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› ŠKODA FELICIA was the first ŠKODA model developed under the Volkswagen umbrella in 1994
› ŠKODA AUTO manufactured 1,401,500 FELICIAs between 1994 and 2001

Mladá Boleslav, 15 October 2019 – Production of the ŠKODA FELICIA began in Mladá Boleslav on 17 October 1994: 25 years ago, the successor to the FAVORIT became the Czech carmaker’s first model to be developed under the umbrella of the Volkswagen Group. The FELICIA was successful in motorsport and was also very well received by customers: by 2001, the Mladá Boleslav, Kvasiny and Vrchlabí plants had manufactured more than 1.4 million units of this model family, which included not only the hatchback and FELICIA COMBI versions, but also the PICKUP, VANPLUS and FUN.

A new chapter in ŠKODA AUTO’s history began a quarter of a century ago with the ŠKODA FELICIA. The company had been visually modernising the FAVORIT, FORMAN and PICK-UP before joining the Volkswagen Group in 1991. Introducing the FELICIA, however, proved to be a turning point for ŠKODA: 1,187 newly developed vehicle components were used in the technically demanding redevelopment of its predecessor. The hatchback, COMBI, PICK-UP, VANPLUS and FUN model variants combined modern technology and fresh design with a spacious interior and an attractive price-performance ratio.

First three FELICIA models christened with Vltava water
Pre-series production began with the first 50 prototypes at the Vrchlabí plant on 5 September 1994. The experience gained by building these vehicles helped to optimise the manufacturing process for the FELICIA in Mladá Boleslav, which started on Monday, 17 October. The first production model rolled off the line at 10:20 the same day. Nine days later, on 26 October 1994, ŠKODA presented three new hatchback FELICIAs to the public – they were painted in the colours of the Czech national flag. The then Lord Mayor of Prague christened them on Charles Bridge with water from the Vltava.

ŠKODA had put a lot of thought into choosing the model name: On the one hand, it refers to the iconic convertible of the late 1950s and early 60s; on the other, it is derived from the Latin word for luck – Felicitas. So it was only natural that ŠKODA AUTO would donate one of the first vehicles to the Ondráček family that had just welcomed quadruplets into their family at almost the same time as the FELICIA’s christening.

Production and assembly met strict quality standards
The five-door hatchback was a significant 40 millimetres longer and 15 millimetres wider than the FAVORIT; the boot volume increased by 21 litres. The body benefitted from significantly higher torsional stiffness, which – in conjunction with new wheel carriers, improved front axle geometry and an additional stabiliser at the rear wheels – noticeably reduced interior noise and increased suspension comfort. Added to this was a higher level of safety, verified by a 1995 TÜV crash test. The production and assembly of the new model also met stringent quality standards, as evidenced by ISO standard 9002 certification. The engine production division in Mladá Boleslav was ŠKODA AUTO’s first plant to meet the high demands.

The basic engine in the ŠKODA FELICIA series was a four-cylinder petrol engine with a 1289 cm3 displacement, providing an output of either 40 kW (54 hp) or 50 kW (68 hp) depending on the variant. A more powerful 1.6 MPI engine with 55 kW (75 hp) and a 1.9-litre 47 kW (64 hp) diesel were added to the range in 1995.

Commercial vehicle variants continue the success story
In 1995, ŠKODA extended the model family to include the even more spacious FELICIA COMBI, and in August of the same year, the delivery van FELICIA VANPLUS and FELICIA PICKUP also began rolling off the production line at the Kvasiny plant. In addition, around 4,000 recreational vehicles introduced with the name FELICIA FUN were built based on the flatbed version. The model was characterised by its versatile 2+2-seater interior as well as its yellow body. The commercial vehicles were very popular: Between 1996 and 2000, ŠKODA produced nearly 19,000 units, which enjoyed success in Latin America under the name ‘Volkswagen Caddy’.

Numerous modern equipment options were introduced in the ŠKODA model range with the FELICIA, for example, ABS, up to four airbags, air conditioning, power steering, height-adjustable and heated front seats, high-quality leather seat covers and on-board computer. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the company, the Czech brand also presented a luxury edition, the FELICIA LAURIN & KLEMENT, in 1995. Other attractive special editions, such as the FELICIA ATLANTA, followed on the occasion of the 1996 Summer Olympics. Thanks to their striking design and broad range of equipment for the price, they were also very popular.

FELICIA kit car version in the World Rally Championship
The ŠKODA FELICIA’s versatility was also demonstrated through its motorsport performance. Between 1995 and 1997, an equivalent kit car version started in the World Rally Championship, managing to secure third place in the class in its first season. In 1996, the Swedes Stiq Blomqvist / Benny Melander took third place overall in the English RAC Rally and came first in the kit car class up to 2.0 litres. In 1997, ŠKODA took second place in its class with the FELICIA in the World Championship. The new OCTAVIA Kit Car – and the OCTAVIA WRC (World Rally Car) from 1999 – continued the FELICIA Kit Car’s success.

In February 1998 ŠKODA launched the facelift of the FELICIA. The product upgrade included re-shaped modern headlamps and a customised grille. This new entry-level model adopted the new design language characterising the larger, previously released, OCTAVIA. In June 2001, the ŠKODA FELICIA’s career ended after 1,401,489 of this series had run off the production lines. Its successor, the 1999-launched FABIA, continues its success.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› ŠKODA City SUV nominated as one of five finalists for “Best Buy Car of Europe in 2020” title
› AUTOBEST jury composed of leading automotive journalists from 31 European countries
› Test drives on the Istanbul Formula One circuit in late November will determine the winner

Mladá Boleslav, 8 October 2019 – The ŠKODA KAMIQ has been nominated as one of the five contenders for the “Best Buy Car of Europe in 2020” trophy. The winner of the annual title, first awarded in 2001, is selected by a jury of leading automotive journalists from 31 European countries. This year, the decision will be taken after final test drives with the shortlisted vehicles on the former Turkish Formula One racing circuit, Intercity Istanbul Park, on 27 and 28 November. The winner will be announced in mid-December.

The European AUTOBEST organisation was founded in 2000 and has been awarding its annual trophies since 2001. The current jury is composed of two female and 29 male journalists representing 31 European countries. Jury members each select three favourite vehicles from the five finalists, in 13 different categories – from exterior and interior design to practical usability, technologies, eco-friendliness and price. The categories have different point scores, ranging from 100 to 500. The winning vehicle is the one that achieves the highest score out of a maximum of 2,500 points. In 2002, the ŠKODA FABIA was named “Best Buy Car of Europe”.

At 4.24 metres in length, the ŠKODA KAMIQ adds a new entry-level model to the Czech brand’s successful SUV range, marking the car maker’s first foray into the growing city SUV segment. It combines hallmark SUV benefits such as increased ride height and an elevated seating position with the agility of a compact car and an emotive design. A true ŠKODA, the KAMIQs’ advanced assistance and infotainment systems, the familiar generous amount of space and numerous Simply Clever ideas make it a favourite with families as well as lifestyle-oriented customers.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› Compact all-rounder surpasses the mark of 250,000 models built just two years after production began
› KAROQ enters the 2020 model year with safety and comfort features that have yet again been improved
› SUV models and further expansion of the portfolio in this vehicle segment are key pillars of the ŠKODA 2025 Strategy

Mladá Boleslav, 20 September 2019 – Today, the 250,000^th ŠKODA KAROQ rolled off the production line at the ŠKODA AUTO plant in Mladá Boleslav. The milestone model is a 1.0 TSI, 85-kW KAROQ in a metallic Black Magic finish. The compact SUV celebrated its world premiere in Stockholm in mid-May 2017; serial production began in July 2017. The KAROQ has therefore surpassed the mark of a quarter of a million units manufactured just two years after start of production.

Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Production and Logistics, stressed, “This milestone is proof of how popular the ŠKODA KAROQ is. The fact that it has just taken a little over two years after start of production to exceed the mark of 250,000 cars manufactured is a huge success and underlines the importance of the KAROQ in our attractive model range.”

ŠKODA has been building the KAROQ at its plant in Kvasiny since mid-July 2017 and also in Mladá Boleslav since January 2018. In 2018, the Czech car manufacturer delivered 115,700 KAROQs to its customers; this year it has been 97,900 vehicles so far. This makes the model one of the currently most popular ŠKODAs.

ŠKODA’s SUV campaign started in 2016 with the KODIAQ, the carmaker’s first large sport utility vehicle. It has been manufactured in Kvasiny since October 2016 and was launched onto the markets in the spring of 2017. Having the KODIAQ, KAROQ and the new KAMIQ city SUV in its line-up, the Czech brand offers its customers three attractive models in this vehicle segment. All of them bear ‘ŠKODA’ in block lettering on the tailgate instead of the logo.

For the 2020 model year, ŠKODA has provided the KAROQ with visual and technological enhancements: the successful compact SUV now comes with a comprehensive range of equipment for even more safety and comfort. Side Assist is available for example, warning the driver of vehicles in the blind spot up to 70 m away. The KAROQ’s connectivity is also state-of-the-art, offering a plethora of different online services in addition to the innovative ŠKODA Connect features. What’s more, the ŠKODA KAROQ sets benchmarks in terms of its chassis too, allowing for trips on rougher terrain at all times, and adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) being available for both the front- as well as all-wheel-drive variants.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

ŠKODA Digital Assistant to premiere in the KAMIQ city SUV and the compact SCALA
› Online-based voice control system called Laura understands natural speech in six languages
› New feature of the range-topping Amundsen infotainment system uses eSIM card included as standard

Mladá Boleslav, 25 September 2019 – ŠKODA is premiering a new Digital Assistant: this new, enhanced voice control system goes by the name of Laura and even understands natural speech. Part of the range-topping Amundsen infotainment system, it is available for the new KAMIQ as well as the compact SCALA. The Czech car maker’s introduction of the new Digital Assistant strengthens the position of its two new models as infotainment and connectivity pioneers in their respective segments.

The new ŠKODA KAMIQ city SUV and the compact SCALA can from now on be controlled with the help of Laura, the new ŠKODA Digital Assistant. In vehicles equipped with the top-of-the-range Amundsen infotainment system, a simple “Okay, Laura!” is enough to activate the enhanced voice control system – there is no need to push a button or do anything else. Laura even understands natural speech, so drivers are not restricted to a set of predetermined commands or phrases.

Laura has already mastered six languages and can even cope with dialects if need be
The new, enhanced and online-based voice control system can answer inquiries about a wide variety of topics and obeys commands. It will start navigation to a desired destination, for example, find a favourite piece of music or take dictation for an SMS. Laura already supports six languages – English, German and French as well as Spanish, Italian and Czech. If required, the system can even understand difficult dialects. With an on-board eSIM card included as standard, the ŠKODA KAMIQ and SCALA are always online. This allows Laura to seamlessly combine on-board and online data and thus respond quickly and flexibly to any situation. The transition between online and offline services is so seamless that occupants are never aware of it.

Flexible dialogues and natural conversation style
Drivers can interrupt their dialogue with Laura at any time and use a new command, without having to wait for the system to complete an answer. This greatly speeds up response times. Moreover, during a conversation, the radio or media player volume is lowered rather than muted completely, which fosters the sense of having a natural, relaxed conversation.

The features of ŠKODA’s Digital Assistant Laura are subject to continuous development, improvement and expansion. The system will be available in upcoming models. In future, Laura will be able to control certain vehicle functions and respond even more flexibly to complete sentences, even enabling a kind of digital small talk. Other potential applications of the enhanced voice control system that might become available at a later date include ŠKODA areas outside of the vehicle – such as mobile and web apps, as well as the online configurator.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Kvasiny, 18 September 2019 – Today, the first SUPERB iV rolled off the line at the ŠKODA AUTO Kvasiny plant. Carmaker ŠKODA AUTO has comprehensively prepared the site for the manufacturing of the first electrified production model in the company’s history, investing approximately 12 million euros in renovation work. The new ŠKODA SUPERB iV plug-in hybrid is made exclusively in Kvasiny, where it is built on the same production line as SUPERB variants that are driven solely by a combustion engine.

Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Production and Logistics, said, “The beginning of serial production of the ŠKODA SUPERB iV is a major step towards the future. Over the past few months, we have rigorously made the provisions required to begin manufacturing our first plug-in hybrid at the Kvasiny plant. Today is therefore also the result of a great team effort.”

ŠKODA AUTO invested approximately 12 million euros in preparing the Kvasiny site for the specific requirements of manufacturing the first electrified ŠKODA production model. Body production and the assembly hall, for example, have been modified (see infographic). Thanks to the renovation work, the SUPERB iV plug-in hybrid can be built on the same production line as models featuring a conventional combustion engine. As the two drive variants have different floorpans, some of the equipment in the body shop had to be adapted or installed.

The hall used for quality control was completely remodelled: workplaces needed to be rearranged for the manufacturing and commissioning of vehicles as part of the production process. Within the production line, ŠKODA AUTO also installed an additional container for chassis frames as well as a manipulator for high-voltage and 12-volt batteries.

Furthermore, ŠKODA AUTO has pressed ahead with staff development relating to electromobility. To this end, the car manufacturer built a new training centre in Kvasiny; since then, almost 5,500 members of staff have completed their training there.

The dawning of a new era: the SUPERB iV plug-in hybrid
In the SUPERB iV, a 1.4 TSI petrol engine and an electric motor deliver a combined power output of 160 kW (218 PS). The all-electric range is up to 56 km in the WLTP cycle; up to 930 km can be covered when combined with the petrol engine. This new drive variant is available for the Ambition and Style trim levels as well as for the SUPERB SPORTLINE and SUPERB L&K. The ŠKODA SUPERB iV and the new iV E-Mobility sub-brand celebrated their world premiere in the Slovakian capital, Bratislava, in May 2019. The market launch is set for the beginning of 2020.

The modernised ŠKODA SUPERB has been built at the ŠKODA AUTO Kvasiny site since July 2019. In addition to the brand’s flagship, the KAROQ and KODIAQ SUVs are also manufactured there. In 2018, more than 300,000 cars left the Kvasiny plant in one year for the first time. The carmaker employs around 9,000 members of staff at the state-of-the-art production facility.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

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