ENG: Škoda Official Site News & Press Release

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA’s New 2014 Bicycle Range – broadest and best collection ever

› ŠKODA expands range to 14 bicycles; three new mountain bikes now available
› Broad range: seven mountain bikes, two racing bikes, three junior bikes, one trekking bike and an electric bike
› Tradition: ŠKODA success story began with bicycle construction in 1895

Mladá Boleslav, 18 June 2014 – ŠKODA’s model campaign continues through the expansion of the brand’s range of bicycles –ŠKODA’s 2014 bicycle range now has three new additions. The selection ranges from junior bikes, mountain bikes and trekking bikes to an electric bike. The new additions to this year’s collection include two 27.5-inch mountain bikes and the ‘Lady’ mountain bike, especially designed for women.
“ŠKODA has a long-standing tradition in two-wheel mobility,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “The history of the company began 119 years ago with the construction of the first bicycles. Our latest bike collection is the most extensive that ŠKODA has ever offered.” The current range combines the most advanced bicycle technology with the slickest designs.

Two high-tech racing bikes form the pinnacle of ŠKODA’s new bicycle range. The top model, the ‘ŠKODA Road Elite’ weighs in at only 7.9 kg. The frame and forks are made of carbon, incorporating Shimano Ultegra components. The racing bike ‘ŠKODA Road’ with an aluminium frame, carbon forks and components from the Shimano-105 line is also extremely light, coming in at 8.5 kg.

The Czech brand’s range of mountain bikes has grown from three to seven models. The top model is still the 11.7kg, lightweight ‘ŠKODA MTB 29 Elite’ model with a carbon frame and Shimano XT & SLX components. The ‘ŠKODA MTB 27 Elite’ is a brand new addition to the range, weighing in at only 10.5 kg, and also featuring a carbon frame with Shimano elements. The ‘ŠKODA MTB 29+’ stands out with its aluminium frame and weighs in at 13.2 kg. Using the same technology, but featuring 27-inch wheels, the 11.4 kg ‘ŠKODA MTB 27+’ is now available for the first time.

For cyclists who are not looking to ride over rough terrain, but still love the look and feel of a cutting-edge mountain bike, there are the ‘ŠKODA MTB 29’ and ‘ŠKODA MTB 27’ models. The wheels feature aluminium frames, front fork suspension, Shimano Acera, Alivio and Deore components and a 27 gears. This is also the first season ŠKODA has brought out a mountain bike specifically designed for women – the ‘ŠKODA MTB Lady’. Its fantastic design and custom frame shape really set this bike apart. The technology and other features are identical to the ‘ŠKODA MTB 27’.

After its premiere last year, the electric bike ‘Green E Line’ is also part of this season’s ŠKODA collection. The 21.7 kg lightweight model is constructed as a ‘Pedelec’ (pedal electric cycle). With this type of E-Bike, the motor is engaged, providing peddling assistance when you step on the pedal. Depending on the setting, the motor will add an additional 35, 75, 150 or 300 percent to the force you exert on the pedal. For licencing and insurance purposes, the motor will support a maximum speed of 25 km/h.
The brand’s BionX E-Motor, integrated into the rear wheel hub provides 250 W, with a range of up to 105 km. The battery will last up to four hours – the powertrain is equipped with recuperation technology, saving the energy expended when breaking or rolling and transferring it back to the motor. The battery mounted into the frame weighs a mere 2.6 kg. In just a few simple steps, the E-Bike can be converted into a normal trekking bike by exchanging the rear wheel. The battery is easily removed.

The trekking bike ‘ŠKODA Cross’ is a versatile crossover model. With its fresh design, solid technology and weighing in at 13.5kg, the model is at home both on roads and forest trails alike. The new bicycle collection is rounded off with three fantastic kids’ and junior bikes. The junior range consists of the ‘ŠKODA Racing 24’ and the ‘ŠKODA Racing 20’ with smaller frame sizes and wheels of 24-inch and 20-inch respectively. For the youngest cyclists, there is also the children’s bike ‘ŠKODA Kid’.
In addition to the wide selection of bicycles, the new ŠKODA collection offers a broad range of cycling gear for adults and children, including jerseys, shorts, gloves and helmets, as well as other handy cycling accessories, such as water bottles and sunglasses.

This current range reconfirms the brand’s close relationship to cycling: ŠKODA’s success story began 119 years ago with the construction of bicycles at the company headquarters in Mladá Boleslav. The bicycle mechanic Václav Laurin and bookshop keeper Václav Klement founded a factory for the production of bicycles under the name Laurin & Klement (L&K). The first bikes bore the name ‘Slavia’. Motorbikes were manufactured from 1899, and in 1905, the first automobile left the factory – the ‘Voiturette A’. L&K merged with ŠKODA in 1925. The brand’s ‘Superior’ models serve as the basis for the current ŠKODA bicycle range.
The company’s strong attachment with cycling can been seen today through the broad and diverse sponsorship of renowned cycling races. An excellent example of this is through sponsoring the world’s most famous cycling event – the Tour de France, which ŠKODA has supported for the past 10 years. The Czech manufacturer has been the Tour de France official partner, official vehicle partner and white-jersey sponsor since 2004. In early March, ŠKODA extended their commitment to the Tour de France for another five years to 2018. This renewal of the sponsorship deal also includes supporting the Tour of Spain (‘La Vuelta’) and eight other international races.

Alongside major professional races, ŠKODA also makes a significant contribution to the world of cycling. This is the sixth year that ŠKODA will be supporting the world’s largest mountain bike series ‘Bike for Life’ (in Czech, Kolo pro život) as the main sponsor. The mountain bike series, which takes place annually in the Czech home market, attracts both professional and amateur cyclists alike, and has a turnout of many thousands of people every year. In Germany, the brand supports the eponymous ŠKODA Velodrom in Cologne, the ŠKODA Velotour in Frankfurt, the ŠKODA Velorace Dresden, as well as being the vehicle partner of the Garmin Velothon Berlin, the Vattenfall Cyclassics in Hamburg and the Sparkassen Münsterland Giro. ŠKODA is also an official partner of ‘Ride London’ in the UK.

[Karlheinz]

June in Goodwood, southern England – unique event for the international and British automotive scene

› ŠKODA UK 4th time partner of the legendary automobile and motorsport event
› Emotional: ŠKODA design concepts – Yeti Xtreme and VisionC; ŠKODA Citigo Monte Carlo
› Full throttle: ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 and Octavia vRS Bonneville Special
› Spectacular: ŠKODA racing action on two wheels, interactive presentation of the brand’s commitment to cycling

Mladá Boleslav/Goodwood, 25 June 2014 – ŠKODA will once again be showing its sporty racing side at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (26 to 29 June 2014). The brand will be presenting the racy design concepts, the ŠKODA Yeti XTreme and ŠKODA VisionC, alongside the ŠKODA Citigo Monte Carlo as emotional product highlights. The rally cars ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 and the record-breaking ŠKODA Octavia vRS Bonneville Special will also make an appearance on the racetrack. Racing bike fans can also look forward to a dynamic two-wheel racing experience.
​The 21st run of the legendary Goodwood Festival of Speed will be taking place this year between 26 and 29 June. ŠKODA UK has been a partner of the festival for four years. Around 200,000 visitors each year flock to the world’s largest event for historic motorsport attracts in Goodwood, southern England.  Historic and modern vehicles of all categories are presented on the 1.7km in-house racetrack and a special rally course.  At the same automotive innovations and exciting highlights at Goodwood can be seen on the castle grounds of the Earl of March.

“ŠKODA has been one of the big names in international motorsport for the past 113 years,” says ŠKODA Head of Sales, Werner Eichhorn. “The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an absolute highlight in the annual motor racing calendar. Through working with ŠKODA UK, we have the opportunity of presenting our expertise in technology and motorsports in a particularly dynamic and emotional environment.” 

At the ŠKODA pavilion, visitors can look forward to two special UK premieres from Mladá Boleslav. The brand has transformed their popular compact SUV into the ŠKODA Yeti Xtreme – a solid and sporty concept rally design. The vehicle was first shown a few weeks ago at the GTI-Meet at Wörthersee. Design highlights of the Yeti Xtreme: 17-inch alloy wheels, large off-road tyres, tinted windows, powerful bumpers, LED headlights, striking fenders, strong sills, and two wide exhaust pipes. The interior also features suitable rallying equipment with four Recaro sports seats, a sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles, carbon panels and an aluminium vehicle floor. Also on board you will find a belt cutter and fire extinguishers, and on the dashboard, there is even an iPad holder.

The spectacular ŠKODA VisionC design concept conveys pure emotion. The fantastically designed car was one of the stars at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, and is now a guest in the UK for the first time. The dynamic and elegant, five-door coupé concept boasts expressive designs, minimalist lines and perfect proportions. The vehicle heralds the next evolutionary step in ŠKODA’s design language and also shows the possibilities in innovative body concepts. In addition, the VisionC underlines the brand's values, in terms of functionality and ecology: With a spacious interior, an innovative natural gas engine and excellent aerodynamics.

The third vehicle the Czech manufacturer will be presenting off the racetrack is the ŠKODA Citigo Monte Carlo. The derivative drives up on black 15-inch alloy wheels. With the sports suspension lowered by 15 millimetres, the car is slightly lower on the ground than the standard Citigo. There are tinted windows, a black front and rear spoiler, a black diffuser and grille and black door mirror housings. The car even features a sporty interior, including a 3-spoke sports steering wheel, black roof liner, black interior trim, and Monte Carlo seat covers.

ŠKODA will also be showing its sporty and emotional potential at the Goodwood racetrack. The most successful ŠKODA rally car of all time will be on the starting line of the ‘Forest Rally Stage’, the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000. This car is one of the world's most successful rally cars of the Super 2000 class. In 2013 alone, the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 won three continental rally championships in Europe, Asia and South America. In 2014, ŠKODA will be taking part in selected races of the European Rally Championship (ERC) and the Asia-Pacific Championship (APRC) with the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000. The ‘Forest Rally Stage’ runs 2.5km over a gravel forest road.

The Octavia vRS Bonneville Special – ŠKODA’s record-breaking Octavia – will be showing off its power. This model is the world’s fastest car with a 2-litre turbocharged engine. At 365 km/h or 227 MPH, the Octavia vRS Bonneville Special set the new high speed record in August 2011 at the U.S. Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

Alongside the sporty model highlights, ŠKODA will be offering visitors fantastic racing action on two wheels. The brand will be presenting their great tradition in cycling and their numerous activities in the international world of cycling at the ŠKODA pavilion. It will not be something just to look at; visitors will also have the chance to ride around a specially designed track at Goodwood on bicycles from the current ŠKODA bike range as part of the ‘Ride the ŠKODA Summit’ event.  It was with the production of bicycles that the founding fathers Laurin und Klement first laid the foundations for the success of the ŠKODA brand in 1895.  The company’s strong connection to the world of cycling can be seen in their wide and varied sponsorship of renowned cycling races, including the Tour de France. ŠKODA also remains committed to supporting amateur cycling events.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA Joins the Open Automotive Alliance

› ŠKODA becomes a member of the global alliance of technology and automotive companies
› Aim: Integrating Android mobile devices into ŠKODA cars

Mladá Boleslav, 26 June 2014 - ŠKODA joins the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA). The OAA was founded in early 2014 by companies in the technology and automotive industries, with the aim of securely and reliably integrating Android devices in cars.

Android is a very popular operating system used in smartphones, netbooks and tablets across the globe.
“Connectivity has become a crucial part of our everyday lives, and is playing an increasingly important role even in cars,” explains Dr. Frank Welsch, Head of Technical Development at ŠKODA. “Our customers truly appreciate how flexible and practical our vehicles are. Through seamlessly integrating mobile applications into the car, our valued customers will benefit from enhanced connectivity, safety, and functionality – now that is ‘Simply Clever’.”

Given the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, the ability to link such devices in cars is increasingly in demand – ‘smartphones on four wheels’. For the Czech manufacturer, joining the Open Automotive Alliance is an important step in establishing an appropriately attractive offer. “The partnership with the Open Automotive Alliance will enable us to offer new technologies and fantastic Internet applications based on the Android operating system in our vehicles. This is how we are going to advance the topics of connectivity and automotive networking for the customer,” says Dr. Frank Welsch.

The Open Automotive Alliance was launched in January 2014. The founding members were the Internet giant Google, and, among others, the automobile companies Audi, General Motors, Honda and the microchip manufacturer Nvidia. Based on Android, the common platform will makmake using modern technologies and Internet services safer and more intuitive in the car.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA 11th time sponsor of Tour de France
7/2/2014

ŠKODA supporting the tour as official partner since 2004. Core of Le Tour sponsorship: 250 ŠKODA shuttle vehicles. 'Red Car' ŠKODA Superb leads tour entourage. WeLoveCycling.com with news and information from the world of cycling.
This year will be ŠKODA AUTO’s eleventh year of being the official partner and official vehicle partner of the Tour de France. The core of ŠKODA’s activities at the most famous cycling event in the world consists of providing a vehicle fleet of around 250 ŠKODAs. A red ŠKODA Superb will be leading the way, serving as the ‘mobile control centre’ for Tour Director. This year's Tour de France takes place from 5 to 27 July.

“ŠKODA’s involvement in the Tour de France over the past eleven years has been the crowning glory of our company’s diverse cycling sponsorship,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “Our strong presence at the most famous cycling race in the world strengthens the image and long term reputation of the brand. Supporting Le Tour and cycling is more than a classic sponsorship deal – it is an affair of the heart for the whole enterprise. It was, after all, with bicycle production that our founding fathers Laurin und Klement first established our company.”

The 2014 Tour de France starts on 5 July in Leeds – the first three stages this year riding through England.  After a total of 21 stages, the riders will reach the finishing line on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on July 27. As in previous years, ŠKODA is the partner of the ‘White Jersey’ for the best cyclist under 25. 

The Czech manufacturer extended their sponsorship of Le Tour another five years to 2018. The agreement also includes sponsoring the Tour of Spain (La Vuelta) and other international cycling races.

The core of the Tour de France sponsorship this year will again be the strong ŠKODA fleet of vehicles. Around 250 cars - especially the ŠKODA Octavia Estate and ŠKODA Superb – will be used as support vehicles around clock. The shuttle fleet has played a very important role in ŠKODA’s involvement since the very beginning. Year on year, the vehicles drive around 2.8 million kilometres during their service in Le Tour. Since 2004, the ŠKODA shuttle fleet has covered almost 28 million kilometres – without breaking down once.

The ‘Red Car’ – the red ŠKODA Superb leading the cyclists – is widely visible to all the fans.  Throughout Le Tour, the vehicle will be serving as a kind of mobile control centre. It is from here that Le Tour director will be giving the green light to start the race every morning, where he organizes the traffic movements around the peloton and communicates with the marshals. The vehicle has been fitted with extensive technical equipment for this purpose, including four radio channels, over which information is received and orders given.

In addition, the ‘Red Car’ is the only vehicle that can cross the finish line in each stage with the riders. The Superb has been painted ‘Corrida-Red’ for its use at the event.

Tour director Christian Prudhomme will be sitting in the back. “I love my Superb. It’s a fantastic car. I’m 1.90 metres tall, just like my driver. However, I can sit very comfortably in the back and even sit with my legs crossed. I’m especially looking forward to travelling under the huge panoramic roof.” For its use as the ‘Red Car’, the Superb has been specially fitted with a panoramic glass roof, which opens from the rear to the front at the touch of a button, allowing Prudhomme to stand up in the back.

ŠKODA will be backing the Tour de France sponsorship with a broad communications campaign. ŠKODA has developed a completely new site especially for the event:WeLoveCycling.com. The site features a host of exciting features, including live reports, films and snippets of information on the wider world of cycling. Cycling fans can also take part in competitions on the site, and even win a day in the peloton of the Tour de France. The brand will also be attracting a lot of attention on social media,facebook.com/skoda-cycling.  You can also find more information at www.skoda-radsport.de.

The Tour de France is one of the world's biggest sporting events. Only the football World Cup and the Olympic Games receive more attention. In 2013 12 million cycling fans cheered along the route, with a further 3.5 billion people from around the globe tuning in at home.

[Karlheinz]

Dream cars on enchanting roads: ŠKODA Trio at the Silvretta Classic
7/2/2014

Vintage car rally premiere for ŠKODA 440 'Spartak' made in 1957. Roadster ŠKODA Felicia from 1961 and ŠKODA 1101 Tudor from 1948. 17th Silvretta Classic running from 3 to 6 July 2014 in Montafon, Austria.
ŠKODA will be sending a strong trio along the enchanting roads of this year’s Silvretta Classic. A newly restored 440 ‘Spartak’ from 1957 will be on the starting line, alongside a ŠKODA Felicia from 1961 and a ŠKODA 1101 Tudor built in 1948. This year will mark the 17th occasion of the Silvretta Classic, taking place in Montafron, Austria.

Traditionally, the Silvretta Classic is one of ŠKODA’s fixed dates in the annual calendar of vintage car events. Three fascinating automobile legends from Mladá Boleslav will be taking the breathtakingly beautiful route around the Silvretta Pass this weekend. “We will be sending some real highlights from our collection to Montafon, and they are sure to delight the both spectators and participants alike,” says Michal Velebný, coordinator of the ŠKODA museum’s restoration workshop.

An absolute treat for all fans of historic vehicles is the ŠKODA 440 'Spartak' dating back to 1957. The striking rally car has been completely restored by ŠKODA over the last few years and is now being presented to the public for the first time at a classic car rally. The sporty Spartak has been faithfully reconstructed based on its legendary rally appearances in the mid-1950s. Under the bonnet there is a 40-hp four-cylinder engine with 1089 cm3 displacement. The vehicle can reach a top speed of 110 km/h.

The turquoise-green roadster ŠKODA Felicia dating back to 1961 is an inspiring representative of the 1960s. With its elegant shape and distinctive tail, the Felicia convertible is one of the most beautiful open vehicles of its time and is now extremely popular among collectors. The model taking part in the Silvretta is a vehicle from the historic corporate collection in Mladá Boleslav. The Felicia was manufactured between 1959 and 1964 and around 15,000 rolled off the production line. In addition to the softtop, a hardtop version was also available. The car features a four-cylinder engine with 50 hp and 1089 cm3 displacement, reaching speeds of up to 130 km/h.

The oldest ŠKODA car in Montafon will be the ŠKODA 1101 Roadster, better known as the ‘Tudor’ dating back to 1948. In its time, the vehicle was considered a real luxury and after 1948 was in the service of the Czech government. It was taken into the ŠKODA collection in 1969. The Tudor is an important ŠKODA representative of the automotive era after the Second World War. The four-cylinder engine delivers 32 hp and has a displacement of 1089 cm3.

The Silvretta Classic in the Austrian Montafon Alpine valley is one of the longest-established vintage car rallies in Europe and will be taking place for the 17th time in 2014. The 530km rally follows a route through the most beautiful streets in Voralberg, and the Silvretta Alps up to the 2032m peak of the Bielerhöhe Pass. Precision is the key element here for each of the participants, who are only too aware that during the special stage, everything could boil down to a hundredth of a second.

[Karlheinz]

More than half a million vehicles delivered in first half of 2014
7/9/2014

First half of 2014: 522,500 deliveries; up 12.5 %. Best June in ŠKODA’s history: 94,500 deliveries; up 8.1 %. ŠKODA Octavia sales increase 47.4 % in Western Europe in the first half. ŠKODA model campaign continues to pick up the pace.
Between January and June, the Czech carmaker delivered 522,500 cars, making this first half of the year ever to have delivered more than half a million vehicles (first half of 2013: 464,600; up 12.5 %). In June ŠKODA achieved a new sales month record, delivering 94,500 vehicles to customers worldwide (June 2013: 87,400). The new ŠKODA Octavia continues to appeal to new consumer groups with deliveries increasing 47.4 % in Western Europe in the first half.

“ŠKODA was stronger than ever before in this first half of the year,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “For the first time, we have sold more than half a million vehicles in a first half and that has been the result of a fantastic model range and an excellent performance across the team. This great result from the first six months makes us very optimistic for the second half of the year.”

ŠKODA’s model campaign continues. The new ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC – the first Octavia to run on natural gas – made its debut a few weeks ago. Now the new ŠKODA Octavia Scout is in the starting blocks, with the launch taking place in August. The brand will be presenting the new ŠKODA Fabia for the first time in autumn.

ŠKODA grew in all Western European individual markets during the first half of 2014, achieving outstanding sales results throughout the region. In June, the brand delivered 39,100 vehicles, an increase of 9.4% (June 2013: 35,700). In the first half of the year ŠKODA increased sales by 17% in Western Europe to 217,900 (January to June 2013: 186,200). In Germany, the manufacturer grew by 4.9 %, and in the first half of the year by 12.2%, strengthening their position as the strongest import brand in the country.  In the UK, ŠKODA sales increased 13.1 % in June and 24.7 % in the first half to 40,900 vehicles.

Alongside the excellent results in Germany and the UK, the brand also recorded double digit growth in the first half in several other markets: in France (10,800 vehicles, up 11.3%), Spain (9,800 vehicles, up 39.0%), Switzerland (9,100 vehicles, up 10.9%), the Netherlands (8,500 vehicles, up 68.9%), Italy (7,800 vehicles, up 13.4%), Sweden (6,600 vehicles, up 10.1%), Finland (5,600 vehicles, up 34.2%), Ireland (4,400 vehicles, up 24.1%), Norway (3,600 vehicles, up 25.8%) and Portugal (1,400 vehicles, up 43.7%).

In Eastern Europe, including Russia, ŠKODA in June delivered 11,100 vehicles (June 2013: 12,500; down 10.9 %). ŠKODA’s sales in the first half of the year were roughly on the same level as last year with 58,700 units sold (January to June 2013: 59,100). The market share in Eastern Europe rose to almost 4.8% at the end of June. In Russia the manufacturer recorded 7,900 deliveries in June (June 2013: 9,100) and 42,000 deliveries in the first six months (first half of 2013: 42,800). ŠKODA recorded significant growth in the first half of the year in the markets of Romania (3,300 vehicles, up 29%) and Serbia (2,800 vehicles, up 53.9%) and in the Baltic States (2,600 vehicles, up 34.5%).

ŠKODA is doing very well in Central Europe, where, in the first half of the year, one out of every five new cars sold was a ŠKODA. In June, deliveries increased by 15.6% to 13,300 units (June 2013: 11,500). In the first six months, the brand grew by 27.6% to 78,600 vehicles (first half of 2013: 61,600). In their home market, the Czech Republic, ŠKODA achieved, an increase of 22.9% to 34,800 deliveries in the first half of the year. ŠKODA is on top form in Poland, where the brand recorded a sales increase of 36 % to 26,200 vehicles in the first six months (first half of 2013: 19,300). The brand more than tripled sales in Croatia with 2,500 vehicles sold. In Slovenia, ŠKODA recorded an increase of 40.9 % to 2,600 vehicles.

ŠKODA’s strongest individual market is China. In June ŠKODA achieved sales of 23,600, an increase of 11.3 % over June 2013 (21,200). In the first half of the year, the brand’s sales in China increased 8.7 % to 130,700 units (January to June 2013: 120,200).

ŠKODA even grew in other markets outside of Europe, including Israel (8,200 vehicles; up 11.3 %), Algeria (6,200 vehicles; up 16.6 %), Turkey (5,500 vehicles; up 1.6 %), Egypt (2,600 vehicles; up 26.5 %) and Australia (1,800 vehicles; up 2.8 %). ŠKODA sold almost 1000 vehicles in India in June (June 2013: 1900) and 7,700 vehicles in the first half of the year.

ŠKODA deliveries to customers in June 2014
(in units, rounded off, by model; +/- in percent over June 2013):
ŠKODA Octavia (34,300; +3.4 %)
ŠKODA Fabia (14,900; -24.3 %)
ŠKODA Superb (8,100; -1.2 %)
ŠKODA Yeti (9,800; +14.2 %)
ŠKODA Roomster (2,500; -32.7 %)
ŠKODA Rapid (21,000; +124.2 %)
ŠKODA Citigo (only sold in Europe: 4,000; -15.9 %)

ŠKODA deliveries to customers in the first half of 2014
(in units, rounded off, by model; +/- in percent over the same period last year):
ŠKODA Octavia (194,800; +7.5 %)
ŠKODA Fabia (87,900; -20.2 %)
ŠKODA Superb (46,400; -9.0 %)
ŠKODA Yeti (52,900; +26.5 %)
ŠKODA Roomster (15,500; -10.2 %)
ŠKODA Rapid (102,400; +166.7 %)
ŠKODA Citigo (only sold in Europe: 22,700; -9.0 %)

[Karlheinz]

The new ŠKODA Octavia Scout: Press Kit

› With a powerful off-road look in the new ŠKODA design language
› Impressive rough-road capability, steep-slope performance and high traction capacity
› Ultramodern all-wheel-drive technology based on innovative Haldex-5 clutch
› Three more powerful engines and up to 20 percent more environmentally friendly; a premiere for the 2.0 TDI/135 kW with DSG and 4×4 all-wheel drive
› A ‘bit more car’: lots of space, ‘Simply Clever’ features, maximum safety
› ŠKODA’s successful ‘adventure’ models: Octavia Scout, Fabia Scout, Fabia Combi Scout, Roomster Scout, Yeti Outdoor and Superb with the Outdoor package

Hamburg/Mladá Boleslav, July 2014 – The new ŠKODA Octavia joins the scouts. The unique all-rounder impresses with its outstanding driving performance even on rough roads, its powerful all-wheel drive and robust off-road look. At the same time, emission and consumption levels have been reduced by up to 20 percent compared to the previous model. In addition, this crossover vehicle is extremely spacious, highly practical, has up-to-date safety and comfort systems and represents excellent value-for-money.

​“As an exceptionally versatile cross-over estate, the new ŠKODA Octavia Scout demonstrates the strengths of the ŠKODA brand,” says ŠKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “A true Scout has to earn that name at ŠKODA. The Octavia Scout has a rugged character with outstanding all-wheel and steep-slope performance, traction capacity and ground clearance. The car meets the highest technical, aesthetic and lifestyle standards. More and more customers ask for cars with individual appeal and the new ŠKODA Octavia Scout is the answer,” says Prof. Dr. Vahland.

The new Octavia Scout is available exclusively based on the Octavia estate variant. Its market launch will be in August 2014. The Octavia Scout has been a fixed feature in ŠKODA’s model range since 2007. With its second generation Scout, the Czech manufacturer intends to build further on the successes of these versatile vehicles. Between 2007 and the end of 2013, ŠKODA sold around 53,600 Octavia Scouts worldwide. This represents almost 8 percent of all Octavia estates supplied during that period.

With the new Octavia Scout, ŠKODA once again displays its great expertise in equipping vehicles for off-road capability. With the models Octavia Scout, Fabia Scout, Fabia Combi Scout, Roomster Scout, Yeti Outdoor and Superb with the Outdoor package, the Czech car manufacturer currently offers six models with special off-road styling.

Powerful personality

The new ŠKODA Octavia Scout is a vehicle with a style all of its own – self-assured and distinctive. “The Octavia Scout has character: its striking looks and all-wheel-drive technology are in perfect harmony,” says ŠKODA Head Designer Jozef Kabaň.

The front has a distinctive, Scout-specific bumper with black plastic moulding. The lower front panel has a silver off-road attachment. The fog lights with their sharp, distinctive shape are an exclusive Scout design. The radiator grille bears the Scout badge.

Black plastic door sill and wheel arch mouldings run down both sides of the vehicle and are a distinctive feature of its side view. There are also protective side strips in black plastic, and aluminium-design exterior mirror housings. Aluminium-effect roof railings are available as an option.

The ground clearance of the new ŠKODA Octavia Scout has been raised to 171 mm and is now 31 mm higher than the standard Octavia. The rough-road package with additional underbody protection is a standard feature. 17-inch alloy wheels with 220/50 R17 tyres are also fitted as standard.

The rear of the ŠKODA Octavia Scout is precision-designed with clean, uncluttered lines. Two reflectors are integrated into the right and left of the bumper (cat’s eyes). The lower black-clad bumper components include a silver-coloured off-road attachment in the middle.

The interior has been specially designed for the Scout. The door sills bear the Scout lettering and the trims are in a unique Scout design. The 3-spoke steering wheel and the gear knob also bear the Scout emblem. The dashboard is available in either the classic black or black/brown combination. The seats are available in either brown fabric or in leather/Alcantara combination (brown or black).

The Octavia Scout is as spacious as the Octavia Combi. The passenger compartment is one of the largest in its class, with optimised interior length (1,782 millimetres), rear legroom (73 millimetres) and headroom at front and rear (983 and 995 millimetres). The boot has a 610 litre capacity, and, with the rear seats down, its capacity increases to 1,740 litres. With the front passenger seat folded down, items up to 2.92 meters in length can also be accommodated.

The Scout also has a series of ‘Simply Clever’ features such as the double-sided floor cover in the boot, the folding cargo fasteners, the ice scraper in the fuel filler flap, the high-visibility vest holder under the driver’s seat, waste compartment in the side door and an array of storage compartments.

The ŠKODA Octavia Scout is available in the entire Octavia exterior colour range: four standard colours (including the new colour Laser White) and nine metallic colours.

Outstanding drive capabilities with state-of-the-art Haldex-5 all-wheel-drive technology

The Octavia Scout is available exclusively with all-wheel drive. Optimum drive capabilities and traction are guaranteed by modern all-wheel-drive technology based on the Haldex-5 clutch. The distribution of power to all four wheels changes depending on the conditions. Ideal driving torque for the rear axle is constantly being calculated. Compared with the Haldex-4 clutch previously used in the Octavia Scout, the new technology is 1.4 kg lighter.

The ŠKODA Octavia Scout is a real workhorse and can tow up to two tonnes, 25 % more than before. It also has excellent steep-slope capability. With greater angles of incline from 16.7 degrees at the front and 13.8 degrees at the back, the Czech scout can also master steeper, more demanding terrain without difficulty. Electronic differential lock (EDL) supports stable start-up characteristics at low speeds in the Octavia Scout.

The new Octavia Scout features a two-stage Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC). The system can be adjusted to suit certain driving conditions at the touch of a button.

Three engines; premiere for the 2.0 TDI/135 kW with DSG and all-wheel drive

The new ŠKODA Octavia Scout has three engines to choose from: two diesel and one petrol. The engines are both more powerful and more economical than those used in the previous model. Yet they are still up to 29 kg lighter. All engines feature improved all-wheel-drive technology and the use of efficient Green tec packages with automatic stop-start mechanism and brake energy recovery as standard. All three engines meet standard EU 6 which comes into force in September 2014.

The most powerful diesel engine is the 2.0 TDI/135 kW (184 PS) with an attractive combination of an automatic six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) and all-wheel drive. This is the first time that the engine has been used in this configuration in a ŠKODA. The combined fuel consumption is only 5.1 litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of 134 g/km.

The 2.0 TDI/110 kW (150 PS) is available exclusively with a manual six-speed gearbox. The engine manages 5.1 litres/100 km with a CO2 emission value of 129 g/km.

The Octavia Scout is available as a petrol engine with the 1.8 TSI/132 kW (180 PS) with automatic six-speed DSG. Combined consumption is 6.9 litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of 158 g/km.
 
Excellent safety and comfort

The safety technology of the new ŠKODA Octavia Scout sets the highest standards. Up to nine airbags and state-of-the-art 3-point seatbelts protect the occupants in the event of an accident. Furthermore, a wealth of new safety features are available as optional extras: Front Assistant with emergency braking function, Lane Assistant, multi-collision brake with automatic braking in the event of an accident, Crew Protect Assistant for vehicle safety in crash situations and Driver Activity Assistant (fatigue recognition).

Thanks to its modern chassis with optimised axles, the new ŠKODA Octavia Scout impresses with excellent vehicle handling in almost every situation. It has an optimised multi-link rear axle. The MacPherson strut at the front with low-mounted triangular wishbones has shed around 2.8 kg compared to the previous model.

In addition, a range of electronic comfort systems are available for the new Octavia Scout: Adaptive Cruise Assistant (automatic distance control), Intelligent Light Assistant, Automatic Parking Assistant and Traveller Assistant with traffic sign recognition. Another optional feature for the new Octavia Scout is KESSY (Keyless Entry Start and Exit System). The vehicle can, in addition, be supplied with Optical Parking Assistant (rear-view camera) and a 3-spoke multifunction leather steering wheel in Scout design. The Swing radio now has a 5" colour touch display.

[Karlheinz]

Red Dot Award - ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback making designers’ hearts race
7/10/2014

ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback: Innovative compact car wins the Red Dot Award for high quality product design. ŠKODA Octavia RS awarded ‘Honourable Mention’. ŠKODA extremely pleased to have won seventh Red Dot Award.
The ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback has been awarded the globally coveted Red Dot for outstanding product design. A high profile expert jury awards this prize annually as part of the Red Dot Design Awards, one of the most internationally renowned design awards. The new ŠKODA Octavia Combi RS also won over the judges with its design, receiving an ‘Honourable Mention’. To date, seven of ŠKODA’s model series have won a Red Dot Award.

Impressive proportions, clean, contoured surfaces, and sharply drawn lines characterize the exterior of the new ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback. ŠKODA’s new design language is reflected in this car with its clean, expressive and fresh shape.  The Rapid Spaceback pays testament to over a hundred years of sophisticated ŠKODA design. It is with these strong genes that ŠKODA’s chief designer, Jozef Kaban and his team are now setting new trends in the design of modern cars.

After being exceptionally well received on the consumer market, the manufacturer’s modern design philosophy has now won over the panel of judges for the prestigious Red Dot design awards. The ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback, the Czech carmaker’s compact five-door model prevailed against tough competition and received the ‘Red Dot’ for outstanding design quality.

The 2014 Red Dot Design Awards involved 40 international design experts scrutinizing the ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback and all the other models.  In addition to criteria such as innovation, functionality, ergonomics and durability, they also assessed environmental compatibility and clarity of function. A total of 1816 manufacturers, designers and architects from 53 countries submitted 4815 designs.

With its victory in the 2014 Red Dot Design Awards, the ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback builds on the success of the Rapid hatchback version, which won the coveted design prize a year ago. This result proves that the harmonious and balanced appearance of the compact car series has won over experts and consumers alike.

We are delighted that our work and the distinctive look of the ŠKODA models have been so well received. The ‘Red Dot’ confirms that we are on the right path in the development of ŠKODA’s design language,” says ŠKODA chief designer Jozef Kabaň. “The ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback proves that sophisticated design is important and should be taken seriously even in the compact class.”

In addition to the new Rapid Spaceback, the Red Dot judges also awarded the new ŠKODA Octavia RS. The timelessly elegant, creatively designed sports model received an ‘Honourable Mention’ for particularly successful design solutions. The ŠKODA Octavia saloon also won this award last year.

Not only a great exterior but also an interesting interior

The new ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback combines aesthetic designs with many practical features. This ranges from the extensive safety equipment, economical engines and excellent value for money to the spacious interior. Despite the Rapid Spaceback’s compact construction, the car opens up a variety of uses.  In addition to generous legroom – even in the back – the boot has a capacity of between 415 and 1380 litres, making the modern five-door car one of the best in its class.

This is the seventh time that ŠKODA has received the ‘Red Dot’ award for design. The successful Octavia Combi was the first of the Czech carmaker’s models to be adorned with the coveted seal of quality in 2006.  A year later, the design experts singled the versatile ŠKODA Roomster out, before the ŠKODA Fabia won the ‘Red Dot’ in 2008. In 2010 the Mladá Boleslav-based carmaker was delighted to achieve a double success with the ŠKODA Yeti and the Superb Combi.  Last year, the ŠKODA Rapid was the first model to be awarded for the new design language of the traditional company.

[Karlheinz]

The new ŠKODA Fabia – new, modern design for a young car
7/17/2014

New design: the new ŠKODA Fabia takes on design elements from the ŠKODA VisionC show car – expressive, modern and dynamic. Well balanced: added width and flatter body create harmonious proportions. Individuality: new, fresh interior design concepts.
Modern, dynamic and emotional; the new ŠKODA Fabia rolls up on the automotive catwalk. The first design sketch shows a young, crisp, urban small car with typical ŠKODA genes and lots of character.

This is the first time in a series production vehicle that ŠKODA designers have incorporated elements from the ŠKODA VisionC show car. ŠKODA Motorsport has also provided inspiration for the final design. These two foundations combined give the new ŠKODA Fabia more dynamics, passion and emotion.

This sharp, new image fuses crystalline shapes and sharp lines with the highest precision. The hatchback model is characterised by well-balanced, tight proportions. The new ŠKODA Fabia is now nine centimetres wider and stands three centimetres lower.

In addition, the ŠKODA Fabia now offers a completely new, versatile interior with individual options for customization.

The newly developed ŠKODA Fabia is one further achievement in ŠKODA’s largest model campaign in corporate history, once again proving the strength of the brand.

[Karlheinz]

Three exclusive ŠKODA gems at ‘Schloss Bensberg Classics’

​› True gems against a picturesque landscape: ŠKODA Rapid OHV, ŠKODA Popular Sport Coupé ‘Little Entente’ and ŠKODA Popular Monte Carlo Coupé
› ŠKODA at the renowned classic car event for the sixth time
› ‘Schloss Bensberg Classic’ from 18 to 20 July in and around Bergisch Gladbach

Mladá Boleslav, 18 July 2014 – ŠKODA will be presenting three exclusive automotive gems at this year’s ‘Schloss Bensberg Classics’ (18 to 20 July). The streamlined ŠKODA Rapid OHV, ŠKODA Popular Sport Coupé ‘Little Entente’, and ŠKODA Popular Monte Carlo Coupé will be taking part at the annual meeting for collectors and fans of top-class vintage automobiles. The ‘Schloss Bensberg Classics’ in Bergisch Gladbach near the city of Cologne will be held for the sixth time this coming weekend.

​ŠKODA has been a part of this outstanding classic car event since the first year. Three ŠKODA classic cars will be presented this year. “Our selection of vehicles is in keeping with the motto of the ‘Schloss Bensberg Classics’: ‘Very important cars only’. We will be presenting absolute highlights from our collection,” says Dr. Frank Welsch, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development. All three ŠKODA vintage cars will be taking part in the ‘Rallye Historique’, the ŠKODA Popular Monte Carlo will additionally be scrutinised by the distinguished jury of the ‘Concours d'Elegance'.

The ŠKODA Rapid OHV is an extremely rarely seen streamliner dating back to 1940. The Rapid OHV presented at the ‘Schloss Bensberg Classics’ was painstakingly restored over 30 years by its owner Miroslav Strouhal, and is currently on loan to the  ŠKODA collection in Mladá Boleslav. Only 110 of the Rapid OHV were ever built between 1938 and 1941. The vehicle is powered by a 46 hp four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1558 cc. OHV stands for the ‘overhead valves’ in the engine.

The ŠKODA Popular Sport Coupé ‘Little Entente’ is also a real rarity. Its other name ‘Little Entente’ refers to the specific purpose of the rally car dating back to 1937. In that year, the vehicle took part in a rally through the countries of Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and Romania, which at that time were members of the ‘Little Entente’ alliance. After the race, the car went into private ownership and changed hands a number of times. The coupé has been the property of the ŠKODA Museum since 1968. Under the bonnet there is an inline four-cylinder with a displacement of 995 cc OHV and an output of 27 hp.

ŠKODA’s appearance at Schloss Bensberg is rounded off with a professionally restored ŠKODA Popular Monte Carlo Coupé from1937. Only 72 ŠKODA Popular Monte Carlos – as convertibles and coupés – were built between 1936 and 1938. This is a special edition of the ŠKODA Popular. The reason for the special production was ŠKODA’s success at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1936. The vehicle is powered by a four-cylinder, four-stroke engine with 1386 cc displacement and 30 hp, and reaches a top speed of 110km/h. In addition to the ‘Rallye Historique’ the elegant coupe will also be participating in the ‘Concours d'Elegance’.

2014 marks the sixth year that the ‘Schloss Bensberg Classics’ will be taking place. Schloss Bensberg and the picturesque Bergische Land near Cologne provide the magnificent setting for one of the most prestigious events for classic cars, where the focus is on exclusivity and high quality. Unusual and exceptionally rare vehicles are presented under the motto of ‘very important cars only’. The main program points include the star-studded ‘Rallye Historique’ and a FIVA-A ‘Concours d'Elegance’ with some of the most beautiful and rare classic automobiles in the world. The ‘Schloss Bensberg Classics’ is included in the circle of the ‘Louis Vuitton Classic Concours Award’ and is thus on par with renowned competitions such as the Pebble Beach/California and Villa d’Este/Italy.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA Tour 2014: ŠKODA Fan Meet in Austria
7/18/2014

51st ŠKODA tour takes place in Hollabrunn for the first time. Rally, demonstration day and joint fan excursions. Exhibition of classic cars and current ŠKODA models.
Around 200 fans of classic and current ŠKODA vehicles will be meeting this week inHollabrunn, Austria. The programme includes a rally through Hollabrunn, vehicle checks by ŠKODA experts, and an event day, where all participants will be presenting their vehicles on the market square in the town centre. As part of the diverse programme, fans will be able to exchange ideas and their passion for ŠKODA vehicles with one another and the experts. The international fan meet takes place from 12 to 19 July.

“Fans meet together from all over Europe for this ŠKODA tour to share their passion for ŠKODA models. We are delighted that so many loyal fans have joined us,” says Roman Havlásek, ŠKODA After Sales Manager.

There is lots on offer in the programme: to kick off, all the members were invited to take part in a rally under the title ‘Durch Wein-& Waldviertel’ (Through the Wine & Forest Quarter) – a driving experience through the regions surrounding Hollabrunn.  In addition, ŠKODA AUTO is also offering free vehicle checks this year as a technical specialist partner.

There will also be a competition in which the most beautiful car, those who have travelled the furthest, and the youngest and eldest participants will be awarded. The fans took part in a victory drive with their own vehicles through Hollabrunn on Wednesday.  The supporting programme also includes exploring other towns in the area.

“This year, around 200 participants have arrived with 120 automobiles - from classic cars like the ŠKODA Popular and the ŠKODA Felicia, to current models, such as theŠKODA Rapid Spaceback and the new ŠKODA Octavia RS. The ŠKODA Tour is proof that the love of ŠKODA vehicles is something that connects us all, across generations and across nations,” says Josef Pálka. “Fans have been able to see some of the most beautiful regions in Europe because of the hiking nature of this fan meet,” says the chairman of the Auto Moto Club ŠKODA Mladá Boleslav, Josef Pálka.

The ŠKODA tour takes place once a year; one year in the Czech Republic and the following two years abroad. The Auto Moto Club ŠKODA Mladá Boleslav and the international committee of the ŠKODA Tour have been the event organisers in cooperation with the ŠKODA Club since 1994.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA designs victors’ trophies for Tour de France
21.7.2014 | category: Company

​› Tour winners receive crystal glass sculptures from the Czech Republic
› Presented in Paris on 27 July by Purchasing Director, Karlheinz Hell
› ŠKODA 11th time main sponsor of Tour de France

​Mladá Boleslav, 21 July 2014 – Tens of thousands of people will be celebrating the winners of the Tour de France along the Champs-Elysées on 27 July. This year’s proud winners will once again be raising Czech-made crystal glass trophies high in the Parisian sky. The victors’ trophies have been designed at the ŠKODA Design Studios and cut by Lasvit Glass in the Czech Republic.
​ŠKODA Board member for Purchasing, Karlheinz Hell will be presenting the sculptures to the winners of the Yellow, White, Green and dotted jerseys. ŠKODA has supported Le Tour as the official sponsor and official vehicle partner for the past eleven years.

"Success demands a clear goal in addition to talent and a great deal of effort," says ŠKODA Chief Designer, Jozef Kabaň. "For the crème de la crème, we symbolize this relationship with clear crystal and finely honed lines. The moment of victory will be captured forever in these ŠKODA trophies."

The Tour de France represents dynamism, passion and power. For ŠKODA designer Peter Olah, this emotional triad was the creative inspiration for designing the victors’ trophies. With their captivating, dynamic elegance, the 60cm, 4kg sculptures feature an exciting interplay of light curves, three-dimensional contours and sharp corners. The inspirational ŠKODA VisionC, presented in early March, will also be making an appearance. The five-door coupé design concept has captivated audiences with its expressive style and dynamic elegance, demonstrating the next stage in the evolution of ŠKODA Design.

Presenting the trophies to this year’s Tour winners will be once again be the crowning glory of ŠKODA’s sponsorship of the Tour de France. The strong ŠKODA fleet of vehicles is at the core of the brand’s sponsorship engagement. Around 250 cars – mainly ŠKODA Octavia Estates and ŠKODA Superbs – are to be used as support vehicles around clock. At the very forefront is a ŠKODA Superb – the official ‘Red Car’ and the mobile command centre for the Tour Director, Christian Prudhomme.

In addition, ŠKODA’s sponsorship of the Tour de France will be accompanied by a broad communications campaign. ŠKODA has also launched a completely new site WeLoveCycling.com, featuring live reports, films and lots of information from the world of cycling.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA congratulates Vincenzo Nibali on Tour victory

› Czech crystal trophies for Tour de France winners
› ŠKODA eleventh time official Tour de France partner in 2014
› The heart of the Tour sponsorship: 250 ŠKODA vehicles
› ŠKODA reached 16 million fans at the track and 3.5 billion TV viewers

Mladá Boleslav/Paris, 27 July 2014 – Triumph in Paris: Vincenzo Nibali from Italy wins Tour de France 2014. After three weeks and 3,660 tough kilometres, hundreds of thousands of Tour fans are preparing for the cyclists’ emotional arrival on the Champs-Élysées. It was with great pride that Vincenzo Nibali and the other winners raised the Czech crystal trophies created by ŠKODA designers into the Parisian sky. This year ŠKODA was the official partner of the most famous bicycle race in the world for the eleventh time.

On Champs-Élysées, ŠKODA Board member for Purchasing, Karlheinz Hell congratulated the overall winner Vincenzo Nibali and presented the trophy to the winner of the White Jersey, Thibaut Pinot from France, being the best young rider under 25. Rafaj Majka from Poland won the polka-dot jersey as the best climber. The best sprinter and winner of the green jersey was Peter Sagan from Slovakia. All four athletes were delighted to receive the trophies made of Czech crystal – created in the ŠKODA design studios by ŠKODA designer Peter Olah.
Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for sales and marketing, made a positive summary of ŠKODA’s involvement: “We once again saw some very inspiring cycling at this year’s Tour. As the eleventh time official partner, we are delighted to have made our contribution to this fantastic event.” In addition to providing the strong ŠKODA fleet of around 250 vehicles, the Czech manufacturer was an ever-present supporter with large-format advertising at the start and finishing line and along the track itself. ŠKODA also accompanied the Tour de France with a broad communications campaign, including the new website WeLoveCycling.com. The brand reached a total of 16 million fans along the track, and around 3.5 billion people worldwide, watching at home on the TV and Internet.

This year the most prominent ŠKODA was the ‘Red Car’: the red ŠKODA Superb, leading the riders throughout the Tour, was the mobile control centre for Tour Director Christian Prudhomme. A strong ŠKODA vehicle fleet of around 250 vehicles was available around the clock along the entire Tour de France route. Since the very beginning, the fleet has been a major part of ŠKODA’s involvement. The vehicles have covered 28 million kilometres since first being deployed in 2004 without breaking down once.

This successful, long-standing sponsorship of the Tour de France and other national and international cycling events emphasizes the close relationship the company has with this sport. The company's roots lie in the production of bicycles by ŠKODA founding fathers Laurin and Klement in 1895. Consequently, in addition to hockey and ŠKODA Motorsport, cycling is a very important pillar of ŠKODA’s sponsorship strategy.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC – Berlin to Jesolo, Italy on €35.71

› Gerhard Plattner drives 1172 km in the Octavia G-TEC on less than 40 euros
› ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC consumes 2.93 kg natural gas per 100 km; 81 g CO2/km
› Plattner’s fuel-saving race against a family of four from Berlin
› Natural gas is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative
› Three fantastic ŠKODA natural gas models – Citigo, Octavia and Octavia Combi

Mladá Boleslav, 29 July 2014 – 1172km from Berlin to Jesolo in Italy on less than 40 euros for fuel: It’s possible with the new ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC. As part of a fuel-saving race against the Baumann family from Berlin, Austrian Gerhard Plattner achieved a natural gas consumption of only 2.93 kg/100 km with the Octavia G-TEC. This figure is 0.5kg (17%) under the manufacturer’s specification of 3.5kg in the Euromix.

The popular record-breaking driver Gerhard Plattner went head to head with the four-member Baumann family from Berlin. Their objective was to each drive an Octavia G-TEC from the German capital to Jesolo in the Italian Adriatic and to use as little natural gas as possible.

In the end, Plattner’s dark blue Octavia G-TEC used an average of only 2.93 kg natural gas per 100km. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of a mere 81 g/km. The fuel itself only cost 35.71 euros. The Baumann family’s silver Octavia G-TEC consumed an average of 3.6 kg of natural gas per 100km.

“This result shows how cheap and also how environmentally friendly driving the Octavia G-TEC really is”, explains ŠKODA Board Member for Development Dr. Frank Welsch. “CNG technology combines clean mobility with low operating costs, and provides an unrestricted and fun driving experience.”

Both Octavia G-TECs weighed 1700kg. Since Plattner was alone in his car, the vehicle was loaded with additional water tanks to make up the weight of the other three people. The journey was mostly covered over motorways, and the predetermined minimum speed was 80 km/h. The exact distance of 1172km was completed in three stages, each of around 400km between 8 and 10 July 2014. The vehicles were refuelled with natural gas at intermittent points.
“There still seems to be some uncertainty when it comes to natural gas, but there shouldn’t be. Fuel-efficient mobility is no longer a waiver. Car buyers no longer have to choose between fuel-saving technology and comfort,” says Gerhard Plattner. “The SKODA Octavia G-TEC is a prime example. The engine is very fuel efficient, and at the same time offers all the comforts of a comparable vehicle running on standard fuel.”The new ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC has been available on the market in saloon and estate versions since May. Both models are powered by a 1.4 TSI engine, delivering 81 kW (110 hp) and using both petrol and CNG. CNG stand for Compressed Natural Gas. Both natural gas Octavias come with the Green-tec package as standard, which includes the Start-Stop System and Braking Energy Recovery. The modern assembly complies with EU 6 emission standards.

With the ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC as saloon and estate models, as well as the ŠKODA Citigo G-TEC, the Czech carmaker currently offers three vehicles that run on natural gas. The natural gas Citigo is synonymous with high efficiency and environmental friendliness. This was also demonstrated about a year ago with another record-breaking drive by Gerhard Plattner, in which he drove from Vincenza, Italy to Stockholm, Sweden in the Citigo G-TEC with an average consumption of 2.39 kg natural gas/100 km. For the total distance of 2619km, it came out at only 81.24 euros in fuel.
Natural gas drive plays an important role in ŠKODA’s sustainability strategy. Overall, CNG offers great opportunities for sustainable mobility. The exhaust gases are contaminated with fewer pollutants than petrol or diesel exhaust.

Another advantage of natural gas vehicles is low operating cost. Depending on the market, natural gas is up to 60% cheaper than petrol and around 40% cheaper than diesel. In some European countries there are also tax benefits when purchasing a natural gas vehicle.

[Karlheinz]

Factory Holidays: Production prepares full speed

start-up of new ŠKODA Fabia
› New generation of the Fabia to roll off production lines in Mladá Boleslav from the end of August
› Board Member for Production Michael Oeljeklaus: “We are right on schedule”
› Factory holiday in Mladá Boleslav, Kvasiny and Vrchlabí from 4 to 15 August
› Maintenance and modernization projects at all Czech plants

Mladá Boleslav, 31 July 2014 – Final preparations for the ŠKODA production team: The headquarters in Mladá Boleslav will be well underway with preparations for the start-up of the new ŠKODA Fabia during the factory holidays between 4 and 15 August. Production of the popular small car is set to begin at the end of August. Extensive maintenance and modernization projects will also be carried out at the other Czech plants in Kvasiny and Vrchlabí.

“We will be using the non-production days to further optimize production and so be more able to respond to the increasing consumer demand for our models,” explains Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA Board Member for Production and Logistics. “Above all, we shall be preparing Mladá Boleslav for the launch of the next Fabia generation. We are right on schedule to start the production of our newest model on time and to the highest quality.”

Extensive adaptation and modernization projects are going to be implemented during the production break, preparing for the launch of the new ŠKODA Fabia at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav. Among other things, a cutting-edge facility for the adjustment of assistance systems will be established in the M1 assembly hall. The conveyor system there is also going to be completely renewed on the ending part of assembly line (control point). The paint shop facilities are to be modernized and their capacity expanded.

Maintenance and optimization work will also be carried out on the ŠKODA Octavia production line in Hall M13. The speed conveyor system will be increased and the facility for filling the brake systems modernized.

Completing the new hall for car body production will be the number one focus at the Kvasiny plant during the factory holidays. The production of the DQ 200 gearbox at Vrchlabí will be undergoing regular maintenance work.
The company will be continually modernizing and expanding key areas of their production facilities for the new models. Following the changes to production due to the model changeovers last year, full production capacity is now available. ŠKODA produced more vehicles in June than ever before in a single month: More than 98,000 ŠKODAs were produced worldwide both in the Czech Republic and at the international plants.