ŠKODA seamlessly continues last year’s record results: In January, the Czech car manufacturer delivered 93,800 vehicles to customers worldwide.

It is 2.4% more than in the same period last year (January 2016: 91,600) and more than in any January before. ŠKODA models were particularly in demand in Eastern (+ 23.2%) and Central Europe (+17.6%).

“ŠKODA has made a good start to the year. Our deliveries remain at a high level around the world,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “We are optimally positioned with our current model range and the new products. The new ŠKODA KODIAQ in particular will provide further impetus for the brand. Our new SUV model will gradually be introduced on the international markets from end of February.”

With a total of 1,127,700 vehicles, ŠKODA delivered more than one million cars to customers worldwide for the third time in a row. January’s result continues this success. 


In Western Europe, ŠKODA grew by 4.0% in January to 34,200 vehicles (January 2016: 32,900). In Germany – the brand’s strongest European single market – deliveries rose to 11,200 vehicles (January 2016: 10,500 vehicles, +5.9%). The brand grew in double-digit figures in France (1,700 vehicles; +17.2%), Italy (2,000 vehicles; +20.1%), Spain (1,600 vehicles; +11.2%) and Sweden (1,000 vehicles; +21.6%).

In Central Europe, ŠKODA recorded sales growth of 17.6% with 16,700 vehicles (January 2016: 14,200 vehicles). On the Czech home market, deliveries increased 19.5% over last January’s results (6,400) with 7,700 vehicles. ŠKODA also recorded double-digit growth over January 2016 in Croatia (200 vehicles, +43.5%), Poland (5,800 vehicles, +20.4%) and Hungary (900 vehicles, +14.1%).

In Eastern Europe, the Czech carmaker grew by 23.2% to 2,400 vehicles (January 2016: 2,000 vehicles). Deliveries in the Ukraine rose by 118.5% to 300 vehicles (2016: 100 vehicles). In the Baltics, ŠKODA recorded growth of 22.3%; the brand delivered 500 vehicles here (January 2016: 400 vehicles).
In Russia, the number of deliveries increased slightly to 3,600 vehicles (January 2016: 3,600, +0.4%).

The Czech manufacturer’s models are in high demand in Turkey and Israel. In Turkey, the brand’s vehicle sales increased by 79.3% to 1,300 vehicles (January 2016: 700 vehicles). In Israel, deliveries increased by 9.6% to 3,500 vehicles (January 2016: 3,200 vehicles).

In China, the brand’s largest single market, ŠKODA delivered 30,000 vehicles (January 2016: 31,400; -4.3%).

ŠKODA will also be pushing ahead with its model campaign in 2017. With the new ŠKODA KODIAQ and the revised ŠKODA OCTAVIA, two new models will be launched in February. Additional product innovations, such as the product upgrade of the ŠKODA CITIGO, will follow in the course of the year.

ŠKODA deliveries to customers in January 2017 (in units, rounded off, by model; +/- in percent compared to January 2016):
ŠKODA OCTAVIA (37,400; -4.6%)
ŠKODA RAPID (17,700; +5.9%)
ŠKODA FABIA (15,700; +8.2%)
ŠKODA SUPERB (13,500; +37.2%)
ŠKODA YETI (6,400; -27.3 %)
ŠKODA CITIGO (only sold in Europe: 2,500; +5.2 %)

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

The use of four CNG-powered lorries at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav enables a significant reduction in harmful emissions.

ŠKODA further expands its environmentally friendly logistics fleet and puts four CNG-powered lorries (CNG = compressed natural gas) into service at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav. These four vehicles are being used for transporting goods within the company site, while another is destined for use in the supply chain. Their CNG drive enables a significant reduction in harmful emissions and transport costs. Furthermore, ŠKODA will use ‘Gigaliner’ lorries on selected routes in future. This will save up to 200 further tonnes of CO2 per year. 

“As part of our overall social responsibility, we have traditionally devoted great attention to developing environmentally friendly logistics solutions,” said Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA Board Member for Production and Logistics. “With the CNG-powered lorries, ŠKODA is making a further contribution to a sustainable company,” added Oeljeklaus. 

Following a two-month trial period, four lorries with CNG drive are now being used in daily operations at the ŠKODA headquarters in Mladá Boleslav. Another of these environmentally friendly lorries has been used for transport to and from Stráž nad Nisou. It completes the 120-km journey twelve times per week and saves 16 tonnes of CO2 per year compared to a vehicle with a diesel engine. 

The CNG lorries impress with considerably lower emissions than vehicles with a conventional engine and scored points during the trial period with a 30-per-cent reduction in fuel costs. Nitric oxide (NOx) emissions are 80 to 90 per cent lower, while carbon monoxide emissions (CO) are reduced by a total of 90 per cent. With an average fuel consumption of less than 50 kg of CNG per 100 km, emissions of particulates are reduced by up to 95 per cent, and CO2 emissions by 25 per cent. 

The ‘Gigaliners’ that ŠKODA will be using on selected routes for transporting goods to and from suppliers from now on are another step forward in terms of environmental protection. The lorries, which are up to 25 m long, transport a volume of goods totalling 150 m3 per trip – 50 per cent more than a conventional lorry. ŠKODA thereby reduces the number of weekly trips along the 292-km route between Mladá Boleslav and Rokycany from 53 to 35 – this equates to 250,000 fewer kilometres per year and reductions in CO2 emissions of around 200 tonnes. Lower transport costs are another benefit. 

For production logistics, ŠKODA is increasingly using zero-emission, battery-powered transporters on-site at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav. Hence as part of a pilot project, an electric tractor with two trailers was also fitted with solar panels. The photovoltaic modules charge the lithium-ion batteries while the vehicle is in motion. The battery-powered tractors cover around 70 km every day. By using solar power, ŠKODA expects an annual energy saving of around 10 per cent. If the trial period is a success, ŠKODA will equip more vehicles with photovoltaic technology. Alongside these tractors, another 18 battery-powered logistics tractors are in use at ŠKODA’s plants. 

The initiative for CNG and electric power within Logistics is another component of the various environmental activities which ŠKODA is promoting as part of its ‘GreenFuture’ strategy. It consists of several elements: ‘GreenProduct’ deals with the development of vehicles that are as environmentally friendly as possible – in terms of fuel requirement as well as materials and recycling capabilities. With ‘GreenRetail’, the brand is promoting eco-friendly operations in their dealerships and workshops. ‘GreenFactory’ brings together all activities that help to conserve resources during production. This element also includes the ‘GreenLogistics’ area of action for sustainable logistics solutions. For the near future, the manufacturer envisages that the majority of their suppliers based near the Bohemian plants will deliver their components to the assembly lines exclusively using lorries powered using alternative resources.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Internet users can now experience a virtual ŠKODA showroom on their own computer, tablet or smartphone – almost as though they were in a real car dealership.
Via video telephony, the ŠKODA consultant takes customers into the showroom and introduces the ŠKODA models live. If a customer has specific questions, such as the operation of the infotainment system, the consultant shows them how the cockpit works – thanks to mobile cameras, customers are close to the action. ŠKODA is launching the Digital Showroom as a pilot project in Spain. 

“We have linked the live customer experience in a car showroom with the advantages of digital presentation, and we now introduce ŠKODA's first digital showroom,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “The consultant in the digital showroom becomes the customers’ eyes and ears. We open up a dialogue with future customers in their usual digital environment and encourage them to visit a ŠKODA dealership and test drive our models in person.” 

ŠKODA has created a new brand experience, bringing customers and ŠKODA partners closer together: On the Spanish ŠKODA website www.skoda.es, prospective customers now have the possibility of engaging in an online a consultation with ŠKODA experts and experiencing the brand’s latest models live on their computer screens, tablets or smartphones. A simple button on the homepage allows users to call a hotline, request an immediate call back or arrange a convenient appointment. 

The conversation is conducted via video telephony. The expert takes the caller live into an exhibition space with current ŠKODA models. Twelve stationary and four mobile cameras show vehicles from different perspectives. The consultant can present the exterior and interior of the vehicle, demonstrate ‘Simply Clever’ features, explain details such as the infotainment-system menu, and answer specific questions. If the potential buyer is interested in the boot, the customer consultant can take them to the rear by mobile camera and demonstrate the loading space live. 

During the conversation in the virtual showroom, the advisor can assist the customer in the online configuration of their desired vehicle and the search for a local dealership. The ŠKODA expert can also arrange an appointment for a test drive in person. The customer can input text via a chat window, for example, to confirm their name, address or payment details for an ordering process. In addition, files can be transferred – for example, a vehicle configuration that has already been prepared in advance. 

The top model ŠKODA SUPERB and the new ŠKODA KODIAQ are ready for live presentation in the first digital showroom. This gives users an exciting preview of the brand’s first large SUV. The ŠKODA consultant can present the KODIAQ to customers in detail, and will carry out the configuration and ordering process with them directly. 

Alongside enhancing the virtual brand experience, ŠKODA is currently completing the customer-friendly optimization of the car dealerships worldwide. The traditional Czech brand has almost 3200 dealerships around the world – more than 75% of which feature the new corporate identity design at the beginning of 2017. Customers are greeted by the fresh brand appearance in the modernized car dealerships. The new showroom concept focuses on personal, direct and open communication with customers.
Article source: www.skoda-auto.com
Premiere of the high-performance sportster new to the model range. Power output of the new 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine increases to 180 kW.
Please fasten your seatbelts: the most powerful ŠKODA OCTAVIA in the company’s history is on its way. The new ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 delivers 180 kW (245 PS) – this is 11 kW (15 PS) more than the previous top-of-the-range RS variant had to offer. The powerful engine and innovative chassis technology including the electronically regulated VAQ limited-slip differential offer the ultimate driving experience. The powerhouse is available as a hatchback or an estate and will be celebrating its world premiere at the 87th International Motor Show in Geneva. The compact sports car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds (Combi: 6.7 seconds); its top speed is limited to 250 km/h. As is usual for a ŠKODA, the car features a spacious interior and luggage compartment. In addition, the latest driver assistance systems are also available for the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245. Using the infotainment system, the occupants can be ‘always online’ thanks to the optional Wi-Fi hotspot and LTE module. Numerous ‘Simply Clever’ features are further testimony to the compact car’s practical talents.

Gloss-black features and an unmistakeable high-performance sound
The ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 features the new face of the brand and has particularly sporty design details. The completely new front section with wider radiator grille and the wide honeycomb air inlets in the redesigned bumper provide the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 with a masculine and dynamic appearance. The slats on the radiator grille and the trim that frames the radiator grille both come in gloss-black. The redesigned headlight clusters in a crystalline look feature full-LED technology and AFS adaptive front headlights as standard. The fog lights, tail lights and number plate illumination also feature LED technology and a crystalline appearance.

The exterior mirror housings and the trapezoid tailpipes are also black. The radiator grille and the tailgate both sport the RS logo featuring a gloss-black ‘V’ (for victory). Features such as the spoiler at the back of the hatchback or roof spoiler on the Combi are further attributes of the car’s emotive and sporty design. The ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 can also be recognised as a high-performance sportster acoustically thanks to the husky sound of its exhaust system.

Sports seats and aluminium design details in the interior
The sporty look also dominates in the interior, which has also been designed largely in black – from the roof lining to the footwell including its silver-coloured pedals with an aluminium finish. With their high sides and integrated headrests, the Alcantara sports seats provide maximum support in fast corners. The front seats bear the RS logo – as do the front door sills. The multifunctional sports steering wheel with perforated leather and integrated steering wheel paddles (for DSG transmissions) matches the car’s dynamic ambience. The LED ambient lighting in the RS-245-specific decorative trims immerses the interior in one of the ten choices of colours. A colour Maxi-DOT display forms part of the instrument cluster.

A lot of power, little consumption
The ŠKODA OCTAVIA’s top-of-the-range model has a 180-kW (245-PS), four-cylinder, TSI petrol engine under its bonnet – that’s 11 kW (15 PS) more than its predecessor had to offer. Maximum torque of 370 Nm is achieved between 1,600 and 4,300 rpm. There is a choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or – for the first time in a ŠKODA OCTAVIA – a 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission. From a standing start, the hatchback reaches 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds; the Combi does it in 6.7 seconds. In addition, the engine’s flexibility is particularly impressive. When accelerating quickly in the two highest gears on a country road or motorway, the high-end ŠKODA OCTAVIA instantly delivers power. In fifth gear, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 with a manual gearbox can manage the short burst from 60-100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds (Combi: 6.5 seconds), 80-120 km/h takes only 6.6 seconds (Combi: 6.8 seconds) – a reassuring safety buffer.

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 bristles with emotion and dynamism. In the compact car segment, it provides exceptional value for money for sporty and ambitious yet practical, down-to-earth drivers.

Sports chassis and mechanical limited slip
Compared to the ‘normal’ models in the range, the sports chassis lowers the body of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 by 14 mm. Its rear track is 38 mm wider than that of the predecessor. The standard, gloss-black alloy wheels are 19 inches in diameter. The ESC stability system with Sport mode, as well as the electronically regulated VAQ limited-slip differential are also part of the standard equipment. This electronic inter-wheel lock for the differential on the driving wheels allows for particularly dynamic acceleration when exiting corners: the amount of slip on one of the front wheels is limited and transferring power to the road is optimised. The electronically regulated VAQ limited-slip differential will remain a distinctive feature of the RS 245 model. Performance Mode Select with the Performance Sound Generator function enables individual adjustment of drive, chassis and comfort settings. The dynamic character of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 is additionally highlighted by the car’s progressive steering and the optional adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC).

Wi-Fi hotspot and real-time navigation 
ŠKODA Connect offers pioneering mobile online services divided into the two categories of Infotainment Online (information/entertainment) and Care Connect (driver assistance). The controls for the new generation of infotainment systems are integrated in a glass design for the Bolero, Amundsen and Columbus versions and, with their capacitive touch screens, react even to a light touch; in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245, they display a special start screen. The top-of-the-range Columbus navigation system features a 9.2-inch screen and an optional LTE module for super-fast data transfer, and provides occupants with a Wi-Fi hotspot. One of the particularly helpful services is Online Traffic Information, which offers recommended alternatives to the chosen route in the event of a traffic jam. In the Columbus system, destinations can be entered via voice control using the POI (Point of Interest) search. The system also provides news and information on the weather, petrol stations along the route (including fuel prices) or parking spaces. A Phonebox charges smartphones inductively.

Further online services are offered by the ŠKODA Connect app on a smartphone. By using the Remote Access feature, windows, doors, the sunroof and lighting can be controlled, the fuel level can be checked, or your parking location can be displayed. Care Connect also allows an Emergency Call to be made (automatically in the event of an accident in which restraint systems have been activated). The system alerts your breakdown service at the touch of a button and connects the driver to experts who can answer any questions regarding vehicle functions.

Driver assistance systems usually seen in higher segments
The electronic assistance systems surpass the usual level of the compact car segment by far. Newly available features include Trailer Assist (which steers and brakes the car and trailer when reversing), Predictive Pedestrian Protection (which brakes in the event of an impending collision with pedestrians) as a component of Front Assist, Blind Spot Detect (which warns of any vehicles in the blind spot), Rear Traffic Alert (its rear sensors warn the driver of approaching traffic when reversing out of parking spaces), Manoeuvre Assist (which brakes the vehicle as soon as the sensor detects an obstacle when moving forwards or reversing) and Crew Protect Assist (which closes the windows and sunroof in the event of an impending collision and tensions driver and passenger seatbelts). Crew Protect Assist works in conjunction with Front Assist including the City Emergency Braking function. In the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245, the proven Adaptive Cruise Control ((ACC), which helps the driver to maintain the selected speed and the desired distance from the car in front) can be activated up to a speed of 210 km/h.

A wealth of ‘Simply Clever’ features
The numerous ‘Simply Clever’ features in the new ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 include special bottle holders in the centre console (allowing PET bottles to be opened with one hand), a heated steering wheel, two USB ports in the rear, a personalisable key (allowing up to three users to programme their individual settings for the air conditioning, seats, the audio system’s volume and Driving Mode Select) and a removable LED torch in the boot of the Combi; the battery of the torch will recharge automatically while driving.

The abbreviation RS for the sportiest ŠKODA models
ŠKODA used the abbreviation RS for the first time in motorsport in 1974. In 2000, the synonym of sportiness entered the ŠKODA model range. This marked the beginning of the success story. 200,000 RS models have been sold to date – a whopping 100,000 of which are third-generation OCTAVIAs and have been sold since 2013.
Article source: www.skoda-auto.com
A day of celebration in the Principality of Monaco : Andreas Mikkelsen has set a milestone in the ŠKODA Motorsport success story. Jan Kopecký with Pavel Dresler complete the one-two victory for ŠKODA Motorsport in the WRC 2.

Starting in the ŠKODA FABIA R5 for the first time, the Norwegian rally star Andreas Mikkelsen triumphed with navigator Anders Jæger (N) in the WRC 2 standings at the 85th Rally Monte Carlo. Team-mates Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) completed the one-two victory for ŠKODA at the oldest and most prestigious race in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). 40 years previously, Václav Blahna (CZ) and his co-driver Lubislav Hlávka (CZ) had driven the ŠKODA 130 RS to victory in the 1,300cc class at the same location.

“This one-two victory at the Rally Monte Carlo is one of the high points in our 116 years of motorsport history. The ‘Monte’ is the most famous rally in the world and it is really special to win here. Respect to Andreas Mikkelsen and Anders Jæger, who showed their class and outstanding speed under the most difficult of conditions,” commented Michal Hrabánek. The ŠKODA Motorsport Director praised the performance of the whole team: “The whole team did an outstanding job, from the mechanics and engineers to our two works duos with Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler, as well as Pontus Tidemand and Jonas Andersson. Of course, this is the best possible start to the new rally year 2017.”

And it was the perfect way to celebrate ŠKODA’s triumph at the “Monte” four decades ago. The three FABIA R5s of the works teams commemorated the 1977 success with a special blue and red striped livery. The thousands of fans loved the spectacular new look but were also delighted by the performance of the turbo 4x4 from ŠKODA. As it had been throughout the rally year 2016, the FABIA R5 was the best car in its class. Under extremely difficult conditions - icy stretches were interspersed with soft snow and clean asphalt on the Alpine switchbacks - ŠKODA driver Andreas Mikkelsen moved straight into the lead with the best time on the first timed special stage on Thursday. The 27-year-old Norwegian extended his lead with outstanding best times and was able to celebrate a dominant win on Sunday after 350 kilometres. Mikkelsen/ Jæger claimed victory 3:25.4 minutes ahead of their team-mates Kopecký/Dresler.

“ŠKODA opened the door to the big rally world for me and it is a special feeling for me to return with this triumph. Thanks to the whole team. I am happy to give ŠKODA this success at the legendary ‘Monte’. The ŠKODA FABIA R5 is a good rally car and I am satisfied with our performance,” commented Mikkelsen, who also successfully completed the legendary climb on the Col de Turini on Sunday, in heavy snowfall at over 1600 metres. He secured four team world championship titles with Volkswagen Motorsport, having already won the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in the ŠKODA FABIA SUPER 2000 in 2011 and 2012. He has now recorded his first class win in the FABIA R5 at the Rally Monte Carlo, celebrating at the awards ceremony on the “Place du Palais Princier”.

Jan Kopecký was almost as delighted: “It is great for ŠKODA to head home with a one-two victory at the Rally Monte Carlo.” The other ŠKODA works driver Pontus Tidemand (S) was not competing for WRC 2 points at his first “Monte” but he and co-driver Jonas Andersson (S) emphasised their ability by finishing eleventh in the overall standings. Tidemand/Andersson will be battling for WRC 2 points at their home World Championship rally in Sweden from 9th to 12th February: “It is no secret that we want to challenge for the WRC 2 title.” Last year, the ŠKODA Motorsport works team of Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) won the WRC 2 title in the drivers’ and co-drivers’ competitions for the first time. The rally year 2017 has begun with another historic triumph.

Final standings at the Rally Monte Carlo (WRC 2):
1. Mikkelsen/Jæger (N/N)  ŠKODA FABIA R5  2:11:15,4 hrs
2. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ)  ŠKODA FABIA R5  + 3:25,4 min
3. Bouffier/Giraudet (F/F)  Ford Fiesta R5   + 6:36,7 min
4. Camilli/Veillas (F/F)   Ford Fiesta R5   + 9:55,8 min
5. Gilbert/Jamoul (F/B)   Ford Fiesta R5   + 11:36,8 min

The number of the Rally Monte Carlo: 13
The ŠKODA FABIA R5 was the outstanding car in its class at the Rally Monte Carlo. The turbo 4x4 from the Czech Republic recorded the best time on 13 out of 15 timed special stages in the WRC 2 standings. Ten of these best times were driven by Andreas Mikkelsen, while team-mate Jan Kopecký was fastest on three occasions.

2017 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)
Rally Monte Carlo  19.01.–22.01.2017
Rally Sweden   09.02.–12.02.2017
Rally Mexico   09.03.–12.03.2017
Rally France   06.04.–09.04.2017
Rally Argentina   27.04.–30.04.2017
Rally Portugal   18.05.–21.05.2017
Rally Italy   08.06.–11.06.2017
Rally Poland   29.06.–02.07.2017
Rally Finland   27.07.–30.07.2017
Rally Germany   17.08.–20.08.2017
Rally Spain   05.10.–08.10.2017
Rally Great Britain  26.10.–29.10.2017
Rally Australia   16.11.–19.11.2017

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

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