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The new ŠKODA FABIA is cleverer than ever: depending on the trim level, the fourth generation of the successful model offers up to 43 of the brand’s signature Simply Clever details, which have earned the Czech car manufacturer a reputation for making customers’ everyday lives on the road easier. Five of these features are completely new to the ŠKODA range, while eight others now feature in the FABIA for the first time. New additions such as the removable cup holder between the front seats complement ŠKODA classics like the ice scraper with tyre tread depth gauge located inside the fuel filler flap, the car park ticket holder on the A-pillar and the umbrella inside the driver’s door.

Depending on the trim level, the fourth-generation FABIA now offers up to 43 of these clever features – more than ever. They include numerous ŠKODA classics such as the ice scraper with tyre tread depth gauge located inside the fuel filler flap, the car park ticket holder on the A-pillar and the umbrella inside the driver’s door.

ŠKODA offers five Simply Clever ideas for the new FABIA for the first time
ŠKODA is offering five of its ingenious Simply Clever details for the new FABIA for the first time. For example, an innovative, flexible storage compartment is available as an option for the boot. Attached to a side panel, it has a space-saving foldaway design and can be pulled out when needed to hold items in place inside the boot. A removable cup holder between the front seats provides more flexibility in the interior. A new attachment clip for a credit card or a car park ticket and an elastic pen holder in the centre console’s storage compartment help keep the interior tidy. Passengers in the rear can safely store small items in a box on the centre tunnel, which is also available as an option. The box fits neatly between the centre console and the rear seat where it locks into place. The list of Simply Clever ideas also includes a sun visor, which is available as an accessory for the optional panoramic roof. When not in use, it can be folded to a third of its size in a few easy steps and stowed under the boot cover.

Eight details from other ŠKODA models now feature in the FABIA
A total of eight Simply Clever details from higher ŠKODA model series have found their way into the new FABIA and are available for the first time in the popular small car. These include a multifunctional bag that can be hooked under the boot cover. This provides the perfect storage space for coats or jackets and can hold luggage weighing up to 3.5 kilograms. The easy-to-reach pockets for smartphones on the backrests of the front seats will already be familiar from the OCTAVIA and ENYAQ iV, while card and coin compartments in the glove compartment help keep it organised. The backrest of the front passenger seat can be folded down to allow particularly long objects to be transported. In the Style trim line, a USB-C port on the interior mirror is available for the first time as an option for the FABIA. This can be used, for example, to supply power to a dashcam to avoid the cable obstructing the driver’s view. The reading lights in the rear can be conveniently operated from the front – ideal for children travelling in the rear seats who are too small to switch on the lights themselves. Smartphones can be charged inductively thanks to the Phone Box. Also available as an option is a load sill protector that can be folded out when the boot lid is open. It prevents paintwork scratches, while its reflectors provide additional safety while loading the vehicle.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The fourth-generation ŠKODA FABIA comes with aerodynamics that are more sophisticated than ever before – and unmatched by any competitor model in its class. Sporting an emotive and dynamic design, the all-new FABIA achieves a drag coefficient of just cd = 0.28 – considerably undercutting its predecessor (cd = 0.32). This outstanding aerodynamic efficiency is the result of numerous small-scale enhancements, such as clever cooling shutters with active slats, which help reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The aerodynamics development for the FABIA saw ŠKODA invest over 3,000 CFD simulations, with the results then verified and fine-tuned during subsequent test drives.

Vít Hubáček, responsible for the aerodynamics development of the ŠKODA FABIA, says, “Even though the all-new FABIA is larger than its predecessor – its frontal area has increased by around three per cent – we have reduced its drag coefficient by almost ten per cent. This alone cuts CO₂ emissions by almost three grams per kilometre in the WLTP test cycle. To achieve this, we performed more than 3,000 aerodynamic tests, around 80 per cent virtually, using CFD simulations running on a supercomputer. An ordinary PC would have taken more than 2,000 years to perform the same job.”

The result of the aerodynamics development for the all-new ŠKODA FABIA is a drag coefficient of c_d = 0.28, with the fourth generation considerably undercutting its immediate predecessor (c_d = 0.32) while at the same time establishing a new benchmark for the small car segment. The all‑new FABIA’s outstanding aerodynamics make a significant contribution to the reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. The aerodynamics development saw collaborations between experts from several departments, such as designers, aeroacoustics specialists as well as engineers responsible for the car’s body, underbody and engines. Moreover, ŠKODA cleverly combined virtual tests using computer simulations with physical test drives, with the latter used predominantly to verify and confirm the results of the simulations.

Tens of thousands of supercomputer hours
The ŠKODA AUTO Aerodynamics department worked largely in virtual space during the development of the all-new FABIA. As optimising vehicle aerodynamics is an extremely demanding task and even a minute change can give rise to numerous consequences in other areas, the engineers used supercomputers in order to test as many variations as possible by way of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations. Over the course of around three and a half years, they performed over 3,000 of these fluid dynamics simulations, which required tens of thousands of hours of computing time. The role of aerodynamics in the automotive industry has grown considerably in importance over recent years, and this trend will continue as emissions regulations become ever more stringent. ŠKODA AUTO has taken this to heart and significantly increased its staff capacities and competence in this area. While twenty years ago, just three aerodynamics specialists were responsible for the entirety of the ŠKODA AUTO output, there are now three for the FABIA alone.

Cooling shutters lower fuel consumption at 120 km/h by up to 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres
Numerous individual measures have helped the all-new ŠKODA FABIA achieve its best-in-class aerodynamics. One important factor are the innovative cooling shutters in the lower air intake, pioneered by ŠKODA in the FABIA as a first in this vehicle class. When little cooling is required, the active slats will close, thus improving aerodynamics. At a constant speed of 120 km/h, this enables fuel savings of up to 0.2 l/100 km. The FABIA will then also emit up to five grams less CO₂ per kilometre. When cooling requirements are high, or during brief stops, the system will open the slats to allow maximum air flow. In addition, there are numerous components that contribute to minimising drag. The vehicle front features openings in the front bumper known as Air Curtains, which direct the air flow in a highly controlled manner past the body’s side panels and wheel arches, for optimal aerodynamic efficiency. The air flow underneath the car is now optimised by twelve rather than the previous three underbody panels, which combine with the long rear spoiler and side finlets to reduce drag and turbulence at the rear of the car. The shape of the exterior mirrors directs the air straight towards the separation edges on the tail lights. As the wheels alone are responsible for generating around 25 per cent of a car’s air resistance, ŠKODA is now, in another first for the FABIA, introducing special plastic inserts that render its alloy wheels more aerodynamic.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

ŠKODA AUTO has published its Sustainability Report for the 2019/2020 period. The report provides a detailed overview of the progress the company has made in environmental protection while also containing information on the brand´s extensive social responsibility efforts. To this end, the latest Report also describes in detail the Company´s corporate governance and corporate culture policies and integrity tools such as programmes focused on volunteering, as well as efforts made towards effective supervision of compliance with Company-wide rules. As part of its recently presented corporate strategy, NEXT LEVEL – ŠKODA STRATEGY 2030, the car manufacturer is further tightening its ambitious sustainability targets and placing even more emphasis on diversity.

As the largest private company in the Czech Republic, ŠKODA AUTO is committed to providing stakeholders with evidence of new benchmarks set in the areas of sustainable development, social responsibility and a wide range of Corporate Governance activities.

CO₂-neutral energy to be used in vehicle and component production at Czech plants by end of decade
The car manufacturer defines its ambitious sustainability goals within the framework of the ‘Green Future’ strategy. This is based on the three pillars of ‘Green Factory’, ‘Green Product’ and ‘Green Retail’ and aims to minimise the ecological footprint of the company’s activities. Since the beginning of 2020, ŠKODA AUTO has recycled or thermally processed all disposable waste generated during the production process. In addition, the car manufacturer is adopting measures to switch completely to CO₂-neutral energy in vehicle and component production at its Czech sites over the course of the decade: The high-tech Vrchlabí site has been leading the way in this regard since the end of 2020. The company will also have transitioned from natural gas to CO₂-neutral methane produced at biogas plants by the end of 2021. To efficiently reduce its environmental impact along the entire value chain, ŠKODA AUTO uses industry 4.0 technologies: the AI app OPTIKON, for example, determines the optimal placement of pallets in freight containers, which made it possible to save 505 transport containers and around 180 tonnes of CO₂ emissions in 2020 alone.

Long-term social responsibility and wide-ranging initiatives for lasting change
For ŠKODA AUTO, embracing social responsibility is a fundamental part of its sustainability strategy. The car manufacturer promotes numerous measures for long-term and sustainable regional development in the areas surrounding its production sites, primarily in the areas of welfare, healthcare and environmental protection. Its main focus in terms of social responsibility is on four key areas: road safety, technical education, barrier-free mobility and care for disadvantaged children.

Comprehensive support for relief services and medical personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic
In the company’s home country, the Czech Republic, the focus of its social engagement last year was on providing rapid and unbureaucratic help in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the car manufacturer provided more than 200 vehicles on its ‘HoppyGo’ car-sharing platform and 150 electric scooters for employees of aid organisations and medical staff via the ‘BeRider’ eScooter sharing service. In addition, as the largest mobility partner of social services and institutions in the Czech health system, ŠKODA AUTO donated 100 ŠKODA OCTAVIAs worth 85 million Czech crowns to various aid organisations. The company also supported the development and implementation of a 3D printing process for producing FFP3 respirators. Additionally, ŠKODA AUTO provided financial assistance and supported the purchase of laptops with an Internet connection for children from disadvantaged families to help them participate in distance learning.

CSR initiative ‘One Tree for Every Car’ has been supporting restoring forests in Czech Republic since 2007
The long-term campaign ‘One Tree for Every Car’ demonstrates the versatility of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects ŠKODA AUTO supports; it promotes restoring forests in the Czech Republic. The company has been planting one tree for each vehicle it delivers in the country since 2007. By the end of 2020, these trees covered an area of 210 hectares or almost 295 football pitches.

Top rankings and awards for social engagement
ŠKODA AUTO recently received top ratings for its commitment to CSR: In the CSR & Reputation Research Study conducted by the market research company IPSOS, the car manufacturer achieved first place in both 2019 and 2020. In addition, the car manufacturer became the first company ever to receive the ‘Responsible Foreign Investor Award’ in 2019. The award is given to companies that have foreign capital and make a significant contribution to the development of the Czech economy through their investments.

Sustainability report complies with international standard of the Global Reporting Initiative
ŠKODA AUTO has been regularly reporting on its activities in Good Corporate Governance biennially since 2005. The company has now published its eighth sustainability report. It complies with the GRI Standard Core Option of the Global Reporting Initiative and thus fulfils the international guidelines for transparent reporting.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The construction of the ŠKODA 1100 OHC racing car entered its final phase at the end of 1957. Designated within the company as 968, the vehicle was originally intended for long circuit races. Initially, two open-bodied vehicles were built, followed by two coupés in 1959. The open-top, red-painted racing car is now part of the collection at the ŠKODA Museum in Mladá Boleslav.

In addition to the full selection of images accompanying this press release, the 32-page brochure and a comprehensive collection of articles and features on various topics from 120 years of ŠKODA Motorsport can be found on the ŠKODA Storyboard.

Development of the two-seater sports car began in the spring of 1956 with one clear objective – the racer was to take up where the first and only ŠKODA works car had left off in the prestigious 24-hour race at Le Mans (1950). The model was based on a lattice frame made of thin-walled steel tubes welded together. This distinguished it from its predecessors, the ŠKODA SPORT and SUPERSPORT, which used a modified version of the robust chassis from the ŠKODA 1101 production model. To achieve the best possible handling, the load was optimally distributed over both axles. The clutch, five-speed gearbox and transfer case were installed in the rear, where they formed a cohesive assembly unit.

The drivetrain of the ŠKODA 1100 OHC was a longitudinally-mounted four-cylinder in-line engine with double ignition and two camshafts located in the cylinder head. From a displacement of 1,089 cm3, it generated an impressive output for the time of 68 kW (92 hp) at 7,700 rpm (maximum speed was at 8,500 rpm), which corresponded to a litre capacity of just under 63 kW (85 hp). Originally, the engine ran on high-octane aviation fuel, which was fed into two twin carburettors made by the Czechoslovakian brand Jikov and later by the Italian manufacturer WEBER.

The independent wheel suspension also played an important role; while a trapezoidal wishbone axle was fitted at the front, the rear wheels, spaced 2,200 mm apart, were mounted on a swing axle with trailing arms. The steering, which was as precise as it was direct, was controlled by a three-spoke steering wheel that could be removed to make it easier to get into the car. Another progressive element for the late 1950s was the torsion bar suspension of the 15-inch spoke wheels manufactured by Borrani.

Thanks to the use of glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GRP), the 3,880 mm long, 1,430 mm wide and 964 mm tall racing car weighed just 583 kilograms. This enabled the ŠKODA 1100 OHC to achieve competitive acceleration rates and a top speed of between 190 and 200 km/h, depending on the gear ratio. The low air resistance of the body created by designer Jaroslav Kindl was also a contributing factor.

The combination of practicality and elegance was reflected in the first model variant’s two flip-up headlights, which soon had to be replaced by a more practical solution suitable for racing; the second model featured two fixed headlights mounted under aerodynamic glass covers.

The ŠKODA 1100 OHC clinched an immediate victory at its public premiere; on the municipal circuit in Mladá Boleslav, the experienced works driver Miroslav Fousek won the race at the end of June 1958. Racing drivers Václav Bobek Sen., Václav Čížkovský, Josef Vidner and Jaroslav Bobek also sat behind the wheel in subsequent years. In addition to motorsport events at home, ŠKODA drivers also chalked up successes abroad despite the ŠKODA 1100 OHC only being able to compete in Communist countries due to the difficult political situation at the end of the 1950s and 60s. The plans to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans did not come to fruition.

The two vehicles with open GRP bodies, which had been produced at the end of 1957 and the beginning of 1958, were followed in 1959 by two more spacious coupé variants with closed bodies made of sheet aluminium. Nevertheless, the engineers managed to keep the coupés’ weight to only 555 kilograms while maintaining the same top speed.

Both closed ŠKODA 1100 OHCs were destroyed in accidents during private use. However, experts from the ŠKODA Museum’s restoration workshop are currently working on rebuilding one ŠKODA 1100 OHC coupé using surviving components including the frame, chassis and engine.

The open-top versions of the racing car are still intact. The model from the ŠKODA Museum regularly takes part in classic car events at home and abroad. The second vehicle is owned by ŠKODA UK and is used for promotional purposes, primarily in the UK.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The history of ŠKODA Motorsport begins on Thursday, 27 June 1901, at 6:58 in the morning. At the so-called Paris-Berlin Marathon, the most challenging road race of its time, the two riders Topf and Podsedníček each started on a Laurin & Klement single-cylinder Type B. Laurin & Klement used the experience they had gained in international racing to quickly rack up numerous victories, including the world championship title in 1905.

In addition to the full selection of images accompanying this press release, a comprehensive collection of articles and features on various topics from 120 years of ŠKODA Motorsport can be found on the ŠKODA Storyboard.

The foundation stone for the Mladá Boleslav-based company was laid at the end of 1895 by the technician Václav Laurin and the visionary Václav Klement. In addition to their lifelong friendship and connection to the region, they were also united by their passion for cycling. In a modest workshop, they began by repairing bicycles, soon expanding their offer to include proprietary bicycles, which they marketed under the brand name SLAVIA. These were made of high-quality materials and were characterised by an attractive price-performance ratio as well as innovative technical ideas.

As early as spring 1899, the company had added a petrol auxiliary motor of its own design to the wide range of bicycles and tricycles and finally presented two technologically advanced L&K motorbike models in Prague on 18 November 1899. They had a four-stroke single-cylinder engine mounted in the lower part of the frame, where it was better protected from damage. Deliberately shifting the centre of gravity improved the handling of the motorbike. At that time there was no clutch or gearbox; the engine was connected to the driven rear wheel by a long leather belt. To start the engine, the machine had to be pushed. Then, the rider jumped into the saddle and placed their feet on the pedals. To tackle steep climbs, they could assist the motor by pedalling.

The modern machines from Mladá Boleslav quickly became a success. At the end of 1899, Václav Klement returned from a business trip to Germany with orders for 35 of these motorbikes. Moreover, in the spring of 1900, he was able to arrange the delivery of 150 motorbikes to Great Britain. The superior quality of the models from Mladá Boleslav compared to strong international competitors is also documented in numerous awards, such as first prizes in the respective categories at exhibitions in Frankfurt am Main (1900) and Vienna and Hamburg (1901).

The manufacturer’s successful engagement in motorsport also began 120 years ago. The brand from Mladá Boleslav made its international racing debut on the 1,196-kilometre route Paris – Aachen, Aachen – Hanover, Hanover – Berlin that was completed in three stages. In addition to 110 cars, which competed in three different categories depending on their weight (up to 400 kg, 400 to 650 kg, over 650 kg), ten motorbikes and three-wheelers also raced in a combined category. The cars in the main category set off at two-minute intervals from half-past three in the morning on Monday, 27 June 1901. The motorbikes from Laurin & Klement, which were also offered on some markets under the name ‘Republic’, were represented in Paris with two type B machines: At 6:58, racer number 168 set off, followed two minutes later by Narcis Podsedníček.

Podsedníček, who was born in 1866 in Mysločovice, Moravia, joined the company as one of the first sales representatives of SLAVIA bicycles in Holešov as early as 1897. At the age of 33, ‘Podseda’, as he was known to friends and acquaintances, started working for Laurin & Klement on 3 February 1900. Thanks to his dedication and foresight, he quickly rose to the position of senior foreman for bicycle and motorbike production. His experience as a technician and rider made him the ideal choice for the Paris to Berlin competition.

The most demanding race of its time put both the technology and the riders’ skills to the test, firstly due to its length and secondly because of the road surface, as the route included unpaved roads and cobblestones. The riders, who were left to their own devices, had to deal with punctures caused by countless nails, metal and glass shards and abrasive gravel along the way. Narcis Podsedníček mastered the challenge and was one of the few riders to reach the finish line in Berlin on 29 June 1901. However, as he arrived in the German capital at night and his finish time was not documented correctly, four French tricycles from De Dion – Bouton were ultimately named the winners in the motorbike and tricycle category.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

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