Welcome to London's Skoda Independent Garage.We have a team of independent Skoda specialists who can sort out anything from basic Skoda servicing to advanced technical Skoda cars problems. One of the best independent Skoda Master Technician on site offering knowledge and experience using the latest Skoda Main Dealer garage compulsory diagnostics equipment.

Škoda Auto has published exterior sketches of the refreshed Octavia. The fourth modern generation continues the legacy of the brand’s iconic model, which has achieved over seven million sales since its launch in 1996. This latest iteration introduces a refined exterior with new headlights, redesigned bumpers, and an updated Škoda grille. The digital global premiere is set for 14 February.

 “Revitalising and evolving the design characteristics of our brand icons is both a demanding and fascinating task. For the Octavia’s latest update, we have reimagined the bumpers and the Škoda grille. At the same time, we have sharpened the contours of the headlights, lending our bestseller an even more striking and sporty appearance. With this fresh look and new features, such as second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights, the Octavia will continue to captivate everyday explorers in the coming years.”


Oliver Stefani, Head of Škoda Design

Refined optical details
Now in its fourth generation, the Octavia is set to receive its facelift four years after the start of production. The model will continue to be available as both a hatchback and Combi estate. Additionally, the refreshed series will include Sportline and RS versions. The vehicle’s enhancements include advanced, second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights with a new lighting signature, designed to provide superior illumination of the road. Additionally, they now incorporate Crystallinium, a unique crystalline element that imparts a distinctive blue hue to the interior of the headlight housing, further refining the vehicle’s aesthetic.

The Octavia’s success story
The refreshed Octavia is poised to continue the success of the model range: More than seven million units have been delivered to customers since the first modern generation was launched in 1996. Holding the title of Europe’s most popular estate car since 2016, the Octavia has earned numerous awards and accolades from the international automotive press, including the renowned Red Dot Award for outstanding product design in 2020 – the third win for the series.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

At the Rétromobile exhibition in Paris, Škoda is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Superb’s production launch. Along with the Superb, the carmaker’s display at Porte de Versailles includes the sporty Škoda 1100 OHC Coupé, the prestigious 1928 Škoda Hispano-Suiza, the innovative Voltavia project combining elements from 1969 and 2023, and the Škoda Vision 7S concept: This study of a large electric family SUV, presented in 2022, previews the Modern Solid design direction for Škoda’s future vehicles.

In collaboration with its importer Škoda France, the Mladá Boleslav-based carmaker has put together an exclusive collection for Rétromobile. The Porte de Versailles exhibition will introduce eight cars to enthusiasts and the general public, representing Škoda’s past, present, and future.

 

“In selecting the cars we are presenting this year in Paris, we focused on celebrating the Superb’s 90th production anniversary.”


Andrea Frydlová, head of the Škoda Museum

Škoda Superb: A decades-long legacy of excellence
Even before the Superb’s story began in 1934, Škoda had already manufactured prestigious cars from 1926 to 1930 through the licensed production of the Hispano-Suiza limousine. A 1928 model of this originally Spanish-Swiss brand, well-known in France, will also be on display at the Paris exhibition. The Superb range at the Škoda stand is represented by three six-cylinder historic models from 1936, 1938, and 1948 in various configurations. In addition, the latest modern generation of the Superb is among the exhibited vehicles: With production now underway, it continues the series’ tradition, equipped with state-of-the-art features and technology.

A racing special reborn and a glimpse into the future
From the very beginning, Škoda has been closely associated with racing and motorsport. Testifying to the brand’s success in motorsports, the Škoda 1100 OHC Coupé is making its debut on French soil. Only two closed versions of this striking racing special were built in 1959/1960. The fully operational racing car was reconstructed using the preserved frame, chassis, engine, and body construction based on original documentation, employing both traditional methods and cutting-edge technologies.

The exhibited Vision 7S concept study offers a peek into the future of individual mobility as envisioned by Škoda Auto: This large seven-seater family car is a symbol of purely electric propulsion and heralds Škoda’s powerful new design language, Modern Solid.

Voltavia: Electrified 1969 Škoda Octavia Combi
The Rétromobile exhibition is also introducing the public to the Voltavia project for the first time. This unique transformation of a 1969 Škoda Octavia Combi into a fully electric vehicle was realised by Automobile Propre – the first French website dedicated to electric vehicles. As part of the Retrofit Challenge organised by Škoda France, two editorial teams were tasked with converting 1960s Octavia cars into all-electric vehicles.

“There were plenty of options for converting this 1969 Škoda Octavia Combi to electric. Our team chose to focus on efficiency and comprehensiveness, while aiming to preserve key characteristics of the brand, such as utility and luggage space. We also ensured that the conversion was completely reversible.”


Editor-in-chief Pierre Desjardins 

The Voltavia is powered by a 75 kW electric motor with 220 Nm of torque, drawing energy from a 27.2 kWh battery, which comprises battery modules from the Enyaq.

The Rétromobile exhibition opens its doors at the Porte de Versailles centre in Paris on Wednesday, 31 January and runs until 4 February.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

 

Škoda Auto has opened a new Experience Centre in Hanoi. This unique showroom, rolled out in the Czech automaker’s new corporate identity, serves customers during the day and transforms into a cultural centre at night. The opening was attended by Ondřej Černý, Chief Representative of Škoda Auto in Vietnam and Nguyễn Anh Tuấn, Chairman of the TC Group. The showroom displays the Karoq and Kodiaq models and is equipped with various digital elements for interactive customer engagement. The brand anticipates significant growth in the dynamic Vietnamese market, with sales potentially reaching over 40,000 units annually after 2030. The carmaker also plans to introduce the India-made Kushaq and Slavia models to its Vietnam portfolio soon.

“Since entering the Vietnamese market in September, we have been working intensively to establish our brand in this dynamic market. We have already opened five showrooms across four cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh, and Buon Ma Thuot. The launch of our new Experience Centre marks a significant step forward, allowing customers to explore our brand digitally and interactively. It offers a novel, digital experience of our Karoq and Kodiaq models, including large LED communication wall.”


Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing

Synergies between Vietnam and India to be leveraged soon
Škoda Auto is already offering Vietnamese customers the Karoq and Kodiaq models imported from the Czech Republic, and the car manufacturer will soon be expanding its portfolio to include two additional models. This year, the TC Group-owned production line in Quảng Ninh province will be completed, enabling the local assembly of the Kushaq and Slavia models from India. Located in the Viet Hung industrial park near the port of Haiphong, this facility will strategically benefit from sea deliveries from the Parts Expedition Centre in Pune, India. Given the remarkable growth potential in Vietnam within the ASEAN region, Škoda Auto anticipates an annual sales volume exceeding 40,000 vehicles after 2030. Moreover, the capacities of the Viet Hung Industrial Park could be utilised in the future to further increase production and potentially export Škoda models across the ASEAN region.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Škoda Auto has started producing the updated Scala compact car and the Kamiq city SUV at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav. The latest enhancements to these product lines include new equipment features and assistant systems, usually exclusive to higher vehicle classes. Additionally, the carmaker has substantially increased the use of sustainable materials in both models.

“The Scala was the first Škoda car to be rolled out in our current design language. We have now taken both models to the next level and set new standards in the compact class – especially when it comes to assistance systems. I want to thank everyone involved for their exceptional collaboration. I am confident that both upgraded models will be well received by our customers.”


Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics

The compact models’ success stories continue
Since the introduction of both models in 2019, over 260,000 units of the Scala have rolled off the production line, with more than 56,000 produced in 2023 alone. The Kamiq city SUV saw over 107,000 units produced in 2023, making it the brand’s best-selling SUV with more than 576,000 units built since its launch.

The first generations of the Škoda Scala and Kamiq garnered significant acclaim. The Scala clinched a Red Dot Design Award in 2019 and was named Family Car of the Year 2020 in the UK and Fleet Car of the Year 2021 in the Czech Republic. Similarly, the Kamiq earned accolades such as Car of the Year 2019 in Finland, Fleet Car of the Year 2021 in the Czech Republic and Best Import SUV below €30k in Germany in both 2022 and 2023. These prestigious awards underscore the models’ appeal and quality in their respective segments.

New design, interior and assistance systems
The latest updates to the Škoda Scala and Kamiq represent a significant step forward in terms of design and equipment: Matrix-LED headlights are now available for both models, while the front and rear bumpers, rims and radiator grilles have been revamped. These changes enhance the distinctiveness of both cars, with the Scala offering a sportier look and the Kamiq becoming a more rugged SUV. Reflecting the brand’s new design language, the fifth door of both models proudly displays the new Škoda logotype. Additionally, more sustainable materials have been incorporated into various parts of the vehicles, such as upholstery and floor mats, reinforcing Škoda’s commitment to further reducing its environmental impact.

Safety features and modernisation
The Škoda Scala and Kamiq maintain a high level of active and passive safety thanks to their robust body structures and advanced assist systems. The range of assistance features, typically only found in higher vehicle classes, has been expanded to include Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitor and Lane Assist.

As part of the upgrade, the Czech automaker also revamped the feature structure for both models, one highlight being the new Phone Box with wireless charging and cooling plus fast-charging USB ports. Customers now have a choice of six interior variants across three equipment lines: Selection, Top Selection, and Monte Carlo.

Both models are sold in more than 60 markets worldwide. The new Scala and Kamiq will be available at Škoda partners in the Czech Republic starting in February 2024.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

In 2023, Škoda Auto manufactured over 781,000 vehicles at its Czech plants, and its international facilities contributed an additional 107,000 units. The company’s scope of production was not limited to vehicles; it manufactured key components, including PHEV and MEB battery systems, axles, and engines, which also installed in other Volkswagen Group brands’ vehicles. Additionally, Škoda Auto made strategic advances in its internationalisation strategy in 2023: The brand entered the Vietnamese market in September and began preparations in mid-October for resuming production in Kazakhstan.


“Over the past year, we have produced more than 888,000 Škoda vehicles globally, demonstrating our ability to adapt quickly and flexibly to a dynamically changing and geopolitically challenging environment. This achievement reflects our commitment to our customers, our brand, and the Group. Our recent new market entries and the addition of local manufacturing facilities are key steps in expanding our global production capacities. I would like to thank all my colleagues for their great commitment and teamwork.”


Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics

Production in the Czech Republic
In 2023, Škoda Auto manufactured approximately 556,000 units of the Fabia, Scala, Octavia, Octavia iV, Kamiq, Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé series in Mladá Boleslav. This facility also produced 349,021 MQ100 and MQ200 manual transmissions, 1,736,815 axles and 469,935 EA211 engines, which are also installed in other Volkswagen Group brands’ vehicles. Additionally, the site manufactured 165,606 battery systems for MEB vehicles and 147,625 battery systems for plug-in hybrid models. With a second assembly line commissioned in December 2023, the facility’s capacity is set to increase by 50% to 1,500 units a day.

The Kvasiny plant also contributed significantly, producing a total of 225,000 units of the Karoq, Kodiaq, Superb, and Superb iV models in 2023. Key highlights of the year included the unveiling of the second-generation Kodiaq in October and the world premiere of the fourth-generation Superb in November. The brand’s ICE flagship will continue to be available in both hatchback and Combi estate body styles.

In Vrchlabí, Škoda Auto’s production focused on DQ200 automatic direct-shift transmissions, with a total of 686,066 units manufactured. These transmissions are integral not only to Škoda’s models but also to vehicles across the Volkswagen Group.

International production facilities
At the Volkswagen facility in Bratislava, Škoda Auto’s production included over 36,000 units of the Karoq SUV and the initial units of the new Superb generation. The company was responsible for the entire development of both the Škoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat, which are manufactured on the same production line in Bratislava. This initiative is part of the Beta+ project, aimed at leveraging synergies in the production network and further boosting efficiency. By transferring the production of the Superb to Bratislava, the carmaker is creating capacity for additional units of the Octavia at the Kvasiny plant from the summer of 2024 onwards. Additionally, the move will allow more battery-electric vehicles to be built at the Mladá Boleslav plant.

At the Ukrainian plant in Solomonovo, 2,580 Škoda cars were assembled last year from semi-knocked-down (SKD) kits imported from Czech production plants. The potential for increasing production volumes at the Solomonovo facility is contingent on the evolving war situation in Ukraine.

Across the four Chinese factories in Changsha (Kodiaq and Kodiaq GT), Nanjing (Kamiq, Kamiq GT and Superb), Ningbo (Octavia, Octavia Pro and Karoq) and Yizheng (Rapid), the Czech car manufacturer built approximately 18,500 vehicles in 2023.

Internationalisation strategy: entering new markets and building synergies
Škoda Auto effectively advanced its internationalisation strategy throughout 2023. The Pune factory in India produced almost 48,000 units of the locally developed Kushaq and Slavia models. Additionally, the Aurangabad plant contributed approximately 4,400 units, encompassing the Superb, Octavia, and Kodiaq models. In total, Škoda Auto’s Indian facilities produced over 52,000 vehicles.
The company is actively seeking to reach more customers in India while also expanding its international market presence. In line with this objective, Škoda Auto opened a new Parts Expedition Centre in Pune in October 2023. This will serve as a logistics hub for completely-knocked-down (CKD) kits of the Kushaq and Slavia models manufactured in India, starting this year.

In December last year, the Indian Parts Expedition Centre achieved a significant milestone by being the first in India to receive the Indian Green Building Council’s platinum certificate for green building. The certification underscores the facility’s adherence to green building principles, focusing on water conservation, energy efficiency, natural resource preservation, waste reduction, and creating healthier spaces for workers. These efforts align with Škoda Auto’s corporate strategy for a sustainable future.

From Pune, the CKD kits are set to be exported to Vietnam, reflecting Škoda Auto’s expansion into that market in September 2023. Vietnam is part of the ASEAN region where Škoda Auto strategically leads the Brand Group Core and aims to maximise growth for the Volkswagen Group.

Škoda Auto’s re-entry into Kazakhstan in October 2023 marks another significant step in its internationalisation efforts, contributing to the company’s goal of expanding its global presence.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com