ENG: Škoda Official Site News & Press Release

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA Achieves Record Financial Results and Deliveries in 2015

​› Record: For the second year in a row, ŠKODA sells more than 1 million vehicles worldwide; 1,055,500 deliveries (2014: 1,037,200; up 1.8%)
› Sales revenue: New high at 12.5 billion euros (up 6.2%)
› Operating profit: 915 million euros (up 12.0%)
› Strongest single market: sales in China at record high with 281,700 deliveries
› Successful start to the year: 170,300 deliveries by end of February 2016
› Future: ŠKODA launches SUV campaign

​Mladá Boleslav, 16 March 2016 – In 2015, ŠKODA set new records both in terms of global vehicle sales and financial results. Deliveries increased 1.8% to 1,055,500 vehicles (2014: 1,037,200). The brand also achieved record sales revenue, increasing 6.2% to a new high of 12.5 billion euros (2014: 11.8 billion euros); operating profit rose 12.0% to 915 million euros (2014: 817 million euros). The Czech automaker is planning further growth in 2016. ŠKODA’s future SUV models to play a crucial role in driving growth.

​“2015 was a good year for ŠKODA. Despite challenging market conditions, the company remained on course throughout the fiscal year, setting new records in deliveries, revenue and earnings,” says ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier. “This shows that ŠKODA has achieved a new level of performance. Our success is sustainable.” In light of the current fiscal year, Maier adds, “The automotive industry as a whole is facing major challenges. In this environment, ŠKODA will continue to drive the company’s growth throughout 2016, while investing in the brand’s future under the 2025 Strategy. This will specifically involve alternative automotive concepts, the digitization of individual mobility with new offers for our customers, and the expansion of our SUV model range.” Among other things, ŠKODA will be launching a new, large SUV this autumn, thereby strengthening the brand’s position in this important vehicle segment.

ŠKODA set new records in terms of sales revenue and earnings. Sales revenue rose to 12.5 billion euros (2014: 11.8 billion euros), surpassing the previous record, set in 2014, by 6.2%. Operating profit increased 12.0% to 915 million euros (2014: 817 million euros), representing 7.3% of turnover (2014: 7.0%).

“The increase in vehicle sales, a better mix in model versions sold and optimized material costs contributed to this profitable growth,” explains ŠKODA Chief Financial Officer Winfried Krause.

Profit before tax increased 9.2% to 846 million euros (2014: 775 million euros). Profit after tax in 2015 stood at 708 million euros (2014: 665 million euros), increasing 6.5% on the previous year. Investments amounted to 591 million euros in 2015 (2014: 698 million euros).

In 2015, ŠKODA delivered a record-breaking 1,055,500 vehicles to customers around the world. This represents an increase of about 18,300 vehicles or 1.8% over 2014 (1,037,200 deliveries).

For ŠKODA, 2015 was once again dominated by ŠKODA’s largest model campaign of all time. One special highlight was the market launch of the new ŠKODA Superb. The dimensions and spaciousness of the Superb position the model at the upper end of the automotive mid-class. In addition to the qualities of functionality, spaciousness and value for money that have popularized ŠKODA, the new Superb heralds the dawn of a new era for the brand in terms of design and technology.

“The success of the ŠKODA brand in the 2015 fiscal year is the result of a great team effort. We would like to thank the employees for their personal commitment. I would also like to extend my thanks to the KOVO trade union who once again accompanied the company’s development constructively in 2015,” says ŠKODA Board Member for HR Bohdan Wojnar.

The company’s success continued into the beginning of 2016. By the end of February, ŠKODA’s global sales had climbed 4.5% to 170,300 vehicles, setting a new record for the first two months of a year. 

ŠKODA will be raising the bar even further over the coming months in the next phase of expanding their model range. The SUV show car ŠKODA VisionS celebrated its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in early March 2016. In addition to demonstrating the brand’s future SUV design language, the VisionS incorporates the most important technologies that ŠKODA will be developing over the coming years, with an emphasis on electric mobility, connectivity and assistance systems for safety and comfort.

The study marks the launch of ŠKODA’s SUV campaign. Over the coming years, the company will be strengthening their position in the important SUV segment with new products. The brand will be presenting their new large series-produced SUV model as early as autumn this year at the Paris Motor Show.

[Karlheinz]

A strong partnership: 25 years of ŠKODA and Volkswagen

› Milestone in German-Czech economic history: ŠKODA has been part of Volkswagen Group for a quarter of a century
› 25 years of successful cooperation: development of a modern model range, sixfold increase in sales figures, high investments in development and production capacities
› Internationally successful: from regional market leader to an attractive brand in over 100 markets worldwide

Mladá Boleslav, 24 March 2016 – One of the most successful mergers in automotive history is celebrating its 25th anniversary in the coming days: on 28 March 1991, the contract was signed that made ‘ŠKODA, automobilová akciová společnost’ part of Volkswagen Group. The agreement came into force on 16 April 1991. Within a quarter of a century, the brand developed from a regional manufacturer into a dynamic car manufacturer of international calibre. Today, ŠKODA is producing more than one million vehicles per year and is present in over 100 markets worldwide. The widest model range in the company’s history is manufactured at 14 locations over two continents. In this anniversary year, the Czech car manufacturer begins a new model campaign in the SUV segment.

“In the last 25 years, ŠKODA has developed from a regional brand into an internationally successful car manufacturer. The decisive factors in that were the acquisition through Volkswagen Group a quarter of a century ago and the professional cooperation between ŠKODA and Volkswagen. Our brand’s success story is unique in the automotive industry,” said Bernhard Maier, CEO of ŠKODA.

The incorporation of ŠKODA into Volkswagen Group ranks among the most successful examples of privatisation of Czechoslovakian state-owned enterprises at the beginning of the 1990s. Production volume at that time was about 200,000 cars per year; the model range consisted of only two model lines – a soon-to-be-discontinued rear-engined model and the compact car Favorit, which was presented in 1987, including its estate version Forman. Today, ŠKODA offers an extensive model range: from the small car Citigo to the flagship, the ŠKODA Superb, and with a total of over 40 model variants.
Prior to the merger with Volkswagen Group, several car manufacturers from Western Europe and overseas expressed their interest in the long-established brand to the Czechoslovakian government; the brand was founded at the end of 1895 during the pioneering days of the automobile and thereby ranks among the longest-established car brands in the world. High-ranking, Czech economic and political representatives intervened in the sales negotiations and made a far-sighted decision: in 1991, ŠKODA was sold to Volkswagen Group.

Volkswagen – already by then the largest car producer in Europe – had expressed its sustained interest in the brand from Mladá Boleslav before. In 1987, the head of development, Petr Hrdlička presented a prototype of the new, front-wheel-drive ŠKODA Favorit in Wolfsburg and had it checked extensively by Volkswagen. Having detailed information about the new model and the knowledge of its potential made ŠKODA even more attractive from Volkswagen Group’s perspective. Another clincher was the Czech brand’s well-educated, creative and motivated staff. Craftsmanship and engineering expertise have always been strengths of the Czech people.
On 9 December 1990, the Czech government decided: Volkswagen Group will be ŠKODA’s strategic partner. On 28 March 1991, the then Czech Minister of Industry, Jan Vrba, and the CEO of Volkswagen at that time, Dr. Carl Hahn, signed the contract for the integration of the car manufacturer named ‘ŠKODA, automobilová akciová společnost’ into Volkswagen Group. On 16 April 1991, the document came into force, complemented by a capital contribution and the shareholders’ agreement. For a contribution of 620 million Deutschmarks over the course of 1991, Volkswagen Group at first acquired 31 per cent of the shares in the company from Mladá Boleslav. Gradually, the group increased its stake and became the sole owner of the stock company ŠKODA on 30 May 2000.

Over the last 25 years, the ŠKODA brand’s dynamic development was spurred on by a comprehensive investment programme, which was closely coordinated with other Group brands. Between 1991 and March 2016, ŠKODA has invested over 300 billion korunas (around 11 billion euros) in new models, research and development as well as in expanding production capacities in the Czech Republic. Furthermore, ŠKODA is the only manufacturer that not only produces cars in the Czech Republic, but also develops them there. ŠKODA’s development department consisted of 600 employees in the spring of 1991; today, around 2,000 highly qualified specialists are employed in the technology, development and design centre in Mladá Boleslav. They are responsible for designing high-quality cars with the typical ŠKODA advantages such as above-average space, great functionality and future-oriented technology. Following the incorporation of ŠKODA into the structures of Volkswagen Group, the production network of the three existing Czech ŠKODA sites in Mladá Boleslav, Kvasiny and Vrchlabí was supplemented by further capacities of Volkswagen Group in China, India, Russia and Slovakia. Assembly sites in Ukraine and Kazakhstan were also added.

The heart of the globally successful brand still beats in Mladá Boleslav. The company’s headquarters and main plant have been in the Bohemian town – about a 30-minute drive north of Prague – for 121 years. The town is one of the birthplaces of the European car industry, whose pioneers include Václav Laurin and Václav Klement. Inspired by motorised mobility on two and four wheels, the two men laid the foundation for the car company of today in 1895. Incidentally, they were contemporaries of Ferdinand Porsche, whose birthplace of Vratislavice is not far from Mladá Boleslav.

Today, ŠKODA is one of the essential pillars of the Czech economy: in 2014, the manufacturer alone generated 4.5 per cent of Czech gross domestic product and is responsible for around 8 per cent of all Czech exports. Many supplier companies with several thousand jobs are also a part of ŠKODA’s success story.
Whilst the home market remains significant for ŠKODA with 85,000 deliveries to customers in 2015, 92 per cent of the 1,055,500 cars delivered in 2015 were sold in other countries – evidence of ŠKODA’s global success. China has been ŠKODA’s biggest single market for some years. In 2015, the Czech brand delivered a total of 281,700 vehicles to customers there. In Germany, globally the second-largest sales market, ŠKODA has occupied the leading position as the most successful importer for seven years. In the highly competitive German passenger car market, the brand achieved a market share of 5.6 per cent last year with 158,700 deliveries. ŠKODA is currently recording double-digit sales increases in many countries.

The brand is paying particular attention to its staff and staff development. With around 28,500 employees today, ŠKODA ranks among the largest employers in the Czech Republic and regularly achieves the top positions in the rankings of the most attractive employers. The vocational school for mechanical engineering in Mladá Boleslav looks back on almost 90 years of tradition; around 22,000 apprentices have graduated during this time. Currently, almost 900 full-time apprentices are enrolled in 14 vocational courses. Around 100 employees are currently improving their existing qualifications with further training courses. 1,400 students have already successfully graduated from ŠKODA University which opened in Mladá Boleslav itself in 2000.

A quarter of a century after the new start under the umbrella of Volkswagen Group, ŠKODA is achieving new sales records: in 2015, deliveries grew by 1.8 percent to 1,055,500 cars (2014: 1,037,200). Sales revenue increased by 6.2 per cent to the new record figure of 12.5 billion euros (2014: 11.8 billion euros), operating profit grew by 12.0 per cent to 915 million euros (2014: 817 million euros). As of the end of February 2016, worldwide ŠKODA sales climbed by 4.5 per cent to 170,300 cars and with it, ŠKODA achieved a new record figure for the first two months of a year. This model example in the German-Czech economic history continues as a global success story. With the 25-year anniversary, the path shared by ŠKODA and Volkswagen Group is reaching a new milestone.

[Karlheinz]

Milestone: One million third-generation ŠKODA Octavias produced

​› Success rooted in tradition: 5 million ŠKODA Octavia models produced since 1996; one million third-generation ŠKODA Octavias manufactured in total
› ‘Heart of the brand’ has received more than 50 international awards
› International success: a total of 432,300 Octavias delivered to customers around the world in 2015

​Mladá Boleslav, 29 March 2016 – ŠKODA has produced the one millionth third-generation Octavia. The milestone vehicle ran off assembly line at ŠKODA’s main factory in Mladá Boleslav. Since the model was introduced in 1996, the Czech carmaker has produced five million Octavias in total.

​This is the most successful ŠKODA model ever and is considered the ‘heart of the brand’ – the ŠKODA Octavia. Now the jubilee vehicle, an Octavia Scout in moon-white, has rolled off the assembly line at the main factory in Mladá Boleslav. Manufacturing one million third-generation ŠKODA Octavias underscores the success of the vehicle on the international markets. The Octavia sets standards in its class and is the largest, safest, most practical and comfortable Octavia ever. More than any other ŠKODA model, the Octavia symbolises the brand’s rapid rise over the past two decades. Five million ŠKODA Octavias have been manufactured in total since 1996.

The third-generation ŠKODA Octavia is more diverse than ever. The Octavia hatch and estate are available with front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The ŠKODA Octavia RS is the fastest series-produced Octavia of all time. The ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC with natural gas drive and the ŠKODA Octavia Scout, a robust all-rounder with impressive off-road qualities, debuted in 2014. In addition, the exclusive ŠKODA Octavia L&K is available in Europe.

With a wide range of model versions and outstanding product features, it is not only in the markets that the Octavia has been a hit; the professional audience have also praised ŠKODA’s bestseller. In recent years, the vehicle has received more than 50 international awards. The model has also won out in numerous comparison tests.

The third generation of the Octavia was launched on the market in 2013. Most Octavia models are produced at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav. In addition to production in the Czech Republic, the ŠKODA Octavia runs off the assembly lines in China, Russia, India and Kazakhstan. As ŠKODA’s largest individual market, China plays a crucial role for both the brand and the model. The ŠKODA Octavia was launched in China in May 2014. Since then, the compact-class vehicle has been produced at SAIC Volkswagen’s factory in Ningbo.

In 2015 alone, 432,300 vehicles from the Octavia model series were sold around the world, which is around 11% more Octavia models than the previous year. ŠKODA delivered 70,500 Octavias to customers in the first two months of this year.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA Strengthens Presence in China

​› VOLKSWAGEN AG, SAIC MOTOR CORPORATION LIMITED and ŠKODA AUTO sign Memorandum of Understanding during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in Czech Republic
› Agreement covers 5-year investment plan amounting around EUR 2 billion for expansion of ŠKODA’s model range
› Investment priorities include new models in addition to alternative drive systems and digitization of individual mobility and connectivity of vehicles
› ŠKODA AUTO assumes equity position in Joint Venture SAIC VOLKSWAGEN Automotive Company Limited

​Mladá Boleslav, 30 March 2016 – ŠKODA will be strengthening their presence on the Chinese automobile market in cooperation with its longstanding Chinese joint venture partner SAIC VOLKSWAGEN Automotive Company Limited. This will involve expanding the model range and investing in pioneering automotive technologies. On the occasion of a state visit of the Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Czech Republic on 29 and 30 March 2016, a memorandum was signed among VOLKSWAGEN, SAIC MOTOR CORPORATION LIMITED and ŠKODA AUTO in the presence of the Chinese and Czech President.

Under the agreement, Joint Venture SAIC VOLKSWAGEN Automotive Company Limited plans to invest around EUR 2 billion over the next five years in the development of ŠKODA’s model range in China. This amount also includes expenditures for pioneering electric drive concepts, the connectivity of ŠKODA cars to the Internet and the digitization of individual mobility.  In addition, the companies VOLKSWAGEN, SAIC MOTOR CORPORATION LIMITED and ŠKODA AUTO also determined that, subject to approval by the Chinese authorities, ŠKODA would assume an equity position in Joint Venture SAIC VOLKSWAGEN Automotive Company Limited.

​“Since entering the market nine years ago, ŠKODA AUTO has made some very positive developments on the Chinese auto market, which has since become our largest single market,” says ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier. “We owe this success to our attractive model range and the very constructive and friendly cooperation with our longstanding Chinese partner SAIC VOLKSWAGEN Automotive Company Limited,” said Maier. “With today’s agreement we’ll be strengthening our brand’s presence on the Chinese market. In the coming years, we’ll rapidly expand ŠKODA’s offering to include forward-looking vehicle concepts and modern technology. Our aim is to double ŠKODA deliveries in China by 2020. For this, we’re now laying the foundations together with SAIC Volkswagen.” The focus will be on expanding ŠKODA’s model range and investing in pioneering automotive technologies. The show car VisionS recently gave the start signal for the SUV campaign as well as innovative electric drive systems on the Chinese market. With respect to ŠKODA’s planned equity interest in the Chinese Joint Venture, Maier said: “We are pleased that we will be able to significantly strengthen our brand’s presence in the Chinese market through this interest in the Joint Venture SAIC VOLKSWAGEN Automotive Company Limited. The equity interest in the company is the basis for the independent branding of ŠKODA cars and consequently the ŠKODA brand’s profiled staging in China.”

ŠKODA is currently preparing a comprehensive SUV campaign for the Chinese market with the Joint Venture partner. In relation to this, the ŠKODA VisionS design study will be presented to the Chinese public for the first time at the end of April at the automotive show in Beijing. The VisionS provides a glimpse of the new large SUV ŠKODA model whose launch in China is planned for the first half 2017. As part of the SUV campaign, another body variant of ŠKODA’s large SUV is already in development. In addition, the brand intends to bring out a crossover utility vehicle (CUV) for China.

Chinese customers’ interest in modern SUVs has been demonstrated through the sales of the ŠKODA Yeti, which is produced at the Anting plant with a six-centimetre longer wheelbase compared to the European version, increasing more than 300% in the first two months of 2016 compared to the same period last year.

“With their passionate commitment to China, ŠKODA and the Joint Venture SAIC VOLKSWAGEN Automotive Company Limited play an important role in the Group's strategy,” says Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann, Member of the Board of Volkswagen AG, and President and CEO of the Volkswagen Group China. “The investment of around two billion euros is a strong signal for the future research and development of new vehicle concepts and environmentally friendly technologies in China. The agreement between the two partners is an important step towards the future.”

ŠKODA was one of the car pioneers on the Chinese market. As early as 1936, the brand maintained five commercial agencies in China. In more recent years, ŠKODA AUTO relaunched vehicle production in China in mid-2007 with ŠKODA Octavia – the heart of the brand. In close cooperation with their partner SAIC VOLKSWAGEN Automotive Company Limited the production of the small car Fabia began the following year at the plant in Anting near Shanghai. The millionth ŠKODA produced in China rolled off the production line in July 2013. The Czech automobile manufacturer’s models are currently built also at the Chinese SAIC VOLKSWAGEN plants in Nanjing, Yizheng and Ningbo. To date, the company has sold over 1.7 million vehicles in China. By assuming an equity position in the SAIC VOLKSWAGEN Automotive Company Limited, ŠKODA is again broadening the company’s position in China.

Since 2007, ŠKODA’s deliveries to customers in China have increased from 27,300 to 281,700 vehicles in 2015. This currently corresponds to around a quarter of the brand’s total sales. China has been the most important single market worldwide for ŠKODA since 2010. In 2012 the Czech automaker had three series on the Chinese market; now the traditional brand has six different model series – from the ŠKODA Fabia through to the new ŠKODA Superb.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA Superb Combi wins the ‘Red Dot Award’ for exceptional product design

​› The international ‘Red Dot’ jury recognises the emotive and expressive design of the ŠKODA Superb Combi
› Award for high design quality confirms the emotional power of ŠKODA’s new design style
› ŠKODA Head of Design, Kabaň: “ŠKODA cars will also stand out in the future with their convincing balance of functionality and aesthetics”

​Mladá Boleslav, 30 March 2016 – The international jury of experts of the ‘Red Dot Award’ have declared the new ŠKODA Superb Combi the winner in the ‘Product Design’ category. The mid-size Combi, which was presented around 6 months ago, thereby wins one of the world’s most famous and prestigious design competitions.

​With its perfect combination of aesthetics and functionality, the Combi version of ŠKODA’s flagship underlines the brand’s engineering and design competence. The mid-size Combi is passionate, modern and emotive. With its outstanding level of space as well as its modern assistance systems for safety, comfort and connectivity, the new-generation Superb moves to the upper end of the mid-size car segment.

With these qualities, the new Superb model range has made an excellent start and is being well-received by customers and trade press in equal measures. The top-of-the-range Combi has now convinced the high-level international jury of the ‘Red Dot Design Awards’ with its dynamic and confidently stylish elegance.

“We are delighted that the emotive design of the new ŠKODA models is being so well-received by our customers and trade experts,” said ŠKODA Head of Design, Jozef Kabaň. “Nowadays, everyday objects are seen not only as functional, but also in an emotional way.” ŠKODA cars will also stand out from the competition in the future with their convincing balance of functionality and aesthetics,” Kabaň continued.

The new Superb Combi transfers ŠKODA’s new expressive design language into the mid-size estate car segment. At the same time, the new Superb Combi reaches a new dimension in terms of space and comfort. With a boot capacity of 660 litres, the Superb achieved top marks in its segment. With the rear seats folded down, the luggage compartment increases to 1,950 litres. Besides its generous interior, the spacious car offers a wealth of ‘Simply Clever’ features.

Professor Dr Peter Zec, founder and CEO of the ‘Red Dot Awards’, explained: “With their performances, the Red Dot winners are not only proof of extraordinary creative quality, but they also demonstrate that design is an integral part of innovative product solutions.” His personal opinion of the new award winner: “The new Superb has a great silhouette and is a wonderful car.”

The independent expert panel of the ‘Red Dot Award’ discusses and judges every single submission in person and on-site according to certain criteria, such as degree of innovation, design quality, functionality and environmental compatibility. The ‘Red Dot’ is regarded worldwide as a seal of high-quality product design and was awarded this year for the 61st time. With around 5,000 applications annually from over 50 countries, it ranks among the largest design competitions in the world. The jury is made up of independent designers, design professors and specialised journalists. In 2016, the jury composed of 41 members for the first time – more than ever before in the history of the prestigious award.

ŠKODA receives the ‘Red Dot’ for the ninth time. The first model of the long-established Czech brand to be adorned with the seal of quality was the Octavia Combi in 2006. In 2013, the new, emotive design language of the long-established company – as seen in the ŠKODA Rapid – was awarded the ‘Red Dot Award’ for the first time.

[Karlheinz]

Entering into a new market segment: market launch of the ŠKODA Snowman

​› Snow groomer with distinctive design and plug-in hybrid drive
› Outstanding off-road qualities, innovative operating concept
› ŠKODA Snowman will be launched in December 2016

​Mladá Boleslav, 1 April 2016 – As part of its growth strategy, ŠKODA is entering into a new business segment. By launching the ŠKODA Snowman, the brand intends on bringing its first snow groomer to the market at the end of 2016. With the modern, distinctive and emotive design, the long-established Czech company is focusing on the highly competitive piste preparation equipment segment. Using powerful plug-in hybrid drive, innovative assistance systems and numerous new ‘Simply Clever’ features, ŠKODA is now bringing innovative automotive technology to the piste.

​There has been some speculation regarding Snowman as the name for the new ŠKODA SUV for a long time. ŠKODA is now revealing the secret: the ŠKODA Snowman is a spectacular newcomer for high-alpine terrain with outstanding off-road qualities, especially in winter. With this vehicle concept, ŠKODA will exceed the functionality and all-terrain capability of all known SUV concepts. In addition, the Snowman is equipped with technology that will open up completely new possibilities for piste preparation equipment. For Alpine regions, where environmental conservation is of particular importance, the plug-in hybrid drive finally provides the necessary relief. At the same time, operators’ tough working conditions are made easier thanks to an innovative operating and display concept. The Snowman is an essential part of ŠKODA’s 2025 corporate strategy and signifies a bold step into new business segments. In the 25 years since Volkswagen’s acquisition of the long-established Czech brand, ŠKODA has consistently expanded its model range. With the Snowman, ŠKODA is now entering into completely new business and customer segments. Of course, ŠKODA’s great values, such as above-average space, functionality and excellent value for money, have been key for the development.

The ŠKODA Snowman is 9.13 metres long (with snowplough and snowblower) and 2.50 metres wide without tracks (5.26 m with snowplough). The brand brings powerful emotional qualities to the piste with its expressive design language. The design is aesthetic and functional at the same time; visually, the lines create extraordinary width. Sharp lines surround sculpturally carved-out surfaces – many of the exterior features pay homage to traditional Czech crystal glass art. Crystalline elements characterise the brand logo, the vertical struts in the trapeze-shaped grille and the four narrow, wedge-shaped headlights.

The ŠKODA Snowman is the first ŠKODA production model with plug-in hybrid drive. It has a power output of 295 kW (400 PS), torque of 650 Nm. Downhill, the highly efficient drive recuperates energy and feeds it to the lithium-ion battery. The power is transferred to the two caterpillar tracks via a transfer case. The ŠKODA Snowman has a top speed of 20 km/h, can climb gradients of up to 100 per cent and can also turn on its own axis. The average fuel consumption is approximately 14 litres per hour.

ŠKODA is even adopting a new approach with regards to the operating and display concept. The steering wheel is shaped like a control stick, which the driver uses to control all functions. The connectivity concept is also purely high-tech: the ŠKODA Snowman is wirelessly connected to the mountain station.

The generously sized glass cabin offers space for up to three people, the air-suspended driver’s seat can be heated. The ‘Simply Clever’ features typical for ŠKODA include a magnetic snow shovel holder, a heated cup holder for a Thermos flask and a multi-function box for snow boots and avalanche transceiver. A climate-controlled storage compartment for keeping sunglasses fog-free and for drying hats and gloves is available as an optional extra. The ashtray features an automatic fire extinguishing system that uses snow from the surrounding air.

The ŠKODA Snowman will be launched in Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and other important European markets in December 2016. The starting price is 280,000 euros.

[Karlheinz]

20 Years of ŠKODA Octavia: Jubilee for the Heart of the Brand

​› Debut: ŠKODA introduces the first generation ŠKODA Octavia in April 1996
› Modern technologies guarantee safety, comfort and efficiency
› Bestseller: five million ŠKODA Octavias sold in two decades

​Mladá Boleslav, 4 April 2016 – One of the most successful model series in the automotive world made its debut 20 years ago: In 1996, ŠKODA AUTO presented their Octavia saloon for the first time to international media representatives. Over the following two decades, the ŠKODA Octavia became a worldwide hit and is still the traditional Czech automaker’s best-selling series. The compact model has been instrumental in the successful development of the ŠKODA brand.

​The ŠKODA Octavia is celebrating an important milestone. The impressive interim results of the compact bestseller: In the 20 years since the debut of the first ŠKODA Octavia, five million customers around the world have opted for one of the various model versions in the Octavia family. Its unique combination of above-average space, modern engines and safety features at an attractive price was to be the inspiration for all the brand’s later model series and model generations.

Approximately one year after the Czech brand had joined the Volkswagen Group, the development of completely new ŠKODA Octavia model series was underway in 1992. This was based on what was then an entirely new platform, developed at Group level in parallel with the conception of the Octavia. The engineers constructed a robust body structure with the help of modern CAD (Computer Aided Design) technology, while the ŠKODA design team created an equally timeless and unmistakable body shape, at the ŠKODA development centre in Mladá Boleslav led by Chief Designer Dirk van Braeckel.
 
The developers paid close attention to active and passive safety. In addition to front airbags, the brand offered the then new side airbags for the first time. A very special feature of the new compact was the practical liftback solution: The large rear door of the hatchback model allowed for excellent access to the 528-litre boot, which grew to as much as 1,328 litres by folding the rear seats down.

In 1996, the year the model was first released, customers could choose between two four-cylinder petrol engines and one turbo diesel drivetrain. The entry-level engine was the 1.6 MPI with 55 kW (75 hp), the 1.8 20 V positioned above that brought it to 92 kW (125 hp). The modern turbodiesel direct-injection 1.9 TDI generated an output of 66 kW (90 hp), giving an average fuel consumption of 5.1 litres diesel per 100 kilometres. ŠKODA gradually expanded their engine range by the particularly economical 1.9 SDI with 50 kW (68 hp) and the 1.8 20 V turbo with 110 kW (150 hp).

The first Octavia Combi (estate) celebrated its world premiere in March 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show, and was launched on the market that May. This body version quickly became a bestseller, particularly in Europe.  In 1999 Octavia Combi with all-wheel drive made its debut.

The type designation Octavia/Octavia Combi refers to the successful model of the same name, of which ŠKODA produced approximately 364,000 units between 1959 and 1964 in Mladá Boleslav and Kvasiny. The Latin word ‘octavia’ means ‘the eighth’, relating to ŠKODA’s eighth automobile of the ‘modern era’ with independent suspension following the debut of this technology in 1933.

For the new Octavia series, ŠKODA built a new production line in a 37,500-square-metre hall at the Mladá Boleslav plant, followed by a new paint shop processing up to 1,800 vehicles per day. The new production line commenced operations on April 3, 1996. The capacity of the main plant increased by 90,000 units to 350,000 vehicles annually and ŠKODA became the largest industrial company in the Czech Republic.

The last vehicle of the first series event usually rolled off Vrchlabí’s production line in November 2010. From 1996 to 2010, ŠKODA delivered a total of 970,000 saloons and over 470,000 estates to customers worldwide.

The second-generation Octavia continued unabated the success of its predecessor. ŠKODA sold a total of 1.6 million saloons and 900,000 estates between 2004 and 2013. Technologies, such as direct-injection petrol engines, and the direct shift gearbox (DSG) made their debut in the Octavia II.

The third-generation Octavia, an important cornerstone of ŠKODA’s model range, has been running off the production lines since November 2012. At the end of March 2016, the one millionth vehicle of this model generation was produced at ŠKODA’s main production facility in Mladá Boleslav.

The traditional Czech brand has manufactured a total of five million Octavias since the ŠKODA Octavia was first launched in 1996. In addition to Mladá Boleslav, the ŠKODA Octavia is also produced in China, India, Russia and Kazakhstan.

[Karlheinz]

One-off Compact Coupé: ŠKODA Apprentices Build Dream Car

​› Now the third ‘ŠKODA Apprentice Car’ after the ŠKODA CitiJet and ŠKODA FUNStar
› Successful presentation to Board members and experts from specialist departments
› Unique concept: Coupé body with two extended doors and glass roof; apprentice project emphasizes high standard of ŠKODA Vocational Training

​Mladá Boleslav, 7 April 2016 – ŠKODA apprentices build their dream car: a compact coupé with rear hatch and long glass roof. This is now the third unique ‘ŠKODA Apprentice Car’. The young team recently presented the latest developments to the Board of Directors.

​For several months, a team of 27 apprentices of the ŠKODA Vocational School have been working on the unique ‘ŠKODA Apprentice Car III’, with the help of instructors at the company’s headquarters in Mladá Boleslav. The departments for technical development, design, and production are supporting the project, for which the ŠKODA Academy is responsible. The finished vehicle study will be presented to the public in May. The car is yet to receive a name.

This is the third time that ŠKODA has run the apprentice project. The apprentices recently presented the latest updates on the project to ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier, ŠKODA Board Member for Production Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA Board Member for HR Bohdan Wojnar and experts from ŠKODA’s specialist departments. “It’s great to see our students’ passion and commitment to this project,” says ŠKODA Board Member for HR Bohdan Wojnar. “The next emotive vehicle study has arisen with ŠKODA’s third Trainee Car. ‘Trainee Car III’ is also going to be an extraordinary car,” Wojnar is convinced. “Just like its predecessors, this project will show how great our trainees’ technical and manual skills are.”

The project aims to promote the creativity and expertise of the vocational students, and to harness their enthusiasm in designing their own car. The unique ‘ŠKODA Apprentice Car III’ is the result: The car has a coupé-style body with two extended doors. Two-tone paint in red and black and a long glass roof visually stretch the contours. With the current ‘Trainee Car’, ŠKODA is continuing this new tradition: 2014 saw the presentation of the ultra-compact CitiJet convertible based on the ŠKODA Citigo; the FUNStar pick-up, with technology from the ŠKODA Fabia, followed in 2015.

“At first we did not know how exciting this task would be,” says Daniel Voce, an apprentice in the project team, consisting of 5 young women and 22 young men. “We are developing in all areas of the automobile,” Voce said. Team leader Zdeněk Stanke explained, “I am proud of my team. We are progressing very well because everyone is giving their all. It should be emphasised that our trainees must bring the project work in line with their schoolwork.”

The Czech carmaker is once again emphasising the high standard of ŠKODA’s apprenticeship programmes with this apprentice project.  The Vocational School, founded in 1927, offers young people three- or four-year training programmes in technical subjects. Almost 900 apprentices, of which 14.3% are women, are currently enrolled on 14 full-time training courses. Around 100 employees are advancing their qualifications in the school’s postgraduate programme.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA: Best First Quarter and Best March in Company’s History

​› Best quarter: 276,600 ŠKODA deliveries (up 4.3%)
› Best March: 106,300 ŠKODA deliveries (up 4.2%)
› ŠKODA records significant growth in the first three months of 2016 in Europe and China
› ŠKODA Superb, Fabia and Yeti: double-digit increases in first quarter of 2016

​Mladá Boleslav, 11. April 2016 – Recording their best first quarter and strongest single month in the company’s 121-year history, ŠKODA highlights their growth in March: Between January and March 2016, the Czech automaker delivered 276,600 vehicles to customers, which is 4.3% more than in the same period last year. Delivering 106,300 units to customers worldwide in March (March 2015: 102,100; up 4.2%), the company sold more vehicles than ever before in a single calendar month. The positive developments in the core markets of China and Europe – with double-digit growth in numerous individual markets – also contributed to their record sales figures, including the significant gains of the ŠKODA Fabia, Superb and Yeti model series.

​“With the best first quarter and the best single month in our corporate history, ŠKODA is building on the successful development of sales in 2015. We are optimistic for the coming months, taking into consideration our growth in China and Europe, as well as the success of the new ŠKODA Superb, and the Fabia and Yeti models. At the same time, the situation remains tense in some markets, particularly Russia,” says ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing Werner Eichhorn.

ŠKODA achieved significant growth in March and the first quarter in Western Europe. In March deliveries rose by 6.4% to 49,600 (March 2015: 46,600). In the first three months of the year, the brand improved their sales by 8.5% to 115,000 vehicles sold (first quarter of 2015: 106,000). ŠKODA’s market share reached 3.2%. In Germany – ŠKODA’s second strongest market worldwide – the brand’s sales increased by 5.1% to 16,300 vehicles in March (March 2015: 15,500), and in the first quarter by 7.8% to 38,900 vehicles (2015: 36,100). ŠKODA has strengthened their position in Germany as the number-one automobile importer. In March, the Czech car manufacturer also recorded double-digit growth in France (2300 vehicles; up 27.1%), Belgium (2200 vehicles; up 31.3%), Italy (2100 cars; up 20.9%), Ireland (1500 vehicles; up 28.1%) Sweden (1400 vehicles; up 10.1%), Netherlands (1400 vehicles; up 18.6%) and Portugal (400 vehicles; up 50.0%).

ŠKODA also recorded significant growth in Central Europe. In March, the brand sold 16,500 vehicles in this region – an up of 8.1% compared to the previous March (15,300). In the first quarter, deliveries increased by 6.8% to 46,100 vehicles (first quarter of 2015: 43,200). In their Czech home market, ŠKODA’s sales in March increased by 9.0% to 8,000 units (March 2015: 7300), and in the first quarter by 8.3% to 21,900 vehicles (first quarter of 2015: 20,200). Also, in Poland (5100 vehicles; up 10.6%), Slovakia (1600 vehicles; up 7.2%) and Slovenia (600 vehicles; up 9.3%) ŠKODA sold more cars than in March 2015.

In Eastern Europe, excluding Russia, ŠKODA sold 3000 vehicles in March (March 2015: 2500) and thus 17.6% more than the same month last year. In the first quarter, the brand delivered 7400 vehicles to customers (first quarter of 2015: 6900, up 6.8%). ŠKODA’s market share had risen to 8.0% by the end of March (first quarter of 2015: 6.9%). Despite the challenging market conditions in Russia, ŠKODA delivered 4800 vehicles in March (March 2015: 4600); in the first quarter the manufacturer sold 12,500 vehicles (January to March 2015: 15,300). ŠKODA’s share of the Russian market stood at 4.2% in the first quarter (first quarter of 2015: 4.2%). Among other regions, ŠKODA achieved double-digit growth in Romania (900 vehicles; up 23.1%), Bulgaria (200 vehicles; up 13.6%) and Bosnia (100 vehicles; up 10.3%).

In the company’s strongest global market, China, ŠKODA deliveries increased by 1.3% to 25,600 vehicles in March (March 2015: 25,200). In the first quarter, ŠKODA’s deliveries increased by 5.2% to 75,400 vehicles (January to March 2015: 71,700 vehicles). By the end of March, ŠKODA had a 1.4% share of the Chinese market. ŠKODA achieved high rates of growth in March in Israel (1800 vehicles; up 16.1%), Taiwan (400 vehicles; up 80.8%) and New Zealand (100 vehicles; up 41.6%). Turkey is another important market for the brand with 2100 deliveries (up 0.7%). In India, the manufacturer achieved 1400 deliveries in March (March 2015: 1.500; down 6.9%). In the first quarter, 3700 customers opted for a ŠKODA (January to March 2015: 4100).

In terms of model series, the brand's flagship, the ŠKODA Superb, the subcompact Fabia and the compact SUV Yeti achieved above-average growth rates. This March, the mid-class Superb series achieved an increase of 79.3% over the previous March with 13,000 units sold. Between January and March, sales of the Superb increased 69.8% to 32,200 compared to the first quarter of 2015. This positive development is attributable to the base effect resulting from the discontinuation of its predecessor last year. The Fabia achieved significant growth both in March (20,500 vehicles; up 21.6%), as well as in the first quarter (49,500 vehicles; up 28.5%). The Yeti also recorded positive developments, with sales of 10,600 in March (up 14.6%) and 26,900 vehicles (up 16,9%) in the first quarter of 2016.

 
ŠKODA deliveries to customers in March 2016 (in units, rounded off, listed by model; +/- in % compared to March 2015):
ŠKODA Citigo (only sold in Europe: 4500; -0.9 %)
ŠKODA Fabia (20,500; +21.6 %)
ŠKODA Rapid (18,300; -10.4 %)
ŠKODA Octavia (39,400; -2.4 %)
ŠKODA Superb (13,000; +79.3 %)
ŠKODA Yeti (10.600; +14.6 %)

ŠKODA deliveries to customers in the first quarter of 2016 (in units, rounded off, listed by model; +/- in % compared to the first quarter of 2015):
ŠKODA Citigo (only sold in Europe: 9700; +0.5 %)
ŠKODA Fabia (49.500; +28.5 %)
ŠKODA Rapid (48.500; -12.6 %)
ŠKODA Octavia (109.900; -1.8 %)
ŠKODA Superb (32.200; +69.8 %)
ŠKODA Yeti (26.900; +16.9 %)

[Karlheinz]

Success Story: ŠKODA and Volkswagen Celebrate 25-Year Partnership

​› Ceremony at the ŠKODA Museum: Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka and Volkswagen CEO Matthias Müller among the 500 guests
› Strong partnership: ŠKODA AUTO part of Volkswagen Group since 16 April 1991
› Rebirth: ŠKODA’s successful rise from regional leader to global player
› Record sales: 2015 ŠKODA delivered more than one million vehicles; upward trend continues
› Model campaign: ŠKODA sets sights on SUV segment in jubilee year

​Mladá Boleslav, 12 April 2016 – The foundations of an exemplary success story were laid 25 years ago. The partnership between the Volkswagen Group and the Czech carmaker began on 16 April 1991. From that point on, the traditional Czech brand evolved from being a regional market leader to an internationally successful vehicle manufacturer. In the presence of Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, Volkswagen CEO Matthias Müller and Jaroslav Povšík, head of trade union KOVO MB, ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier commemorated this outstanding milestone in the company’s 121-year history today. Around 500 guests from politics, economy and society took part in the anniversary celebrations at the Laurin & Klement Forum of the ŠKODA Museum in Mladá Boleslav.


​“ŠKODA is one of the longest-established carmakers in the world that has been writing an exemplary success story over the past quarter century thanks to a strong team,” said ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier, adding: “What began as a one-series producer with annual sales of 170,000 in the early 90s has since evolved into an internationally competitive car company with six model lines and over 40 versions.  Nowadays, ŠKODA produces over one million cars per year at 14 production sites on two continents, selling products in over 100 markets. The good partnership between ŠKODA and Volkswagen and a competent and highly motivated workforce have paved the way for this exemplary development.”

“Supporting a stable economy, attracting new investments and creating new jobs are among the priorities of the government coalition. ŠKODA AUTO has become one of the drivers of the Czech economy over the past 25 years. The government recently supported the expansion of the Solnice-Kvasiny industrial zone in the Hradec Králové region. ŠKODA AUTO will be investing 7.2 billion crowns into the location and creating more than 2000 new jobs by 2018. This investment also underlines the fact that ŠKODA AUTO is one of the most important investors and employers in the Czech Republic. I wish the company stable and successful development over the coming years,” says Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka.


By 1990 several car manufacturers from Western Europe and overseas had expressed their interest in the traditional brand, founded in 1895, to the Czech government, who ultimately decided in favour of merging ŠKODA with Volkswagen. Europe's largest automobile producer was seeking a strategic partnership with the traditional Czech brand, and welcomed the highly trained, creative and efficient workforce. Craftsmanship and engineering expertise had always been among the Czechs’ strengths. On 28 March 1991, Czech Industry Minister Jan Vrba and Dr. Carl Hahn as CEO of Volkswagen signed the agreement on the inclusion of the then ‘ŠKODA automobilová akciová společnost’ in the Volkswagen Group. On April 16, 1991, the document came into force. As a result, the Group gradually increased its share before becoming the sole owner of the joint stock company ŠKODA AUTO on 30 May, 2000.

“ŠKODA and Volkswagen represent a European success story. 25 years ago, ŠKODA was a company with a long tradition and great potential. Today, ŠKODA is the Czech Republic’s leading exporter, and one of the most dynamic automotive brands in the world,” says Volkswagen Group CEO, Matthias Müller. “Digitization and electromobility are presenting our industry with considerable challenges, but above all, they offer great opportunities. As part of the Volkswagen Group, ŠKODA has all the prerequisites to cope with change, in terms of their customers, employees and manufacturing locations. This will involve not only redefining the car, but also our company to a large extent.  And we will be doing that together.”

Since then, a comprehensive coordinated investment programme has fuelled the ŠKODA brand’s dynamic development. Between 1991 and March 2016, more than 300 billion crowns (around € 11 billion) was invested in new models, research and development, and in expanding production capacities. With approximately 28,500 employees today, ŠKODA is one of the largest and most attractive employers in the Czech Republic. The production network, including ŠKODA’s three Czech sites in Mladá Boleslav, Kvasiny and Vrchlabí, has grown in capacity thanks to Volkswagen Group affiliations in China, India, Russia and Slovakia, in addition to the assembly plants in Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

“With this 25th anniversary, ŠKODA and the Volkswagen Group have reached a new milestone along their joint path,” says Jaroslav Povšík, head of the union OS KOVO MB adding: “We can be very proud of our employees’ performance. Without them, the impressive success story of the past 25 years would have been unthinkable. It has once again been shown that the Community Decision model that Volkswagen has successfully implemented ensures both satisfaction and records.”

The heart of the globally successful brand still beats in Mladá Boleslav – one of the birthplaces of the European automotive industry. The company’s main plant and headquarters have been located in the Bohemian town for the company’s entire 121-year history. The carmaker’s pioneers include Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, who – impressed by motorized mobility on two and four wheels – laid the foundation for today’s automobile company in 1895. Incidentally, they were contemporaries of Ferdinand Porsche, whose birthplace, Vratislavice, is situated near Mladá Boleslav.

ŠKODA is now one of the fundamental pillars of the Czech economy: In 2015 the manufacturer contributed around 4.5% of the Czech gross domestic product, accounting for around 8% of Czech exports. The brand consistently sets new sales records: In 2015 deliveries increased by 1.8% to 1,055,500 vehicles (2014: 1,037,200). Revenue increased by 6.2% to a new record of € 12.5 billion (2014: € 11.8 billion), and operating profit grew by 12.0% to € 915 million (2014: € 817 million). By the end of March 2016, ŠKODA’s global sales had climbed by 4.3% to 276,600 vehicles, thereby reaching a new record for the first three months of a year.

The upcoming SUV campaign will drive growth further. The ŠKODA VisionS show car gave at the Geneva Motor Show an insight into ŠKODA’s new design language in this globally prosperous segment. The corresponding series-produced model will be celebrating its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Photos will be published at media.skoda-auto.com in the afternoon.

[Karlheinz]

Auto China 2016 in Beijing: ŠKODA Launches SUV Campaign in China

​› China Premiere: SUV show car at Auto China 2016 in Beijing
› Outlook: ŠKODA VisionS shows the direction of future SUV models
› Strong offer: ŠKODA presents six series models
› Investments: Around 2 billion euros to expand and update model range in China
› Campaign: ŠKODA’s new SUV in China from first half of 2017
› Success: Sales of SUV ŠKODA Yeti increase significantly

​Mladá Boleslav/Beijing, 21 April 2016 – With a spectacular show car and six attractive series models, ŠKODA is featured at Auto China 2016 as a dynamically growing automobile manufacturer. The traditional Czech brand will be showing the Fabia, Rapid, Rapid Spaceback, Octavia, Yeti and Superb at the motor show, which takes place from 25 April to 4 May in Beijing. This is the first time that ŠKODA will be presenting the VisionS show car to the Chinese public. The model demonstrates what one of the brand’s future SUVs, larger than the successful compact SUV – the ŠKODA Yeti – could look.

​“China is a central pillar of our global growth strategy. The world’s number-one growth market is already our strongest individual market,” says ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier. “Over the coming years, we shall strengthen our position on the Chinese market and continue to promote our model campaign in China. The focus here will be on expanding our range in the important SUV segment. At the same time, we are investing in our development in the field of 'New Electric Vehicles'.”

At the end of March 2016, the Czech car manufacturer paved the way for further growth in China: a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the Czech Republic during a state visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping. The joint venture SAIC VOLKSWAGEN Automotive Company Limited plans to invest around two billion euros into the expansion of ŠKODA’s model range in China over the next five years. This amount also includes expenditure on new electric drive concepts, innovative connectivity solutions and the digitization of individual mobility.

The ŠKODA VisionS now on show in Beijing after starring at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show gives an impression of ŠKODA’s new large SUV series model that will be introduced this autumn in Paris. The expressive, modern and dynamic lines, 4.70-metre-long SUV is celebrating its Chinese debut over these coming days. The design is based on ŠKODA’s characteristic balance of rationality and aesthetics. In addition to the future SUV design language, the show car presents the brand’s significant future technologies.

With regard to future electric drive concepts, the ŠKODA VisionS operates with plug-in hybrid drive technology. The system performance of the vehicle is 165 kW (225 hp) and can reach up to 50 kilometres running purely on electric.

The Czech carmaker is preparing a comprehensive SUV campaign for the Chinese market. The launch of ŠKODA’s large SUV is planned for the first half of 2017. In addition, another body variant of the large SUV is under development. Furthermore, the brand also intends to bring out a crossover utility vehicle (CUV) for ŠKODA's strongest global sales market.

The compact ŠKODA Yeti, which is manufactured at the SAIC Volkswagen plant in Shanghai/Anting, shows Chinese customers’ great interest in modern SUVs: In the first three months of 2016 alone, sales of this model increased around 300% compared to the same period in 2015. ŠKODA is exhibiting the Yeti at Auto China 2016 in the Style and Ambition variants. Compared to the European version, its wheelbase is six centimetres longer.

The ŠKODA Fabia is an ideal car for the modern, urban mobility of today – in Beijing, the small car can be seen in the equipment line Sport. The ŠKODA Rapid, the next larger model, is presented in the variant Style; its sister model, ŠKODA Rapid Spaceback, in the equipment level Ambition Plus.

Two versions of ŠKODA’s bestseller ŠKODA Octavia – Ambition Plus and Style – feature 2017 model year’s innovations at the motor show. These include a striking front bumper,  redesigned steering wheel, black glass sunroof and exterior mirrors.

The brand’s flagship, the ŠKODA Superb, can also be seen in the equipment levels Style and Ambition Plus. The spacious mid-class vehicle runs off the production lines at the SAIC Volkswagen plant in Nanjing. Additional SAIC Volkswagen sites where ŠKODA models are produced for the Chinese market, include Yizheng and Ningbo.

[Karlheinz]

Record: ŠKODA 24th time Official Main Sponsor of the 2016 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship

› ŠKODA Official Main Sponsor of IIHF WM since 1993
› Traditional Czech brand gets hockey fans in the party mood before the World Cup finals in Russia
› Strong commitment: ŠKODA supports ice hockey in addition to cycling and motorsport

Mladá Boleslav, 21 April 2016 – From 6 to 22 May, the sports world will be looking to Russia: The 80th IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship is to be hosted by Moscow and St. Petersburg. ŠKODA AUTO will be supporting the World Cup tournament this year for the 24th time in a row as the Official Main Sponsor.

ŠKODA's home market, the Czech Republic, is the hockey stronghold par excellence. 25 years ago, the Czech carmaker became part of the Volkswagen Group, and this is the 24th time that ŠKODA has been the Official Main Sponsor of IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships. In 1992, ŠKODA began their involvement as vehicle partner to the final round in Prague and Bratislava. Since 1993, the brand has been a popular sight on the ice at every IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship as the Official Main Sponsor.

Even before the first match on 6 May, ŠKODA will be warming up for the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship finals, putting on spectacular events for ice hockey fans. These include large celebrations for the reopening of the ice hockey stadium in St. Petersburg in early April, which was supported by ŠKODA AUTO Russia. The Yubileyny Sports Palace Ice Arena is one of two World Cup venues, gleaming in a new light after extensive modernization work in time for the major sporting event. For the dedication ceremony, the national teams of Russia and Norway went up against each other on the ice in a fast-paced friendly match. ŠKODA was close to the action here, too, as the Russian importer has been the official partner of the Russian national ice hockey team since 2010.

As an additional highlight in Russia, ŠKODA AUTO invited all fans of the ‘cool’ sport to a big World Cup party in the heart of St. Petersburg. The long vehicle parade with models from the Czech carmaker drove from Nevsky Prospect - one of the most famous streets in Russia - to Palace Square. Alongside the ŠKODA vehicles there were also many prominent ice hockey personalities, such as Alexander Yudin, the silver medalist of 2002 World Championship and Vladislav Kamenev, the captain of Russia’s junior national team. Crowds of ice hockey fans and residents of the metropolis cheered the parade along the route, completing the impressive event. Arriving at the Palace Square in St. Petersburg, the sportsmen and vehicle parade were greeted with a flash mob in the form of a huge Mexican wave. As a symbolic countdown to the opening match of the 2016 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, thousands of white balloons were released into the skies over St. Petersburg for the grand finale.

At this year's IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, a total of 16 teams will be competing for the title. In the opening match, the Czech Republic and the Russian hosts will be going head to head on May 6 at ‘Ice Palace’ in Moscow. IIHF WM matches will also be held at the Yubileyny Sports Palace Ice Arena in St. Petersburg.

Traditionally, ŠKODA has been involved in many sports, of which ice hockey, cycling and motorsport are the most important pillars of the company's sponsorship strategy. ŠKODA has been a partner of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship since 1992. During the 2015 IIHF World Championship in the Czech Republic, the ŠKODA logo was featured on the jerseys and helmets of the national teams from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and the USA. In addition, ŠKODA supports the Champions Hockey League (CHL) as the official sponsor, and is also a partner to several ice hockey teams. The brand has been actively engaged in promoting up and coming stars since 2012. The ŠKODA Junior Ice Hockey Cup offers talented young people the opportunity to show off their skills.

[Karlheinz]

Official fleet: ŠKODA makes the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Russia mobile

​› ŠKODA is providing a total of 45 vehicles to the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship organisers
› Brand logo is emblazoned on jerseys and helmets of the Czech and Slovak national teams
› Varied supporting programme for fans: attractive competitions, ŠKODA Ice Girls and the world’s biggest hockey helmet

​Mladá Boleslav, 27 April 2016 – ŠKODA is supporting the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship for the 24th time this year. As the Main Official Sponsor, the traditional Czech brand is making a total of 45 vehicles available to the organisers in Russia. Furthermore, ŠKODA is prominently represented in both IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship venues – in Moscow and St. Petersburg – and is offering a varied entertainment programme to the spectators.

​ŠKODA is providing the official fleet for the 2016 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Russia – with the brand flagship, the ŠKODA Superb, leading the way. The car manufacturer is making a total of 45 vehicles available to the organisers of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship tournament. Each year, ŠKODA makes numerous vehicles available to the organisers of the competition. In the past 24 years, the fleet has completed around six million kilometres in service to the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. At each IIHF WM, the ŠKODA fleet covers an average of 250,000 kilometres.

The visitors to the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Moscow and St. Petersburg can not only look forward to dynamic sport, but also to attractive vehicle exhibitions and plenty of action – thanks to the Official Main Sponsor ŠKODA. During the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, the brand logo will be seen in the centre faceoff circles on the rinks as well as on the boards. In addition, ‘ŠKODA’ is emblazoned on jerseys and helmets of the national teams from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Both ŠKODA models Superb and Octavia RS Combi will also stand in the spotlight at all IIHF WM matches: they are prominently placed in the ‘Ice Palace’ in Moscow as well as in St. Petersburg’s ‘Yubileyny Sports Palace Ice Arena’ – only a few meters away from the rink.

For the supporters of the ‘cool’ sport, ŠKODA offers an exciting supporting programme with numerous activities both in and around the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship venues. In specially equipped fan zones up to 450 square meters in size outside the stadiums, pure entertainment is offered. Here spectators can get within touching distance of the ŠKODA models, and pit themselves against each other in the Air Hockey Challenge as well as in Box Hockey.

In addition, ŠKODA will present the world’s biggest hockey helmet in Moscow: 2.80 metres tall and weighing around 110 kilograms. Another highlight is the ŠKODA Virtual Hockey Challenge. At this, two fans compete against each other in a virtual ice hockey simulation on large LED screens. The winner can also walk away with great prizes. Quiz rounds, large video screens, live presentations, the ŠKODA mascot, dance interludes from the ŠKODA Ice Girls and a lot more ensure variety and a good atmosphere. One of the highlights of each match day is the ‘ŠKODA Fan of the Game’ draw. In this, the supporters of the fast sport have the chance to win an exclusive prize prior to each IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.

Even within the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship stadiums, ŠKODA ensures entertainment for the spectators of the games. Among other things, they can experience the models of the brand live. In Moscow, visitors to the IIHF WM matches can be photographed in the ŠKODA photo box in front of a spectacular background and receive their personal souvenir photograph.

ŠKODA is also an exclusive partner of the special ‘2016 IIHF App’, which will offer ‘HOCKEY CARDS’ this year, where users can pick their favourite team and player, take a selfie and share it. Furthermore, the skoda-hockey.com website will be the place to visit during the championship to find out what is happening in Moscow and St. Petersburg, including articles, photos, videos and social streams. Users will be guided through the 24-year-long history of ŠKODA’s connection with the IIHF WM. This year is about focusing on the next generation of fans and ice-hockey players: the ‘STORIES’ section provides information about kids and their devotion to ice hockey. Another new great add-on is the ŠKODAJIS – a keyboard extension – loaded with ŠKODA-style hockey gifs, to make any conversation or chat more fun. In social media, ŠKODA is running an account @skodahockey on Instagram and Facebook and will be sharing interesting stories, pictures and fun facts. In addition, a new online campaign will be launched this year with the ‘hashtag’ #itsmygame (#хоккейвкаждом): hockey and ŠKODA fans can actively support the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.

Since as early as 1993, ŠKODA has been the Official Main Sponsor of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships. This commitment by the brand makes it the longest sponsorship in the history of sport world championships. The members of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship organising committee benefit from the convenience and the versatility of the ŠKODA automobiles. Most of the shuttle vehicles were produced in the host country. Among others, the ŠKODA Rapid, ŠKODA Octavia and ŠKODA Yeti are produced in both of ŠKODA’s Russian plants – Kaluga and Nizhny Novgorod.

[Karlheinz]

Silke Rosskothen is the new Head of ŠKODA Product Communications

​Mladá Boleslav, 29 April 2016 – Silke Rosskothen (48) will take over as Head of Product Communications at ŠKODA AUTO from 1 May 2016. Rosskothen has many years of experience in the international automotive industry and most recently worked as General Manager PR for a Korean car manufacturer in Germany.

​In her new role, Silke Rosskothen is responsible for the brand’s global product communications and reports to Peik v. Bestenbostel, Head of ŠKODA Communications.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA Duo starts in fifth Bodensee Klassik

​› ŠKODA 440 Spartak and ŠKODA 1000 MB Rallye start in 5th Bodensee Klassik
› Dream cars on enchanting roads: Two Countries, 630 km and 180 participants
› ŠKODA 440 celebrates Bodensee premiere

​Mladá Boleslav, 4 May 2016 – ŠKODA is sending a fantastic duo to the fifth year of the classic car rally Bodensee Klassik along the 630-kilometre route through Germany and Austria. The ŠKODA 440 Spartak and the sports-modified ŠKODA 1000 MB Rallye will be the two models from the ŠKODA Museum collection going into in the uniformity and reliability test drive together. A total of 180 participants will be heading to Bregenz, Austria – both the starting point and finish.

​“To the participants in the Bodensee Klassik, the rally means pure emotion,” says Michal Velebný, coordinator of the restoration workshop at the ŠKODA Museum. “This is one of the most beautiful and diverse trips for vintage and classic cars. We have selected vehicles for this rally that the crowds love and that will help the driver teams achieve good results in the demanding mountain stages.”

This is the fifth year of the Bodensee Klassik. The 180 classic cars can be admired from 5 to 7 May 2016 against the Alpine panorama of Lake Constance. The vintage and classic cars will be starting at the Festspielhaus in Bregenz on all three rally days. The 630-kilometre route takes the drivers through the most beautiful parts of the Allgäu, as well as in the Vorarlberg and Tyrolean Alps.

The two automobiles from Mladá Boleslav complement each other’s sporty personalities: The ŠKODA 440 Spartak from 1957 will make the hearts of classic car fans beat faster, especially as the vehicle actually debuted in the Bodensee Klassik. This is the first time the compact saloon will be at Lake Constance since being extensively restored two years ago. The Spartak is powered by a 40-horsepower engine with 1,083 cubic centimetres, which drives the rear wheels through a four-speed transmission.

The ŠKODA 1000 MB Rally built in 1967 started in last year's Lake Tour. The sports car, which was rebuilt at the beginning of the 1990s for long-distance journeys, is sure to captivate audiences this year as well. The 1000 MB Rallye was a sure-fire success in demanding long-distance trips, such as the Panama Alaska and the London-Mexico rallies. It has a modified four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1.3 litres and an output of 90 hp, giving a top speed of 170 km/h.