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ŠKODA has produced the one millionth SUPERB. The milestone vehicle, a top-of-the-range Laurin & Klement saloon, left the production line at ŠKODA’s Kvasiny plant in the Czech Republic.

The current third generation has made a major contribution to this success: since the market launch in March 2015, ŠKODA has produced 250,000 vehicles of this top model. The brand’s flagship brings the success story of the series dating back to 1934 to a new level.

"This production milestone is an impressive demonstration of ŠKODA's high production competence and its employees," says Michael Oeljeklaus, Board Member for Production and Logistics, adding “The name SUPERB represents one of the best and most successful cars in the automotive mid-class.”

The third-generation ŠKODA SUPERB has led the brand into a new era since its production launch in March 2015. With its sharp lines, state-of-the-art assistance systems for safety and comfort, powerful yet economical engines, largest interior space in the segment and numerous 'Simply Clever' details, the current generation has successfully established itself in the mid-class.

For its exceptional qualities, the ŠKODA SUPERB has been awarded the ‘Red Dot Award’ for outstanding product design and the title ‘Car of the Year’ in numerous European countries. The production figures also underscore the success of the brand's flagship: After producing 136,100 vehicles of the first generation, which was launched in 2001, the production figures of the second generation increased significantly. Between 2008 and 2015, 618,500 ŠKODA SUPERBs left the ŠKODA plant in Kvasiny. The current third generation was launched in March 2015. In just the two years since, ŠKODA has produced 250,000 vehicles. The modern flagship is celebrating an impressive milestone and raising the popularity of the series to a new level.

ŠKODA’s top model has been synonymous with high quality from the Czech Republic on the global markets since 2001. The carmaker builds on the tradition of large, prestigious vehicles from Mladá Boleslav that date back to the early 20th century. In 1907 the Laurin & Klement FF became the first eight-cylinder model in Central Europe. In the 1920s, the luxurious ŠKODA Hispano-Suiza mobilised the first state president of Czechoslovakia. The inspirational eight-cylinder ŠKODA 860 was released in the early 1930s.

The ŠKODA 640 SUPERB followed in 1934. Since then, the sonorous name has represented the brand’s particularly high-class cars. The term comes from the Latin word 'superbus', meaning ‘distinguished’, ‘excellent or ‘magnificent.’ Just as the current generation, the predecessors also featured pioneering technology. The 640 SUPERB used the technological platform of the POPULAR; its 2.5-litre six-cylinder had an output of 55 hp. The Cardan shaft ran through the tube frame. Also, advanced independent suspension was utilised instead of rigid axles front and rear. An advantage of this design was, for example, that the stress on the body was reduced due to significantly higher torsional rigidity. This model is a rarity with only 200 ever built.

ŠKODA SUPERB – in 2001 the new model was launched in the mid-class
In 2001 ŠKODA gave the evocative name a new lease of life. The new flagship of the brand immediately set new standards in the mid-class: no competing model in the segment offered as much space as the new model of the brand from Mladá Boleslav. At the same time, the SUPERB scored points with an attractive design and state-of-the-art technology. A navigation system, GSM telephone preparation, heated seats, xenon headlights, parking sensors and sunroofs were added to the high comfort on request. As standard, modern systems such as ABS, ESC and six airbags ensured maximum safety.

The second generation of the modern ŠKODA SUPERB celebrated its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show of 2008. The impressive new model had even more space, an elegant appearance and build quality of the highest level. In addition, the SUPERB was available for the first time with all-wheel drive. The particularly practical ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI followed in 2009.

SUPERB III is the first ŠKODA model to offer comprehensive connectivity
In 2015 ŠKODA heralded a new era with the current third generation SUPERB. Never before had such high demands been put on the design of a ŠKODA car. Never had so many new technologies gone into the development of a model. Never before had there been so many new ‘Simply Clever’ ideas, and never had ŠKODA engineers created so much room for drivers, passengers and their luggage. An array of assistance systems from higher vehicle classes ensures greater safety and comfort. The new EU-6 engines are also more powerful than previously, whilst also being up to 30 percent more economical.

At the same time, the SUPERB, introduced in 2015, was the brand’s first model to support full connectivity. The modern infotainment system can be automatically connected to Smartphones via SmartLink. SmartLink includes the standards MirrorLinkTM, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system allows users to operate many apps from their smartphone on the car’s display. In addition, the driver can use the SmartGate function to retrieve vehicle data on their device. The SUPERB was also the first ŠKODA hotspot on wheels with high-speed Internet access. Another highlight is the innovative and particularly practical Phonebox, which charges mobile phones wirelessly.

The experience and passion of 122 years of ŠKODA vehicle construction went into the development of the third generation model. The SUPERB impressively demonstrates the company's engineering and design competence.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

ŠKODA presents brand’s first electric study at Shanghai Auto Show (19 - 28 April) and ŠKODA fans can discover VISION E with new smartphone app “ŠKODA VR”.

ŠKODA is embarking on the mobility of the future with the new VISION E concept vehicle, allowing fans, friends and customers to participate all over the world. Thanks to virtual reality, smartphone users can experience the presentation of the brand’s first electric study on 19 April, 2017, in Shanghai and explore the details of the ŠKODA VISION E. For this, they only need the new ŠKODA VR app, which is available for free download from Google Play and the App Store.

“We are delighted to present the ŠKODA VISION E in Shanghai and at the same time all over the world,” says Stefan Büscher, Head of ŠKODA Marketing. “Alongside our partners Google and HTC, we are entering the virtual world and inviting friends and fans of the brand to join us. Thanks to new technologies and the ŠKODA Virtual Reality app, everyone can explore our concept vehicle VISION E from home and experience the mobility of the future.”

ŠKODA is opening three doors to the virtual world. Firstly, the manufacturer invited guests to take part in worldwide events in selected cities in parallel to the VISION E presentation at the Auto Shanghai. The highlight: visitors couldfollow the live presentation using the advanced virtual reality goggles VIVE and corresponding headphones from HTC. This enabled them to take a walk through as if they were at the actual event and experience the new VISION E up close. Another advantage of virtual reality is that anyone interested could find out more about the innovative electric drive, discover the futuristic design of the emotive coupé and even take a digital test drive.

ŠKODA offered this Premiere 2.0 in partnership with HTC in the following cities:

• Berlin
• Bratislava
• Madrid
• Mladá Boleslav
• Oslo
• Prague
• Shanghai
• Tel Aviv

The second door wasopen to 100 selected opinion leaders who could immerse themselves in the digital world with Daydream virtual reality glasses created by ŠKODA’s partner Google. The data weretransferred to a Motorola MotoZ smartphone, allowing the guests to experience the VISION E presentation from home, work or any other location anywhere in the world. The guests received their Google Daydream headsets on 10 April, 2017.

Customers, friends and fans of the brand can also enjoy the intense world premiere. ŠKODA’s new smartphone app VR enables a virtual 360-degree tour around the pioneering concept car. In addition, smartphone users can playfully explore the new technologies behind the ŠKODA VISION E at their fingertips. The free app is available for download from Google Play or the App Store.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

ŠKODA looks back on impressive milestones in 122 years of corporate history at this year’s Techno Classica (5 to 9 April) in Essen.

As one of the world’s oldest automotive manufacturers still producing cars, the traditional Czech brand will be focusing on three main topics at their stand in hall 7: Innovative aerodynamic prototypes testify to ŠKODA’s pioneering achievements and engineering skill. In 1977 the ŠKODA 130 RS achieved a highly acclaimed class double victory at the Rally Monte Carlo. Ten years later, the ŠKODA FAVORIT paved the way for one of the most fruitful partnerships in automotive history.

"At this year's Techno Classica, we are taking three special themes from the impressive history of ŠKODA," says Andrea Frydlová, head of the ŠKODA Museum at the headquarters in Mladá Boleslav. "One of the highlights at our stand in Hall 7 is the ŠKODA 935 Dynamic, which represents the brand’s development competence in the field of aerodynamics. It is the world’s only preserved specimen of this type and has been faithfully restored by our restoration department – even the hue corresponds to that of the original vehicle,” Frydlová added.

Since the pioneering days of the automobile, ŠKODA has been one of the frontrunners in development thanks to the engineers’ and craftsmen’s passion for technology. The brand repeatedly built exceptional vehicles, which made a great contribution to the technical progress. One example of this is the ŠKODA 935 Dynamic; the brand’s first aerodynamic prototype was presented at the Prague Motor Show in 1935 and caused a sensation around the world with its particularly low air resistance. On show at the Techno Classica, ŠKODA will be presenting the unique model – once again in top form after an eventful history. Also at the classic car show: the ŠKODA POPULAR Monte Carlo in coupé and convertible body variants. Both were far ahead of their time with elegant and aerodynamic bodies. The same is true of the rare ŠKODA RAPID ‘Dalnice’ of which only 110 were produced between 1938 and 1941. This is also one of the highlights at the ŠKODA stand. Its streamlined design was created in a wind tunnel – a rarity in this early phase of automobile construction. In combination with a 34 kW (46 hp) powerful four-cylinder, which draws its power from a 1.6-litre displacement, the model has a top speed of 120 km/h.

The ŠKODA 130 RS represents the brand’s motorsport passion in the 1970s. Visitors of the Techno Classic 2017 can experience an extraordinary variant of the legendary rear-wheel drive at the traditional Czech brand’s stand: the ŠKODA 130 RS A5, Type 738, was used in 1978 in numerous aerodynamic tests at the airport in Hoškovice, Czech Republic. With a large wing as well as the body widening towards the rear, the engineers achieved a higher contact pressure and thus improved handling at high speeds. This was also necessary for the streamlined prototype to reach its top speed of 250 km/h. The 140-hp (190 hp) four-cylinder rear-engine model had to be ventilated by large air inlets.

On the topic of the ŠKODA 130 RS, the ‘Porsche of the East' won the 1,300 cm3 class with the duo Václav Blahna / Lubislav Hlávka at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1977. In second place Milan Zapadlo / Jiří Motal rounded off the brand’s double victory perfectly. The predecessor of the current ŠKODA FABIA R5 wrote of the most glorious chapters in ŠKODA's 117-year engagement in motorsport. A ŠKODA 130 RS, as well as a ŠKODA FABIA R5 in the 1977 look can be seen alongside other representatives of ŠKODA’s racing history at the classic-car event in Essen.

With the debut of the ŠKODA FAVORIT on 16 September, 1987, at the International Engineering Fair in Brno, the car manufacturer reinvented itself and set the course for an unprecedented success story. In the difficult final years of the socialist era, the compact model designed by the Italian studio Bertone used a transversely mounted front engine and front-wheel drive for the first time. The new model signalled a turning-point for the entire company: With its modern concept, it provided Volkswagen with a decisive reason for its commitment in the Czech Republic. At the Techno Classica 2017 in Essen, the FAVORIT 5-door model will stand alongside other representatives of the series: the estate model FORMAN quickly established itself as a family favourite. With the FAVORIT F2 Rally, ŠKODA won the Rally Manufactures’ World Championship 1994 in the front-wheel drive category, while the FAVORIT saloon demonstrated the enormous diversity of the model range and the brand’s development potential.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

The international jury awards the new ŠKODA KODIAQ SUV and the extensively upgraded ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI with the coveted Design Award for 2017.

The international jury of experts for the ‘Red Dot Award’ declared the ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI and the ŠKODA KODIAQ the winners. The extensively upgraded compact car and the brand’s new large SUV therefore win one of the most well-known and prestigious design competitions in the world. The ŠKODA models continue their winning streak; these two trophies are, incredibly, ŠKODA’s tenth and eleventh at the Red Dot Awards since 2006.

“These awards make us very proud,” said Karl Neuhold, Head of Exterior Design at ŠKODA. “We are searching for beauty in simplicity, and combine functionality with aesthetics. Our lines are clean and clear-cut, and are inspired by Bohemian crystal glass art. We call it crystalline design. These details can be found in the exterior and in the interior. It makes our models unique,” added Neuhold.

In the new ŠKODA KODIAQ and the upgraded ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI, the crystalline design can be seen in the structure of the headlights, for example. Traditional Czech crystal glass art provided the inspiration for this refined design.

In typical ŠKODA style, the new large SUV as well as the compact bestseller also impress with an extraordinary amount of interior space, innovative connectivity solutions and numerous driver assistance systems, which are normally only found in higher segments. With these qualities, the two models won over the highly distinguished expert panel.

To receive the coveted Design Award, products have to impress the jury in criteria such as the degree of innovation, design quality, functionality and environmental compatibility. The independent jury for the Red Dot Awards discusses and judges each individual submission live and on-site. The ‘Red Dot’ is regarded worldwide as a seal of high-quality product design and was awarded this year for the 62nd time. Every year, around 5,000 products are entered – this time from 54 countries, making it one of the most well-known design competitions in the world. The jury of roughly 40 people is made up of independent designers, design professors and specialised journalists.

Eleven ‘Red Dot Awards’ now adorn the trophy cabinets in Mladá Boleslav. The ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI was the first to win the prestigious award in 2006. In 2007, the prize went to the ŠKODA ROOMSTER and the second generation of the ŠKODA FABIA; the third generation was also awarded the prize in 2015. ŠKODA also claimed a double victory in 2010 – with the ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI and the ŠKODA YETI. In 2013, the ŠKODA RAPID won, presenting the brand’s new design language for the first time. In 2014, the hatchback variant, the ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK, also brought home the award. The flagship, the ŠKODA SUPERB, triumphed in 2016.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

The brand-typical design language is constantly developing and evolving. Precision and clarity are the fundamental principles of car design at ŠKODA.

ŠKODA DESIGN emphasises its commitment to a distinct design identity with continuous development of its design language. Harmonious proportions, clean-cut lines, bold contours and crystalline features are combined to create a design that places a focus on precision and clarity. One of the sources of inspiration for ŠKODA’s designers is Czech crystal glass art, which is characterised by outstanding craftsmanship. This yields an expressive, emotionally charged design which harmoniously combines aesthetics and functionality.

“Within just a few years, ŠKODA’s new design language has already yielded a number of sensational design studies which point towards the future of our brand,” said Karl Neuhold, Head of Exterior Design at ŠKODA. “Our objectives are clearly defined and we are now ready to present the next step.”

With harmonious proportions, clear contours, precise lines and clean-cut edges in both the exterior and interior, the ŠKODA DESIGN DNA demonstrates a strikingly clear and particularly distinct style. This DNA is an expression of the timeless elegance and modern functionality that is typical for ŠKODA cars. Equally characteristic are the powerful contours, which set the stage for a sensational interplay between light and shade that conveys dynamism and emotiveness. Crystalline structures can also be seen in headlights, tail lights and other features. Their crystalline, three-dimensional design gives them a high-quality character defined by modern technology and particular finesse.

Czech crystal glass art is internationally renowned and steeped in tradition. It combines classic manufacturing processes with modern aesthetics. Thus ŠKODA DESIGN pays respect to the cultural heritage of the brand’s homeland and pays tribute to the artists who create sculptures of timeless beauty through precision craftsmanship and attention to detail. To a large extent, their ability to produce high-quality, emotive works of art from simple, clear shapes chimes with the fundamental values of the Czech car brand, whose vehicles harmoniously combine aesthetics and functionality.

With this awareness of tradition and heritage, ŠKODA has developed a design language that distinguishes the brand and has already been applied to numerous concept studies. Charting its progress from the ŠKODA VISION D design study in 2011 through to the ŠKODA VISION C (2014) and ŠKODA VISION S (2016) concepts reveals a continuous development that is also reflected in the appearance of the brand’s most recent models and which will also decisively shape design at ŠKODA in future.

In the near future, another concept study will enable ŠKODA to underline the constant evolution of the ŠKODA DESIGN.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

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