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The milestone vehicle, a ŠKODA KODIAQ in the colour Moon White, rolled off the production line at the traditional Czech company’s site.

To launch the production of the brand’s first large SUV, ŠKODA’s East Bohemian factory had taken on 2,600 new employees by the end of last year. The production plant will be further modernized and expanded in the coming years.

“Kvasiny is a state-of-the-art production facility with a great tradition and an outstanding team. As an important cornerstone of ŠKODA’s production network, the Kvasiny plant will be making a key contribution to ŠKODA Strategy 2025,” says ŠKODA Board Member for Production and Logistics Michael Oeljeklaus. “The site’s annual production volume will continue to increase over the coming years. To this end, we will be investing heavily into the location, expanding Kvasiny into a competence centre for the production of SUV vehicles among other things. We have recently reached an important milestone in this regard by launching production of the ŠKODA KODIAQ.

The Kvasiny plant has a tradition spanning the last 80 years, and is one of the most important employers in the Hradec Králové region. Cars such as the JAWA 700 were produced here as early as the 1930s. The first ŠKODA to be manufactured at Kvasiny was the ŠKODA SUPERB in 1947. In subsequent years, the models FELICIA (1958 to 1964), 110 R Coupé (1970 to 1980), ŠKODA pickup / VW Caddy pickup (1995 to 2001), SUPERB, ROOMSTER and YETI ran off the production Line.

The ŠKODA plant in East Bohemia is currently undergoing the most significant modernization and expansion in its history. As part of the comprehensive SUV campaign, which was launched with the ŠKODA KODIAQ, the manufacturer has invested approximately seven billion crowns into the location. Over the next few years, the production capacity of the plant will steadily increase to 280,000 vehicles annually. An additional 2600 employees had been added to the workforce by the end of 2016, and ŠKODA will be creating new jobs this year, as well. The company is one of the largest industrial employers in the region.

Automobile production at Kvasiny – important milestones:

1934 - The body shop Jawa Kvasiny is founded.

1947 - Production launch of the ŠKODA SUPERB.

1959 - Kvasiny launches the production of the convertible ŠKODA FELICIA.

1970 - Production launch of the sporty coupé ŠKODA 110 R.

1981 - Production launch of the ŠKODA GARDE / RAPID.

1991 - ŠKODA joins the Volkswagen Group.

2001 - ŠKODA’s new flagship, the SUPERB rolls off the production lines at Kvasiny.

2006 - Launch of the ŠKODA ROOMSTER model produced at Kvasiny.

2009 - The new ŠKODA YETI compact SUV is produced at Kvasiny.

2013 - January: The assembly of the ŠKODA ROOMSTER returns to Kvasiny.
           July: The new combined heat and power plant (CHP) becomes operational.
           Around 3 million euros go into creating an environmental project, later awarded
           ‘eco-project of the year’ in the Czech Republic.
           November: 1.5 million vehicles have been produced at Kvasiny.
           December: 500,000 second-generation ŠKODA SUPERBs have been produced
           at Kvasiny.

2014 - September: The Kvasiny plant celebrates 80 years of operation.

2015 - March: The third generation ŠKODA SUPERB rolls off the line. ŠKODA invests
          heavily in new production technologies, assembly and logistics areas for the start
          of production of the brand’s flagship made in Kvasiny. Around 62.3 million euros
          were invested in the new body construction alone.
           October: The 500,000th ŠKODA YETI is manufactured at Kvasiny.

2016 - October: The brand’s first large SUV – the ŠKODA KODIAQ – is manufactured
at Kvasiny.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Works drivers Pontus Tidemand and Jan Kopecký also go in pursuit of the title at selected rounds of the 2017 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2).

Following an extraordinarily successful year in 2016, ŠKODA Motorsport has landed a surprise coup ahead of the new rally season. Experienced WRC driver Andreas Mikkelsen (N) and co-driver Anders Jæger (N) will make a guest appearance for the works team at the wheel of the ŠKODA FABIA R5 at the iconic Rally Monte Carlo, which takes place from 19 to 22 January 2017. The opening round of the FIA World Rally Championship also marks the start of the new season with the works team for Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S) and Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ). ŠKODA is the defending champion in the WRC 2 class.

“With the world championship title, three continental and ten national titles, 2016 was one of the most successful years in the history of ŠKODA Motorsport. We want to back up this success in 2017, and kick off the new rally year at the famous ‘Monte’. The ŠKODA Motorsport works team will contest selected rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) and will also race in the Czech Rally Championship,” said Michal Hrabánek. The ŠKODA Motorsport Director will once again put his faith in works drivers Pontus Tidemand and Jan Kopecký in 2017. However, he is also looking forward to the guest appearance of Andreas Mikkelsen: “We are obviously proud to see him in the ŠKODA FABIA R5. In a way, Andreas Mikkelsen is returning to his roots.”

The 27-year-old Norwegian, who is now regarded as one of the world’s top rally drivers, began his rise to the top with titles in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in 2011 and 2012. Back then, he was victorious in a ŠKODA FABIA SUPER 2000. In 2011, he made his first appearance for the Volkswagen Motorsport team at the Rally Finland, again in the successful ŠKODA FABIA SUPER 2000. He then went on to finish third overall in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2014, 2015 and 2016, winning three races in the top tier of rallying. On 20 November 2016, Mikkelsen/Jæger were victorious at the Rally Australia, the final race for four-time world champions Volkswagen in the WRC.

“It feels like I am coming home,” said Andreas Mikkelsen. “ŠKODA gave me an opportunity right at the start of my career. I have so many fond memories of the ŠKODA FABIA and am really looking forward to getting back in that car. I hope I can get a good result for ŠKODA, although the ‘Monte’ is a very difficult rally.” Works drivers Tidemand and Kopecký will certainly be among the experienced WRC driver’s toughest rivals. After all, they have a lot of experience and victories under their belts with the ŠKODA FABIA R5. Tidemand won the WRC 2 class in Portugal in 2016, while Kopecký triumphed in Spain.

The icing on the cake in a successful 2016 for ŠKODA Motorsport was the first Driver and Co-Driver title in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2), courtesy of Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN). ŠKODA drivers Gustavo Saba (PY) and Gaurav Gill (IND) also won the continental championships in South America and the Asia-Pacific region in the ŠKODA FABIA R5. Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q) triumphed in the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC), while a further ten national titles went to drivers at the wheel of ŠKODA cars. This made 2016 one of the most successful years in the 115-year history of ŠKODA Motorsport.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

ŠKODA has comprehensively upgraded their bestseller, equipping it with new technologies. New services connect the ŠKODA OCTAVIA closely to the owner, the driving is more comfortable and safer.

ŠKODA has equipped their bestseller with a new range of connectivity services: mobile online services under the label ŠKODA Connect. These are divided into two categories: Infotainment online services for the navigation systems Amundsen and Columbus are used for information and navigation; Care Connect services provide assistance and remote access to the car, regardless of the infotainment system.

One particularly useful feature of Infotainment Online is Online Traffic Information, which indicates the real-time flow of traffic along the selected route and suggests useful alternative routes in case of traffic jams. The services also provide customized information on fuel prices, parking information, news and weather information online. Via the ŠKODA Connect portal, routes, destinations and points of interest can be transferred directly from the computer to the navigation system. Especially for the system Columbus, there are other services, including Google Earth™ and Google Street View™. The Online Map Update service regularly updates to the latest maps available.

Among the Care Connect services, the emergency call (eCall) is one of the most important. If a restraint system is triggered after an accident, an emergency call centre is alerted. In addition, there is a notification function for minor accidents, as well as a breakdown call service. Service Scheduling is also included in the Proactive Services. Here the owner is contacted by the dealer before the vehicle’s service is due in order to arrange a convenient and timely appointment.

The new ŠKODA Connect app on the smartphone also supports more Care Connect services; one particularly interesting feature is the new remote services. The Vehicle status service, for example, informs you about the status of the vehicle's lighting, or open or closed doors. The Parking-position function shows the location of the vehicle. Honk & Flash makes it easier to find for the vehicle by sounding the horn and activating the hazard lights. Area Notification and Speed Notification inform the owner if the vehicle is moved without authorization.

The driver assistance systems in the comprehensively upgraded ŠKODA OCTAVIA go beyond compact-class standards. Some come from higher segments and complement the already very extensive range. The predictive pedestrian protection is specialized for city driving. In the range between 10 and 60 km/h, it triggers an emergency brake if a pedestrian dangerously steps out into oncoming traffic. The system is part of the optional Front Assist that includes city emergency braking function. Blind Spot Detect supports the driver when changing lanes with two radar sensors monitoring traffic at the rear. If a collision is imminent, a warning light is illuminated in the exterior mirror housing. Rear Traffic Alert assists when parallel parking or leaving a parking space; it detects oncoming vehicles very early.

Another innovation in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA is the optional trailer assist. Using the rotary switch for the exterior mirrors, the driver specifies the angle at which they want to reverse their trailer. When the driver then slowly accelerates, the system makes appropriate steering suggestions. Maneuvre Assist helps when reversing without a trailer, activating the brakes soon as it detects an obstacle behind it.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Now, after the hatchback, Combi and the fastest model variant – the OCTAVIA RS, comes the most versatile member of the family with various innovations in technology and equipment.

The upgraded ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT launches with three engine variants and state-of-the-art all-wheel-drive technology with electronically controlled, hydraulic multi-plate clutch. With a ground clearance that has been increased by 30 mm in comparison to the ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI, the compact five-door also masters rough terrain. Beyond that, it impresses with good climbing capability, a high towing capacity and numerous ‘Simply Clever’ features from ŠKODA.

Versatile character
The robust all-rounder impresses like always with a distinctive off-road look, innovative all-wheel drive, the best driving characteristics and increased versatility both on and off the road. The comprehensively reworked ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT bears the same front as the newest generation of ŠKODA OCTAVIAs and thereby underlines the family resemblance: it features a more prominent bonnet, the new front end with wide radiator grille and additional headlights with a crystalline look, full-LED headlights with adaptive front headlights (AFS). Also the modified fog lights and tail lights are equipped with LED technology. Its independent character is recognisable by silver-coloured underbody protection at the front and the rear. Furthermore, the Rough-Road package is also part of standard equipment and features plastic covering for the undercarriage as well as the brake and fuel lines.

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT impresses with its interior space, which for the compact car segment is particularly generous, good body layout, distinct versatility, high level of functionality and great driving characteristics. Besides the increased ground clearance, the all-wheel drive with electronically controlled, hydraulic multi-plate clutch, which comes as standard, also ensures even greater driving pleasure off the road. When driving on rough terrain the advantages of the ramp angles, which have been increased to 16.6 degrees at the front and 14.5 degrees at the rear, become apparent.

Both the front and rear axle of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT are fitted with an electronic differential lock (EDL) as standard. EDL allows the car to pull away smoothly on difficult surfaces, transmitting drive to both the front and rear axles.

For safer and easier descents on rough terrain the Off-Road function is available for the ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT. When in use the speed of the vehicle is consistently maintained without the driver needing to do anything. Modern engine management, which increases safety during descents using braking, makes the driver’s life easier.

The ‘Simply Clever’ features include a heated steering wheel and seats with the Thermo-Flux function which, from time to time, increases the air and moisture permeability and provides considerably more riding comfort in different climatic conditions – the upgraded ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT is therefore an adventurer in the truest sense. The boot has a capacity of 610 to 1740 litres and thanks to its width of 1010 mm, is also perfectly suited to transporting bulky loads without any problems. Numerous storage solutions in the interior increase its practicality. The towing capacity is up to two tonnes, depending on the engine version.

Technology and engines
The ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT is based on the ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI. The 2.0 TDI (110 kW) combined with all-wheel drive and a 7-speed DSG transmission is new to the range.

The reworked adventurer is available from market launch with a total of three different four-cylinder engine variants:
1.8 TSI: 132 kW (180 PS), top speed 216 km/h, 0 – 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, combined consumption 6.8 l/100 km, CO2 158 g/km
2.0 TDI: 110 kW (150 PS), top speed 207 km/h, 0 – 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds, combined consumption 5.0 l/100 km, CO2 130 g/km
2.0 TDI: 135 kW (184 PS), top speed 219 km/h, 0 – 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, combined consumption 5.1 l/100 km, CO2 133 g/km.

Infotainment and ŠKODA Connect
The current ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT is equipped with all the modern infotainment systems of the new ŠKODA generation. All of the capacitive touch displays feature a glass design (except for the standard Swing music system). As the top-of-the-line version, the Columbus navigation system has a 9.2-inch monitor and an LTE module, and provides passengers with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The automatic ‘eCall’ emergency call is available as an option. The mobile online services from ŠKODA Connect are the ideal complement to the modern infotainment. They set new standards in navigation, information, entertainment and assistance and can even be configured using your home computer.

Driver assistance systems
The wide range of driver assistance systems in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT sets new standards within its segment. Innovations here include Trailer Assist, Blind Spot Detect (warns of any vehicles in the blind spot) and Rear Traffic Alert (monitors traffic coming from the sides and behind when manoeuvring). The Crew Protect Assist function, which closes windows and the sunroof in the event of an impending accident and tensions the seat belts on the front seats, is connected to the improved Front Assist function, which includes the City Emergency Brake and predictive Pedestrian Protection functions. Park Assist’s functions have been further perfected.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

In 1966, construction of the ŠKODA TREKKA lightweight off-road vehicle began in New Zealand. Its chassis was based on the ŠKODA OCTAVIA.

The ancestor of the ŠKODA SUV models is celebrating a major birthday: exactly 50 years ago, on 2 December 1966, production of the TREKKA model began in the town of Otahuhu, New Zealand. By 1972, almost three thousand of the lightweight off-road cars had been manufactured.

“ŠKODA has always striven for solutions that are tailored for individual markets,” said Andrea Frydlová, Manager of the ŠKODA Museum in Mladá Boleslav. “The all-terrain TREKKA, which was produced in collaboration with the New Zealand importer and local businesses, is a prime example of this philosophy.”

The vehicle manufacturer from Mladá Boleslav had developed the New Zealand market early on: over 100 years ago, Laurin & Klement cars were already being exported to New Zealand.

The ŠKODA cars delivered from Czechoslovakia in a disassembled state (CKD – completely knocked down) for customs and tax reasons were imported by the company Motor Industries International based in Otahuhu since 1956. The ŠKODA TREKKA was developed in a collaboration between several dozen local businesses and representatives of the plant in Mladá Boleslav to be a robust, compact, everyday car for the local farmers, tradespeople and merchants.

In 1965 and 1966, several designs and prototypes were created, which bore the hallmarks of Josef Velebný, ŠKODA’s former Head of Bodywork Development, and New Zealand designer George Taylor. The chassis, which was based on the ŠKODA OCTAVIA, came from Mladá Boleslav along with the rigid central tubular frame and independent suspension. Its special features were the wheelbase, which was shortened from 2,389 mm to 2,165 mm, and the axle ratio, which was changed from 4.78 to 5.25. Tyres with dimensions of 5.90 x 15” contributed to the 190-mm ground clearance; there was also an optional differential lock that improved the off-road capability of the rear-wheel-drive TREKKA.

The front, longitudinally mounted OHV four-cylinder engine with a cylinder capacity of 1,221 cm3 achieved 34 kW (47 PS) at 4,500 rpm and its torque reached 87 Nm at 3,000 rpm. With its synchronised four-speed gearbox, the ŠKODA TREKKA had a top speed of 105 to 110 km/h. Its consumption of approximately 11 l per 100 km formed the basis of its relatively low running cost.

Customers could choose from several variants: a three-door pickup with between two and eight seats, a canvas soft-top, a fixed plastic hardtop, an estate model (STW) and a beach variant. The TREKKA was 3,590 mm long, 1,600 mm wide and between 1,785 and 2,040 mm high. It weighed between 920 and 980 kg, and could carry loads of up to 450-500 kg.

From 1966 to 1972, nearly 3,000 TREKKAs were made, probably the first car designed and built in New Zealand. Export markets included Australia, Fiji, Samoa and Vietnam. ŠKODA also applied a similar concept in Pakistan, where production of the SKOPAK (ŠKODA Pakistan) lightweight off-road car commenced in May 1970. The Czech car manufacturer still successfully sells its models in New Zealand today, just as in Australia and over 100 other international markets.

Do you know that ŠKODA AUTO...
› is one of the longest-established vehicle manufacturers in the world. The company was founded in the Czech town of Mladá Boleslav in 1895 – during the pioneering days of the automobile. Today, the company’s headquarters remain in Mladá Boleslav.
› currently offers the following model series: CITIGO, FABIA, RAPID, OCTAVIA, YETI as well as the KODIAQ and SUPERB.
› in 2015, delivered more than 1 million vehicles to customers worldwide.
› has been part of Volkswagen Group, one of the most globally successful automotive groups since 1991. ŠKODA, in association with the Group, independently manufactures and develops vehicles as well as components such as engines and gear transmissions.
› operates at three locations in the Czech Republic; produces in China, Russia, Slovakia and India mainly through Group partnerships, as well as in Ukraine and Kazakhstan with local partners.
› employs over 26,600 people globally and is active in more than 100 markets.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

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