ENG: Škoda Official Site News & Press Release

[Karlheinz]

New ŠKODA Octavia Combi tops in residual values

6/25/2013

EurotaxGlass study: third-generation ŠKODA Octavia Combi’s forecast residual values beat direct competitors in five European countries.

Launched only recently, the new third-generation ŠKODA Octavia Combi already ranks among the estate cars best in retaining their value in Europe, says a current EurotaxGlass study conducted in five European countries. The study compared a total of six compact estate cars with the Octavia Combi achieving forecast future residual values between 49 and 40 per cent after three years, clearly beating its direct competitors.

The study looked at the markets in Germany, the Czech Republic, France, Italy and Great Britain. EurotaxGlass is an international automobile commerce service provider. The eponymous study forecasts newly introduced models’ expected loss in value across brands and is a recognised independent bellwether for cars’ stability in value.
As part of its most recent study, EurotaxGlass compared six compact estate cars: the new ŠKODA Octavia Combi, the Ford Focus Combi, the Hyundai i30 Combi, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer, the Peugeot 308 SW and the Renault Mégane Grandtour. In all five countries, the study predicts the new ŠKODA Octavia Combi will achieve the best residual values compared to the other models after an assumed three years of service and mileage of 90,000 km. Depending on the country, the study forecasts future values for the new ŠKODA Octavia Combi to be between 49 and 40 per cent, which is to say that the new model, which was introduced on European markets in May 2013, scored better even than its direct predecessor generation.
 
“The new ŠKODA Octavia Combi not only offers space in its most beautiful shape, it is also a giant in residual values,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA board member for sales and marketing. The fact that it came tops in no less than five European markets in the study is just one more proof of this car’s high quality and stability in value, advantages in other words which our private and business customers appreciate so much that they made the second-generation Octavia Combi the bestselling estate car in Europe in 2012,” says Eichhorn.
 
The study examines criteria such as mileage/CO2 emissions, price-value ratio, quality and reliability. Design and brand aspects also played a role. The new ŠKODA Octavia Combi scores best overall in residual value, achieving 49 per cent in Germany, the brand’s second-strongest market worldwide. Here, the Octavia Combi in “Ambition” trim and with a 110 kW 2.0 TDI engine is second to none, its competitors achieving an average residual value of only 43 per cent. In the Czech Republic, its home market, the ŠKODA Octavia Combi’s residual value is forecast at 45 per cent, a 7 per cent better than its competitors.
 
Just as does the Octavia saloon, so the new ŠKODA Octavia Combi stands for all of the brand’s good values: a timelessly elegant design, copious space for occupants and their baggage, quality, precise workmanship, lots of “Simply Clever” details, innovative technology and an outstanding price/value ratio. “The new ŠKODA Octavia Combi is a great addition to the compact estate segment and is proving a hit with our customers,” says Werner Eichhorn, board member in charge of sales.
 
The Octavia Combi has great importance for the brand’s success, having sold 1.3 million since its introduction in 1998. The ŠKODA Octavia Combi is a real bestseller especially in Europe and topped sales rankings for estate cars in Europe in 2012, accounting for 24 per cent of the brand’s total sales in Europe and fully 25 per cent in Western Europe. In Germany, ŠKODA’s largest European markets, the Octavia Combi became the bestselling imported car last year.

[Karlheinz]

Strikingly functional: The special edition ŠKODA Roomster Noire

6/28/2013

The new Roomster special edition convinces with sporty design elements. ŠKODA Roomster offers a lot of space, high functionality and variability.  A sporty look paired with high functionality and lots of room – that’s what the new special edition ŠKODA Roomster Noire will offer as of today. The popular large capacity car convinces as an attractive special edition with black exterior design elements and an upgraded interior.

Beginning today, the Roomster will pull up in a particularly dynamic look as the special edition Noire. The ŠKODA Roomster Noire is based on the equipment version “Ambition”, while the available engines correspond to the current Roomster engine portfolio. The new special edition convinces with tinted windows and the “SunSet” package, black 16-inch alloy wheels in the “Comet” design, black highlighted headlights and black fog lights with integrated daylight running lights. Upon request, black 17-inch alloy wheels in the “Trinity” design are available as well.

The grille and the side mirrors are also painted black; moreover, a black roof may be purchased upon request. The front bumper has received a black spoiler, the rear bumper a black diffuser. The “B” column is covered with an adhesive decorative black film. Five vehicle colors are available: corrida-red, brilliant-silver, candy-white, magic-black and cappuccino-beige.

The interior of the ŠKODA Roomster Noire has been particularly upgraded with black-red sport seats and the small leather package: the 3-spoke steering wheel, hand brake grip and gear shift are coated with leather and framed by red threads. Likewise, the front entry bars are made of aluminum and pedal covers are made of stainless steel.

Since its launch in 2006, the ŠKODA Roomster has been one of the most attractive representatives in the segment of the so-called “multi purpose vehicles”, in short referred to as “MPV”. Highest functionality and variability, lots of space, safety and comfort are among the outstanding characteristics of the vehicle, which in 2012 alone was sold 38,000 times worldwide.

[Karlheinz]

Successful Premiere for New ŠKODA Superb at First Tour de France Weekend

7/1/2013

New ŠKODA Superb leads the tour entourage as the Red Car. A total of 250 ŠKODAs in action at Tour de France. ŠKODA has covered 25 million kilometers during Tour de France. ŠKODA supporting the cycling classic for the tenth time. The new ŠKODA Superb has done fantastically well at its first official appearance at the start of the Tour de France. With the market launch, the completely redesigned top model makes its debut as the official Red Car, leading the peloton. ŠKODA is supporting the French cycling tour this year for the tenth time as the main sponsor.

“A strong first appearance for the new ŠKODA Superb,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. He continues, “Its use as the Red Car is a great platform for our flagship. Our top model also shows its strengths on the racing track.” With a total of 250 vehicles, including eight ŠKODA Superbs in red, the Czech car manufacturer shows its colours at the 100th anniversary of the cycling classic. This year's Tour de France has been underway since the 29th June and runs until 21st July.

The red ŠKODA Superb is driving in the most prominent part of the Tour – in the very lead. The Red Car is also the only vehicle that can pass the finishing line of each stage together with the riders. The Tour director, Christian Prudhomme will be sitting in the back of the Superb through all the stages. “I love my Superb, it is a fantastic car. Even though I am as tall as my driver at 1.9 m,” it is so comfortable sitting in the back and I can even cross my legs. I am particularly excited this year about the gigantic panoramic glass roof,” said Prudhomme.  The panoramic roof that reaches to the rear of the vehicle allows passengers in the rear to stand up when opened.

For its use during the Tour de France, the Superb has been specially lacquered in special edition 'Corrida-Red'. Technical equipment has been installed in the Tour director's car to ensure constant communication with all participants during all stages of race. All necessary communication features are housed in a specially designed console in the back seat.

ŠKODA has made a total of 250 vehicles available for the Tour organisers: alongside the Superb, there are the Octavia, Octavia Combi, Rapid, Yeti, Roomster and Citigo.

ŠKODA is supporting this year's Tour de France for the tenth time as the main sponsor.  “Cycling is a highly dynamic sport that attracts millions of people worldwide,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. He continues, “It fits perfectly with the ŠKODA brand.” Alongside ice hockey, cycling is a very important pillar of ŠKODA's international Sponsorship Strategy. Grassroots cycling also plays a central role.

From the very beginning, this prominent use of cars has played a major role in this sponsorship. Year after year, the 250 ŠKODA models travel around 2.8 million kilometers during the Tour. The total distance travelled over the past nine years is almost 25 million kilometres. The ŠKODA fleet has really done itself proud in terms of reliability though: So far there has not been one single breakdown due to technical problems.

ŠKODA's sponsorship of the Tour de France demonstrates the special relationship that the brand has with cycling. The company's success story began with the construction of bicycles at the headquarters in Mladá Boleslav. At the end of the 19th century in 1895, the bicycle mechanic Václav Laurin and bookseller Václav Klement established a factory there for the production of bicycles; from 1899 also motorcycles and cars since 1905 when the first Voiturette A was produced – the company's first car. In 1925 L&K merged with ŠKODA.

The Tour de France is one of the world's biggest sporting events ever – surpassed only by the football World Cup and the Olympics. Last year at the course alone, there were around 12 million cycling enthusiasts cheering on the competitors and a further 1.7 billion of us tuned in around the world.

[Karlheinz]

Two historic ŠKODA cars at the Silvretta Classic

› ŠKODA 1100 OHC from 1958 and ŠKODA 1000 MB Rally from 1968 at the start
› 16th anniversary of the Silvretta Classic from 4th to 7th July, 2013
› Dream cars on idyllic roads: 150 cars driving through the Alpine stretch

Mladá Boleslav, 3 July 2013


– ŠKODA will be at the renowned vintage car rally - the Silvretta Classic - with two historic cars: a ŠKODA 1100 OHC from 1958 and a ŠKODA 1000 MB Rally from 1968. This year will mark the 16th anniversary of the Silvretta Classic in the Austrian Montafon and will be taking place between the 4th and 7th July.

​The open top ŠKODA 1100 OHC is one of the highlights of ŠKODA's sports car selection.  The ŠKODA 1000 MB Rally also belongs to the ŠKODA Museum's exclusive collection of cars in Mladá Boleslav. "We have chosen two of the brand's finest cars most suitable for the Alpine Silvretta Rally route," says Dr. Frank Welsch, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development.

The ŠKODA 1100 OHC built in 1958 never fails to impress at these races, not least because of its roaring, boisterous engine. Weighing in at a mere 550 kilograms, this racing car is a real lightweight. Powered by a longitudinal, in-line, four-cylinder OHC valve timing, with a displacement of 1,089cc (OHC is the abbreviation for overhead camshaft and refers to the control valve through an overhead camshaft), the engine, supported by two Weber carburettors, originally from the ŠKODA model 440, delivering 92 hp at 7,700 RPM, can reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h. The manual, five-speed gearbox lies just in front of the rear axle, allowing for an optimal weight distribution – one feature that may come in handy through the peaks and troughs in the Montafon.

The ŠKODA 1000 MB Rally built in 1968 differs from the standard model 1000 MB, mainly due to an additional light-ramp and other sporty modifications. The car has taken part in many races, including the prestigious London-Mexico rally in 1995. This rally car features a four-cylinder rear engine with a 1,300 cc displacement and Weber carburettors. The engine output is 90 hp with maximum speeds of up to 170 km/h.

The Silvretta Classic in the Alpine Montafon is one of the most traditional vintage car rallies in Europe and will be taking place in 2013 for the 16th time.  This year's 600km of racing will take the participants not only through the beautiful streets of Vorarlberg but also around the Silvretta-Massiv into the picturesque Lower Engadine. Above all, the highest level of precision is demanded of all participants, with the evaluation tests being measured to an accuracy of a hundredth of a second.

[Karlheinz]

New ŠKODA Octavia RS at Goodwood racetrack

7/3/2013

Fastest Octavia of all time debuts at “Goodwood Festival of Speed”. 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds; 248 km/h top speed. New engines: more speed, more power, more efficiency. Distinctive appearance and innovative progressive steering.

The new ŠKODA Octavia RS is the star at this year’s “Goodwood Festival of Speed”. On July 10th, the eve of this legendary motorsport event, ŠKODA will fittingly present its new compact sports model on the racetrack and beside it. The fastest Octavia of all time is the most recent model in the largest model offensive in the company’s history, impressing both as a saloon and an estate with powerful yet efficient engines, a sporty, attractive design, new RS wheels and innovative technology.

“The new Octavia RS is about pure emotion and brings ŠKODA’s concentrated power to the road. This makes Goodwood the perfect setting for the debut of the fastest Octavia of all time,” says ŠKODA CEO Winfried Vahland. “More than 100,000 visitors, fascinating motorsport that you can touch, automobile traditions and enthusiasm – it is this unique mixture which creates the charm of Goodwood. The new Octavia RS will be the highlight of this motorsport feast,” says Vahland.

The RS is the top model in the Octavia line and the most powerful series ŠKODA Octavia ever, providing hands-on experience of the brand’s expertise in motorsports, which ŠKODA has been confirming on the world’s most demanding circuits for 112 years, as evidenced by its victory at the 1977 Monte Carlo Rally and success in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge IRC. Three consecutive wins from 2010 through 2012 and 27 individual victories since 2009 have made ŠKODA the most successful brand in IRC history. In addition, 2012 saw the brand win in the European Rally Championship, the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) and six national rally championships, making it one of the most successful years in ŠKODA motorsport history. Its performance data and its high everyday utility mean Octavia RS sets standards in the sports compact category both as a saloon and as an estate.

The new Octavia RS will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. Top speed in the 162 kW (220 HP) 2.0 TSI petrol engine-version with manual transmission is 248 km/h. Compared to the second-generation Octavia RS, the new engines have up to ten per cent more displacement permitting significantly higher power output while still lowering fuel consumption by up to 19 per cent. The ŠKODA Octavia RS’s newprogressive steering lets drivers achieve a desired turning radius with smaller movements of the steering wheel resulting in less repositioning of the hands in tight curves.

In addition, the new model boasts all the outstanding qualities of the new ŠKODA Octavia: supreme functionality, ample space, top-notch safety, cutting-edge assistance systems for safety and comfort, numerous “Simply Clever” solutions such as the ice scraper in the fuel filler flap or the warning vest below the driver seat, as well as an excellent price/value ratio. Launch of the new ŠKODA Octavia RS in European markets is set for July and will begin in Great Britain.

The design of the new ŠKODA Octavia RS speaks style and class, for instance at the front in the interplay of ŠKODA’s characteristic grille, air intakes with their hive structure, new front apron and RS-design fog lamps as well as new bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, now standard. The car’s side aspect is marked by lowered clearance and by the new 17-, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels. The rear is dominated by a distinctive black diffusor element, broad reflectors and two large-bore chrome exhaust end pipes as well as standard LED tail lights in brand-typical C design and a rear spoiler.

A sporty black design marks the interior of the Octavia RS including new ambient lights in the door handles, new RS-design sports seats and a sporty three-spoke steering wheel with perforated leather. The shift knob and the handbrake handle are also leather, while the door sills and pedals are stainless steel.

Since 1993, the “Goodwood Festival of Speed” has been a special homage to motorsport. The race itself, a 1.7 kilometre hillclimb event, takes place rather in the background while racing and sports cars, racing motorcycles and rally cars from all ages are on display. Since 2007, the festival has included a competition dedicated to rally cars and held on a rally course. The new Octavia RS will see its debut on the track at Goodwood on July 10th.

[Karlheinz]

In 13 years, about 25 times around the Earth

› ŠKODA Fabia reaches one million kilometers
› ŠKODA Fabia 1.9 l TDI 74 kW (101 PS), built in 2000, top condition
› Brand welcomes and celebrates “kilometer king” Peter Kirchhoff from Sprockhövel near Wuppertal, Germany, at ŠKODA’s seat in Mladá Boleslav

Mladá Boleslav/Weiterstadt, 3 July 2013 - A ŠKODA Fabia 1.9 l TDI 74 kW (101 PS), which was built in the year 2000, has reached one million kilometers! Its owner, Peter Kirchhoff, from Sprockhövel near Wuppertal, meticulously planned this moment for a long time: Today, at 11:30 am CEST, he pulled up his Fabia to the company museum in Mladá Boleslav. With great precision, the odometer displayed the sensational reading of 999,999 kilometers. At the historic site, Kirchhoff was welcomed and congratulated by ŠKODA representatives and was enthusiastically celebrated by numerous German fans of the Czech brand who had accompanied him on his trip.
​“Together with Peter Kirchhoff, we are delighted about this great achievement. At the same time, we are very proud that he has reached such a result with a vehicle of the ŠKODA brand. No-one can wish for better evidence of the quality and reliability of our cars,” says Dr. Martin Hrdlicka, the representative of the Technical Development Department at ŠKODA AUTO a.s.. At the time, Hrdlicka collaborated in the construction of the first generation Fabia. “Even at the time of its presentation at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1999, the Fabia caused a stir,” he says. “The very same year, we won the first ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ award with it. For us, it was the confirmation that we had the finger on the pulse of the time with this car.”

That piece of news, as well as the unanimous praise of the trade press, the affordable base price of DEM 18,798 in those days and the headline “Best-in-class in insurance ratings” tipped the scales for Peter Kirchhoff to decide upon a Fabia. On July 3, 2000, he received the key to his silver-colored ŠKODA Fabia. “When I picked it up, the odometer read eleven kilometers,” Peter Kirchhoff remembers. Since then, the business graduate has logged every kilometer driven and every cent spent on the car. “At the time, I never dreamed of reaching the odometer reading of one million kilometers exactly 13 years to the day of accepting the car,” he smiles. It is also thanks to his painstaking accounting that the entire life of the vehicle is documented so precisely. ŠKODA AUTO Germany has been in regular contact with Peter Kirchhoff since 2005 when he first sent a letter to the editing staff of the customer magazine ‘Extratour’, which has been reporting every one of his records ever since.

Peter Kirchhoff and his Fabia crossed the 500,000 kilometer threshold in July 2007. In those seven years valiant Fabia was for him reliable partner: “Even after having driven half a million kilometers, I still had the first exhaust under the car,” Kirchhoff gushes. “Passing a general technical inspection with this car did not cause me any big headaches! Defects? Not here!”

For years, the ŠKODA service partner Betgen & Potthoff in Hamm has been taking care of Peter Kirchhoff’s Fabia. During the preliminary check prior to the obligatory ‘TÜV’ inspection in June, the car was once again given a close examination. The experienced master mechanic Werner Potthoff was excited about the overall condition. “The car has stayed very young and is in top condition, especially regarding its exterior. If you wouldn’t know that it has actually covered almost a million kilometers – you wouldn’t recognize that right away.” The service advisor Matthias Lütkhoff: “The car is in its original condition. The exhaust, engine, clutch and transmission are parts that were installed by the factory. Thanks to regular maintenance the vehicle has achieved this enormous mileage,” says Lütkhoff and adds with a grin: “By now, we know every screw by its first name.” To make sure that there won’t be any issues during the general technical inspection on July 1, the brake discs and brake pads were replaced at the ŠKODA service partner in Hamm. Afterwards, the Fabia immediately received a new sticker. His car only let Kirchhoff down once during their long relationship. “At 305,000 kilometers, a porous wire harness caused a breakdown on the road,” Kirchhoff remembers.

The members of the ŠKODA community, with whom Peter Kirchhoff has been in contact for years, provided the “kilometer millionaire’ and his Fabia with a superb appearance. They are all experts in automotive care and gave the little endurance runner an all-round care par excellence. Its owner was excited: “It looks like new now. Only when you look really closely is it possible to recognize a few dents in the lacquer.”

Even after having reached one million kilometers at the birthplace of the car, Peter Kirchhoff will remain loyal to his Fabia. He is already looking at a next generation model of the popular car from the Czech Republic. The odometer of his faithful Fabia will no longer display any kilometers beyond the millionth one. After the 999,999 the display will only show six dashes. There’s simply no room for the seventh digit. But the meticulous businessman from Sprockhövel wants to keep track of every driven kilometer by using the trip counter. “If the car plays along - and I assume it will – then there will be more records in the future,” he hopes. Once the third generation of the Fabia sedan is introduced in the market and he will have received the successor model, Peter Kirchhoff wants to donate his Fabia, which has written a piece of automotive history, to the ŠKODA Museum in Mladá Boleslav.

Worldwide, the ŠKODA Fabia continues to be counted among the most popular models of the brand with the winged arrow in the logo. In Germany, it is held in high esteem among buyers and is one of the top-selling import models. The car usually alternates ranking positions with the Octavia. In 2012 alone, more than 40,000 vehicles of this model series were registered in Germany. Worldwide, a quarter million customers chose a Fabia last year.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA Rapid comes with refined details into new Model year

› Diesel engine 1.6 TDI 66 kW to expand the engine range of the compact sedan
› More attractive interior with new three-spoke steering wheels, new decorative trims, new seat covers and other design enhancements
› ŠKODA Rapid to be available with xenon headlights in the future

Mladá Boleslav, 4 July 2013 – The ŠKODA Rapid is about to become even more attractive. Beginning in August 5, the popular compact sedan will be available with the 1.6 TDI 66 kW diesel engine. Furthermore, the interior of the Rapid will be updated with new three-spoke steering wheels, new decorative trims and seat covers as well as other enhancements of the design. Also, modern xenon highlights will be available as an option.
​Effective immediately, the 1.6 TDI 66 kW (90 PS) diesel engine will broaden the range of engines of the ŠKODA Rapid even more. The engine works with direct common rail injection, is equipped with diesel particle filters and may either be combined with an automatic seven-gear dual clutch transmission or a manual five-gear transmission.

Likewise, the particularly environmentally-friendly Green tec version is offered for the new entry-level diesel. The Green tec package includes fuel consumption-reducing technologies such as the automatic start-stop mechanism, brake energy recovery and rolling-resistant tires. The CO2 emission of the Rapid 1.6 TDI 66 kW Green tec amounts to just 104 g/km, with normal consumption being 3.9 l per 100 km.

Overall, this results in six different EU-5 engines being available for the ŠKODA Rapid: two self-igniters (1.6 TDI with 66 or 77 kW) and four gas engines (1.2 MPI/55 kW, 1.2 TSI with 63 or 77 kW as well as the 1.4 TSI 90 kW). The Green tec package is available for all TSI and TDI engines.

Likewise, the interior of the Rapid will be enhanced. All compact sedans will receive new three-spoke steering wheels. The differences are in the materials (PUR, PUR with chrome, leather with chrome) as well as in the functionalities (with or without any multi-functional display/phone/audio control buttons). The Rapid equipment versions ‘Ambition’ and ‘Elegance’ will receive new decorative trims, each in four designs (Graphite-Metallic, Silver-Brushed, Piano-White and Piano-Black). Also, there are new seat cover designs for these versions. For the equipment versions ‘Active’ and ‘Ambition’ of the Rapid, the gray hue of the dash board and the door covers will be upgraded (tellurium-gray will become lava-gray). Other innovations: the radio model ‘Swing’ will receive a modern panel, the radio model ‘Blues’ will now have control buttons framed in chrome.

As an option, the ŠKODA Rapid received xenon headlights. The xenon lamp has a luminous flux up to 2,000 lumen.  This system requires no headlamp leveling and headlamp cleaning system yet. Advantage: a lower price compared to xenon headlamps with higher lumen output at roughly comparable intensity.

Since the fall of 2012, the ŠKODA Rapid has completed the ŠKODA model range between the ŠKODA Fabia and the ŠKODA Octavia. With compact dimensions (length of 4.48 meters, width of 1.70 meters), the compact sedan convinces with excellent spaciousness and a lot of room for five passengers and their luggage. In addition, there are numerous ‘simply clever’ solutions, timeless design, an outstanding price/value ratio and an extensive safety package.

The Rapid has already won many awards. In the Czech Republic, the vehicle was voted as the ‘Car of the Year’ in middle lower class and the ‘Fleet Novelty of the Year’. The ŠKODA Rapid is the ‘Car of the Year’ in Bulgaria, won the ‘Auto Trophy’ in Germany as well as the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ in Austria. The ŠKODA Rapid is awarded one of the world's most coveted design awards: The compact sedan in the Czech carmaker received in March 2013 the 'red dot' Design Award in the product design. Furthermore, the vehicle was honored with the best ranking of five stars for its safety concept within the Euro NCAP crash test.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA Starts Production of the New Octavia in Ukraine and Kazakhstan

7/4/2013

Production with local partner companies. ŠKODA Octavia is the most popular model in Kazakhstan and Ukraine. Third-generation Octavia is setting new standards in the compact segment.
The new ŠKODA Octavia is now also rolling of the production lines in the Ukraine and Kazakhstan. The Octavia, which is being produced with local partner companies, is the most requested ŠKODA model in both countries. The third generation of the ŠKODA best-seller is particularly impressive in terms of space, functionality and safety as well as being excellent value for money.

“The ŠKODA Octavia is the heart of our brand and after the start of production in our home plant in Mladá Boleslav, we are also starting production at other locations”, explains Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA Board Member for Production and Logistics. “The Octavia is Kazakhstan’s and the Ukraine’s most popular ŠKODA model. Now, by starting the local production of the third-generation Octavia in both countries, we aim to continue this success story.”

The production of the new Octavia in the Ukraine underlines the importance of this market for ŠKODA: In 2012 ŠKODA increased its deliveries to Ukrainian customers by around 32% to 14,400 vehicles. The market share increased to 6.6% (2011: 4.9%). ŠKODA vehicle production takes place in Solomonovo in partnership with Eurocar. The Fabia, Yeti, Superb and Roomster are also produced here from SKD (Semi-Knocked-Down) form.

The new Octavia is also being produced in Ust-Kamenogorsk, northeast Kazakhstan in partnership with Azia Avto. Last year ŠKODA grew by 158% in Kazakhstan when approximately 1,900 vehicles were delivered to customers (2011: 720). Alongside the Octavia, the Fabia, Yeti and Superb models are produced in Ust-Kamenogorsk from SKD form.

Prefabricated car bodies from the Czech Republic are imported for the SKD productionof the new Octavia in Kazakhstan and the Ukraine. The assembly takes place on site.

The third-generation Octavia is setting new standards in the compact segment. The vehicle boasts unrivalled space, a new design, high functionality, innovative safety and comfort systems, economical consumption, a whole range of ‘Simply Clever’ ideas and, as always with ŠKODA – it is excellent value for money. The market launch in the Ukraine was in June, in Kazakhstan it is in July.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA: Best automobile manufacturer in Great Britain

​› Honored by a British consumer organization: As the only car maker, ŠKODA already wins ‘Which? Awards’ for the second time
› Brand convinces with the best price/value ratio, reliability and highest customer satisfaction
› ŠKODA growing in Great Britain: deliveries rose 15.1 percent until the end of May

Mladá Boleslav, 4 July 2013 – According to the British consumer protection organization ‘Which?’, ŠKODA is the best automobile manufacturer in Great Britain. The brand was voted ‘Best Car Manufacturer’. This is already the second time after 2010 that ŠKODA has won the competition.
​‘Which?’ explains the outcome of the vote with ŠKODA’s outstanding model range, which convinces with the best price/value ratio and a high level of reliability: “ŠKODA is a well-deserved winner. The brand has introduced great new models. Particularly the models’ price/value ratio and reliability are impressive. Furthermore, we are receiving excellent feedback from customers of the brand,” says Peter Vicary-Smith, chairman of the board of ‘Which?’.

ŠKODA enjoys ever greater popularity in Great Britain. In the first five months of this year, ŠKODA’s deliveries on the island rose 15.1 percent compared to the same period last year, resulting in more than 26,000 units. In 2012, the brand achieved a new sales record in the country with more than 53,200 units sold. The customers of the Czech brand are happy about the spacious and functional ŠKODA vehicles that are running on proven technology. Furthermore, ŠKODA models such as the new Octavia or the Rapid score points with their timeless, elegant design, high residual values, their environmental friendliness, low fuel consumptions and affordable maintenance costs.

The victory in this year’s ‘Which? Awards’ once again confirms the outstanding reputation of the car maker on the British automobile market. Among the main tasks of the leading and independent consumer protection organization in Great Britain are regular product tests that are published as a magazine as well as in the internet. The ‘Which? Magazine’ is read by about 1.2 million subscribers and has been in existence since 1957.

Just a few weeks ago, the Czech brand won another important survey among British customers: the ŠKODA Yeti was voted the ‘Best Car of 2013’ by more than 40,000 readers in the ‘Driver Power 2013’ poll by the trade magazine ‘Auto Express’. A total of three ŠKODA models placed in the Top Six: besides the Yeti, the Superb reached second place and the Octavia sixth place.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA produces eleven-millionth engine

7/8/2013

114 years of ŠKODA competence in the development and manufacture of engines. New engine test center in Česana strengthens the technological competence of the brand. Every day, 3,600 ŠKODA employees build up to 4,400 petrol engines.
Today, ŠKODA built the eleven-millionth engine in its corporate history – a 1.4 TSImotor of the model series EA211. Engines have been built in Mladá Boleslav since the year 1899 – first for motorcycles and, from 1905 on, for automobiles. At the current time, the assembly lines at ŠKODA’s main plant are producing modern 1.2l and 1.4l versions of the engine model series EA211 and EA111. About 3,600 employees manufacture up to 4,400 units every day. The Czech automobile manufacturer will continue to expand its knowledge in the development and manufacture of engines.

“Among engine developers and manufacturers in the automobile industry, ŠKODA has one of the richest track records,” says ŠKODA’s Chairman of the Board, Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “The number of eleven million manufactured assemblies since 1899 is representative for 114 years of Czech engineering in the development and manufacture of engines. We will continue to strengthen this know-how within the framework of the ŠKODA Growth Strategy,” Vahland continues.

The anniversary engine is a 1.4 TSI engine of the EA211 model series. Since the end of 2012, the Czech manufacturer has been building modern 1.2 and 1.4 TSI versions of this model series, which is used by the Volkswagen Group. The modern petrol engines with direct injection are intended for models by the ŠKODA, Audi, Seat and VW brands. “The production of engines of the EA211 model series strengthens our manufacturing basis in the Czech Republic and underscores the important role of the ŠKODA production within the Volkswagen Group,” says Michael Oeljeklaus, the ŠKODA board member for Production and Logistics. The TSI four-valve four-cylinders are setting new standards in energy efficiency, lightweight construction and engine power. Furthermore, the Czechs are currently building engines of the EA111 model series.

The manufacturer wants to continue to expand its engine competence within the framework of the ŠKODA Growth Strategy. This endeavor is supported, among other things, through the construction of a new power-train center at the ŠKODA Development Center in Česana, near the company’s seat in Mladá Boleslav. The car maker will invest more than 34 million EUR in this measure – the largest investment currently being undertaken in the area of development in the Czech Republic. At its core, the new center will include more than 15 engine test stations with outputs ranging from 250 to 400 kW. In view of the increasing requirements concerning the global use of engines, it will facilitate the worldwide development of engines for the most diverse markets.

The manufacture of engines at the Czech car maker began in the year 1899 – four years after the foundation of their bicycle-producing company – when company founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement first equipped a bicycle with an auxiliary engine, the so-called “Motocyclette”. The two-wheeled vehicle could be equipped with one-cylinder engines with outputs of either 1.25 hp or 1.75 hp. The vehicle achieved a top speed of more than 50 km/h. That marked the birth of the manufacture of automotive engines at the headquarters of the company in Mladá Boleslav.

The beginning of the motorization laid the foundation stone for one of the most venerable companies in the world. In 1905, Laurin and Klement developed the company’s first automobile named ‘Voiturette A’ (French for ‘small car’) – powered by a water-cooled two-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1,100 cm³ that generated 7 PS. Depending on the version of the vehicle, the engine’s power was transmitted to the rear wheels either through a chain or a drive shaft. Another engine milestone in the early years was the construction of one of the first eight-cylinder engines of the world in 1908. In the year 1924, even aircraft engines were built at Laurin and Klement.

After the merger with the ŠKODA plants in the year 1925, the development of engines continued to play a major role. In the 1930s, ŠKODA also made news with powerful racecars. After World War II, the first rear-mounted engine was a central development step (in 1964). 1987 brought the return of the front-mounted engine. The crucial impulse for the production of modern engines was given in 1991 with ŠKODA’s association with the Volkswagen Group.

[Karlheinz]

Landmark: one million ŠKODAs made in China


​› ŠKODA celebrates production success together with Shanghai Volkswagen
› ŠKODA doubles model range in China from three to six models – new Rapid Xin Rui, ŠKODA Yeti and Superb Combi expand ŠKODA’s portfolio
› Sales in China to rise to half a million per year

Mladá Boleslav/Shanghai, 9 July 2013 – Shanghai Volkswagen plant had today produced its one millionth ŠKODA car since 2007, a white 1.6 l ŠKODA Rapid. In the years ahead, ŠKODA intends to grow further in its strongest sales market, expanding its model range produced in the country from a current three to then six models by mid-2014.
​“Making one million cars in China within just six years is evidence of our brand’s impressive growth,” says ŠKODA CEO Winfried Vahland. Working closely and trustfully with its partner Shanghai Volkswagen, SVW for short, ŠKODA has written an unparalleled success story in China since mid-2007. “We are definitely going for more growth in China, reinforcing our model offensive and expanding our capacities. We intend to raise our sales in China to half a million cars per year,” says Vahland. In 2012, China accounted for about a quarter of ŠKODA’s worldwide sales of 939,200.

Since the beginning of its activities in China, ŠKODA has relied on cooperation with Shanghai Volkswagen. “SVW is a dependable and competent partner with whom we will continue to write ŠKODA’s success story in China in the years to come,” says Vahland.

Forming the basis for ŠKODA’s growth plans in China is an expansion of the brand’s model range available in the country. This year alone, this range will be growing from three to six models. Currently, ŠKODA sells the Fabia, Octavia and the Superb saloon in China, which are now being complemented by three new models: the ŠKODA Rapid Xin Rui, the ŠKODA Yeti and the ŠKODA Superb Combi.

A keystone of the brand’s growth in China is the new ŠKODA Rapid for China. This notchback saloon, sold as the ŠKODA Rapid Xin Rui, belongs to a vehicle category that is especially popular in China. ŠKODA has tailored the Chinese Rapid to the needs of Chinese customers, adding chrome elements and offering a total of nine option packages. “The Rapid is the perfect car for China,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA board member for sales and marketing. The car impresses with lots of space, an expressive design, an optimum price/value ratio, high functionality, comprehensive safety equipment and efficient engines.

Also fuelling growth in China will be the ŠKODA Superb Combi and the ŠKODA Yeti, which have been available in the country as imports since April. The ŠKODA Superb Combi is ŠKODA’s first offering of an upper-middle class estate car. The ŠKODA Yeti is ŠKODA’s entry into China’s rapidly growing compact-SUV segment and will be made locally.

In the first six months of 2013, ŠKODA sold about 120,200 cars in China, continuing the brand’s six-year success story in the country. The start of production of the ŠKODA Octavia June 2007 marked the beginning of one of the most impressive developments in recent automobile history, as ŠKODA went on to grow its annual sales to customers in China more than eightfold to around 236,000 most recently.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA plant Kvasiny: CO2 emissions lowered by 8,000 tons per year thanks to combined heat and power generation

7/10/2013

ŠKODA commissions new combined heat and power generation facility in Kvasiny. Three million EUR invested, construction period of seven months. Important measure within the framework of the ŠKODA environmental strategy ‘GreenFuture’.
Today, a new combined heat and power generation (CHP) facility was commissioned at the ŠKODA plant in Kvasiny. The new system decreases the CO2 emissions of the plant in Eastern Bohemia by ten percent or 8,000 metric tons of CO2 per year. Theinvestments for the environmental measure amount to about three million EUR, the construction took seven months to complete. Two thirds of the invested amount was borne by ŠKODA, one third was financed by the Structural Fund of the European Union.

“The new combined heat and power generation facility makes the Kvasiny plant more environmentally friendly and is an important part of our sustainability strategy,” saysMichael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA board member for Production and Logistics. Within the framework of ‘GreenFuture’ – which is part of the ŠKODA Growth Strategy 2018 – the Czech car maker wants to continue to enhance the sustainability of the company until 2018. Besides even more fuel-efficient vehicles, the focus is primarily on a more economical use of resources throughout the entire company. “We want to make our production 25 percent more environmentally compatible until 2018. The new CHP facility is an important contribution toward that goal,” according to Oeljeklaus.

In combined heat and power generation, energy is only expended once for the simultaneous production of electricity and heat. Compared to procedures with a separate generation, this procedure significantly reduces energy consumption and thus CO2 emissions. The newly commissioned combined heat and power generation in Kvasiny saves 10 percent or about 8,000 metric tons of CO2 per year compared to the previous system of heat and power production. This amount of CO2 is equivalent to the incineration of about 300 rail cars of brown coal. “We use the waste heat generated during the generation of power for heating the paint shop,” says Pavel Richter, the director of the ŠKODA plant in Kvasiny. “Apart from the environmental aspect, we are strengthening the energy independence of the production site,” according to Richter.

The two facilities for the combined generation of heat and power produce 22,500 megawatt hours (MWh) of electric power per year and an equal amount of thermal output. Power and heat are generated through the burning of natural gas in a gas motor. The heat of the waste gases is used for heating the water of the heating system, while the mechanical energy from the motor drives the connected power-producing generator. Another benefit: “The new CHP facility was built in such as way that we are able to expand it in the future,” says Richter.

ŠKODA has already had a positive experience with combined heat and power generation in the past as the manufacturer has been using this technology for the generation of power at the ŠKODA plant in Mladá Boleslav since August of 2012. The heating plant of the ŠKODA subsidiary ŠkoEnergo produces power for the vehicle production at the main plant of the manufacturer and, at the same time, serves as the heating plant for the city of Mladá Boleslav. Moreover, the heating plant increasingly utilizes biomass. By 2015, about one third of all the power generated is to be derived from renewable energies. In this way, ŠKODA wants to reduce the CO2 emission at the ŠkoEnergo heating plant by one fourth as compared to today.

By using the CHP technology in its plants, ŠKODA realizes another important step in the framework of the environmental strategy ‘GreenFuture’. Its goals consist of improved economic results at a lowered burden for the environment. ‘GreenFuture’ rests on three pillars: ‘GreenProduct’, ‘GreenFactory’ and ‘GreenRetail’. While the efficiency of the vehicles – less fuel consumption and thus fewer CO2 emissions – are the main focus of ‘GreenProduct’, a 25 percent reduction in the use of energy and water in particular, fewer emissions and increased recycling are the main focus of ŠKODA’s production within the framework of ‘GreenFactory’. The third pillar ‘GreenRetail’ focuses on sustainably operating dealerships and repair shops.

Environmentally friendly production and vehicles with efficient fuel consumption are a tradition at ŠKODA as evidenced by the current GreenLine and Green tec models of the Czech automobile manufacturer: at the present time, 65 ŠKODA models emit less than 120 grams of CO2 per kilometer, eleven emit less that 100 grams. The GreenLine version of the new ŠKODA Octavia generation is the most fuel-efficient Octavia ever – with a fuel consumption of just 3.3 liter diesel and CO2 emissions of no more than 87 gram per kilometer.

The Kvasiny plant is one of three ŠKODA production sites in the Czech Republic and employs approximately 4,500 people. The models ŠKODA Superb, ŠKODA Roomster and ŠKODA Yeti roll off its assembly lines. In 2012, the plant produced a total of 153,700 vehicles. A few days ago, ŠKODA began the production of the completely re-engineered Superb and Superb Combi in Kvasiny.

[Karlheinz]

Great Performance from Paralympian Ježek


7/10/2013


› Jiří Ježek started time trials with ŠKODA support on 10 July
› ŠKODA tenth time official sponsor of der Tour de France


An impressive performance from the Czech parathelete Jiří Ježek during the Tour de France 2013: Watched by thousands of excited spectators, the Czech completed the 33 km stretch constantly at high speed. ŠKODA supported the event as a long-term sponsor of the Czech Paralympics and official sponsor of the Tour de France.
 
The first individual time trials of this year’s Tour were held from Avranches towards the sea. The finish of the 11th stage of the Tour was the island’s mountain and world heritage site Mont-Saint-Michel off the coast of northern France. Ježek’s race against the clock was captured in pictures by the 15-year-old junior photographer David Vlk. David, who has the same disability as Jiří Ježek, lost his right lower leg due to illness. The cyclist’s carrier was a big motivation for David during his therapy. Thanks to ŠKODA, the young man is one step closer to achieving his goal of becoming a reportage and sports photographer at this year’s Tour de France.
 
“That was a great performance from Jiří Ježek, and an absolute highlight of the Tour de France,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “Ježek and David Vlk have fulfilled their dreams. As a long-term partner, we are very pleased to have been able to support this exceptional event.”
 
Ježek proved to be on top form in his entry. With his appearance, Ježek has once again confirmed his reputation of being one of the best parathelites in the world. He is a six-time winner of the Paralympics, and also received a gold medal in the individual time trial at the 2012 Olympic games in London. He was voted ‘Parathelete of the Year’ in the Czech Republic and is so good that he is one of the only paralmpions who can compete against able-bodied cyclists without a handicap.
 
By supporting Ježek at the Tour-de-France, ŠKODA has once again proven its broad-commitment to cycling sponsorship. This year will mark the tenth occasion that the manufacturer has been the official sponsor and official vehicle partner of the Tour de France. With a fleet of 250 cars and a whole host of events, the car producer is really setting the pace at this 100th anniversary of the cycling classic. Year after year ŠKODA models clock up around 2.8 million kilometres during the Tour. Altogether, the total distance travelled over the past nine years has been almost 25 million kilometres. ŠKODA is also the partner for the ‘White Jersey’ – the best rider under the age of 25.
 
ŠKODA’s commitment to cycling underlines the special relationship that the Czech car manufacturer has with the bicycle. The company’s success story originally began at the headquarters in Mladá Boleslav with the construction of bicycles.  At the end of the 19th century, in December 1895, the bicycle mechanic Václav Laurin and the bookkeeper Václav Klement established a factory there for the production of bicycles. In the first few years the two enthusiastic pioneers built bikes under the brand name of ‘Slavia’, from 1899 motorcycles, and cars since 1905. The company’s first car was the Voiturette A. In 1925 L&K merged with ŠKODA.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA: 464,600 Deliveries in the First Half of 2013, New Record for June

› Best June results in ŠKODA’s history: 87,400 units
› ŠKODA’s European market share grew to 4.1% in June
› ŠKODA vigorously pursues model campaign in second half of year
› Eight new or revised ŠKODA models in 2013 alone

Mladá Boleslav, 11 July 2013 – ŠKODA achieved sales of 87,400 cars in June – slightly more than the June 2012 figures, making it a new record for this sales month. At the same time, June 2013 was the second best sales month in ŠKODA’s corporate history ever. In June, ŠKODA once again outgrew the overall European market by increasing their market share to 4.1% (June 2012: 3.9%). The Czech car maker delivered 464,600 cars worldwide in the first half of 2013 (January to June 2012: 493,000 units; -5.8%). Sales in the first half of 2013 were primarily influenced by model changeovers and the start of production of the ŠKODA Octavia and ŠKODA Superb. The continuing weak situation on a number of European car markets had an impact on ŠKODA sales.
​“ŠKODA successfully implemented the growth strategy in the first half of the year despite the challenging environment”, explains the ŠKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h. c. Winfried Vahland. “Although our sales declined slightly in the first six months, primarily due to the start of production of the new Octavia as well as the very weak European markets, we delivered in June, for the first time in 2013, more vehicles than the same month in 2012. It is also the best June sales result ever,” says Vahland. “In the second half of the year we expect a further increase in deliveries. However, the economic conditions, especially in the European markets continue to be a challenge,” explains Vahland.

ŠKODA is to launch a total of eight new or revised models onto the market this year. Last week saw the launch of the new ŠKODA Octavia RS from the Octavia family and also the new ŠKODA Superb – saloon and Combi. In the second half of the year, the Czechs will be putting even more effort into their campaign.

In Western Europe ŠKODA delivered 35,700 vehicles in June – slightly up on the same period last year (June 2012: 35,600 deliveries; +0.4%). Thus, the Czech car maker developed significantly better than the generally declining market. ŠKODA market shares in Western Europe grew to 3.2% (June 2012: 3.0%). Between January and June, ŠKODA achieved sales in Western Europe of 186,200, 4.7% down on the first half of 2012 (195,400 units). In Germany – ŠKODA’s second strongest market – the brand delivered 68,200 vehicles to customers by the end of June (January to June 2012: 70,600 units;
-3.4%), thereby giving ŠKODA the pole position as the strongest foreign brand. In the UK, sales grew in the first half of the year by 16.9%. In Denmark, the Czechs almost doubled their sales between January and June.

In Eastern Europe, ŠKODA’s sales dropped by 0.8% to nearly 12.500 units in June (June 2012: 12,600). ŠKODA’s market share grew at the same time to 4.5%. In the first half of 2013, the manufacturer reached a total of 59,100 deliveries in Eastern Europe, 9.4% down on the same period last year with 65,200 units. The strongest single market was once again Russia where 9,100 vehicles were delivered to Russian customers in June – 4.6% down on June last year.

In Central Europe, ŠKODA delivered 11,500 vehicles in June (June 2012: 11,700; -1.6%). The market share was nearly 19.1% in June. In the first half of the year, the brand’s Central European deliveries totalled 61,600 units (January to June 2012: 66,600; -7.6%). In its home market, the Czech Republic, the brand’s market share rose to 35% in the first half of the year. Vehicle deliveries reached 28,300 (first half 2012: 30,700; -7.6%).

In June ŠKODA deiveries significantly increased in China: 21,200 units in ŠKODA’s strongest market means an increase of 5.2% compared to June 2012. Between January and June ŠKODA sold 120,200 units in China and almost reached the same level as last year (January to June 2012: 120,700 deliveries, -0.4%).


ŠKODA customer deliveries in June 2013 (in units, rounded off, listed by model +/- per cent on the same month in 2012):
ŠKODA Octavia (33,200; -10.5 %)
ŠKODA Fabia (19,600; -12.8 %)
ŠKODA Superb (8,200; -19.9 %)
ŠKODA Yeti (8,600; +0.4 %)
ŠKODA Roomster (3,700; -17.4 %)
ŠKODA Rapid (9,400; new model)
ŠKODA Citigo (sold only in Europe: 4,800; +85.4 %; new model)


ŠKODA customer deliveries in the first half of 2013 (in units; +/- per cent on the same period in 2012):
ŠKODA Octavia (181,200; -17.5 %)
ŠKODA Fabia (110,100; -17.6 %)
ŠKODA Superb (51,000; -10.5 %)
ŠKODA Yeti (41,800; -7.3 %)
ŠKODA Roomster (17,300; -15.3 %)
ŠKODA Rapid (38,400; new model)
ŠKODA Citigo (sold only in Europe: 24,900; +349.2 %; new model)

[Karlheinz]

The new ŠKODA Octavia RS – world premiere at Goodwood

​› ŠKODA presents the new Octavia RS to the public for the first time
› World premiere at the ‘Goodwood Festival of Speed’
› A sports class of its own; the fastest production Octavia ever
› Largest motorsport festival in the world from 11-14 July 2013 in Goodwood, England
› New ŠKODA Octavia RS part of current model offensive
› ŠKODA's motorsports activities a continued success in 2013

​Mladá Boleslav/Goodwood, 11 July 2013 – The new ŠKODA Octavia RS is celebrating its world premiere at the sporty and traditional ‘Goodwood Festival of Speed’. Today ŠKODA fans, customers, media and motorsport enthusiasts witnessed the first public appearance of the new compact sports car. The third generation Octavia RS is the fastest production Octavia in history. The Octavia RS, the latest edition of ŠKODA's current model offensive, is capable of speeds up to 248 km/h.
The new ŠKODA Octavia RS is one of the stars at this year's ‘Festival of Speed’. After its exclusive world premiere before international journalists, ŠKODA is presenting the new model for four days in the ŠKODA Pavilion next to the race track. Just before the unveiling at the ŠKODA pavilion, a total of four brand new ŠKODA Octavia RSs lapped the legendary circuit at Goodwood. Thousands of enthusiastic motorsports fans could finally get an idea of how powerful the car really is.

"The ‘Goodwood Festival of Speed’ is a fantastic venue for the world premiere of the new ŠKODA Octavia RS," states ŠKODA CEO Winfried Vahland. "Tens of thousands of automobile enthusiasts will be there to experience motorsports up close and personal, and that is exactly what the new Octavia RS offers. Our latest model is not just the fastest Octavia ever, but it is also larger, roomier and more practical than ever before. The new Octavia RS is in a sporty class of its own," says Vahland.

The new Octavia RS boasts outstanding fuel consumption and performance. Customers can choose between a two-litre petrol engine with 162 kW (220 hp) or a two-litre diesel engine with 135 kW (184 hp). Compared to the second generation Octavia RS, the new engines offer both higher performance and up to 19 percent lower fuel consumption, and they can reach a top speed of 248 km/h.

Year after year the ‘Goodwood Festival of Speed’ attracts the ‘crème de la crème’ of the motorsports world as well as many celebrities and tens of thousands of motorsports enthusiasts to the grounds of Goodwin House in West Sussex. In addition to the race itself, visitors can admire racing and sports cars, racing motorcycles and rally cars from every era of motorsports history. A competition for rally cars has been held since 2007 on a U-shaped rally course: the specially-built 2.5 km long 'Forest Rally Stage'.

Largest model offensive in company history

ŠKODA is boldly continuing its largest model offensive in the company's history with the new ŠKODA Octavia RS. The goal is to raise its worldwide sales to a minimum of 1.5 million units per year by the year 2018. "2013 is the year of our new models," states Vahland. ŠKODA will be launching eight new or revised cars this year alone, completely revising its entire model line and expanding it in important segments by the end of 2015.

Under its 2018 growth strategy, ŠKODA has significantly increased its sales over the last two years, achieving a new sales record in 2012 (its eighth in a row) selling 939,200 cars worldwide. From the start of the year to the end of June, the brand sold 464,600 worldwide, down 5.8 per cent. "We expected that we would not achieve the previous year's sales in the first half of the year in light of the ramp­up of production for the new Octavia and the Octavia Combi. We also did not entirely escape the weakness in some individual markets," explains Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA board member for sales and marketing. "We are cautiously optimistic about the second half of the year, however. The new models will give us new impetus," claims Eichhorn.

ŠKODA: Successful in motorsports

The RS is the Octavia range’s top-of-the-line model and the most powerful ŠKODA Octavia in production, permitting to experience the brand’s motorsport know-how in everyday life. For 112 years now, ŠKODA has been proving its rally capability on the world’s most demanding courses. Victories like at the 1977 Rally Monte Carlo and ongoing successes at the IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge speak for themselves. Three consecutive wins from 2010 to 2012 and 27 individual victories since 2009 have made ŠKODA the most successful brand in IRC history. With the double victory in the IRC brand and drivers‘ standings and winning the title in the European Rally Championship, the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship and six national rally championships placed 2012 among the most successful years in the brand’s 112-year history in motorsports.

ŠKODA continues to accelerate in this year’s motorsport season, increasing its motorsports activities in the Asian-Pacific region. For the first time, the newly established Team ŠKODA MRF participated with full factory sponsorship and two driver crews in this year's Asian-Pacific Rally Championship, immediately taking first and second place in the season's first race in early May in New Zealand. In the season's second race in New Caledonia, a ŠKODA MRF Crew also made first place. The brand is also enjoying success in the European Rally Championship with ŠKODA's Czech driving duo Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler currently ranked number 1 overall in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC). Thus ŠKODA continues along the path of success laid down in previous years.