offer include portable navigation, European travel kits, roof racks, surfboard, cycle and kayak carriers, entertainment systems and in-car storage solutions.

In addition to this, the company has compiled some information – in partnership with the RAC – for motorists heading to the continent.

Meanwhile, by replacing any worn internal auto parts with Skoda car spares online, customers may also be able to help ensure their holiday runs smoothly.

A new model due to be released later this year may result in an increase in the number of potential Skoda car parts buyers in the UK, if comments from the manufacturer are anything to go by.

The company pointed out the Yeti has been well received by the press, adding it expected the vehicle to prove a hit with motorists as well.

It stated: "Combining all the rugged strengths of a 4×4 with the practicality and running costs of a hatch, Yeti is a true crossover vehicle that drivers will love to own."

The group put forward this prediction as it announced the auto is due to embark on a tour of Britain ahead of its official launch date.

Scheduled to arrive in showrooms on September 17th, the vehicle will first visit dealerships up and down the country between July 27th and August 7th.

Meanwhile, motorists who already own a vehicle built by the Czech manufacturer may find they can keep it running smoothly for many years to come by replacing worn parts with Skoda car spares bought online.

The number of potential Skoda car parts buyers may increase over the coming months as a result of the deals currently available on the manufacturer’s autos.

Motorists have been advised the Czech company’s finance package is more competitive than typical bank rates.

The group pointed out it is offering APR of 7.9 per cent across its entire line up.

It also announced it is extending its VAT-free deal to anyone purchasing Roomster, Fabia or Octavia models before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, buyers who opt for the Superb will enjoy 30,000 miles or three years’ worth of complimentary servicing.

In addition to this, drivers were reminded they can return an auto at the end of a contract, make a final payment and keep it or part-exchange it for a new model.

Motorists who already own a much-loved vehicle built by the manufacturer may find they can keep it running smoothly for years to come by ensuring they replace worn parts with Skoda car spares purchased online.