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Škoda Auto has taken part in European Diversity Month for the fourth consecutive year. This initiative, promoted by the European Commission each May, underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in both the workplace and society generally, especially in light of evolving work environments and the need to protect employee rights. Under the motto ‘Škoda Auto – A Place for Everyone’, the Czech carmaker has rolled out various initiatives focusing on fostering respect across generations and genders, and through international collaboration. In its most recent Diversity Report 2023, Škoda Auto shares the most important milestones achieved last year, such as successfully increasing the proportion of women in management to 18.3% (up from 14.6% in 2021) and raising the share of international staff in leadership roles to 31%.

“Respect and consideration for each individual are cornerstones of our company culture, which is why we take part in European Diversity Month for the fourth year in a row. I am delighted with how diversity and inclusion have developed at our company. It is very clear that promoting an open corporate culture not only enhances the work environment for our employees but also supports Škoda Auto in meeting its ambitious objectives and establishing a creative and equitable workplace for everyone.”

Maren Gräf, Škoda Auto Board Member for People and Culture

‘Škoda Auto – A Place for Everyone’
This year’s motto for Škoda Auto’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, ‘Škoda Auto: A Place for Everyone’, reflects the company’s commitment to respecting each individual’s uniqueness and its openness as an organisation. Reinforcing the motto, the carmaker also created a video where employees share their insights and perspectives. Special attention this year was given to intergenerational interaction and sensitivity towards the differences among various age groups.

One highlight of the European Diversity Month activities at Škoda Auto was the Diversity Community Meetup. During this event, participants took part in interactive workshops covering topics such as neurodiversity, Gen Z (individuals born in the ‘Internet era’, typically post-2000), and domestic violence. The Internationals@Škoda meeting included a group trip, presentations and discussions specifically catered to employees from abroad. Other projects focused on women’s career development, the new Employee Resource group Women@Work, embracing new technologies, supporting LGBT+ employees through Škoda Proud’s streamed event LGBTQ+ Allyship in the Workplace, and promoting inclusive language in the workplace. Additionally, Škoda Auto employees participated in the Fun & Run charity race against homophobia and other forms of discrimination.
These events were held throughout May and are part of an ongoing series of activities, including the upcoming Pride Business Forum Conference and the Prague Pride parade later this year.

Mutual respect, acceptance and understanding are cornerstones of Škoda’s corporate culture
For three years, the employee group Škoda Proud has been active within the company and is open to all who are interested in supporting and further promoting the topics of diversity and inclusion. In collaboration with the KOVO trade union, Škoda Auto has long been committed to developing and implementing a corporate culture and working conditions that consider the various individual needs and expectations of its workforce. Since 2006, among other initiatives, the car manufacturer has operated a protected centre offering employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. In 2019, Škoda Auto signed the European Diversity Charter, actively advocating for acceptance, equitable opportunities, and cultural diversity. In 2023, it became a premium member of the Pride Business Forum and joined the D&I Shapers community, two leading platforms for diversity and inclusion.

2023 Diversity Report: A host of positive outcomes
Released at the beginning of May, the latest edition of the Annual Diversity Report summarises Škoda Auto’s activities to foster human rights and mutual understanding, proving its commitment to these topics. The report provides comprehensive information on numerous projects in diversity and inclusion. Last year, Škoda Auto successfully increased the proportion of women in management to 18.3% (up from 14.6% in 2021), and the share of international staff in leadership roles rose to 31%.

Key targets of Škoda Auto’s Diversity Strategy 2030 include achieving a 25% female representation in management by 2030, fostering intergenerational collaboration and support for families with children, actively backing employee groups and LGBT+ staff, and implementing measures to accommodate colleagues with disabilities.

As one of the largest private-sector employers in the Czech Republic, Škoda Auto has been a signatory to the Czech Diversity Charter since 2019. Moreover, the company works closely with CSR Europe’s largest partner, Business for Society, and collaborates with the national coordinator of the Czech version of the Diversity Charter.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

To mark the International Day for Biological Diversity, Škoda Auto is presenting its measures and projects aimed at promoting biodiversity around the world as part of its GreenFuture strategy. The carmaker’s goal is to minimise the environmental footprint of its business activities along the entire value chain. Moreover, Škoda continues to drive sustainable growth and supports the preservation of both biodiversity and sustainable ecosystems, in line with the Volkswagen Group’s new regenerate+ sustainability strategy. A comprehensive overview of Škoda’s sustainability measures can be found on the dedicated sustainability microsite.

“At Škoda Auto, sustainability is not an afterthought, but a cornerstone of our corporate strategy. In close cooperation with our partners, we are constantly reducing the environmental impact of our business activities. We take a holistic approach to this topic. For example, with our recently introduced ‘Curiosity Fuel’ coffee, we are advancing circular economy principles by thinking outside the box and using the husks to tan leather seats. To foster biodiversity, we have also launched a wide range of projects in the areas surrounding our plants worldwide.”

Karsten Schnake, Škoda Auto Board Member for Procurement and Board Representative for Sustainability

“As one of the largest employers in the country, we bear a particular responsibility for both society and the environment. In promoting biodiversity, our employees’ willingness to get involved is our most valuable asset, and we are proud to be tackling this major task as a team. We are actively engaged in projects under the Škoda Trees initiative or Krakonoš Gardens, where our employees contribute by digging pools and planting areas that cultivate biodiversity.”

Maren Gräf, Škoda Auto Board Member for People & Culture

Škoda’s Curiosity Fuel coffee launched at Czech plants
Škoda Auto’s Curiosity Fuel coffee, which is grown, roasted and packaged for use at its Czech plants and offices, preserves the local environment. It also promotes fair and secure wages for local farmers by adhering to Rainforest Alliance principles. Starting this summer, the coffee bean husks will be used to sustainably tan leather for the seats in the Suite Design Selection of the Octavia and Kodiaq.

New Laurin & Klement Kampus headquarters receives Austrian Green Planet Building Award 2024
At its new headquarters in Mladá Boleslav, Škoda Auto ranks at the top of the sustainability ladder thanks to a 222- panel photovoltaic system boasting a peak output of 100 kW, which significantly reduces energy requirements from external sources. The building also incorporates energy-saving innovations like LED lighting and smart light sensors. Additionally, its ventilation system with heat recuperation ensures an 80% energy recovery rate. The Laurin & Klement Kampus recently received the Austrian Green Planet Building Award 2024 and is expected to earn a gold certificate from the German Sustainable Building Council (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen).

Škoda Trees: Nearly 90,000 more trees will be planted in 2024
Since 2007, Škoda Auto has been planting and nurturing a tree for every car sold in the Czech Republic. These seedlings create habitats for animals and insects, contributing to biodiversity and helping prevent erosion by retaining water in the soil. By the end of this year, more than 1.3 million trees will have been planted since the project was launched, covering over 277 hectares of forest or the equivalent of 423 football pitches.

Preserving local ecosystems and voluntary employee involvement
The Škoda Auto Endowment Fund has announced a call for projects under the ‘Krakonoš Gardens’ initiative, aimed at preserving or restoring local ecosystems through the efforts of non-profit organisations, local municipalities, and associations. To date, 16 projects have been supported with nearly CZK 2 million, focusing on reintroducing native species and constructing new ponds. Additionally, to enhance biodiversity, Škoda Auto has built insect houses near its production locations, such as the Insect Hotel at the Kvasiny plant site in late 2023. Škoda Auto employees and their families are also actively involved in protecting the environment around the company’s Czech sites through organised waste clearing events, such as Let’s Clean Up Czechia.

Škoda Auto promotes biodiversity at its Indian locations
Škoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL) is dedicated to protecting biodiversity. As a signatory to the India Business and Biodiversity Initiative, the company is continuously expanding the green spaces around its two plants. In the city of Chattrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad), SAVWIPL supports Oxygen Park, Green Hub, and the recently developed Green Future Park, which collectively contain over 80,000 trees. In Pune, the company is committed to revitalising 20 hectares of wasteland in early 2024. In December last year, the Indian Parts Expedition Centre achieved a significant milestone by becoming 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 and waste reduction.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Škoda Auto has inaugurated new facilities for the Emissions Centre and a brand-new Simulation Centre in Mladá Boleslav. Following investments of almost €22 million, the laboratory will bolster the car manufacturer’s in-house development capabilities within the Technical Development department. The state-of-the-art technologies allow for the precise and accurate simulation of a wide range of climatic conditions, enabling comprehensive tests that mimic real-world operations. The new Simulation Centre houses a laboratory unique in the Czech Republic and the Volkswagen Group and is among the most modern facilities of its kind in Europe.

“Opening the new Simulation Centre represents a significant step forward in automotive development and reaffirms Škoda Auto’s leading position in the evolution and testing of drive and thermal management systems. The importance of the new Simulation Centre and the Emissions Centre will continue to grow, both in terms of ensuring the quality of our production vehicles and in creating highly efficient powertrains and systems for the future.”

Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development

Unique combination of cutting-edge technologies
The new Simulation Centre allows vehicle functionality to be tested under extreme load and virtual calculations to be validated across diverse driving conditions, providing a high degree of test variability in various climatic environments. The facility can sustain temperatures from -7 to +50°C while testing. Moreover, the facility can simulate conditions ranging from 10 to 95% relative humidity (crucial for regions like India), sunlight exposure, and mountain driving at altitudes of up to 5500 metres above sea level. The laboratory also features a modern roller dynamometer for vehicles with outputs up to 300 kW, capable of simulating driving resistances at speeds of up to 265 km/h. Additionally, it is equipped with sophisticated air ducting with two fans for airflow simulation, an emissions analysis system, and a high-speed charging station for electric vehicles with outputs up to 400 kW. The ability to combine these technologies allows for complex tests that closely replicate real-world operations with high accuracy and precision in results, while the analysis and evaluation of the data are conducted on-site. Performing up to 850 tests annually, the Simulation Centre significantly expands the possibilities for developing new technical solutions.

Škoda Auto has released the first official silhouette images of the all-new Elroq. The fully electric compact SUV is Škoda’s first production model to adopt the Modern Solid design language. The minimalist exterior combines robustness, functionality and authenticity, while conveying a sense of safety and strength. The world premiere of the Škoda Elroq in autumn 2024 marks the beginning of Škoda’s new e-model campaign, which will see the launch of six battery-electric models in the coming years.

 “At Škoda, design is an important part of the brand identity and one of the main factors of our success. The continuous development of key visual elements is both a demanding and exciting task. For this reason, my team and I are thrilled to present the preview of the first Škoda model to incorporate the new Modern Solid design language such as the Tech-Deck Face and a more robust overall look. Moreover, it is the first car in our portfolio to feature Škoda lettering on its sharply contoured bonnet. No doubt, our brand-new Elroq sets a new tone and is a real eye-catcher.”

Oliver Stefani, Head of Škoda Auto Design

New front with Škoda lettering and Tech-Deck Face
The front of the Škoda Elroq is characterised by its split headlight design. The slimmer upper section seamlessly extends into the wings. The Škoda lettering is now prominently displayed on the bonnet, reflecting Škoda’s corporate identity. The innovative Tech-Deck Face is a modern, recognisable reinterpretation of the traditional Škoda grille, with a flatter and wider appearance. Additionally, the vehicle sports large wheels that enhance its robust look, and cutting-edge LED Matrix headlights complete the Škoda Elroq’s striking appearance.