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New compact model excels with outstanding active and passive safety
› In the Adult Occupant Protection category, the roomy compact model received a score of 97 per cent of all possible points
› ŠKODA SCALA received the full six points for cyclist protection

Mladá Boleslav, 3 July 2019 – The ŠKODA SCALA has received the highest rating of five stars in its comprehensive test by the independent European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP). This puts it among the safest vehicles in its category, with top marks for the protection of adult occupants and cyclists.

Christian Strube, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development, explains: “Our engineers continually work on further optimising the active and passive safety of our models. With the SCALA, for example, we introduced several new assistance systems to the compact class, which had previously been available exclusively for vehicles in higher segments. Achieving the highest five-star rating for the ŠKODA SCALA in the European reference test for vehicle safety is an acknowledgement of our daily work. All of our current model series have earned the top score in the Euro NCAP test – a great success.”

In addition to the overall five-star rating, the ŠKODA SCALA scored especially high in the Euro NCAP test assessments of adult occupant safety and cyclist safety. In the Adult Occupant Protection category, the roomy compact model received a score of 97 per cent of all possible points. This is one of the highest ratings in the history of the Euro NCAP.

Testers awarded the full six points for cyclist protection, reflecting the beneficial effect of the Front Assist with Predictive Pedestrian and Cyclist Protection and City Emergency Brake function included as standard. Lane Assist is another feature included in the standard equipment for the ŠKODA SCALA, while Side Assist, which alerts drivers to vehicles approaching from behind or in the car’s blind spot, is an optional feature resulting in a score of 3.5 out of a maximum of four points for this aspect.

The ŠKODA SCALA’s extremely stiff body with its large deformation zones and extremely robust occupant cell ensures superior passive safety, using an almost 70-per-cent share of high-strength, ultra-high-strength and specially hardened steels. In addition the compact model comes with up to nine airbags, including an optional knee airbag for the driver and optional side airbags at the rear. Additional safety features include the Multi-Collision Brake, the optional Crew Protect Assist proactive occupant protection system as well as ISOFIX and top-tether attachments on the rear seat bench and front passenger seat to protect the youngest passengers.

The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) was founded in 1997, with its current members including twelve transport ministries, automobile clubs, insurance associations and research institutes from eight European countries. The consortium is based in the Belgian city of Leuven. It conducts crash tests with current vehicle models and assesses their active and passive safety. Over the past few years, these tests have become ever more stringent and now comprise a number of different collision scenarios. While initially based solely on the results of the crash tests, final ratings today give a greater weighting to assessments of active safety systems and available driver assistance systems.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› ŠKODA AUTO builds three types of transmission for Volkswagen Group
› In 2018, a total of more than 1.1 million gearboxes were made at the Mladá Boleslav and Vrchlabí plants
› Following its development into a state-of-the-art component plant, the Vrchlabí site has won several awards for innovative manufacturing processes

Mladá Boleslav, 28 June 2019 – ŠKODA AUTO surpassed the mark of 12 million gearboxes produced today. The company currently makes three types of transmission: the MQ 200, MQ/SQ 100 and DQ 200. These are used in ŠKODA models as well as in vehicles from other Volkswagen Group brands.

Dr Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Production and Logistics, said, “This figure of 12 million transmissions is proof of the level of commitment exhibited by our staff in component production, who play a very important role at ŠKODA. We have manufactured more than one million gearboxes for ŠKODA and other Group-brand vehicles at our plants for the fifth year in a row.”

ŠKODA AUTO makes three different types of gearbox for Volkswagen Group at its Mladá Boleslav and Vrchlabí plants. In addition to the MQ 200s, MQ/SQ 100s are also built at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav. ŠKODA AUTO has been producing DQ 200 direct-shift transmissions (DSG) in Vrchlabí since 2012.

In 2018, ŠKODA AUTO manufactured 371,700 MQ 200s, 231,300 MQ/SQ 100s as well as 538,759 units of the DQ 200 dual-clutch transmission. In total, more than 1,141,700 gearboxes rolled off the ŠKODA production line last year. The total figure made per day across all transmission types is approximately 4,800 units.

The company’s first gearbox was installed in the Voiturette A – the first car manufactured under the Laurin & Klement brand in 1905. It was positioned in the middle of the car and provided rear-wheel drive using a shift gate.

The MQ 200 has been made in Mladá Boleslav since as early as 2000, and is installed in petrol-engine cars with a cylinder capacity of between 1.0 and 1.6 l. It is used in ŠKODA cars as well as in models from the Group brands Volkswagen, Audi and Seat. To date, ŠKODA has produced a total of 7,210,300 units of this transmission. Currently more than 1,600 MQ 200s roll off the line every day.

The MQ 100 / SQ 100 gearbox was originally designed for use in Volkswagen Group’s New Small Family models (the ŠKODA CITIGO, VW up! and Seat Mii) and has been built in Mladá Boleslav since 2011. The MQ 100 / SQ 100 also transfers power in the ŠKODA FABIA and other small cars from Volkswagen Group, in each case in combination with a 1.0-litre petrol engine. In June 2019, ŠKODA produced the two-millionth unit of this type and currently more than 900 are manufactured every day.

The DQ 200 automatic 7-speed dual-clutch transmission has been made at the Vrchlabí plant since 2012 and is one of the most modern gearboxes of its kind. With a current rate of 2,200 units per day, ŠKODA AUTO has already built a total of 2,749,800 DQ 200s. This 7-speed DSG is used in ŠKODA cars as well as in models from other Group brands. In production, ŠKODA AUTO is systematically turning to technology from Industry 4.0, such as collaborative robots. They help the employees with one of the most sensitive tasks in mechatronics assembly: inserting the clutch piston.

The Vrchlabí plant is consistently being aligned with the principles of Industry 4.0
As part of a profound transformation, ŠKODA AUTO converted the Vrchlabí site from a vehicle factory into a state-of-the-art component plant in 2012. In just 18 months a new factory building was constructed and the existing production halls were fully modernised. Today, Vrchlabí is one of the most up-to-date production facilities within Volkswagen Group.

The Vrchlabí site has also already been given numerous awards for its use of collaborative robots and other technologies in line with the principles of Industry 4.0. For example, the so-called handling robot, which supplies dozens of machines with parts and brings empty containers back to the warehouse. In 2015, the production site was awarded one of the most prestigious prizes in the European manufacturing industry and received the title of ‘Factory of the Year’.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› Czech manufacturer delivers 6.6% fewer vehicles than in same month last year
› Reason behind this decline is continuing downward trend of Chinese car market
› Growth in Western (+2.5%), Central (+3.4%) and Eastern Europe (+10.8%) and Russia (+16.9%)
› Product campaign: ŠKODA presents upgraded SUPERB and new SUPERB SCOUT
› Electromobility launch: SUPERB iV and CITIGO^e iV mark beginning of new era at ŠKODA

Mladá Boleslav, 12 June 2019 – ŠKODA delivered 104,900 vehicles to customers worldwide in May. Compared to the same month last year, this represents a decline of 6.6% (May 2018: 112,400 vehicles). The main reason for this development is the current situation in the Chinese car market overall. In Europe, the manufacturer increased deliveries in Austria (+21.9%), Hungary (+20.5%), Germany (+8.4%), and the Netherlands (+6.2%), despite the generally declining market trend in these regions. ŠKODA posted double-digit growth in Russia. The OCTAVIA continued to be the brand’s bestseller in May, the new compact model SCALA has been launched in other markets. In addition to the upgraded SUPERB and the new SUPERB SCOUT, the SUPERB iV and CITIGO^e iV mark ŠKODA’s entry into electromobility at their world premiere in Bratislava.

Alain Favey, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Sales and Marketing, explains: “We are continuing our extensive product campaign. Last month, we launched electromobility with our first vehicle to feature plug-in hybrid drive, the SUPERB iV, and the all-electric CITIGOe iV – a milestone in ŠKODA’s 124-year history. We are convinced that the attractive models of our sub-brand ‘iV’ will attract new customer groups to ŠKODA.”

In Western Europe, ŠKODA delivered 45,300 vehicles to customers in May, up 2.5% year-on-year (May 2018: 44,200 vehicles). With 16,300 vehicles, Germany remains the brand’s strongest single European market (May 2018: 15,100 vehicles, +8.4%). ŠKODA also achieved significant growth in France (3,200 vehicles, +5.3%), Austria (2,800 vehicles, +21.9%), Switzerland (1,900 vehicles, +5.8%), Belgium (1,800 vehicles, + 2.3%), the Netherlands (1,600 vehicles, +6.2%), Denmark (1,400 vehicles, +4.7%) and Greece (500 vehicles, +26.1%).

In Central Europe, deliveries were 3.4% above last year’s level at 20,000 vehicles (May 2018: 19,300 vehicles). With 9,000 deliveries, ŠKODA recorded a slight year-on-year increase in its domestic market in the Czech Republic (May 2018: 8,700 vehicles, +3.7%). The manufacturer achieved double-digit growth in Hungary (1,600 vehicles, +20.5%). Deliveries also increased in Slovakia (2,000 vehicles, +5.0%) and Slovenia (800 vehicles, +2.2%) in comparison to the same month last year.

In Eastern Europe excluding Russia, ŠKODA delivered 4,900 vehicles, an increase of 10.8% (May 2018: 4,400 vehicles). The car manufacturer almost doubled its deliveries in Bulgaria with 700 vehicles, representing a substantial increase of 90.3% compared to the same month last year (May 2018: 400 vehicles).

In the growth market of Russia, ŠKODA’s deliveries increased by 16.9% to 7,000 vehicles (May 2018: 6,000 vehicles).

In May, ŠKODA delivered 21,100 vehicles in its largest single market, China, a year-on-year decrease of 31.5% (May 2018: 30,800 vehicles). The reason for this development is the continuing decline in the overall car market in China.

In India, ŠKODA delivered 1,200 vehicles, compared to 1,400 in the same month last year (-19.6%).

Overseas, ŠKODA increased its deliveries to 3,200 vehicles, up 45.0% compared to May last year (May 2018: 2,200 vehicles). The carmaker recorded growth in Taiwan (700 vehicles, +34.0%), Australia (600 vehicles, +5.6%), Egypt (300 vehicles, +102.9%) and New Zealand (100 vehicles, +8.1%).

ŠKODA AUTO deliveries in May 2019 (in units, rounded off, listed by model; +/- in per cent compared to May 2018):
ŠKODA OCTAVIA (31,800; -9.1 %)
ŠKODA FABIA (15,100; -11.1 %)
ŠKODA KODIAQ (14,000; +3.6 %)
ŠKODA KAROQ (12,300; +17.8 %)
ŠKODA RAPID (12,100; -33.0 %)
ŠKODA SUPERB (9,900; -17.3 %)
ŠKODA CITIGO (only sold in Europe: 3,800; +2.7 %)
ŠKODA KAMIQ (only sold in China: 3.100; –)
ŠKODA SCALA (3,000; – )

Artice source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Milton Keynes, 12 June 2019: Judges have now named the OCTAVIA as its number one choice every year since 2014 – a Tow Car Awards record.

Despite the continual arrival of new challengers over the years, the OCTAVIA has proved to be the perfect all-rounder for owners looking to tow. 2019 marks the first time a petrol-powered version has been named as the winner, with the 1.5 TSI 150PS DSG drivetrain highlighted as the model of choice in the Up to 1400kg category.

The annual Tow Car Awards is a joint venture between Practical Caravan, What Car?, and The Camping and Caravanning Club and has been naming the best tow cars in the industry since 2007.

The judging procedure for 2019 saw 40 shortlisted cars assessed in four key categories; towing, everyday driving, practicality and owning. Towing tests included hill starts, emergency lane changes and stability assessments with a ballasted caravan attached. As in previous years, the OCTAVIA comfortably outscored its rivals to take the top spot.

Commenting on the OCTAVIA’s repeat victory, David Motton, tow car editor for Practical Caravan said: “If you think it's predictable that the Skoda OCTAVIA has won our lightest weight class, you'd be right. This is win number six. However, this is the first time we've tested a petrol OCTAVIA rather than a diesel.

"Forget any notion of a petrol engine being gutless and needing to be revved hard when towing. The 1.5-litre engine has 184lb ft of torque, enough to pull a caravan weighted to 85% of the car's kerbweight in a lively 10.6 seconds. As a car to live with every day the OCTAVIA has a clear edge over the competition. The huge boot has room for a full load of holiday luggage, and rear-seat space is more generous than you'd find in many much larger cars.”

The OCTAVIA’s latest award is the latest in a long line of towing accolades for ŠKODA. The KODIAQ, SUPERB and OCTAVIA have won 10 major towing awards over the course of the last three years, including overall Tow Car of the Year for the KODIAQ in 2018.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

› Pickup concept based on the KODIAQ combines great usability and impressive design
› Innovative design, lighting effects and new Simply Clever features are the highlights of the sixth Student Car
› The project has been showcasing the high quality of the training at the ŠKODA Vocational School in Mladá Boleslav since 2014

Mladá Boleslav, 3 June 2019 – 35 apprentices from the ŠKODA Vocational School have reached the pinnacle of their training year: following eight months of intense work, they presented a spectacular pickup based on the ŠKODA KODIAQ in the shape of the ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ. Sporting a specially designed Sunset Orange paint finish, this concept car impresses with numerous visual highlights such as a light bar on the roof and a distinctive front featuring a winch, bullbar and special lighting effects. For the sixth consecutive time, the project acts as a showcase for the apprentices’ technical skills.

A total of 35 ŠKODA apprentices from seven different career paths, among them six women, were involved in the development and production of the ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ. The sixth consecutive Student Car is a one-off and the remarkable result of months of work. During the course of the project, the apprentices were supported by their instructors as well as ŠKODA experts from the Design, Production and Technical Development departments.

As Carsten Brandes, Head of the ŠKODA Academy, points out, “Like its predecessor models, the ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ highlights the exceptional technical competence and craftsmanship of our students. Year after year, their work demonstrates the superior quality of the professional training at our vocational school.”

The name ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ conveys a spirit of adventure and off-road flair, combining the appeal of a contemporary lifestyle vehicle with the extraordinary everyday usability of a pickup. The rear of the spectacular concept car bears the ŠKODA wordmark in individual letters – a design element introduced in Europe with the new ŠKODA models SCALA and KAMIQ.

More than 2,000 hours of intense work over eight months
The apprentices started their work on the new Student Concept Car in autumn 2018. “Building the ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ with our own hands was a unique opportunity for all of us, as we were able to use our theoretical know-how in a practical context”, said Petr Zemanec. “We also benefited from the new connections we were able to establish with students on other career paths. We will never forget the over 2,000 hours of work we spent making our unique pickup.”

After the design was finalised, the actual production phase kicked off in January. Body and paint shop work took place simultaneously so the students could finish the vehicle in time for the May deadline. They began by reinforcing the body. Next, they removed the roof of the ŠKODA KODIAQ and fashioned a rear panel for the cab as well as a new rear window and side windows. The area behind the cab of the ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ features a load bed with a hidden storage compartment underneath. The students shortened and widened the doors, adjusting them to fit within the wider overall proportions of their vehicle. The appearance of the car was rounded off harmoniously by modified bumpers at the front and rear. Running boards on the door sills and the completely redesigned rear radiate rugged appeal and underline the MOUNTIAQ’s visual presence. One of the project’s greatest challenges for the students was the integration of a fully functional tailgate.

Increased ground clearance and a muscular engine
The ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ is the first Student Car based on the ŠKODA KODIAQ. It is 4,999 millimetres long, 2,005 millimetres wide and 1,710 millimetres tall. The wheelbase is 2,788 millimetres, and the vehicle weighs in at 2,450 kilograms. For enhanced off-road capabilities, the trainees increased their one-off model’s ground clearance by ten centimetres over that of the KODIAQ SCOUT, to a full 29 centimetres. They achieved this in part by fitting 17-inch Rockstar II wheels as well as special off-road tyres with a particularly deep tread. The new wheels also increased the MOUNTIAQ’s track width by three centimetres. A muscular 2.0 TSI petrol engine delivers ample 140 kW (190 PS) of power.

Winch at the front, creative lighting effects and Sunset Orange paint finish
The student’s ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ, standing on rugged off-road wheels, is a real head-turner. With its raised air intake snorkel and the winch at the front, framed by a bullbar, the concept car immediately commands attention. The winch and its specially designed mount are built to withstand the most extreme stresses encountered in off-road use. The students displayed particular creativity in designing the lighting for the MOUNTIAQ. In addition to the illuminated load bed, the ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ’s radiator grille, brand logo on the bonnet and engine bay all feature lighting effects as well. The front doors project a ŠKODA logo onto the road, and the pickup’s front section sports new fog lights. Other standout design features are the unique light bar on the roof and the special Sunset Orange paint finish developed by the students.

As in previous years’ Student Concept Cars, the apprentices demonstrated their inventiveness by including ingenious small details such as a glowing ŠKODA logo in the roof lining, designed by themselves, along with an integrated refrigerator, 3D-printed wheel hub ornaments and two walkie-talkies that are part of the vehicle. A very special feature created by this year’s class is the logo the students designed for the ŠKODA MOUNTIAQ: a car in front of a mountain silhouette. Embroidered in orange on the front seats’ backrests, it picks up the hue of the exterior paint finish as well as the colours of the orange highlights on the steering wheel and shift lever.

As a genuine ŠKODA, the MOUNTIAQ – like every production model made by the brand – comes with signature Simply Clever ideas like the new integrated funnel for the windscreen washer tank. And the students added a very special sound system to the KODIAQ base model’s Columbus infotainment system: the 320-watt speakers are now complemented by a 2,000-watt amplifier and a 2,000-watt subwoofer.

Students and ŠKODA AUTO benefit equally from the Student Concept Car project
This year marks the sixth time in succession that particularly talented students from the ŠKODA Vocational School were given the opportunity to participate in the Student Concept Car project. As part of this project, the youngsters are able to design and then build their own vehicle – a unique chance to apply and hone the skills they’ve learned. What’s particularly exciting for the budding professionals is the close collaboration with experts from different departments such as Technical Development, Production and Design. But it’s not just the apprentices who benefit – ŠKODA too profits from their feedback and ideas during the course of the project. And once their apprenticeship is completed, the company gains superbly trained employees, as every successful student at the ŠKODA Vocational School is offered a job with ŠKODA at the end of their training.

The first ŠKODA Student Concept Car built in 2014 was a two-seater version of the ŠKODA CITIGO, named the CITIJET. It was followed by the FUNSTAR, a ŠKODA FABIA pickup, and the ATERO, a coupé based on the ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK. In 2017, the apprentices once again used the ŠKODA CITIGO as their basis to build the electric ELEMENT. The fifth Student Concept Car was the 2018 SUNROQ convertible concept based on the ŠKODA KAROQ.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

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