ENG: Škoda Official Site News & Press Release

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA AUTO’s deliveries, sales revenue and operating profit increase significantly in first three quarters of 2017

​› Deliveries in the first nine months of the year increased by 3.6 percent to 871,100 vehicles
› ŠKODA AUTO improves sales revenue by 22.0 percent compared to the three quarters of 2016 to 12.3 billion euros
› Operating profit climbed by 28.3 percent to EUR 1.2 billion at the end of September
› Extensively revised model range and excellent launch of the ŠKODA KODIAQ reinforce the growth

​Mladá Boleslav, 30 October 2017 – ŠKODA AUTO’s success story continues with the brand once again recording profitable growth. In the first three quarters of the year, the Czech car manufacturer increased its global deliveries to customers by 3.6 percent compared to the same period in 2016 to 871,100 vehicles. Sales revenue rose by 22.0 percent compared to the first nine months of the previous year to 12.3 billion euros. ŠKODA AUTO posted a significant increase of 28.3 percent on the previous year’s operating profit. Both the extensive revisions to the model range and the large SUV ŠKODA KODIAQ’s very successful sales launch are the main drivers of this positive development.

​"The significant increases in sales and profit in the first three quarters of the year demonstrate that we have devised an effective strategy," says ŠKODA AUTO CEO Bernhard Maier. "The full potential of our SUV campaign is now unfolding. The KODIAQ has been very well received by our customers. Now, we are launching the little brother – the ŠKODA KAROQ."

Demand for the ŠKODA KODIAQ on the global markets has been high since its launch in February 2017, and by the end of September, 61,600 vehicles had already been delivered. With the brand’s first large SUV, ŠKODA is conquering new customer groups. The next stage of the SUV campaign is the compact ŠKODA KAROQ, which has been available in the first markets since October.

In the first nine months of 2017, the automobile manufacturer’s sales revenue rose by 22.0 percent to 12.3 billion euros (January to September 2016: 10.1 billion euros). ŠKODA AUTO also achieved significant double-digit growth in operating profit, which increased by 28.3 percent to 1.2 billion euros (January to September 2016: 940 million euros).

ŠKODA AUTO once again surpassed the previous year's return on sales, which stood at 9.8 percent at the end of September 2017 (January to September 2016: 9.3 percent).

"With these excellent results, ŠKODA AUTO proves its financial strength and profitability," says ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Finance Klaus-Dieter Schürmann. "The new ŠKODA KODIAQ contributed significantly to the improvement in earnings. The continually increasing profitability is largely attributable to positive volume and mix effects."

ŠKODA AUTO’s earnings strength provides a reliable financial basis for the further development of the company and brand. The core areas of this development are defined in Strategy 2025, which lays out the brand’s electromobility plans and its entry into new digital business fields, as well as the continuation of the model and SUV campaigns.

[Karlheinz]

Milestone reached earlier than ever: one million ŠKODA vehicles already produced in 2017

› Besides the OCTAVIA, FABIA and SUPERB, the large SUV KODIAQ has also contributed to the increase in production
› Success story: production of ŠKODA vehicles has increased sevenfold since 1991
› Outlook: 2025 Strategy sets the course for the future of the company and defines high-growth areas of activity

Mladá Boleslav, 31 October 2017 – On course for a record once again: Together with its production partners worldwide ŠKODA AUTO has already produced one million vehicles this year, making it the fourth year in a row that the number of vehicles rolling off the production line has reached seven figures. Never before has this milestone been achieved as early as in October of a calendar year. The ŠKODA models OCTAVIA, FABIA and SUPERB have made the greatest contribution to this success. Additionally, the large SUV, the ŠKODA KODIAQ, promises further growth for 2017. The ŠKODA KAROQ will also provide impetus for growth. The company is currently introducing the compact SUV to the markets, thereby continuing its SUV campaign.

“Reaching the mark of one million cars produced is an important milestone for us this year,” said ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Production and Logistics, Michael Oeljeklaus. “This number, which has now already been reached, underlines the performance of our production sites as well as the expertise of our team. This year, we are once again aiming for a new production record,” added Oeljeklaus.

ŠKODA AUTO has reached together with its production partners worldwide the mark of one million ŠKODA vehicles produced in a financial year for the fourth consecutive time. The long-established company from Mladá Boleslav has reached this milestone earlier than ever before. In addition to the high demand for its bestseller, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA, FABIA and the SUPERB model ranges, the successful debut of the ŠKODA KODIAQ also made a contribution to increasing the production volume. Furthermore, the market launch of the large SUV in February this year marked the start of ŠKODA AUTO’s SUV campaign as part of the 2025 Strategy. As the most recent addition to the ŠKODA family, the ŠKODA KAROQ compact SUV is currently being introduced to the markets.

The landmark of one million vehicles produced, which was reached at the end of October, underlines once more ŠKODA AUTO’s positive development over the last 25 years in particular. Since joining Volkswagen Group in 1991, the Czech car manufacturer has increased its production sevenfold and transformed itself from a regional operator into an established high-volume manufacturer. Whilst there was only one model range rolling off the production line back then, today it is seven model ranges and over 40 model variants.

As it has grown, the company has been cultivating an international and efficient production network. In its home country of the Czech Republic, besides its main plant in Mladá Boleslav, the manufacturer operates further production plants in Kvasiny and Vrchlabí. In addition, ŠKODA vehicles also roll off the line at Volkswagen Group plants or with local partners in China, India, Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Algeria and Slovakia.

ŠKODA AUTO has set a course for long-term growth beyond 2017. The roadmap for this comes in the shape of the 2025 Strategy, with which the Czech manufacturer is preparing itself for the upcoming challenges in the automotive industry. The future strategy’s key topics include electromobility, the digitalisation of the company, internationalisation and new mobility services. With this, ŠKODA AUTO aims to grow in two dimensions: on the one hand, vehicle sales are to be increased further and on the other hand, new business areas, such as digital mobility services, are to create a broader base for growth.

[Karlheinz]

New ŠKODA KAROQ wins Golden Steering Wheel

› ŠKODA KAROQ wins ‘small SUV’ category in the ‘Bild am Sonntag’ and ‘Auto Bild’ readers’ choice
› The Golden Steering Wheel is one of Europe’s most prestigious car awards
› The ŠKODA KAROQ scores points with a spacious interior and modern infotainment

Mladá Boleslav / Berlin, 7 November 2017 – The car magazine ‘Auto Bild’ and the ‘Bild am Sonntag’ newspaper have awarded the new ŠKODA KAROQ with the 2017 Golden Steering Wheel. Readers from over 20 European countries had voted the KAROQ into the final of the ‘small SUV’ category. In the end, a jury of experts chose ŠKODA’s newcomer as the winner after a number of challenging test drives.
“With the KAROQ, which sets benchmarks in many areas, we are consistently pressing ahead with our successful SUV campaign,” said ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Technical Development, Christian Strube. “I am delighted that the latest addition to our model range is also going down so well. The Golden Steering Wheel shows that with the KAROQ, we are currently offering the most attractive overall package in the compact SUV category,” added Strube.

The Golden Steering Wheel is one of Europe’s most coveted car awards. This year, a total of 42 models competed, split into the following categories: small and compact cars, small SUVs, large SUVs, mid-size and executive cars, and sports cars.

The ŠKODA KAROQ competed in the ‘small SUV’ category – with twelve nominees, the category containing the most participants. First of all, readers of ‘Auto Bild’, ‘Bild am Sonntag’ and their sister publications in more than 20 European countries voted for their four favourites in each vehicle category. During challenging test drives in Balocco in Northern Italy, the finalists were appraised by a jury of 53 experts including racing drivers, engineers, celebrities, designers and editors of leading European car magazines.

In typical ŠKODA style, the KAROQ impressed the judges with qualities such as comfort and a generous amount of space. In addition, the jury awarded more points for connectivity: the KAROQ impresses with the latest generation of infotainment systems, which can be operated via a capacitive touchscreen. The KAROQ is also the first ŠKODA to offer a freely programmable, digital instrument panel. Thanks to an LTE module and Wi-Fi hotspot, passengers in the ŠKODA KAROQ are ‘always online’. Furthermore, the compact SUV impressed the testers with its powerful drive and winning chassis set-up.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA KAROQ receives five stars in Euro NCAP Test

​› ŠKODA KAROQ boasts excellent active and passive safety 
› Occupant protection for adults receives 93% in the test
› ŠKODA KAROQ is the brand’s second vehicle to be awarded five stars in 2017
› All seven ŠKODA model series achieve five-star rating

​Mladá Boleslav, 8 November 2017 – The independent European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) has assessed the ŠKODA KAROQ. The compact SUV is the Czech car manufacturer’s latest model to receive the five-star rating, making the KAROQ one of the safest compact SUVs on the road today.

​“We are delighted that the new ŠKODA KAROQ has also passed the Euro NCAP tests with flying colours,” says ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development, Christian Strube. “We are constantly working on optimising the passive and active safety of our models and developing occupant and pedestrian protection, as well as assistance systems. Numerous driver assistance systems are installed in the KAROQ that would otherwise only be found in higher vehicle classes,” says Strube. 

Euro NCAP awarded the occupant protection of adult passengers an excellent 93%. In addition, Euro NCAP highlighted the protection of the cervical spine in rear-end collisions. The compact SUV’s emergency braking system worked reliably at low urban speeds and prevented almost all collisions. Euro NCAP also awarded the full score for the protection of pedestrians’ legs. The compact SUV also protected pedestrians’ heads well in the event of in a collision.

Following the ŠKODA KODIAQ, the ŠKODA KAROQ is the brand’s second vehicle to receive a five-star rating in 2017. ŠKODA is currently one of the few car manufacturers whose entire model range has received a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP test.

The KAROQ owes its outstanding passive safety to its high torsional rigidity, generous deformation zones in the extremely secure cabin and the use of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels, for example in the side beams. In addition, the compact SUV has seven standard airbags: driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, head airbags and knee airbag. Child seats can be fixed in using Top-Tether or the Isofix system, which is also available for the front passenger seat. In the event of a rear-end collision, specially designed headrests (WOKS = Whiplash Optimized Headrests) reduce the risk of whiplash for the driver and front passenger. The proactive occupant protection system also tightens the front seatbelts in the event of a collision and closes any open windows including the sunroof. The system comes as standard in many countries.

The ŠKODA KAROQ is equipped with a large number of cameras as well as radar and sensor-based driver assistance systems. The front radar assistant, which includes city emergency braking with person recognition, helps to prevent accidents with pedestrians. Manoeuvre assist and pulling-away assist help the driver in reduced visibility and warn of hidden dangers.

Other safety features on board the ŠKODA KAROQ include an adaptive-distance assistant, a lane-keeping, camera-based traffic sign recognition, an emergency call function, a traffic jam assistant and fatigue detection.

Euro NCAP is an association of European transport ministries, automobile clubs and insurance associations based in Belgium. The organisation performs crash tests on current vehicle models and then evaluates the safety of the vehicles based on available safety systems. Euro NCAP was founded in 1997. In recent years, the crash test procedures have been continuously tightened and currently include various collision scenarios. While initially only the results of the crash tests were assessed, the evaluation of the active safety systems is now also included in the overall rating.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA AUTO continues its success

​› Deliveries: in October, ŠKODA AUTO delivered 107,400 vehicles (+9.7%) to customers
› Markets: positive development in Europe (+11.3%), Russia (+23.8%) and India (+7.7%)
› Models: ŠKODA KODIAQ SUV provides strong impetus for growth; 1,400 new ŠKODA KAROQs already delivered

​Mladá Boleslav, 14 November 2017 – ŠKODA AUTO continues its success. In October, the Czech car manufacturer delivered 107,400 vehicles to customers worldwide (October 2016: 97,900 vehicles; +9.7%). ŠKODA saw growth in Europe (+11.3%), Russia (+23.8%) and India (+7.7%) in particular. The brand expects further impetus for growth from the new ŠKODA KAROQ. The initial market launches for the new compact SUV took place at the end of October and 1,400 KAROQs have already been delivered to customers. The large SUV, the ŠKODA KODIAQ, has already recorded 74,100 deliveries since its market launch in February 2017.

​“We are pleased that we were able to continue the positive trend of the last few months in October too,” said Alain Favey, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “Our growth in Europe and Russia as well as the success of our new SUVs, the ŠKODA KODIAQ and the ŠKODA KAROQ, give us cause to be optimistic for the coming months,” added Favey.

In Western Europe, ŠKODA achieved 38,300 deliveries in October, which means an increase of
8.0% compared to October 2016 (35,400 vehicles). In Germany, the strongest individual European market, deliveries increased to 14,700 vehicles – 10.7% more than in October 2016 (13,300 vehicles). ŠKODA recorded double-digit growth in Denmark (1,400 vehicles; +26.7%), Finland (900 vehicles; +13.4%), France (2,600 vehicles; +18.0%), Italy (2,200 vehicles; +26.1%), the Netherlands (1,700 vehicles; +17.2%), Austria (2,000 vehicles; +14.0%) and Norway (700 vehicles; +11.0%).

In Central Europe, deliveries increased by 15.0% to 18,200 vehicles (October 2016: 15,800 vehicles). In its home country, the Czech Republic, ŠKODA increased deliveries  to 8,400 vehicles, an increase of 11.5% compared to October 2016 (7,600 vehicles). In Poland (6,100 vehicles; +25.5%) and Hungary (1,000 vehicles; +21.4%), ŠKODA achieved double-digit growth rates.

In Eastern Europe excluding Russia, deliveries increased by 11.7% to 3,700 vehicles (October 2016: 3,300 vehicles). ŠKODA was also able to grow considerably in Romania (1,100 vehicles; +28.8%), Bulgaria (300 vehicles; +28.6%) and Ukraine (500 vehicles; +22.5%).

In Russia, deliveries increased by 23.8% to 5,700 vehicles (October 2016: 4,600 vehicles).

In Israel, ŠKODA AUTO recorded strong growth of 70.7% compared to the same month last year, having delivered 1,700 vehicles (October 2016: 1,000 vehicles).

In China, ŠKODA’s largest individual market, the manufacturer achieved 33,000 deliveries in the past month (October 2016: 32,000 vehicles; +3.2%).

In India, the manufacturer recorded an increase in deliveries of 7.7%, meaning deliveries increased to 1,600 vehicles (October 2016: 1,500 vehicles).


Deliveries by the ŠKODA brand to customers in October 2017 (in units, rounded, by model; +/- in % compared to October 2016):

ŠKODA CITIGO (only sold in Europe: 3,200; -11.5%)
ŠKODA FABIA (17,000; -1.7%)
ŠKODA RAPID (18,300; -4.6%)
ŠKODA OCTAVIA (37,100; -3.0%)
ŠKODA SUPERB (12,800; +4.5%)
ŠKODA KAROQ (1,400; -)
ŠKODA KODIAQ (12,500; -)
ŠKODA YETI (5,100; -29.4%)

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA AUTO to produce all-electric vehicles in Mladá Boleslav from 2020

​› Production of ŠKODA electric cars is a major step in the implementation of ŠKODA Strategy 2025
› From 2019, ŠKODA AUTO will produce electrical components for plug-in hybrid models
› ŠKODA AUTO plans to launch five battery-electric models by 2025

​Mladá Boleslav, 17 November 2017 – ŠKODA AUTO is going to produce models that run purely on electric at their Mladá Boleslav site. As of 2019, the brand will also be manufacturing electrical components for plug-in hybrids. The production of electric vehicles and parts is a significant step in the implementation of the brand's future strategy.

​“ŠKODA's future will be electric," says ŠKODA AUTO CEO Bernhard Maier. "By 2025, we plan to offer five purely electrically powered models in various segments. We are pleased that the first all-electric ŠKODA will be built in the Czech Republic. This decision underlines the Group’s confidence in the ŠKODA workforce. This is an important step for the future of the SKODA brand and the Czech Republic as an automotive location.”

In addition to producing electric cars, the Mladá Boleslav plant will also be manufacturing electrical components for plug-in hybrid models of several Volkswagen Group brands as early as 2019.

ŠKODA's first electrified series model will be launched in 2019: the ŠKODA SUPERB with plug-in hybrid drive, which will roll off the Kvasiny plant production line. Mladá Boleslav will then manufacture the first purely battery electric model in 2020. At this year's Auto Shanghai, the manufacturer presented its vision of electric and autonomous driving with the electric study ŠKODA VISION E.

Electrifying the ŠKODA model range and producing electrical components for the Volkswagen Group are among the cornerstones of ŠKODA Strategy 2025. Other key areas of action include digitising products and processes, conquering new markets and expanding the company’s business areas from traditional automotive engineering to a wide range of mobility services.

[Karlheinz]

Charismatic racing car: 60 years of ŠKODA 1100 OHC

​› ŠKODA 1100 OHC is a major milestone in ŠKODA’s 116-year involvement in motorsport
› Lightweight tubular frame, top speed of 200 km/h and a specific output of 85 hp demonstrates the skills of ŠKODA engineers
› One of only two surviving examples of the open-top sports car prototype is one of the exhibition highlights at the ŠKODA Museum in Mladá Boleslav

​Mladá Boleslav, 30 November 2017 – ŠKODA built the first example of the sports prototype ŠKODA 1100 OHC 60 years ago. The open-top two-seat racing car with the internal type designation 968 demonstrated a number of ground-breaking technical innovations. ŠKODA initially produced two open-top vehicles intended for long-distance races. In 1959, two coupés were built on this basis. One of the red open-top racers is among the highlights of the ŠKODA Museum in Mladá Boleslav.


​"The ŠKODA 1100 OHC is a prime example of Czech engineering and construction," says Andrea Frydlová, Director of the ŠKODA Museum. “The car is one of the milestones in ŠKODA's 116-year involvement in motorsport. "

ŠKODA began developing the two-seater in the spring of 1956. The ŠKODA 1100 OHC is powered by a longitudinally front-mounted inline four-cylinder with two camshafts in the cylinder head. With a displacement of 1089 cc, it has an output of 92 hp at 7700 rpm; the maximum engine speed is 8500/min. An output of 85 hp was spectacular at the time. As fuel, ŠKODA used high-octane aviation fuel.

With a wheelbase of 2,200 millimetres, a total length of 3,880 millimetres, a width of 1,430 millimetres and standing only 964 millimetres tall, the racing car is exceptionally flat and stretched. Thanks to its very lightweight body made of glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP), the open-top ŠKODA 1100 OHC weighs just 550 kilograms. This extremely lightweight design contributes significantly to its tremendous acceleration and top speed of 190 to 200 km/h, depending on the axle ratio. Just as important is the low air resistance of the body. In the early stages of development, the racing car still had retractable folding headlights, but these soon had to give way to a more practical solution: fixed headlights with aerodynamic covers made of Plexiglas.

Unlike the predecessor models ŠKODA SPORT and SUPERSPORT, which were based on the robust chassis of the production model ŠKODA 1101, the 1100 OHC is a prototype. The structural basis is a latticed tube frame welded from thin-walled tubes. The car owes its excellent handling characteristics to its near-perfect weight distribution: with a 75-kilogram driver, the ratio is 49.7 to 50.3 percent in favour of the driven rear axle. The clutch, the five-speed gearbox and the transfer case are located at the back and form a single assembly unit. At the front, the wheels were mounted on a trapezoidal wishbone axle; at the rear, on a pendulum axle with trailing arms. The torsion bar suspension of the 15-inch spoked wheels were state-of-the-art technology in the late 1950s.

The sports car’s first appearance resulted in its first win. The experienced factory driver Miroslav Fousek won a race on the municipal circuit in Mladá Boleslav at the wheel of the ŠKODA 1100 OHC at the end of June 1958. In addition to victories at local sporting events, other drivers achieved success in other countries. Due to the difficult political situation in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the racing cars from Mladá Boleslav were limited to competing in socialist countries.

In addition to the two open-top vehicles with GRP body built at the end of 1957, ŠKODA also produced two 1100 OHC Coupés in 1959 with a closed aluminium body. Even with this version, the engineers were able to achieve a very low total weight of only 618 kilograms while maintaining the outstanding performance of the open-top version.

Both of the coupés were badly damaged in accidents on public roads. Restorers at the ŠKODA Museum are currently working intensively on renovating a ŠKODA 1100 OHC Coupé based on the preserved chassis and the drivetrain of one of the vehicles.

One of the ŠKODA 1100 OHC is owned by the British importer ŠKODA UK, which mainly uses it at events in the United Kingdom. The other racing car usually stands in the ŠKODA Museum at the brand’s headquarters in the Bohemian town of Mladá Boleslav – unless it is participating in national and international vintage car events.

Note to editors: More photos of the ŠKODA 1100 OHC is available at https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/. 

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA celebrates four wins in the ‘Auto Trophy 2017’ awards

​› Readers of ‘Auto Zeitung’ vote ŠKODA the best import brand for the eighth time
› For the third time in a row, the bestselling ŠKODA OCTAVIA wins the coveted trophy as best import model in the compact car segment
› ŠKODA’s flagship, the SUPERB, wins best import car in the executive car segment
› The new ŠKODA KAROQ is the best SUV costing less than 25,000 euros in the import car category
› More than 40,000 readers and online users voted in the ‘Auto Trophy 2017 – World’s Best Cars’ awards

​Mladá Boleslav, 30 November 2017 – The readers and online users of the ‘Auto Zeitung’ have chosen ŠKODA as the best import brand. It is already the eighth time that the long-established Czech brand has won the coveted ‘Auto Trophy’ award. The ŠKODA OCTAVIA also ranks among the serial winners: the compact car has been named best import car in the compact car segment for the third time in a row. A further ‘Auto Trophy’ has been awarded to the ŠKODA SUPERB as the best import car in the executive car segment. Straight away, the readers of ‘Auto Zeitung’ have voted the ŠKODA KAROQ the best SUV costing less than 25,000 euros in the import car category.

​ŠKODA has long been popular with the readers and online users of ‘Auto Zeitung’. In this year’s ‘Auto Trophy’ poll, they once again chose the Czech manufacturer as the best import brand – for the fifth time in a row – with 14.2% of the vote. Overall, it is the brand’s eighth triumph in the coveted manufacturers’ rankings.

Another serial winner at the ‘Auto Trophy’ awards is the ŠKODA OCTAVIA. This year, the brand’s bestseller triumphed with 17.7% of votes cast in the category for ‘The Best Compact Car – Import’, thereby completing a hattrick of titles following previous wins in 2015 and 2016. This is the whopping sixth time that the ŠKODA OCTAVIA has taken the prestigious honour at the ‘Auto Trophy’ awards.

To date, the ŠKODA SUPERB has also registered this number of successes at the ‘Auto Trophy’ awards. The brand’s flagship model won the title of the best imported executive car with 24.7% of the vote in this year’s poll.

The new compact SUV, the ŠKODA KAROQ, has joined the list of ŠKODA successes fresh from its market launch. With 19.1% of the vote, the latest addition to the ŠKODA model family triumphed over the competition in the category of imported SUVs costing less than 25,000 euros. In typical ŠKODA style, the KAROQ scored points for its emotive design, state-of-the-art connectivity, offering generous amount of space, high level of comfort and practical ‘Simply Clever’ features.

This year marked the 30th occurrence of Auto Zeitung’s readers’ poll. Since 2014, the ‘Auto Trophy’ awards have carried the addition ‘World’s Best Cars’ due to the fact that readers and online users of 15 international automotive publications from the publishing company Bauer Media Group can also take part in the vote. In the 2017 poll, a total of 41,190 participants registered their vote. In the German speaking areas, they chose their favourites in 20 categories, while eight ratings were put to an international vote. The four categories in which ŠKODA was successful were voted for in Germany.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA AUTO lays the foundation for new paint shop at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav

​› Operations will commence in June 2019
› Overall, paint shop capacity increases by 600 units to 2,700 cars per day
› The manufacturer is investing 214.5 million euros and creating up to 650 new jobs
› The new paint shop will be one of the most cutting-edge and environmentally friendly facilities in Europe

​Mladá Boleslav, 4 December 2017 – ŠKODA AUTO is investing further in its production capacity. On Friday, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Production and Logistics Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Human Resources Bohdan Wojnar, and Deputy Chairman of the KOVO Union’s MB branch Josef Zmrhal, laid the foundation for a new paint shop in Mladá Boleslav. ŠKODA AUTO is investing 214.5 million euros in the new building and creating up to 650 new jobs. The paint shop is expected to be up and running as early as June 2019.

​“The construction of the new paint shop in Mladá Boleslav is an important investment in the future of our company,” said Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Production and Logistics. “Demand for ŠKODA vehicles is increasing worldwide and we are working continuously on increasing production capacity in our existing plants. At the new paint shop, we are implementing numerous ecological innovations which will significantly minimise the environmental impacts of the painting process,” added Oeljeklaus.

Just a few days ago, ŠKODA AUTO announced it would be building purely battery-powered models at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav from 2020. Both the production of zero-emission electric vehicles and the additional paint shop capacity emphasise ŠKODA AUTO’s long-term growth and the consistent focus on environmentally friendly technologies.

With up to 650 employees, the new facility will operate in three shifts and will paint 600 bodies per day. Together with the existing facility, the painting capacity at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav will increase to 2,700 bodies per day.

The paint shop, which is expected to be up and running in June 2019, will be one of the most cutting-edge facilities in the whole of Europe. Numerous production steps will be undertaken or assisted by robots. The high level of automation means that the ŠKODA employees’ workstations can be given a particularly ergonomic design.

In a multi-stage painting process, the body is given a flawless coating. A total of five paint coats result in a layer of paint that is around 100 µm thick. The paint shop offers a wide colour spectrum with a total of 15 colours including metallic and pearlescent colours.

The environmental sustainability of the new paint shop also sets new standards: a new order process reduces the material requirements. Paint residue is adsorbed by chalk products – no paint sludge is accumulated as a waste product as a result of this dry separation. In addition, a large proportion of the heat produced during the process is recaptured. An air-return pipe allows for energy savings of up to 80 per cent.

By increasing the capacity and setting the course for the construction of electric vehicles in Mladá Boleslav, ŠKODA AUTO continues to consistently implement key components of its 2025 Strategy. With this roadmap for the future, the Czech manufacturer is preparing itself for the upcoming challenges in the automotive industry. Key topics include electromobility, the digitalisation of the company, internationalisation and new mobility services. ŠKODA AUTO aims to grow in two dimensions as a result: vehicle sales are expected to increase further and new business areas, such as digital mobility services, are to create a broader base for growth.

The Czech car manufacturer is combining its environmental activities under the umbrella of the ‘GreenFuture’ strategy. Investments such as the environmentally friendly paint shop fall under ‘GreenFactory’ and form an important pillar of the ŠKODA AUTO sustainability strategy. As one of the key objectives, the environmental impacts of global vehicle production are to be halved in comparison to 2010.

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA celebrates rally titles with a limited edition of ŠKODA FABIA

› 1.4 TSI petrol engine with 92 kW/125 hp output and seven speed DSG gearbox
› Sportier steering wheel, new exclusive sports seats and sports suspension for even sportier handling and performance
› Special design elements and optional green 17” alloy wheels typical for ŠKODA Motorsport
› A limited number of 1,300 cars will be available on 21 markets

​Mladá Boleslav, 12 December 2017 – ŠKODA celebrates the most successful year in its motorsport history with a limited edition of ŠKODA FABIA. Sportier ŠKODA FABIA is coming to 21 markets in February 2018. The limited edition of ŠKODA FABIA is the reference to the ŠKODA FABIA R5 successful season including winning the world champion chip of the rally category WRC2. Equipped with a 1.4 TSI engine delivering 92 kW/125 hp, a seven speed DSG gearbox and a sports suspension, the ŠKODA FABIA limited edition is the fastest version in the current model’s product range. As a reference to the ŠKODA Motorsport developed FABIA R5, the limited edition of the ŠKODA FABIA road car has 17-inch SAVIO alloy wheels and special design features.

​Motorsport is a genuine part of ŠKODA’s DNA. For customers, who want to experience a sportier performance on the street, ŠKODA as a triple winner in the WRC 2 category of the 2017 FIA World Rally Championship presents the fastest version of current-generation FABIA. Equipped with a sportier 1.4 TSI petrol engine with power output of 92 kW/125 hp, special and limited model allows the highest top speed of 203 kilometres per hour and coupled to a DSG gearbox also the best acceleration from the 0 to 100 kilometres in 8.8 seconds.

For the sportier driving experience, ŠKODA FABIA is equipped with sports suspension with lower ground clearance and adapted firmer shock absorbers. Combination of the sporty steering wheel, new exclusive sports seats and redeveloped rear section of exhaust system further underlines the dynamic character, guaranteeing a fascinating driving performance.

The design is based on the MONTE CARLO version of the current ŠKODA FABIA with Candy white colour with black roof. The limited edition of ŠKODA FABIA also offers new design features like 17-inch SAVIO alloy wheels in three colour variants (bright green, white and black) and “WRC 2 2017 champion” label as a reference to the successful ŠKODA Motorsport cars.

Besides motorsport design elements new special edition also offers extended standard equipment including features like heated front seats, rear view camera, navigation system “Amundsen”, Climatronic automatic climate control, Keyless-Go, rear parking sensors, electric windows front and rear, Adaptive Cruise Control as well as Light and Rain Assist. A limited number of 1,300 cars will be available in Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Island, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Slovakia, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Estonia and Latvia from February 2018 onwards.

[Karlheinz]

Best month of all time: ŠKODA AUTO sets new record in November

​› ŠKODA AUTO delivers 114,600 vehicles (+ 17.5%) in November
› Double-digit growth rates in Europe (+12.2%), India (+43.0%) and China (+23.4%)
› ŠKODA models OCTAVIA, SUPERB and KODIAQ are the biggest growth drivers; 2,500 of the new ŠKODA KAROQ delivered in November

​Mladá Boleslav, 13 December 2017 – This is the best month in the history of ŠKODA AUTO: In November, the Czech car manufacturer delivered 114,600 vehicles – more than ever before in a single month. ŠKODA AUTO surpassed last November’s result by 17.5%. ŠKODA AUTO posted double-digit growth rates in Europe (+12.2%), India (+43.0%) and its largest sales market China (+23.4%). Delivering 37,000 vehicles in November, the brand set a new record in China.

​“Delivering 114,600 vehicles, we have achieved the strongest sales month in the history of ŠKODA AUTO,” says Alain Favey, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “The ŠKODA KODIAQ has become an established name in our statistics. We are also delighted with the successful launch of the ŠKODA KAROQ. Both models are an integral part of our global SUV campaign. Between January and November 2017, we delivered around 50% more SUVs than in the same period last year.”

In Western Europe, ŠKODA achieved a year-on-year increase of 7.9% in November with 40,100 deliveries (November 2016: 37,200 vehicles). With 16,100 vehicles sold, Germany continues to be the strongest single European market (November 2016: 14,600 vehicles). ŠKODA recorded double-digit growth in Austria (2,100 vehicles, +29.5%), Italy (2,100 vehicles, +24.4%), Sweden (1,600 vehicles, +17.3%), Finland (800 vehicles, +28.4%) and Greece (200 vehicles, + 36.2%).

In Central Europe, deliveries increased by 18.6% to 19,100 vehicles (November 2016: 16,100 vehicles). Deliveries on the domestic market of the Czech Republic increased by 3.9% to 8,300 vehicles (November 2016: 8,000 vehicles). ŠKODA AUTO achieved double-digit growth rates in Poland (6,400 vehicles, + 35.5%), Hungary (1,700 vehicles, + 84.7%), Slovakia (1,900 vehicles, + 10.8%) and Croatia (200 vehicles, + 11.4%).

In Eastern Europe excluding Russia, ŠKODA AUTO achieved an increase of 18.9% in November compared to the same period last year, delivering 3,800 vehicles (November 2016: 3,200 vehicles). The carmaker recorded significant growth rates in Romania (1,200 vehicles, +27.5%), Bulgaria (300 vehicles, +24.5%) and Ukraine (700 vehicles, +73.3%).

In Russia, deliveries increased by 19.4% to 5,700 vehicles (November 2016: 4,800 vehicles).

In Turkey, ŠKODA AUTO recorded strong growth – up 49.4% year-on-year to 3,300 vehicles (November 2016: 2,200 vehicles).

InIsrael, deliveries increased by 47.8% to 1,700 vehicles (November 2016: 1,200 vehicles).

In November, the manufacturer achieved 37,000 deliveries in its largest single market – China – with an increase of 23.4% (November 2016: 30,000 vehicles).  Never before in the company’s history has ŠKODA AUTO delivered more cars in China in one month as last month.

Deliveries in India increased by 43.0% to 1,400 vehicles (November 2016: 1000 vehicles). With the introduction of the ŠKODA KODIAQ in October this year, the SUV campaign is also showing its effect here.

ŠKODA deliveries to customers in November 2017 (in units, rounded off, listed by model; +/- in% compared to November 2016)

ŠKODA CITIGO (only sold in Europe: 3,100; +1.1 %)
ŠKODA FABIA (18,400; +7.5 %)
ŠKODA RAPID (19,400; -0.7 %)
ŠKODA OCTAVIA (41,000; +7.7 %)
ŠKODA SUPERB (13,300; +10.4 %)
ŠKODA KAROQ (2,500; –)
ŠKODA KODIAQ (13,200; –)
ŠKODA YETI (3,800; -49.2 %)

[Karlheinz]

ŠKODA AUTO expands its development centre and puts new gearbox test stands into operation

›   ŠKODA AUTO is taking on more responsibility for development and testing within Volkswagen Group
›   Two new gearbox test stands expand the engine centre’s gearbox development department in Mladá Boleslav, which was opened in 2014
›   Since 2011, the Czech manufacturer has invested more than 8 million euros in development capacity for gearbox alone

Mladá Boleslav, 9 January 2018 – Today, at its headquarters in Mladá Boleslav, ŠKODA AUTO has put two new gearbox test stands into operation. In doing so, the manufacturer increases its development capacity and reaches a new milestone as a technical centre of excellence within Volkswagen Group. ŠKODA AUTO has invested 5.7 million euros in the construction of the two new gearbox test stands, bringing the total investment in the engine centre’s gearbox development department to more than 8 million euros. ŠKODA AUTO is thereby underlining its important position within Volkswagen Group as a developer and producer of vehicle components such as engines and gearboxes. In 2017, the Czech manufacturer produced 1.16 million gearboxes.

“With the expansion of the engine centre, ŠKODA AUTO now possesses even more technical capacity and is taking on additional responsibility for development within Volkswagen Group,” said Christian Strube, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Technical Development. “In our technology and development centre, we are using cutting-edge technology to further improve the quality of our production cars,” continued Strube. The ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Technical Development opened the new development facilities this Tuesday, accompanied by Martin Hrdlička PhD, Head of Chassis and Powertrain Development, and Josef Zmrhal, Deputy Chairman of the KOVO Union’s MB branch.

The two new gearbox test stands are taking on complex and demanding development tasks in the gearboxes lab. One stand is used as an acoustic analysis tool for function tests as well as testing a gearbox’s lifespan. On the second test stand, engineers carry out tests on the lifespan of the complete drivetrain. In this way, the test stands assist in the development of new powertrains and the quality control of current production components.

ŠKODA AUTO opened the state-of-the-art engine centre in Mladá Boleslav back in September 2014, thereby greatly expanding the technology and development centre. Together with Volkswagen Group, the manufacturer has invested approximately 53 million euros – 45 million euros in the engine centre and more than 8 million euros in gearbox development. The gearbox centre, which ŠKODA established between 2011 and 2015 with an initial investment of 2.5 million euros, also relocated to this new facility. The decision to further strengthen gearbox development and invest 5.7 million in the two newly opened test stands was made as far back as 2015.

During the start-up phase up to 2015, two engineers worked in the gearbox lab. With the expansion at the end of 2017, the number of employees has risen to 7 and, by 2020, the number of staff is expected to increase to 14.

The Czech manufacturer currently produces three types of gearbox for Volkswagen Group: the MQ100/SQ100 and MQ200 at its headquarters in Mladá Boleslav, as well as the DQ200 in Vrchlabí. In total, ŠKODA AUTO produces around 4,880 gearbox units per day.

[Karlheinz]

Production line for the ŠKODA KAROQ opened also at the
main plant in Mladá Boleslav

› ŠKODA AUTO reacts to high customer demand and, from now on, will also manufacture their new
compact SUV in Mladá Boleslav
› The company has invested 16.6 million euros in the production line for the KAROQ at its main plant
› The ŠKODA KAROQ has already been rolling off the line at the Kvasiny plant since July 2017
› In addition to the new KAROQ, the FABIA, RAPID and OCTAVIA model ranges are currently
manufactured in Mladá Boleslav
› With the KAROQ, ŠKODA is consistently advancing its SUV campaign

Mladá Boleslav, 12 January 2018 – At the turn of the year, ŠKODA AUTO began series production of
the new ŠKODA KAROQ at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav. Following in the footsteps of Kvasiny, it
is the second Czech plant to be used by the brand to manufacture the new compact SUV. ŠKODA is
now producing four model ranges in Mladá Boleslav – the FABIA, RAPID and OCTAVIA also roll off
the production line there. Up to 320 ŠKODA KAROQs can be made each day at the brand’s main plant.

“The high demand for our SUV models underlines the fact that – with the ŠKODA KAROQ and the ŠKODA
KODIAQ – we have launched the right vehicles at the right time,” said ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for
Production and Logistics Michael Oeljeklaus. “We are proud to have established Mladá Boleslav – beside

Kvasiny - as a further production site for the KAROQ in the Czech Republic,” added Oeljeklaus.
The first ŠKODA KAROQ from Mladá Boleslav rolled off the assembly line a few days ago. The plant in
Kvasiny had started production of the new compact SUV at the end of July 2017. With the market launch of
the KAROQ in October 2017, the long-established Czech brand continues to vigorously press ahead with its
SUV campaign, which began with the KODIAQ. In addition to the KAROQ, ŠKODA currently manufactures
the FABIA and FABIA COMBI, the RAPID and RAPID SPACEBACK, as well as the OCTAVIA and OCTAVIA
COMBI models at its main plant. This means that from now on, four model ranges are being produced in
Mladá Boleslav.

In 2017, almost 547,000 ŠKODA vehicles left the factory there. ŠKODA AUTO has invested around
16.6 million euros in the KAROQ production line at its main plant.

The new compact SUV combines the brand-typical emotive and dynamic design with an extraordinary
amount of space, new driver assistance systems as well as powerful and highly efficient engines. The
individually programmable digital instrument panel is available for the first time in a ŠKODA. The KAROQ’s
display can be personalised and connected with the infotainment system. Thanks to an LTE module and Wi-
Fi hotspot, every passenger in the ŠKODA KAROQ can be ‘always online’.

As part of ŠKODA’s 2025 Strategy, the brand will be consistently pressing ahead with the expansion of its
model range over the coming years. The primary focus will be on expanding their SUV portfolio. The start of
series production for the ŠKODA KAROQ at a second site marks the brand’s next milestone. ŠKODA KAROQ
is the only model which is produced in two Czech plants of the company.

[Karlheinz]

Delivery record: ŠKODA AUTO delivers more than 1.2 million vehicles worldwide in 2017
16.1.2018 | category: Company

​› ŠKODA AUTO’s deliveries increase by 6.6% to 1,200,500 vehicles
› ŠKODA AUTO delivers more than one million vehicles to customers for the fourth year in succession
› Best December of all time: 107,500 deliveries (+19.2%)
› Significant growth in Europe (+ 8.3%) and India (+31.4%)
› Double SUV premiere: ŠKODA KODIAQ and KAROQ start strong in the markets

​Mladá Boleslav, 16 January 2018 – ŠKODA AUTO set a new sales record in 2017. The traditional Czech brand’s global deliveries rose by 6,6% to 1,200,500 vehicles (2016: 1,126,500). For the fourth time in a row, ŠKODA AUTO sold more than one million vehicles in a year. In addition to the best-selling ŠKODA OCTAVIA, the most important growth drivers are the ŠKODA SUPERB and the new SUVs KODIAQ and KAROQ; both have enjoyed great popularity since their launch. 

​"2017 was the best year in ŠKODA's 122-year history. This gives us further impetus, and we would like to thank all our customers for the trust they have placed in us. The past year has demonstrated that with ŠKODA Strategy 2025, we are on the right path to successfully shape the profound changes in the automotive industry. At the same time, this success motivates us to go full throttle again this year. And that is exactly what we are doing with numerous new products and mobility solutions that will delight our customers," says ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier.

Alain Favey, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing, adds: "The fact that both of our new SUV models have been so well received by customers right from the start is thanks to our strong sales network. ŠKODA dealers around the world did a fantastic job in 2017 – they are an important pillar of our success.”

For ŠKODA, 2017 ended as it began: with a sales record. After the best January in the company’s 122-year history, the Czech carmaker also set a new record for the month of December. With 107,500 vehicles delivered, ŠKODA exceeded the previous year's result by 19.2%.

In Western Europe, the Czech carmaker’s deliveries to customers increased in 2017 by 5.2% to 477,700 vehicles (2016: 454,000 vehicles). In December, ŠKODA recorded an increase of 7.0% to 33,600 units in this sales region (previous year: 31,400 vehicles). With 173,300 vehicles sold for the full year, Germany remains the world's second-largest individual market for ŠKODA. Sales here increased by 4.9% (2016: 165,200 vehicles). This makes ŠKODA the number-one import brand in Germany once again and consolidates its position among the well-known volume brands. In December last year, the manufacturer increased its deliveries in Germany by 12.2% to 13,500 units (same period last year: 12,100 vehicles). In 2017 the Czech carmaker achieved double-digit growth rates in France (27,300 vehicles; +18.5%), Italy (24,700 vehicles; +20.3%), Austria (24,300 vehicles; +17.9%), Norway (8,600 vehicles; +11.7%). The brand records strong growth also in Greece (3,200 vehicles; +116.5%).

In Central Europe, ŠKODA’s sales increased by 12.7% from January to December 2017 to 207,100 vehicles (2016: 183,800 vehicles). In the final month of last year, the company’s deliveries increased by 5.6% to 14,200 units (December 2016: 13,400 vehicles). Selling 95,000 units in 2017, ŠKODA delivered 8.0% more vehicles in its home market of the Czech Republic than in the same period of the previous year (2016: 88,000 vehicles). In Poland (66,600 vehicles; +18.5%), Slovakia (21,000 vehicles; +11.4%), Hungary (12,700 vehicles; +16.2%), Slovenia (7,100 vehicles; +12.7%) and Croatia (4,700 vehicles; +35.7%) the Czech brand achieved strong double-digit growth.

In Eastern Europe excluding Russia, ŠKODA also posted strong growth over the year as a whole. With 41,300 vehicles, the manufacturer delivered 17.9% more vehicles than in the same period of the previous year (2016: 35,100 vehicles). In December, the brand grew by 36.2% to 3900 deliveries in this region (December 2016: 2,800 vehicles). The Baltics (7,400 vehicles; +13.3%) and Serbia (6,700 vehicles; +17.5%) as well as Ukraine (6,100 vehicles; +69.4%) and Bosnia (1,600 vehicles; +16.5%) made positive developments throughout the year. In Russia, ŠKODA achieved a year-on-year increase of 12.5% to 62,300 vehicles delivered over the full year (2016: 55,400 vehicles).

ŠKODA's strongest sales market worldwide is still China. In this region, the Czech carmaker’s sales increased by 2.5% to 325,000 units in 2017 (2016: 317,100 vehicles). In December, the brand delivered 42,400 vehicles to customers – 41.8% more than in the same month last year (December 2016: 29,900 vehicles).

In addition, Israel (23,400 vehicles; +14.5%) and India (17,100 vehicles; +31.4%) recorded positive developments in 2017 as a whole.

Deliveries by the ŠKODA brand in 2017 (in units, rounded off, listed by model; +/- in percent compared to 2016):

ŠKODA OCTAVIA (418,800; -3.9%)
ŠKODA RAPID (211,500; -0.6%)
ŠKODA FABIA (206,500; +2.1%)
ŠKODA SUPERB (150,900; +8.7%)
ŠKODA KODIAQ (100,000; - )
ŠKODA YETI (69,500; -27.8%)
ŠKODA KAROQ (6,300; - )
ŠKODA CITIGO (only sold in Europe: 37,100; -8.8%)

The ten most successful markets for ŠKODA in 2017

Country/Deliveries to customers 2017
1. China; 325,000
2. Germany; 173,300
3. Czech Republic; 95,000
4. Great Britain; 80,100
5. Poland; 66,600
6. Russia; 62,300
7. France; 27,300
8. Turkey; 25,000
9. Italy; 24,700
10. Austria; 24,300

[Karlheinz]

World premiere of the updated ŠKODA FABIA at the Geneva Motor Show 2018
18.1.2018 | category: Models

› Top model in the small car segment receives major design overhaul
› ŠKODA FABIA now available with LED headlights and LED rear lights
› Updated model to make debut appearance at Geneva’s International Motor Show 2018

​Mladá Boleslav, 18 January 2018 – Fresh, new design elements and state-of-the-art technology set the tone for the latest ŠKODA FABIA model update. A new front with LED headlights gives the FABIA a much stronger look. For the first time, LED rear lights are available for this model. The revised ŠKODA FABIA will also feature new ‘Simply Clever’ features. Geneva’s International Motor Show in March 2018 will provide the setting for the world premiere of the renewed ŠKODA FABIA. The model plays a key role in the Czech carmaker’s current model range. Since 1999, over four million units of the ŠKODA FABIA have been sold worldwide, with the current third model generation alone accumulating sales in excess of the 500,000 mark.