ENG: Škoda Official Site News & Press Release

[Karlheinz]

Individual, sporty, emotional: The new ŠKODA Monte Carlo models

› Four Monte Carlo editions: ŠKODA Citigo Monte Carlo, ŠKODA Fabia Monte Carlo, ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo and ŠKODA Yeti Monte Carlo
› Dynamic: Sporty design, striking alloy wheels, custom interiors
› Tribute to the brand’s 113 years of motorsport heritage and to ŠKODA’s success at the Monte Carlo Rally
› New: ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo to be launched as a sporty hatchback in autumn

Mladá Boleslav, 31 July 2014 – With their sporty and unique designs, the ŠKODA Monte Carlo models are setting an emotional trend in the ŠKODA model range. Due to high consumer demand, ŠKODA has expanded the Monte Carlo range this year to include the ŠKODA Citigo Monte Carlo and ŠKODA Yeti Monte Carlo; the ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback in a new Monte Carlo ŠKODA version will be brought out in autumn 2014. ŠKODA has celebrated many historic victories at the Monte Carlo rally, and it is now with these new Monte Carlo models that this tradition is revived.

The Monte Carlo special editions pay special tribute to the successful, 113-year history of ŠKODA Motorsport. ŠKODA first took part in the ‘Queen of Rallies’, the legendary Monte Carlo, in 1936. Right away, ŠKODA took second place in its class with the ŠKODA Popular. To commemorate this success, the manufacturer brought out the ŠKODA Popular Monte Carlo. This car became a design icon with its distinctive tail fin. In 1977 the ŠKODA 130 RS scored a double victory in its class at the Monte Carlo Rally.

It is on that success that today’s ŠKODA Monte Carlo models are built. “More and more customers are looking for customized, emotional vehicles with a twist,” says ŠKODA Head of Sales Werner Eichhorn. “Our Monte Carlo models offer this individuality in combination with top-end features at great value for money. At the same time, we are expressing our brand’s successful and long-standing tradition in motorsport.”

The ŠKODA Fabia was launched in a Monte Carlo version in 2011, and exceeded all expectations with its emotional design. Today the Monte Carlo models include many features, such as a black front grille, black alloy wheels, tinted rear and rear side windows and other design elements in high-contrasting, black finish. The Yeti Monte Carlo and the Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo are also available with a black roof. The interiors sport, among other things, distinctive three-spoke leather steering wheel, sports seats, special seat designs and sporty Monte Carlo design elements.

The new ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo will be making its debut this autumn. The ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback has been available on the market for almost a year as theCzech brand’s first compact hatchback. The fresh design appeals to new customer groups. The new Monte Carlo version sports a dynamic and powerful appearance. The front is characterized by the black radiator grille frame and the wide black air intake, as well as black inset headlights and fog lights. The special edition features black 16 or 17-inch alloy wheels. There are also black fixtures in the door sills. The sporty design flows into the interior, which features a three-spoke leather steering wheel stitched in red and a red stitched leather gear stick. In addition, there are sports seats in the Monte Carlo design a pedal set made of stainless steel and red hemmed, black floor mats. The Rapid Spaceback Monte Carlo is based on the ‘Ambition’ equipment level and is available with the full, broad range of Rapid Spaceback engines (three petrol engines, two diesel).

The ŠKODA Citigo Monte Carlo has been designed with fast-paced city life in mind – a city car with crisp rallying ambition. The Monte Carlo version is available both for the petrol-driven Citigo and the Citigo G-TEC that runs on natural gas. The special edition drives up on 15-inch alloy wheels, with black 16-inch alloys available as an option. The Citigo Monte Carlo has a sports suspension lowered by 15 millimetres. The model also features tinted rear and side windows, black front and rear spoilers, black diffuser and front grille, along with black door mirror housings. The doors and boot are finished off with an adhesive film to contrast the vehicle’s specific paint colour. This sporty look has even been brought to the interior, which features a three-spoke sports leather steering wheel, black roof lining, black interior trim and Monte Carlo-style seat covers. The instrument panel boasts special Monte Carlo designs with an inlaid pad in black decorative lacquer. Textile floor mats with red stitching round off the fantastic look of the Citigo Rally Monte Carlo.

The ŠKODA Yeti Monte Carlo is also setting a particularly sporty trend. The front grille, front and rear spoilers and roof are offset in black, plus there are specifically designed bumpers and Bi-Xenon headlights. The exterior mirror housings and side sill panels are also finished in black. The Yeti Monte Carlo drives up on black 17-inch alloy wheels and tinted rear and rear side windows. The model also features a sporty interior: with a three-spoke sports steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake with leather accents and red stitching, sports seats fitted as standard, stainless steel pedals and Monte Carlo decorative trim. The Yeti Monte Carlo is based on the ‘Ambition’ equipment level and is available with a choice of three turbo petrol engines and three turbo diesel engines.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA increases deliveries, sales revenue and operating profit in first half of 2014

› Record half year: 522,500 deliveries; up 12.5%
› Sales up 20.3% to six billion euros by the end of June
› Operating profit increases 74.9% to 425 million euros
› The most comprehensive model campaign in ŠKODA’s history continues

Mladá Boleslav, 1 August 2014 – ŠKODA has significantly increased deliveries, sales revenue and operating profit in the first half of 2014. Selling 522,500 vehicles, this was the first time that the Czech carmaker has delivered more than half a million vehicles worldwide in the first half of a year (January to June 2013: 464,600; up 12.5%). Sales revenue also increased in the same period, setting a new record for the first half of a year of six billion euros (5.974 billion euros). This is an increase of 20.3% over the first half of 2013 (4.966 billion euros). Operating profit increased compared to the same period last year by 74.9% to 425 million euros.

“ŠKODA did very well in the first half of the year and continues on a stable path of growth,” says ŠKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “The brand’s strength has been demonstrated through the best first-half sales year in corporate history and the significant increases in sales and revenue. Our model campaign is now showing its full power, and we are even conquering new consumer groups. The new Octavia, the heart of the brand, has been a great hit in every respect, and has exceeded our expectations. We plan to continue along this path of growth and energetically continue the most comprehensive product campaign in our corporate history.”

ŠKODA’s sales revenue reached 5.974 billion euros in the first half of the year – 20.3% higher than the first six months of 2013 (4.966 billion euros). Over the same period, operating profit increased 74.9% to 425 million euros (first half of 2013: 243 million euros). The operating margin, at 7.1%, was above the previous year's figure of 4.9%. The increased profit was due in part to the higher number of deliveries and also to the enhanced model line-up and more favourable product costs. Net liquidity rose by 41.9% to 1.855 billion euros. Investments amounted to 149 million euros (January to June 2013: 265 million euros).

“ŠKODA has grown profitably in the first half of the year,” says ŠKODA CFO Winfried Krause. “The investments we made into the new models are paying off. Besides the higher profit, the increase in net liquidity also demonstrates the company's financial strength. ŠKODA also expects increases in sales, sales revenue and profit for the full year. In light of the fiercely competitive environment, strict cost discipline remains our central concern.”

[Karlheinz]

Stefan Büscher new head of Marketing at ŠKODA

Mladá Boleslav, 1 August 2014 – Stefan Büscher (46) is to take over as the new head of Marketing at ŠKODA AUTO on 1 October, 2014. He succeeds Thomas Owsianski (47), who is Executive Director for ŠKODA’s Marketing and Sales at Shanghai Volkswagen.

Stefan Büscher has many years of international experience in senior marketing and sales positions within the automotive industry. He is currently Director of Product and Marketing at Bentley Motors, where he is responsible for Bentley’s global marketing activities. Prior to this, Stefan Büscher held various leadership positions spanning 16 years in Marketing and Sales at Porsche.

[Karlheinz]

New ŠKODA Fabia boasts up to 17 per cent better mileage

​› New ŠKODA Fabia features all-new engine lineup
› Peak values of 17 per cent less consumption and emissions
› Four petrol, three diesel engines, all EU6-compatible
› New ŠKODA Fabia GreenLine’s top performance: 3.1 l/100 km; 82 g CO2/km

​Mladá Boleslav, 7 August 2014 – The new ŠKODA Fabia sets new benchmarks in terms of fuel consumption and emissions. Slated to debut in Paris in October 2014, the new Fabia will use up to 17 per cent less fuel than its predecessor, making it the most environment-friendly and fuel-efficient Fabia of all time. Its all-new engine lineup (four petrol and three diesel engines) complies with the EU6 emissions standard.
​The new ŠKODA Fabia will feature all-new, latest generation fuel-efficient engines. Counting the GreenLine variant, customers in EU countries will have a choice of four petrol and three diesel engines, all of them compliant with the new EU6 emissions regulation and featuring a start-stop system and kinetic energy recuperation as standards. Transmissions will be either a manual or a DSG double-clutch gearbox.

The petrol engines available are new three- and four-cylinder series based on MQB technology. The 1.0 MPI three-cylinders have indirect injection, while the four-cylinders are turbocharged with stratified injection (TSI) and engine size of 1.2 litres. Power output begins at 44 kW (60 hp) and ranges up to 81 kW (110 hp).

Diesel engines available for the new ŠKODA Fabia comprise three performance levels of the new turbocharged direct-injection 1.4 litre common-rail design with three cylinders. Its engine block is made of aluminium alloy. At 55 kW to 77 kW, power output is unchanged from the second generation of the Fabia, though engine size is now 1.4 litres, not 1.6 litres as it was.

Late 2015 will see the launch of the most fuel-efficient ŠKODA Fabia, the GreenLine version with a 55 kW 1.4 TDI engine. A start-stop system, kinetic energy recuperation and tyres optimised for low rolling resistance combined with improvements to the car’s aerodynamics result in fuel consumption of just 3.1 l/100 km, equivalent to CO2 emissions of a mere 82 g/km.

From 2015, this will make the ŠKODA Fabia GreenLine the most environment-friendly ŠKODA with a conventional power plant, surpassed only by the CNG-powered ŠKODA Citigo G-TEC.

The new ŠKODA Fabia’s weight will be up to 65 kg lower than hitherto (adjusted for equipment), with the 1.0 MPI three cylinder baseline model weighing in dry (without driver) at just 980 kg.

The third generation of the Fabia underscores ŠKODA’s claim to fame when it comes to environment-friendly cars, embodying the company’s clear commitment that environment-conscious mobility must be affordable now and in the future, for the benefit of both customers and the planet. ŠKODA’s GreenLine, Green tec and G-TEC models, which are available for the ŠKODA model range, are cases in point.

[Karlheinz]

The new ŠKODA Octavia Scout: a workhorse with tough 4x4 capabilities

The new Octavia Scout can tow up to two tonnes. The most advanced all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, superb hill-climbing ability and a rough-road package. A robust design, cutting a fine figure both on- and off-road.
Pathfinder, family adventurer and workhorse – the new ŠKODA Octavia Scout has proven itself to be a powerful all-rounder both on- and off-road. State-of-the-art all-wheel drive using Haldex-5 clutch technology, high-performance engines, increased ground clearance, improved approach angle and a rough-road package ensure unlimited possibilities, even on rough ground. The towing capacity has increased by 25 per cent to two tonnes. Despite its increased power, the fuel consumption and emissions of the new ŠKODA Octavia Scout have reduced by up to 20 per cent compared to its predecessor model. 

The new ŠKODA Octavia Scout, which goes on sale this week, is a real adventurer for the family and for leisure time. As you would expect from ŠKODA, the latest model offers 'a bit more car' in every respect. In addition to its advanced functionality, numerous 'Simply Clever' features and the latest safety and comfort technology, the new Octavia Scout also sets new standards for towing capacity, hill-climbing ability and rough-road driving.

The new Octavia Scout shows that it is just as comfortable being on the road as it is off-road. The vehicle stands out from the crowd with its rugged, powerful and attractive looks. The new ŠKODA Scout perfectly combines form and function”, says Dr. Frank Welsch, ŠKODA Board Member for Development.

Towing capacity has increased by 25 per cent to two tonnes
The new ŠKODA Octavia Scout is now, more than ever before, a real workhorse. It can tow up to 2 tonnes – up to 25 per cent more towing capacity than before. Whether you are towing a caravan, a horsebox or a boat: the increased towing capacity ensures maximum flexibility in everyday life. The vehicle's improved hill-climbing ability is also
excellent. Thanks to its improved approach angle of 16.7 degrees at the front and 13.8 degrees at the rear, the Czech pathfinder can also tackle steeper and demanding terrain without difficulty.

The standard Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) supports comfortable starts at low speed. EDL operates on both the front and rear axle and acts as an inter-wheel lock. The new Octavia Scout also features Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard. The two-stage ESC mode can be adapted to suit particular driving conditions, simply by pressing a button. This allows the driver to switch the traction control system on and off as needed.

State-of-the-art all-wheel drive based on Haldex-5 clutch transmission
The new Octavia Scout’s standard all-wheel drive ensures optimal driving dynamics, top active safety and low fuel consumption. It utilises state-of-the-art all-wheel-drive technology, based on the Haldex-5 clutch. The power distribution between
 the 4 wheels always depends on the driving conditions. When decelerating, or with a low load, most of the power goes to the front axle, saving fuel. As soon as more torque is required, or if the wheels need more grip, the rear wheels are smoothly activated within milliseconds. Loss of traction is virtually impossible. Compared with the Haldex-4 clutch that was previously used in the Octavia Scout, the new technology is 1.4 kg lighter.

For the use on rough terrain, the new Octavia Scout has got more ground clearance. Compared to the standard Octavia, it is an increase of 31 millimetres to 171 millimetres. In addition, the rough-road package with additional underbody protection is now a standard feature. This protects the underside of the car from being mechanically damaged and prevents dirt from getting into the engine bay. The underbody parts, as well as the brake pipes and fuel pipes are also protected with plastic covers.

The new Octavia Scout's striking appearance is the perfect match for its off-road technology. 17-inch alloy wheels and 225/50 R17 tyres are fitted as standard. Toughfront and rear bumpers with black plastic moulding and silver off-road sectionsunderline the vehicle's strength. On the sides of the car, the Scout introduces black plastic cladding covering the door sills and wheel arches. There are also black plastic side protection strips and aluminium design mirrors. The roof rails are also available in an aluminium-effect finish. Lastly, the interior has a number of features specifically designed for the Scout.
 
Three powerful engines with fuel consumption reduced by up to 20 per cent
The Octavia Scout's new engines are more powerful, as well as 20 per cent more environmentally friendly. One petrol and two diesel engines are available. The fuel savings result from the 29 kg reduction in weight, improvements in the all-wheel-drivetechnology, as well as the use of the efficient Green tec-engines with automatic Start-Stop and brake energy recovery as standard. All three engines meet the EU6 emission standards that come into force in September 2014.

The top diesel engine for the ŠKODA Octavia Scout is the 2.0 TDI/135 kW (184 PS) with the exciting combination of an automatic six-speed (DSG) transmission and all-wheel drive. It is the first time that this combination has been available in a ŠKODA vehicle. The 2.0 TDI/110 kW (150 PS) is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox. The 1.8 TSI/132 kW (180 PS) petrol version of the Octavia Scout comes with an automatic six-speed DSG.

Since 2007, the Octavia Scout has been an integral part of the ŠKODA model range. Between 2007 and the end of 2013, ŠKODA delivered around 53,600 Octavia Scout vehicles to customers worldwide. This represents almost eight per cent of all Octavia estate models delivered during this period.

The new Octavia Scout underpins ŠKODA's outstanding expertise in designing vehicles suitable for off-road use. The Czech car manufacturer now offers six models with a special off-road design: the Octavia Scout, the Fabia Scout, the Fabia Combi Scout, the Roomster Scout, as well as the Yeti Outdoor and Superb, featuring the Outdoor package.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA sales grew by 18.8 per cent in July

› The best July of all time: 82,800 vehicles were delivered (July 2013: 69,700)
› ŠKODA adds 26 per cent in Western Europe and 17.3 per cent in China
› Strong gains for ŠKODA models Octavia, Rapid, Yeti and Superb
› ŠKODA model campaign continues in autumn with the new ŠKODA Fabia

Mladá Boleslav, 13 August 2014 – ŠKODA increased its deliveries by 18.8 per cent in July to 82,800 vehicles (July 2013: 69,700 deliveries). It was the best July in ŠKODA's company history and at the same time the strongest monthly percentage increase in 2014. The brand grew by 26 per cent in Western Europe, by 17.3 per cent in China. Sales figures for the new ŠKODA Octavia also continued to develop positively, increasing by around 30 per cent in Western Europe.
"ŠKODA has made a very good start in the second half of the year and continued the record growth of the first six months," says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. "The best July of all time and the growth in almost all sales regions confirm our growth strategy. With the new ŠKODA Fabia, the biggest model campaign in our history will continue with a real sensation,” says Eichhorn.

At this year's Paris Motor Show at the start of October, the brand will present the new ŠKODA Fabia for the first time. The completely redeveloped Fabia is a young and emotional small car with a clearly honed look and balanced proportions. This month the new ŠKODA Octavia Scout will be launched onto the market.
In the reporting month of July, ŠKODA grew by more than a quarter in Western Europe. The brand delivered 33,400 vehicles, which is an increase of 26 per cent (July 2013: 26,500). The market share in this region grew to 3.4 per cent by the end of July. The brand achieved two-digit growth in almost all of the Western European markets. In Germany, sales increased by 24.4 per cent in July to 12,000 vehicles, allowing ŠKODA to strengthen its position as the strongest import brand. In the UK, the manufacturer increased deliveries by 22.9 per cent to 6,100. In the Netherlands ŠKODA doubled its sales to 1,300 vehicles.

ŠKODA also recorded two-digit growth in France (1,800 vehicles; an increase of 15.5 per cent), in Austria (1,600 vehicles; an increase of 13.6 per cent), in Spain (1,500 vehicles; an increase of 29.2 per cent), in Switzerland (1,500 vehicles; an increase of 34.8 per cent), in Italy (1,200 vehicles; an increase of 31.4 per cent), in Ireland (1,100 vehicles; an increase of 74.7 per cent), in Belgium (1,100 vehicles; an increase of 77.7 per cent), in Sweden (1,000 vehicles; an increase of 31.5 per cent) and in Norway (700 vehicles; an increase of 29.7 per cent).

In Eastern Europe, ŠKODA increased deliveries in July by 4.1 per cent to 10,400 vehicles (July 2013: 10,000). In Russia, the brand sold 7,100 vehicles, a growth rate of 3.8 per cent. In almost all other Eastern European countries, deliveries to customers increased. There was two-digit growth in Romania (700 vehicles; an increase of 69.8 per cent), in Serbia (600 vehicles; an increase of 68.2 per cent), in Kazakhstan (600 vehicles; an increase of 58.5 per cent), in the Baltic states (500 vehicles; an increase of 23.5 per cent), in Bulgaria (200 vehicles; an increase of 57.8 per cent), as well as in Bosnia (100 vehicles; an increase of 15.7 per cent).

In Central Europe, ŠKODA deliveries grew by 24.9 per cent to 11,900 vehicles (July 2013: 9,500). In the home market of the Czech Republic, the manufacturer sold around 1,000 vehicles more than in the same month of the previous year and, with 5,600 vehicles delivered, achieved an increase of 22.5 per cent (July 2013: 4,500). ŠKODA is also well on the way in Poland (3,500 vehicles; an increase of 37.2 per cent), in Slovakia (1,400 vehicles; an increase of 16.3 per cent) and Slovenia (500 vehicles; an increase of 80.4 per cent).

ŠKODA was able to increase greatly in its strongest single market of China. Deliveries in July grew by 17.3 per cent to 21,100 vehicles (July 2013: 18,000). The brand also achieved high growth rates in Israel (1,400 vehicles; an increase of 24.4 per cent), in Algeria (1,200 vehicles; an increase of 55.7 per cent) and in Australia (400 vehicles; an increase of 26 per cent). ŠKODA sold 1,100 vehicles in India in July (July 2013: 1,700). Deliveries of the ŠKODA brand to customers in July 2014 (in units, rounded, by models; +/- in per cent compared to the same month of the previous year):

ŠKODA Octavia (29,600; +7.3 %)
ŠKODA Fabia (12,400; -22.3 %)
ŠKODA Superb (7,600; +3.7 %)
ŠKODA Yeti (8,100; +59.4 %)
ŠKODA Roomster (2,400; -6.5 %)
ŠKODA Rapid (19,400; +156.9 %)
ŠKODA Citigo (only sold in Europe: 3,300; -10.2 %)

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA factories are running at full capacity; production of the new Fabia will begin at the end of August

› ŠKODA restarts its production after the factory holiday
› Production plant in Mladá Boleslav has been upgraded for the new ŠKODA Fabia
› Maintenance and refurbishment in all Czech factories
› The new engine centre in Česana will open shortly

Mladá Boleslav, 18 August 2014 - After just a two-week factory holiday, production at all three Czech ŠKODA sites is in full swing. In addition to refurbishment, the manufacturer used the factory shut-down, in particular in Mladá Boleslav, to prepare for the new ŠKODA Fabia production to start. The new small car will start to roll off the production line at ŠKODA's main plant from the end of August.

In just a few weeks the car manufacturer will be pushing forward with the biggest model campaign in the company's history with the new ŠKODA Fabia. “The new Fabia really does represent: small car, big on technology,” says Head of Production of Vehicles Marek Jancák. “More importantly we have expanded and technically updated important areas of the M1 assembly line in Mladá Boleslav,” says Jancák. This means that the Fabia factory has a new, extremely modern facility to configure new assistance systems. The paint shop has also, in some areas, been updated. During the factory holiday a total of 40 industrial engineering companies were at work in the company.

One of the focal points was to integrate the new Fabia engines into the production process. The small car features a completely new range of engines and is the most environmentally friendly and economical Fabia of all time. Energy consumption has been reduced by up to 17 per cent compared to its predecessor. The new Fabia engines (four petrol, three diesel) meet EU6 standards and are fitted with Start-Stop System and brake energy recovery as standard.
The second assembly line in the ŠKODA parent plant has also been comprehensively updated. ŠKODA manufacture the Octavia and Rapid models on assembly line M13. In addition, the M13 production shop underwent an expansion of production capacity for driver assistance systems.

In addition, a lot of work has been carried out to the Kvasiny and Vrchlabí ŠKODA factories. Kvasiny is currently setting up a new body shop. Its completing and the related infrastructure measures are among the highest priorities of ŠKODA. During the factory holiday, the Vrchlabí plant used the time to carry out maintenance to the DQ 200 transmission production line.

ŠKODA put a total of 100 individual projects into effect across all 3 Czech factories (Mladá Boleslav, Kvasiny und Vrchlabí) during this break. About 90 companies have been involved in the process.

At an exceptional rate, the final work on the new ŠKODA engine test centre in Česana near Mladá Boleslav is nearing completion. It has been in pre-production phase since June and will be fully-operational from the beginning of September 2014. The manufacturer, jointly with Volkswagen, is investing over 34 million euros in the extension of its current technology and development centre. This is the largest development investment of a private company within the Czech Republic.

[Karlheinz]

The new ŠKODA Fabia: practical and full of emotion

Mladá Boleslav, 19 August 2014 – ŠKODA’s Head Designer Jozef Kaban speaks about the demands on form and function of the new ŠKODA Fabia.
 
Question: A few months ago, the ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ design study gave us a first glimpse of the future ŠKODA design language. In what way does the new ŠKODA Fabia reflect this development?

Jozef Kaban: We have demonstrated with the ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ design study how ŠKODA is able to combine great functionality with an expressive, emotional and more sharply defined design. This new design direction is the next step in the development of our brand and the new ŠKODA Fabia is the first model to communicate this design language. Drawing on elements of the ‘ŠKODA VisionC’ design study, the Fabia is more expressive, more dynamic and sportier.

Question:Why more emotions?

Jozef Kaban: Demands on a car brand and its design develop over time. In recent years, ŠKODA has made a name for itself by producing cars with great functionality and above-average interior space. We sense that now is the right time to create a stronger connection between the functionality of our cars and an expressive and emotional design. You could say, that we are taking steps back to our roots. ŠKODA has a tradition of building design-oriented cars which are full of emotion, such as the legendary ŠKODA Popular Monte Carlo in the 1930s. We want to live up to these standards today.

Question: Does more emotion come at the expense of the new Fabia’s practical features?

Jozef Kaban: No, quite the opposite. In spite of all its emotionality, the ŠKODA Fabia remains more than true to its fundamental virtues and is more spacious, practical, economical and clever than ever before. Despite its more dynamic design, we have increased the space in a number of important areas. The boot is bigger and has the largest capacity in its class, the interior is both wider and longer. In addition, we offer up to ten new ‘Simply Clever’ solutions, including MirrorLink technology, available in a ŠKODA vehicle for the first time, to connect a smartphone to the vehicle. Furthermore, this compact car is up to 17 per cent more economical and has innovative assistance systems from higher class cars. Our new Fabia proves that emotionality and functionality complement each other perfectly.

Question: From a design perspective, what is special about the new ŠKODA Fabia?

Jozef Kaba?: During the development of the third-generation Fabia, we focused on creating a sportier vehicle and made the design altogether crisper. The result is a young, fresh and modern compact car that sets new standards in its segment.

Question: Which design elements have you used to achieve this?

Jozef Kaba?: Firstly, we have given the car tighter proportions. The new ŠKODA Fabia is flatter and wider than before, giving it a fuller stance on the road. It also has sharp edges, clear lines and features crystalline design elements. This has allowed us to achieve greater contrast and a very distinctive interplay of light and shadows. All that gives the vehicle a unique and self-assured character.

Question: The car appears much more confident than before. Is that just because of its new proportions?

Jozef Kaban: Not just because of this. The front of the car is one example: we designed the grille and the headlights so they appear optically stronger as a graphical unit. This makes the car appear wider, as does the powerfully-contoured bonnet with the two distinctive beadings on the sides. The wide and precision-cut headlights, alongside the width-enhancing fog lights, add to this effect. The clear horizontal structure of the back of the car also demonstrates strength. The powerful silhouette, together with the high, sharp tornado line creates more dynamics.

Question: More and more customers want to add a personal touch to their car. What can the new Fabia offer them?

Jozef Kaba?: There is more opportunity to customise the Fabia than ever before. 15 different body colours are available, as well as a special colour concept which offers customers the chance to individually select the colour of the roof, rims and exterior mirrors. We offer three lines and numerous options for the car’s interior.

Question: What is the significance of the crystalline elements?

Jozef Kaban: ŠKODA is proud of its Bohemian heritage. The sharp lines, the clear contouring and the fine cut of the new Fabia’s headlights pay homage to the Czech tradition of glass art, and high degree of precision as well as high-quality finish stand out. The rear lights are particularly impressive.

[Karlheinz]

Production of the new ŠKODA Octavia Scout begins

› Manufacturing of the new ŠKODA Octavia Scout begins at the Mladá Boleslav plant
› ŠKODA model campaign continues with the adventurer for family and leisure
› All-wheel drive, towing capacity of two tonnes, rugged looks, reduced consumption

Mladá Boleslav, 21 August 2014 – The new ŠKODA Octavia Scout is now rolling off the production line in the Mladá Boleslav plant. The all-rounder wows with its rugged looks and exceptional versatility. Despite being more powerful, fuel consumption and emissions have been reduced by up to 20 per cent. In typical ŠKODA style, the crossover estate offers lots of space, outstanding functionality, state-of-the-art safety and comfort systems along with exceptional value for money. The car will be launched at the end of August.

The new ŠKODA Octavia Scout is a true adventurer for family and leisure, and feels just as at home in the city as it does off-road. Innovative Haldex-clutch-based all-wheel drive, powerful engines, increased ground clearance, larger incline angles, a towing capacity of up to two tonnes and the rough-road package make the latest ŠKODA model one of the most versatile vehicles within its class.

The new ŠKODA Octavia Scout is available exclusively based on the Octavia estate variant. The first vehicles will be on the market as soon as the end of August. The ŠKODA Octavia Scout has been part of ŠKODA’s model range since 2007. Between 2007 and the end of 2013, the manufacturer delivered around 53,600 Octavia Scouts to customers worldwide. This represents approximately 8 per cent of all Octavias sold during that period.

[Karlheinz]

A strong team: eight ŠKODA gems start at the Sachsen Classic

› Fascinating: from the Laurin & Klement 110 to the ŠKODA 110 R sports coupé
› The 3-day Sachsen Classic passes through the Czech Republic again
› ŠKODA Museum presents four of the brand’s unique classics in Karlsbad

Mladá Boleslav, 20 August 2014 – ŠKODA is at the starting line of this year’s Sachsen Classic with no fewer than eight legendary cars from its 119-year company history. The rolling classic phalanx from Mladá Boleslav ranges from the 1925 Laurin & Klement 110 to the legendary 1978 ŠKODA 110 R sports coupé.

Besides passing the most beautiful landscapes of Saxony again, this year the 12th Sachsen Classic (21 to 23 August) will also go into Czech territory. For this reason, four additional historic ŠKODAs can be seen in Karlsbad (Karlovy Vary). This includes an exact reproduction of the manufacturer’s first car from 1905, the famous Voiturette A.
“Saxony’s great automotive history, together with thousands of excited spectators, make the Sachsen Classic a highlight of the season. This has a particular relevance for ŠKODA this year, as the one-day detour through the Czech Republic of this year’s event makes it a sort of home game for our brand. This gives us a reason, more than ever before, to send more vintage ŠKODAs to this classic car rally”, says Dr Frank Welsch, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development.

One of the oldest cars on the starting line is the 1925 Laurin & Klement 110. This vehicle represents a milestone in the company’s history; its production began in the same year that L&K merged with the former engineering company ŠKODA. Between 1925 and 1929, around 3,000 of these vehicles were built. The car participating in the Sachsen Classic dates back to the first production series and therefore only bears the L&K emblem. Later models carried the logos of both brands.

The elegant ŠKODA 645 represents automotive luxury of the 1930s. Only 758 vehicles were built between 1929 and 1934. In Saxony, seven-time German rally champion Matthias Kahle will take the driving seat. Two ŠKODA 1101 Tudors and the newly restored 1957 ŠKODA 440 also rank among the participating vehicles. This car, also colloquially known as ‘Spartak’, was – at that time – the manufacturer’s response to the public’s increasing demand for a reasonably priced, down-to-earth and modern vehicle.

German rally driver Sepp Wiegand will be driving the ‘Spartak’. Wiegand – currently second in the European Rally Championship (ERC) with the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 – is looking forward to the Sachsen Classic: “This is an excellent opportunity to combine motorsport with an attractive classic event. I am looking forward to being a part of this wonderful event with a ŠKODA 440 ‘Spartak’ in my home country. What a blast from the past: the car is around three times as old as I am.” The ŠKODA driver’s next rally appearance will be at the ERC home rally in Zlín, the eastern city of the Czech Republic

(Barum Rally Zlín, 29-31 August 2014).

The 1937 ŠKODA Popular Monte Carlo refers back to the brand’s successful 113-year
motorsport history. In 1936, a ŠKODA Popular drove into an impressive second place at
the legendary Monte Carlo Rally. For this reason, the manufacturer produced an
exclusive line of 70 ŠKODA Popular Monte Carlos a year later. One of these can be seen
in Saxony, as will the 1978 ŠKODA 110 R sports coupé. ŠKODA’s presence will be
rounded off with a 1955 ŠKODA 1200 Sedan.

On Friday, 22 August, the participants of the Sachsen Classic Rally will make their way to
Karlsbad. ŠKODA is using the detour to the Czech Republic as an exclusive exhibition of a
further four historic cars. In Karlsbad, participants and spectators will be able to marvel
at an exact reproduction of the Voiturette Type A. The Voiturette A was, in 1905, the
first car of the founding fathers, Laurin and Klement. Another eye-catcher is the 1911
Laurin & Klement Type S, which was built in different variations as a mass-production
car up to 1924. The car from the first S series is equipped with a 14 PS engine and a
cylinder capacity of 1,771 cm3. A 1930 ŠKODA 645 and the elaborately restored 1950
ŠKODA 966 Supersport will also be on display in Karlsbad.

The Sachsen Classic is one of the most popular classic car rallies and revels in an evergrowing
presence of spectators. The reliability and regularity run begins on Thursday, 21
August at exactly 12:01 at the central market in Zwickau. On the second day, it makes
its way from Zwickau through the German-Czech border to Karlsbad. Finally, on
Saturday, 23 August, for the third stage, the participants will be able to enjoy a 258 km
round-trip, starting again from the central market in Zwickau and ending at the
Augustusplatz in Leipzig. Cars are scheduled to finish from around 15:30 onwards.

[Karlheinz]

A strong team: ŠKODA is a vehicle partner of the legendary Vuelta Spanish cycling tour

› ŠKODA has been the official partner of La Vuelta since 2011
› A total of 60 ŠKODA vehicles are used around the clock
› ŠKODA has online presence through Facebook and ‘WeLoveCycling.com’
› The car manufacturer’s history began in 1895 with the production of bicycles

Mladá Boleslav, 22 August 2014 – A few weeks after sponsoring the Tour de
France, ŠKODA AUTO once again shows great support at a prominent
international cycling event. It is the fourth time that the Czech manufacturer
has been the official sponsor of the legendary Spanish cycling tour (La Vuelta).
The focus of ŠKODA’s involvement is its provision of 60 vehicles. In addition,
the brand is also involved in a wide range of communication activity around the
Vuelta event.

The Spanish tour ranks among the ‘Grand Tours’ of cycling and is considered to be, after
the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia, the most important stage race in the world. It
begins on the 23rd August with the team time trials taking place in the Andalusian town
of Jerez de la Frontera. The three-week cycling tour ends on the 14th September with the
concluding individual time trial at the pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostella.

“Our comprehensive and visible commitment to cycling strengthens the image and the
prominence of the ŠKODA brand,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales
and Marketing. “For several years now, with both the Tour de France and the Vuelta,
ŠKODA has supported two legendary and world-renowned sporting events and as a result
has achieved a high level of international recognition. As a manufacturer whose
beginnings came from the production of bicycles, cycling is a sport that is especially close
to our hearts,” states Eichhorn.


At the beginning of March 2014, ŠKODA extended its sponsorship of La Vuelta and the
Tour de France for another five years, renewing it up to 2018. The agreement also covers
other international cycling events.
Once again, ŠKODA has provided a strong vehicle fleet for this cycling competition in
Spain. Over the next three weeks, a total of 60 vehicles from Czech Republic – primarily
ŠKODA Octavia Combis and ŠKODA Superbs – will be used around the clock as escort
vehicles. Since the start of the ŠKODA sponsorship in 2011, all organisers and
participants of the Spanish tour have been able to count on the one hundred per cent
reliable ŠKODA fleet. At the Vuelta, the vehicles cover approximately half a million
kilometres. In total, over the last four years, the cars have been used for around two
million kilometres – and all this without so much as one mechanical failure.

ŠKODA accompanies the sponsorship of the Spanish cycling tour with a wealth of
communication activity. This includes the presentation at the ‘Parque Vuelta’ as well as
advertising banners and signage along the route and at eye-catching points. Besides
advertising in Spanish newspapers and magazines, particular attention is paid to
electronic media. Amongst other things, the manufacturer has an online presence of La
Vuelta at facebook.com/skoda-cycling. ŠKODA’s presence can also be seen at
‘WeLoveCycling.com’. The website www.skoda-radsport.de is an information platform
offering live reports, videos and brief summaries from the wide world of cycling. In
addition, ŠKODA will have its own blog. Spanish dealerships will also be closely involved
in La Vuelta on a regional level.
Besides ice hockey, cycling is the most important pillar of ŠKODA’s sponsorship strategy.
The manufacturer not only promotes professional tours but also amateur cycling.
Amongst other things, ŠKODA is a main partner of the largest international mountain
bike event ‘Kolo pro život’ (Cycling for Life). In Germany, the brand also sponsors, and is
the name behind, the ŠKODA velodrome in Cologne, the ŠKODA cycling tour in Frankfurt
and the ŠKODA cycling race in Dresden. ŠKODA is also a vehicle partner of the ‘Garmin
Velothon Berlin’, the ‘Vattenfall Cyclassics’ in Hamburg and the ‘Sparkassen Münsterland
Giro’. In the UK, ŠKODA is a partner of ‘Ride London’.

The passion for cycling has been a tradition for ŠKODA. The company’s history began in
1895 with the production of bicycles: Václav Laurin und Václav Klement founded a
factory, under the name L&K, for the production of bicycles in Mladá Boleslav – it was
around ten years before the company released its first car.
The Spanish tour is one of the three largest international stage races and last year
millions of excited cycling fans took to the streets to watch the event. This year’s Vuelta
will be broadcast worldwide to 190 countries and will capture some 2.2 million viewers.
In particular, the spectacular ‘mountain stages’ are amongst the best that international
cycling has to offer. La Vuelta will feature hills climbs again this year. The 3.181
kilometre tour includes 13 hill and mountain stages.

[Karlheinz]

The new ŠKODA Fabia - Clever small car with a spacious interior

› New ŠKODA Fabia: functional and full of emotion; compact outer dimensions, generous interior
› Perfect everyday companion: spacious, practical, clever and nimble
› Largest boot capacity within its class: 330 litres; 17 ‘Simply Clever’ features

Mladá Boleslav, 26 August 2014 – The new ŠKODA Fabia not only impresses with its emotionally-charged design; the car is also cleverer and more practical than ever before. The new model has enough space for 5 occupants and their luggage, yet thanks to its compact footprint, it is extremely agile and nimble. The boot is the largest within the small car segment. In typical ŠKODA style, the new Fabia has a total of 17 ‘Simply Clever’ features, nine of which are new.
“The new ŠKODA Fabia is a real champion in terms of practicality, offering a wide variety of opportunities for use – it is the ideal car for modern yet practical urban mobility and also possesses the perfect combination of functionality and emotionally-rich design,” says Dr Frank Welsch, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development.

The ŠKODA Fabia provides lots of space for occupants and their luggage. The interior passenger space is slightly longer and larger than in the previous model and at the same time provides the driver and passengers with increased headroom. Although the new ŠKODA Fabia is 8 mm shorter than its predecessor, its interior length has increased by around 8 mm to 1,674 mm. Elbow room is also greater at 1,401 mm (21 mm longer) at the front and 1,386 mm (2 mm longer) at the rear.
The boot is the largest within the car’s segment. The luggage compartment in the new ŠKODA Fabia has a capacity of 330 litres, which is 15 litres more than the previous model and is considerably bigger than comparable competitors’ models. With the rear seats folded down, loading capacity increases to up to 1,150 litres. A spacious rear access width of 1,098 mm, a tailgate that swings open to 1,915 mm and a low sill height make loading easier. The loading area is 960 mm wide, which is 2 cm wider than the previous generation.

‘Simply Clever’ – the new ŠKODA Fabia fits the bill perfectly. Depending on spec, up to nine new ‘Simply Clever’ features are available for the new ŠKODA Fabia.

The new Fabia is the first ŠKODA to feature MirrorLink™ technology. It allows smartphone apps to be displayed on the screen of the infotainment system which, amongst other things, takes the use of navigation software or personal music files to a new level. Connection is quick and easy. Just connect the smartphone to the Bolero system via a USB cable, select and activate MirrorLink™ mode on the radio and MirrorLink™-certified apps will be mirrored on the infotainment system’s display.

Another very useful function is SmartGate, permitting the transfer of certain vehicle data such as fuel consumption, average speed, journey costs to specific applications on a smartphone for storage and mobile use. Data transfer is wireless via WiFi technology.

The new Fabia now features an ice scraper in the fuel filler cap. The new multimedia device cradle in the centre console is the perfect place to store a mobile phone, smartphone or an iPod. The high-vis vest, now mandatory in many countries, has a convenient dedicated storage compartment in the driver’s door. A rubbish bin is available for the side door. Storage nets on the inside edges of the front seats will hold miscellaneous small items. The new ŠKODA Fabia also provides more space for drinks bottles. Both rear doors will now hold a 0.5-litre bottle and a 1.0-litre bottle will fit in the glove compartment. Therefore, the ŠKODA Fabia now offers space for up to seven bottles: one bottle in each of the front and rear doors, the glove compartment and two bottles in the centre console.

The new ŠKODA Fabia also offers further ‘Simply Clever’ features that proved valuable in the car’s second generation, including the standard parking ticket holder on the inside of the left-hand A-pillar and the two optional bag hooks in the boot. Two storage nets are also available as an option for the boot to keep the area tidy. The hat shelf can be left in its normal position, but can also serve as horizontal partition or be stored vertically behind the rear seats. In addition, an optional flexible storage compartment for the boot will hold miscellaneous objects in place. Another ‘Simply Clever’ feature is the corner light function of the fog lamps.

[Karlheinz]

Emotions in the cool North: Six ŠKODA rarities at the Hamburg-Berlin-Klassik

​› Fascinating ŠKODA classics enrich the finest Rally of the North
› ŠKODA diversity: from a luxury car from the 1930s to the ŠKODA 130 RS
› Driving at Leisure: 733 km, 180 vehicles, six stages, three days

​Mladá Boleslav, 27 August 2014– From the cool North: ŠKODA will be presenting six particularly emotional representatives of the company’s 119-year history at this year’s Hamburg-Berlin-Klassik. The rarities from Mladá Boleslav show the diversity of ŠKODA’s historical models, ranging from a luxury 1930s automobile to the speedy ŠKODA 130 RS racing car.
​The 7th Hamburg-Berlin-Klassik leads the 180 participants from the Port of Hamburg to the heart of the German capital over three days (28 to 30 September). It is not without reason that the Hamburg-Berlin-Klassik has been called the most beautiful classic car rally of the North. Under the motto ‘Driving at Leisure’, the 733 km route leads over beautiful, small country roads – perfect for the automotive legends. For the first time there will be a detour over the German-Polish border to Szczecin this year.

“The Hamburg-Berlin-Classic has become a real cult rally,” says Michal Velebný, Head of the restoration workshop at the ŠKODA Museum. “Our vehicles represent an emotional glimpse through the brand’s automotive tradition”.

At the Hamburg-Berlin-Klassik Rally, the ŠKODA 645, produced in 1931, represents ŠKODA’s significance in automotive luxury of the 1920s and 30s. The saloon, which was over five metres long, was presented as another of the brand’s luxury models at the Prague Motor Show in 1929. The model name was the result of the number of cylinders and performance: the 2.5 litre six-cylinder in-line engine achieved up to 45 PS (33 kW). The mixed construction of a steel chassis and a wooden body is particularly remarkable. 758 models were built at the time; today, not even half a dozen of these prestigious saloons are known of.

An extremely rare and admirable highlight of the ŠKODA collection is the ŠKODA Popular Sport Coupé ‘Little Entente’. The name ‘Little Entente’ goes back to the vehicle’s special use in 1937. At that time, the sporty coupé won a 2400km rally through Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and Romania, which then formed the ‘Little Entente’ alliance. The vehicle has been a proud member of the ŠKODA Museum collection since 1968. The Norwegian rally legend John Haugland will be behind the wheel at the Hamburg-Berlin Klassik.

The ŠKODA 1101 Cabrio is an important representative of the ŠKODA automotive era after WWII, dating back to 1948. Under the bonnet of the vehicle also known as the Tudor, you can find a 32-hp four-cylinder engine with a 1089 cm3 displacement. The Tudor is a regular participant at European vintage car rallies, and is considered very reliable and robust.

The faithfully restored ŠKODA 440 ‘Spartak’ from 1957 is also likely to captivate the spectators at the Hamburg-Berlin. The distinctive classic is to make its first appearance this season after extensive restoration. The ‘Spartak’ is powered by a 40-hp engine with 1089 cm3 displacement.  In its time, the ‘Spartak’ was an inexpensive yet modern people’s car.

ŠKODA’s appearance at the Hamburg-Berlin-Klassik is rounded off with two sporty racers from the 1970s. The ŠKODA 130 RS is an outstanding representative of ŠKODA’s 113-year history in motorsport. The seven-time German Rally Champion Matthias Kahle will be driving a model dating back to 1978. The place as Kahle’s co-driver was auctioned off to the highest bidder, raising around 4355 euros for ‘A Heart for Children’. The sports coupé ŠKODA 110 R from 1978 will also be drawing in the crowds with its athletic and emotional design.

The Hamburg-Berlin Klassik starts on Thursday, 28 August at the Hamburg fish market. The rally is a sporty performance trial event, evaluating uniformity and reliability, meaning that the competition is not necessarily about achieving the highest speeds. The destination for these 180 classics is Berlin where they will cross the finishing line on 30 August after a total of six exciting stages. Automobiles of historical importance built before 1994 have been entered into the rally. Auto Bild Klassik will be hosting the event.

[Karlheinz]

The moment is finally here: ŠKODA celebrates the arrival of the new Fabia

› ŠKODA’s main plant Mladá Boleslav celebrates start of production for the new Fabia
› Production facility in Mladá Boleslav has been strongly upgraded
› Top-of-the-range technology with regards to safety, connectivity, environment and comfort
› Practical and full of emotion: fresh looks, lots of space, new ‘Simply Clever’ features

Mladá Boleslav, 28 August 2014 – Reason to celebrate: under the header ‘Welcome New Fabia’, the first third-generation ŠKODA Fabia rolled off the production line at ŠKODA’s parent plant in Mladá Boleslav. The production staff gave the first car – a Fabia in ‘Race Blue’ – a standing ovation as it passed the final inspection. The completely newly designed ŠKODA Fabia wows with its emotionally-rich design language, innovative safety, comfort and infotainment systems from higher car segments, as well as with its low consumption values. Market launch will be in November.

“The start of production for the new ŠKODA Fabia is another milestone in our model and production campaign,” says ŠKODA Board Member for Production Michael Oeljeklaus. “It’s always a big moment when the first vehicle of a newly developed model rolls of the line. This particularly applies to the new Fabia, as this great car is an important pillar in ŠKODA’s growth strategy. Our teams from Development and Production have put in meticulous and intensive preparation and commitment to get the small car up and running – a car that will set new benchmarks in its segment,” says Oeljeklaus. Ahead of the production start for the ŠKODA Fabia, extensive adjustment and refurbishment work has been completed at the Mladá Boleslav factory; all carried out during the factory holiday which ended mid-August.
40 companies specialised in production technology along with hundreds of experts have been involved in the process.

The new ŠKODA Fabia is ‘simply more car’ in every respect. The third-generation Fabia demonstrates as the first production car how ŠKODA’s design has developed into a more expressive and emotionally-rich design language. Smooth proportions, crystalline shapes and clear-cut lines make the new edition stand out. In addition, the new ŠKODA Fabia provides much more scope for customisation than ever before, inside and out.

What’s more: small car, big on technology. The new ŠKODA Fabia has been given innovative safety, comfort and infotainment systems from higher vehicle segments. For the first time, a ŠKODA can easily be paired with a smartphone via MirrorLink™ technology. The completely new range of engines also sets new benchmarks, making the third-generation model the most ecological and economical ŠKODA Fabia of all time. Compared to the previous model, the new Fabia uses up to 17 per cent less fuel.

In typical ŠKODA style, the new Fabia also impresses with its generous space and numerous ‘Simply Clever’ features, up to nine of which are new.

With a completely newly developed, third generation model, the manufacturer wants to continue the ŠKODA Fabia’s impressive success story. Having sold approx. 3.4 million vehicles to date worldwide, the ŠKODA Fabia is the Czech brand’s bestselling car after the ŠKODA Octavia. Between 1999 and 2006, a total of 1.8 million first-generation Fabias were sold. From 2006 to date, ŠKODA delivered around 1.7 million second-generation Fabias to customers.

[Karlheinz]

China‘s Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli visits ŠKODA

› Important visitors from China: Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, Transport Minister Yang Chuantang and a 65-strong Chinese delegation are hosted by ŠKODA
› President of the Czech Parliament, Jan Hamáček, accompanies the Chinese guests
› Programme: talks with the ŠKODA Board of Management and KOVO trade union; visits to the ŠKODA museum and the ŠKODA Octavia production in Mladá Boleslav
› China is an important pillar in ŠKODA’s growth strategy; the product portfolio in China expands to six models with the aim of delivering at least 500,000 vehicles annually
› Success: since 2007, ŠKODA has sold more than 1.2 million cars in China

Mladá Boleslav, 29 August 2014 – Another important state visit to Mladá Boleslav: China’s Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, accompanied by the Chinese Transport Minister Yang Chuantang and a high-level governmental and media delegation from China, was a guest of ŠKODA AUTO today. The visitors were accompanied by Jan Hamáček, President of the Czech Parliament.

The primary focus of the half-day visit was a meeting with the CEO of ŠKODA, Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland, the ŠKODA Board of Management, Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann, member of the Volkswagen AG Board of Management with responsibility for China, as well as the KOVO MB leader of the Works Council, Jaroslav Povšík. As well as discussing current topics, the visitors were particularly given information about the successful development of the ŠKODA brand as well as its international ŠKODA production network. They also discussed the significance of the Chinese market for the international car industry and opportunities for the ŠKODA brand in China. As well as this, the programme included a visit to the ŠKODA museum and the Octavia production line at ŠKODA’s headquarters in Mladá Boleslav.

“ŠKODA’s development in China over the last seven years is a success story,” says ŠKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “Sales in excess of 1.2 million vehicles since 2007 demonstrate that our brand is well received by the Chinese customers. China, the number-one growth market globally, is a core pillar in ŠKODA’s growth strategy and offers us promising opportunities. We intend to increase the number of cars delivered annually to at least 500,000 in the coming years and for this reason we will continue our model campaign strongly,” says Prof. Dr. Vahland.

As the largest individual market, China has great importance for ŠKODA. The 227,000 deliveries to Chinese customers made up around a quarter of ŠKODA’s global vehicle sales in 2013. The Czech car manufacturer has been operating in China since 2007. Since then, ŠKODA has delivered more than 1.2 million vehicles in China. During the first seven months of this year, deliveries in China grew by 17.3 per cent to 151,800 vehicles.

When it comes to its plans for growth, the Czech car manufacturer is banking on the most attractive model portfolio for China ever. Recently, ŠKODA expanded its China portfolio to include six models. The highlight and star rocket of these fireworks of products is the new ŠKODA Octavia. On sale in China since May, this third-generation model is in a class of its own and sets new standards as far as space, functionality, technology and design are concerned.
Altogether, the ŠKODA range available in China includes the following models: the Fabia, Rapid, Rapid Spaceback, Octavia, Yeti, Yeti 4x4, Superb and Superb Combi. The car manufacturer is counting on local production: six models – the Fabia, Rapid, Rapid Spaceback, Octavia, Yeti und Superb – are being produced locally in cooperation with the Chinese partner Shanghai Volkswagen (SVW). ŠKODA manufacturing operations are based at the SVW sites in Anting, Yizheng und Ningbo.