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ŠKODA has been involved in sustainable production for many years and is pressing ahead with numerous projects to conserve natural resources as part of its ‘GreenFuture’ strategy.
To mark World Water Day, which is being promoted today by the United Nations on the topic of ‘wastewater’, the Czech car manufacturer is introducing several initiatives. 

Water is essential component in vehicle production where is used during washing and filtering processes as well as in numerous cooling systems. ŠKODA has been developing innovative technologies and concepts for sustainable water management for many years.  

During vehicle production, the manufacturer uses special measures which prevent disproportionate increases in water usage and warn of possible leaks and unusual flows. In the paint shops, modern filtration systems recycle wastewater and recirculate it. In the future, a more sophisticated purification system that uses particularly thin membrane filters is expected to reduce the requirement for fresh water further still. ŠKODA intends to save an additional 60,000 cubic metres of water, which corresponds to four per cent of the entire annual consumption. 

Employees are also contributing to sustainability at ŠKODA. On the internal portal ‘Green Z.E.B.R.A’, suggestions are regularly put forward concerning environmentally friendly activities. These measures improve the ecological balance for the company: since 2013, resources, materials or energies valued 1.6 million euros are being saved every year. 

At present, ŠKODA’s water consumption of 1.5 million cubic metres is at 2010 levels, whilst production figures during this period have increased by around 25 per cent. 590,000 cubic metres of water are recycled annually – this equates to 40 per cent of the company’s overall consumption. The water consumption per vehicle built has reduced by 32 per cent compared to 2010. In the coming year, ŠKODA intends to further improve this figure and save 35 per cent. 

Every two years, ŠKODA discloses its objectives and actions relating to environmental protection in a sustainability report. It discusses all three pillars of ŠKODA’s ‘GreenFuture’ strategy: for example, ‘GreenProduct’ deals with the development of vehicles that are as environmentally friendly as possible – in terms of fuel requirements as well as materials and recycling capabilities. With ‘GreenRetail’, the brand is promoting eco-friendly operations in their dealerships and workshops. ‘GreenFactory’ brings together all of the activities that help to conserve resources during production. 

Since 1993, the United Nations has called for the support of World Water Day, which takes place annually on 22 March. This year, the topic is ‘wastewater’. Alongside considerate handling of this vital resource, the organisation is reminding us of opportunities for the treatment of drinking water, as well as its safe use in agricultural irrigation or in industrial processes.
Article source: www.skoda-auto.com 
ŠKODA works driver Pontus Tidemand and co-driver Jonas Andersson win of special stage to take the outright lead in the overall WRC 2 standings.
Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S) emerged triumphant from a dramatic duel to win the Rally Mexico and continue ŠKODA’s winning run in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). At the end of the 295 kilometres of special stage, the new world championship leader finished 42.7 seconds clear of rivals Eric Camilli/Benjamin Veillas (F/F). Starting last season, 13 of the last 14 rounds of the world championship have now been won by drivers in a ŠKODA FABIA R5.

“I am proud of my drivers and the entire team. This rally was not for the faint-hearted, but Pontus Tidemand and Jonas Andersson kept a cool head to clinch a hugely important win,” said ŠKODA Motorsport Director Michal Hrabánek. The latest success was more proof of just how fast and reliable the ŠKODA FABIA R5 is: “The Rally Mexico was really the ultimate test of durability. From the asphalt roads in the capital, the route climbed on gravel routes to almost 2750 metres above sea level and the highest point in the World Rally Championship. Our rally car ran perfectly in all conditions.”

26-year-old ŠKODA works driver Pontus Tidemand put on a great show for the Mexican rally fans. Over the course of the four days, he was embroiled in a thrilling battle for the win with Eric Camilli, with the lead changing hands on several occasions. After Tidemand had ended the opening two days at the top of the standings, Camilli briefly took the lead on Saturday. However, Sweden’s Motorsport Athlete of the Year 2016, who had taken his foot off the gas a little on the tough gravel roads, bounced back in style. Three stage wins in a row in the “Autódromo de León” and on the roads around the service park in the city of León were enough to see him regain top spot in WRC 2.

Tidemand took a slender lead of 2.0 seconds into the final two stages, and pulled out all the stops. The Swede was 22.5 seconds quicker than Camilli on the 32.96-kilometre “La Calera”, clocking an outstanding time to all but wrap up the win. Tidemand followed this up with another fastest time to bring home the win in style on the closing Power Stage, which was broadcast live on TV.

“That was a fantastic battle and a fantastic rally. We gained an incredible amount of experience at our first Rally Mexico. We are delighted with this success and are pleased with the great start we’ve made to the season,” said Sweden’s Motorsport Athlete of the Year. Victory in Mexico sees Tidemand succeed Finland’s Teemu Suninen, who won last year – also at the wheel of a ŠKODA FABIA R5. Local favourite Benito Guerra rounded off an outstanding result for ŠKODA in Mexico with third place in his FABIA R5.

This was Tidemand’s second victory in a row, having previously won his home rally in Sweden. He now stands alone at the top of the WRC 2 standings. With a perfect score of 50 points from two starts, he leads Camilli (42) and Andreas Mikkelsen (25). The Norwegian won the opening race of 2017, the iconic Rally Monte Carlo, in a ŠKODA FABIA R5. As such, reigning WRC 2 champions ŠKODA Motorsport have won the first three world championship rallies of the year. 

Final result of the Rally Mexico (WRC 2):
1. Tidemand/Andersson (S/S) ŠKODA FABIA R5 3:32:56.5 hrs
2. Camilli/Veillas (F/F) Ford Fiesta R5 + 0:42.7 min
3. Guerra/Rozada (MEX/E) ŠKODA FABIA R5 + 7:46.1 min

The number for the Rally Mexico: 11:6
The dramatic duel for the lead in the WRC 2 class at the Rally Mexico was reflected in the battle for individual stage wins. Here too, ŠKODA driver Pontus Tidemand in his FABIA R5 came out on top 11:6 in the head-to-head with Eric Camilli. Two special stages originally scheduled for Friday had to be cancelled, as a traffic jam caused the rally cars to be late leaving the capital Mexico City on their way back to the service park in León.

The 2017 calendar for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)
Rally Monte Carlo 19.01.–22.01.2017
Rally Sweden 09.02.–12.02.2017
Rally Mexico 09.03.–12.03.2017
Rally France 06.04.–09.04.2017
Rally Argentina 27.04.–30.04.2017
Rally Portugal 18.05.–21.05.2017
Rally Italy 08.06.–11.06.2017
Rally Poland 29.06.–02.07.2017
Rally Finland 27.07.–30.07.2017
Rally Germany 17.08.–20.08.2017
Rally Spain 05.10.–08.10.2017
Rally Great Britain 26.10.–29.10.2017
Rally Australia 16.11.–19.11.2017
Article source: www.skoda-auto.com
Less cylinder capacity, more power. In the FABIA and FABIA COMBI, a 1.0 TSI engine with three cylinders and four valves is replacing the 1.2-litre engine with four cylinders that has been used to date.

The new engine offers more power. The power output of the ŠKODA FABIA 1.0 TSI is 70 kW (95 PS), while the output of the more powerful version is at 81 kW (110 PS) but offers an improved torque of 200 Nm (previously 175 Nm). Downsizing offers another advantage: the engines’ fuel consumption has been reduced by up to six per cent. One reason for this is the three-cylinder’s engine concept with a reduced weight of the free inertial forces and a more efficient oil pump. The revised ŠKODA FABIA and ŠKODA FABIA COMBI will be introduced to the public for the first time at the Geneva International Motor Show (7-19 March 2017). 

Injection pressure reduces consumption by up to 6 percent
Downsizing, lightweight construction, more turbo power – the ŠKODA FABIA and ŠKODA FABIA COMBI feature the Czech car manufacturer’s latest developments under their bonnets. Thanks to an increase in injection pressure to 250 bar, both power variants of the new 1.0-litre engine offer better driving performance than the 1.2-litre engines that have been used up to now and they also achieve a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 6 per cent. 

The third generation of the ŠKODA FABIA impresses with a dynamic and emotive design, a large amount of interior space, innovative safety, comfort and infotainment systems‚ and numerous ‘Simply Clever’ features. The car offers a range of in-car equipment that exceeds the current offering in the small car segment by far. 

Three-cylinder engine with very smooth running and sporty sound
Besides its smooth running, the ŠKODA FABIA’s new 1.0-l TSI three-cylinder engine also impresses with its sporty and dynamic sound. With its compact construction and due to its lightweight aluminium crankcase, the engine weighs ten kilograms less than the 1.2-litre engine that has been used to date. The aluminium pistons and the connecting rods are so well balanced that the engine runs in a particularly smooth and refined manner with very little friction. A balancing shaft is therefore unnecessary. This saves on weight and helps to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. 

The oil pump, which has a freely controllable flow rate, also helps with this. It continuously adjusts the pressure required to suit the engine load. The boost pressure, which reaches up to 1.6 bar (relatively), increases highly spontaneously due to the turbocharger’s intercooler being integrated into the induction tract. The engine comes across as very responsive and dynamic because the frequency of the exhaust pulses generally builds quicker than with the four-cylinder, for example. This occurs even at low rpm, providing a clear advantage in city traffic. 

The 1.0 TSI with 70 kW (95 PS): stronger, faster, more tractability and quicker acceleration
The power output of the ŠKODA FABIA 1.0 TSI with manual five-speed transmission is 70 kW (95 PS). Torque remains unchanged at 160 Nm, yet the driving performance has been improved. Compared to the 1.2 litre engine with four cylinder used to date, the top speed has increased by 3 km/h to 185 km/h (ŠKODA FABIA COMBI: from 185 to 187 km/h) and the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h has improved by 0.3 seconds to 10.6 seconds (ŠKODA FABIA COMBI: from 11.0 to 10.8 seconds). The engine’s tractability from 60 to 100 km/h and from 80 to 120 km/h is identical to its predecessor. The fuel consumption and emissions of the hatchback and Combi,on the other hand, have dropped considerably from 4.6 l per 100 km (105 g CO2/km) to 4.3 l per 100 km (99 g CO2/km). 

The 1.0 TSI with 81 kW (110 PS): power output unchanged, considerably more torque
Just like its 1.2-litre predecessor, the more powerful 1.0-litre engine with manual six-speed transmission delivers 81 kW (110 PS); however, its torque has increased from 175 to 200 Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 9.5 seconds (ŠKODA FABIA COMBI 9.6 seconds); the top speed is 196 km/h (ŠKODA FABIA COMBI 199 km/h). The increase in torque is most noticeable when accelerating on country roads or motorways. The improved tractability of the engine is most evident when it is combined with the optional 7-speed DSG transmission. In the highest gear, the short burst from 60 to 100 km/h can now be accomplished up to 2.6 seconds faster (ŠKODA FABIA hatchback 2.4 seconds), while acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h is as much as 4.1 seconds faster (ŠKODA FABIA hatchback 3.9 seconds). In the manual versions of the hatchback and Combi, the fuel consumption and emissions of the three-cylinder with 81 KW / 110 PS have dropped by 0.3 l to 4.4 l per 100 km (101 g CO2/km). For the DSG-transmission versions, the fuel consumption has reduced in both variants by 0.1 l to 4.5 l per 100 km (104 g CO2/km). 


Driver assistance systems usually seen in higher segments
The ŠKODA FABIA provides safety systems that exceed the current offering in the small car segment by far. In addition to six airbags, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the XDS+ electronic differential lock, the portfolio also includes the optional Front Assist (reduces the risk of rear-end collisions) with the integrated City Emergency Brake function (which brings the vehicle to a standstill when an impending collision is detected). Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is also available for the new three-cylinder versions. This consistently maintains a gap from the vehicle in front at speeds of up to 160 km/h. The Multi-Collision Brake function automatically applies the ŠKODA FABIA’s brakes after an accident to prevent any further damage. Driver Alert fatigue detection recognises a reduction in the driver’s concentration and emits a warning. The Speed Limiter function prevents the vehicle from going above the chosen speed. Hill-Hold Control provides assistance when performing a hill start. The electronic tyre pressure monitor comes as standard in EU countries. 

Numerous comfort features also make the ŠKODA FABIA unique in the small car segment. These include the KESSY (Keyless Entry Start and Exit System) automatic electronic starting and locking system, and the front and rear parking sensors. The rain sensor as well as Light Assist provide optimum visibility. The former automatically regulates the speed of the windscreen wipers and the latter turns full beam on or off depending on the light conditions. 


In-car ŠKODA Connect, help at the touch of a button
As an option, occupants in the ŠKODA FABIA can be ‘always online’ thanks to the new ŠKODA Connect services, which consist of Infotainment Online and Care Connect. One of the most attractive services that Infotainment Online has to offer is online traffic information, which shows traffic flow on the selected route in real time and suggests alternative routes in the event of a traffic jam. Infotainment Online services also provide information on petrol stations, available parking spaces, the news and the weather. 

The Care Connect services support drivers in many situations. Data is transferred via a SIM card that is permanently installed in the vehicle. The services include Emergency Call, which automatically connects to an emergency call centre when a restraint system has been deployed; it can also be operated manually. 


The Care Connect services also include Breakdown Call – which can be used to arrange help, if necessary, or to provide answers to technical questions about the vehicle – and Proactive Service. Proactive Service allows service-relevant vehicle data to be sent to a ŠKODA garage in a timely manner before the vehicle’s service. The driver can remotely access information about whether the windows, doors and sunroof are closed as well as the ŠKODA FABIA’s remaining fuel level via the ŠKODA Connect app at any time. Furthermore, they can send navigation destinations to the car or display the vehicle’s current parking location on their smartphone. 

The SmartLink+ interface transfers selected smartphone apps including navigation apps to the infotainment system’s display. The integrated SmartGate function makes it possible to collect and save vehicle data on a connected smartphone and use it on the move. 

‘Simply Clever’ – the ŠKODA FABIA is packed full of well-thought-out features
Like all ŠKODA models, the ŠKODA FABIA is packed full of ‘Simply Clever’ features, including an umbrella under the passenger seat, an ice scraper in the fuel filler flap, a multimedia cradle in the centre console’s cup holder (provides space for a smartphone or iPod) a portable waste bin, a hi-vis-vest storage compartment and bottle holder in the door trims, storage nets on the inside of the front seats and space for a 1.0-litre bottle in the glove compartment.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

On ŠKODA’s bike portal ‘We Love Cycling’, the ‘Lock Challenge 2017’ shows, how bicycles can best be secured.
With the new ‘Lock Challenge 2017’ campaign, ŠKODA is placing a focus on bicycle security. In its online cycling magazine ‘We Love Cycling’, the brand publishes fascinating stories, useful tips and entertaining videos on this topic. The campaign kicks off with a new video in which ŠKODA sends an amateur but determined thief around Barcelona to steal. Bicycles are the object of his desire. Watch the video at www.welovecycling.com to find out how successful he was in his mission, how passers-by reacted and what secret weapon he revealed for the most stubborn bicycle lock. 

"ŠKODA has always been on the cyclists' side.  After all, the company's history began 120 years ago with bicycle manufacturing," explains Stefan Büscher, Head of ŠKODA Marketing and Products, adding, “Bicycles are a great way of getting around city, especially in modern life. Unfortunately though, the more expensive bikes are stolen all too often. With the ‘Lock Challenge 2017’, we intend to highlight the topic of bicycle security, and give cyclists tips on how they can protect their bike even better. At the same time, we want to inspire even more people to take up cycling." 

The amusing new video shows which bicycle locks can withstand a thief and which are a waste of money. The main character is a rookie bicycle thief with no previous kleptomaniac experience. His task is to try to open various bicycle locks and steal bikes on the streets of Barcelona. His opposition: a simple cable lock costing around €10, a standard U-lock – which appears stronger at first glance – and a U-lock made by a German manufacturer used in combination with a folding lock. The thief has two minutes per lock. He can use a bolt cutter and crowbar to help him, and he also has an unusual ace up his sleeve. 

In the video, the culprit in a black hoody sidles up to the two-wheeler he is eyeing. As he pulls the bulky bolt cutters out of his bag, he’s already arousing more attention. How the different locks hold their ground in the ‘Lock Challenge’, how passers-by react to the brazen theft right in front of them and for which lock the perpetrator has to pull out his secret weapon can all be seen in the video at www.welovecycling.com

With ‘We Love Cycling’, ŠKODA offers active cyclists a modern and diverse online magazine with fascinating bike-related stories. Furthermore, the online community facilitates a lively exchange of views and discussions about specialist topics. The negative side of life as a cyclist is also discussed and presented in a humorous way – including practical tips. 

With the new video about the ‘Lock Challenge 2017’, ŠKODA has built on the successful production from 2015: back then, the clip of the ‘European Bike Stealing Championship 2015’ rocked the boat and went viral, reaching millions of people. ŠKODA was rewarded for this anti-bike-theft campaign at the prestigious British D&AD Awards, receiving the ‘Wooden Pencil’, and was honoured for the ‘Best Use of Video Content’ by New York’s Digiday. 

For years, ŠKODA has dedicated itself as the ‘engine of cycling’ – partly because the roots of the long-standing Czech manufacturer lie in the production of bicycles: in 1895, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement founded a bicycle factory in the Bohemian town of Mladá Boleslav, the brand’s headquarters. Just ten years later, the ‘Voiturette A’ was the first motor car to roll out of the young company’s workshop. In 1925, Laurin & Klement merged with ŠKODA.
Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Elegant and affordable

The main headlights now shine with bi-xenon lights, the daytime running light uses LED technology. The modified fog lights shine in the newly designed lower part of the bumper. A narrow chrome strip connects the lights and creates a wider-looking front end. Black-tinted covers on the taillights in the distinctive C-shape give the rear an even sportier look. 

The ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK now also features an  extended rear window. The side view on both models is characterized by the long wheelbase and the coupe-like silhouette, with a sharp tornado line creating an interplay of light and shadow. The wheels are available in new designs: 15" COSTA, 16" EVORA and VIGO (also in black metallic), 17" TRIUS and TORINO (black polished for the Monte Carlo edition).

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com