Skoda Garage London Blog - Independent Skoda Garage London - London's best independent Skoda Garage London

Škoda is investing €205 million in the expansion of battery production in Mladá Boleslav, becoming the largest producer of BEV battery systems in the Volkswagen Group. This opening is part of the Volkswagen Group’s overall battery strategy, which balances in-house and third-party battery cell and system supply to achieve maximum flexibility and continuous access to innovations, technologies and supply chains. At the same time, Škoda’s main plant is now the first Volkswagen Group site in Europe to produce cell-to-pack battery systems for use in high-volume electric vehicles. A daily output of more than 1,100 cell-to-pack battery systems and up to 335,000 units a year will accelerate the rollout of new technologies in close collaboration with the Volkswagen Group Technology Center of Excellence Battery.

“With this investment, Škoda becomes the largest producer of BEV battery systems within the Volkswagen Group and a central pillar of our electrification strategy. The plant in Mladá Boleslav operates at true industrial scale and reinforces the European battery value chain. Škoda’s expertise, efficiency and unique spirit make it a key driver of our Brand Group Core Transformation.”

Thomas Schäfer, Volkswagen Brand CEO

“This marks a major milestone for Škoda Auto and our commitment to decarbonising the entire value chain. Reducing emissions goes far beyond the vehicle itself – it includes sourcing, production and energy use. With the opening of our new battery system assembly line, we are localising battery production at scale, strengthening a more resilient and competitive European value chain, and making electric mobility more accessible. As part of the Brand Group Core, we are proud to contribute our industrial strength and expertise to a powerful alliance of volume brands shaping the future of sustainable mobility. We are grateful to the Volkswagen Group for the trust placed in us to deliver up to 335,000 battery systems annually for electrified drivetrains across the Group. At the same time, we are doubling our Škoda BEV portfolio and transitioning our sites to greener energy, including converting our central power plant from coal to biomass, which will reduce emissions by around 274,000 tonnes of CO₂ by 2027. By building expertise in high-volume battery production and accelerating electrification, we are taking responsibility contributing to a sustainable future for Škoda Auto, the Czech Republic and Europe as a whole.”

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto

“Having produced approximately 1,4 million battery systems in Mladá Boleslav since 2019, the launch of cell-to-pack battery system production in Mladá Boleslav is the next step in bringing an important part of the production process in-house. Around 84% automation, 131 industrial robots and a cycle time of 60 seconds per battery system ensure a high daily output of consistently high quality. We help secure the supply of state-of-the-art battery systems ‘made in Europe’ for volume models across the Brand Group Core. This is strong recognition of our team’s effort and expertise, and a long-term commitment to the Czech Republic as a European hub for automotive manufacturing.”

Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics

Today’s opening strengthens both Škoda’s role as a component manufacturer within the Brand Group Core and the position of the Czech Republic as an automotive manufacturing location, with Škoda as a core driver of electromobility in Europe. The opening ceremony is attended by Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček, Chair of the Škoda Supervisory Board, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group and Volkswagen Brand CEO Thomas Schäfer, as well as members of the Škoda Auto Board.

Mladá Boleslav becomes the first Volkswagen Group site in Europe to produce cell-to-pack battery systems
With this expansion, the Czech car manufacturer becomes the largest producer of BEV battery systems in the Volkswagen Group and a major driver of electromobility in Europe. The cell-to-pack battery produced in the new battery production hall is designed for use in high-volume BEV models and stands out for its durability, simplified manufacturing and cost efficiency.

By fully insourcing the cell-to-pack process, using standardised cells and adopting LFP chemistry, among other measures, Škoda has achieved a 30% reduction in battery product costs compared with current MEB batteries.

Škoda will produce more than 1,100 cell-to-pack battery systems per day and up to 335,000 units per year for Škoda models and vehicles from other Group brands across several segments. The Center of Excellence Battery, which is responsible for developing and industrialising battery systems within Volkswagen Group Technology, works closely with the Czech car manufacturer and other brands to localise the battery value chain in Europe, strengthening the Volkswagen Group’s control over a key component. The expansion further underlines Škoda’s important role as a reliable component manufacturer within the Brand Group Core and will, in future, enable the company to produce up to 200,000 electric vehicles annually at its main plant.

Clear commitment to the Czech Republic as an automotive manufacturing location
Škoda Auto is investing €205 million in the new 55,000 m² facility, which was built in less than one year. The production hall, with a cycle time of 60 seconds, features an automation rate of 84% and 131 robots, and also serves as a competence centre. It introduces innovative manufacturing techniques covering the full process, from cell handling and preparation to stacking, precision welding and final assembly.

Škoda Auto’s production teams have built substantial operational expertise in battery manufacturing since 2019, when the car manufacturer began producing battery systems for its electrified vehicles and for models from other Volkswagen Group brands. The expansion reflects and recognises the workforce’s proven skills and experience: the company has retrained or newly hired 600 people for new qualifications and roles. This underlines Škoda’s contribution to shaping the transformation responsibly and safeguarding the Czech Republic’s position as a European automotive manufacturing hub in the long term.

Doubling the BEV line-up, affordable entry-level mobility and greater freedom of choice
In 2025, Škoda more than doubled its BEV deliveries and became the fourth best-selling BEV brand in its core market, Europe. This progress was driven mainly by the Elroq, which ranked as the second best-selling BEV model in the region. In 2026, the company will accelerate electrification further by doubling its all-electric portfolio: the Epiq will bring affordable electromobility to the entry-level segment, while the Peaq will complete the upper end of the electric range, giving customers even more freedom of choice across segments.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Plug-in hybrid powertrains continue to grow in popularity in key European markets. The new 200 kW plug-in hybrid version further strengthens the Superb Hatch offering, making it the most powerful combustion-engine model in Škoda’s current range.

Expanding the plug-in hybrid offering
Škoda introduced its first plug-in hybrid model, the Superb iV, in 2019, followed by the Octavia iV a year later and the plug-in hybrid Kodiaq in 2024. The well-known 150 kW plug-in hybrid powertrain remains available for all Superb Combi trim levels and for the Superb Hatch in the Selection trim level. For the Superb Hatch in the Sportline and Laurin & Klement trim levels, only the new, more powerful 200 kW plug-in hybrid variant will be offered.

The most powerful Superb carries the iV designation
The new system combines a 1.5 TSI/130 kW petrol engine with an 85 kW electric motor and a 25.7 kWh (gross) traction battery. By combining a combustion engine with an electric motor to deliver up to 200 kW, this model stands as the most powerful Škoda vehicle equipped with a combustion engine. Compared to the 150 kW variant, the system power increases by 50 kW thanks to an upgraded petrol engine and software optimisation of the powertrain control unit. The maximum torque reaches 400 Nm (+50 Nm). The new powertrain delivers significantly improved in-gear acceleration, supported by the strong interaction of the electric motor and the turbocharged petrol engine. It achieves a top speed of 225 km/h, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, and allows a higher towbar load of up to 2,000 kg.

To match the increased performance, the braking system has also been upgraded. The 200 kW Hatch version features larger, ventilated rear discs measuring 310 mm in diameter and 22 mm in thickness (compared to 300 × 12 mm on the 150 kW plug-in hybrid). Front brake cooling benefits from an airflow channel below the bumper, which provides more efficient airflow to the brakes than the active cooling from the engine compartment through a wheel arch grille used in the 150 kW version. High-voltage battery capacity (25.7 kWh), charging power (AC: up to 11 kW, DC: up to 50 kW), charging times (10–80% in approx. 26 minutes), weight, and most other technical parameters remain unchanged.

Growing popularity of plug-in hybrid powertrains
Since 2019, Škoda has delivered more than 68,000 Superb iV models across both generations and body styles. Demand continues to rise, with one in four new Superb models featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Since 2018, Škoda Auto has played an active role in the exceptional project to build a new organ for St Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle. As the project’s main partner, the company has provided substantial financial support. It has also contributed its in-house design expertise, creating unique crystal components that are now an integral part of this monumental musical instrument. The installation of the new organ is now complete, with the official ceremonial blessing scheduled for 15 June 2026.

“The new St Vitus organ is an extraordinary union of tradition and innovation. We are proud to be part of this historic milestone, which crowns a journey of more than seven centuries towards the completion of St Vitus Cathedral. Our support stems from deep respect for Czech culture and heritage, which we want to help preserve for future generations. The project brings together the best of technology, craftsmanship and art in a way that is also consistent with our values as a brand.”

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto

“We are very pleased and grateful that Škoda Auto has recognised the cathedral’s historical, spiritual and cultural significance and has supported the construction of the new instrument so substantially. It is fitting that the new St Vitus organ bears the imprint of Czech design, bringing together – with great humility – modern architecture and the technical possibilities of the 21st century with honest craftsmanship and the deep faith of generations of masters.”

Vojtěch Mátl, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the St Vitus Organ Endowment Fund

The organ – a bridge between past and present
The project for the new St Vitus organ symbolically completes – after more than seven centuries – the construction of the Czech Republic’s foremost cultural and spiritual landmark. The new organ with more than 6,000 pipes is now installed on the west gallery (organ loft). Final tuning is under way ahead of its ceremonial blessing and official inauguration on 15 June 2026, the feast of St Vitus. The instrument will support both liturgical use and a wide array of concerts.

Škoda Auto’s design contribution
An important part of the car manufacturer’s support was through contributing its design expertise. Škoda Design helped shape the organ’s appearance, including its crystal features –aligning modern expression with historic architecture.

The organ’s minimalist concept makes the largest façade pipes appear to float freely in space. Suspended among them are crystal elements whose vertical, crystalline form draws inspiration – among other sources – from basalt formations in winter. Czech glassmakers at the LASVIT Ajeto glassworks located in the northern Czech Republic are crafting these components.

A long-standing commitment to cultural heritage
Support for the new St Vitus organ ranks among Škoda Auto’s most significant cultural philanthropy initiatives in recent years. The company has a long tradition of supporting Czech culture, the arts and leading cultural institutions that contribute to the country’s cultural identity and public life. Long-term cultural partners include the Czech Philharmonic, the National Theatre, the National Museum and the National Technical Museum.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Škoda Auto continues to build on its long-standing all-wheel-drive heritage and currently offers customers its broadest 4×4 portfolio across a wide range of segments: from the Octavia and Superb, through the Karoq and Kodiaq SUVs, to the all-electric Elroq and Enyaq models. State-of-the-art all-wheel-drive technology improves traction, stability, safety and comfort by supporting driving dynamics in demanding conditions, for example on wet roads, snow and unpaved surfaces. A comprehensive overview of the strengths and specific advantages of Škoda 4×4 models can be found on the Škoda Storyboard.

“Škoda all-wheel-drive vehicles combine everyday usability with even greater driving stability and safety. The AWD system of our combustion engine models is designed to react within milliseconds when wheels start to slip, using an inter-axle clutch and torque vectoring to direct torque where it is most effective. Moreover, a multi-link rear axle improves ride comfort, especially when traction is low. In the all-electric Enyaq and Elroq models, software coordinates the electric motors on both axles to provide AWD performance in all conditions. Additional features of our Škoda 4×4 models that further support the driver on demanding surfaces include off-road mode and downhill assistance.”

Johannes Neft, Board Member for Technical Development

Intelligent 4×4: new-generation electronically controlled multi-plate clutch and improved driving dynamics
In Škoda’s 4×4 combustion-engine models, the core of the system is an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that is fully integrated with the vehicle’s electronic and driver-assistance systems for a particularly quick and smooth response. The system operates completely automatically, with the control unit continuously evaluating sensor inputs such as wheel speed, steering angle, and longitudinal and lateral acceleration. It adjusts torque distribution between the axles in real time, supporting more stable cornering behaviour and assured traction, even on surfaces with varying grip. When all-wheel drive is not required, the system optimises torque transfer.

4×4 via two electric motors: Škoda’s all-wheel-drive electric model portfolio
The all-wheel-drive versions of the all-electric Elroq and Enyaq use two electric motors, with one powering the front axle and the other the rear. The electronically controlled coordination of the motors provides all-wheel drive when required. The rear axle features a permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), supporting efficiency in most driving situations. When needed, a front asynchronous motor (ASM) provides drive to the front wheels. The ASM combines short-term overload capability with low friction losses when not engaged. Because there is no propshaft, clutch or differentials, there is no mechanical connection between the two axles, allowing the system to respond quickly and operate efficiently.

The 4×4 versions of the Elroq and the Enyaq family are available in two power outputs. All models use the same technical layout: two electric motors with 210 kW at the rear and 80 kW at the front. The system output is 210 kW* for the 85x version and 250 kW* for the RS version. Last year, Škoda delivered almost 7,000 Elroq models with a 4×4 drivetrain, with the highest demand in Germany, Norway and Switzerland. The Enyaq family with a 4×4 drivetrain was delivered to more than 30,000 customers in total, primarily in Germany, Norway and the UK.

Škoda Kodiaq 4×4

The family SUV has long been one of Škoda’s most sought-after all-wheel-drive models. It is available with the 2.0 TDI/142 kW, 2.0 TSI/150 kW and, for the RS variant, the 2.0 TSI/195 kW engine. Among Škoda 4×4 models, which are a popular choice for customers who regularly tow caravans, sports equipment or horses, for example, the Kodiaq stands out: depending on the specification, it can tow trailers up to 2.5 tonnes and supports the driver with assistance systems for safer towing. In 2025, 4×4 versions accounted for 39% of registrations in EU 27+4.

Škoda Superb 4×4

The Superb 4×4 combines a refined driving experience and smooth power delivery with high driving stability in any driving situation. It is available with the 2.0 TDI/142 kW diesel or the 2.0 TSI/195 kW petrol engine, in both liftback and estate body styles. The Superb 4×4 is most popular with customers in Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland, with all-wheel drive accounting for 29% of Superb vehicles delivered in 2025. The best-selling all-wheel-drive Superb version is paired with the 2.0 TDI/142 kW engine.

Škoda Octavia 4×4
The Octavia 4×4 combines the bestseller’s proven values, such as practicality and efficiency, with safety and reassurance on slippery surfaces. All-wheel drive is offered exclusively with the 2.0 TSI/150 kW petrol engine for both body styles – liftback and estate. In traditionally strong Alpine and Nordic regions, the Octavia 4×4 has long been among the most sought-after variants – for example in Switzerland, but also in important markets such as Germany and Poland.

Škoda Karoq 4×4
With the compact SUV, customers can choose all-wheel drive with either the 2.0 TSI/140 kW petrol engine or the 2.0 TDI/110 kW diesel. As a 4×4, the Karoq always comes with Off-road driving mode – for use away from paved roads – and Hill Descent Assist. In 2025, the largest share of Karoq all-wheel-drive vehicles was delivered to customers in Germany, Switzerland and the Czech Republic. For 4×4, customers most frequently choose the 2.0 TDI with 110 kW.

The Škoda all-wheel-drive range: A success story
Since 2020, Škoda Auto has delivered a total of more than 110,000 all-electric all-wheel-drive vehicles, which are traditionally strongest in Alpine and Nordic markets such as Switzerland, Germany, Norway and Sweden. In 2025, the Czech car manufacturer delivered a total of 125,895 all-wheel-drive vehicles worldwide.

A comprehensive overview of the strengths and specific advantages of Škoda 4×4 models can be found on the Škoda Storyboard.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

In 2025, 1,065,000 Škoda vehicles were produced worldwide, representing a year-on-year increase of 15%. In addition, the carmaker built more than 329,000 battery systems for Škoda electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as for other Volkswagen Group models, along with more than 1,030,000 transmissions and over 500,000 engines. At the Czech carmaker’s main plant in Mladá Boleslav, 605,600 Škoda vehicles rolled off the production line (year-on-year +4.9%). Due to high demand and flexibility in production, Škoda’s all-electric compact SUV Elroq reached the mark of 112,500 units built since series production started in January 2025; the larger all-electric SUV Enyaq followed with around 77,000 units. In Vietnam, a new plant was opened with partner Thanh Cong Group: the Slavia and Kushaq models are assembled here from completely knocked down (CKD) kits supplied from India, where output also rose significantly due to the high demand for the Kylaq SUV.

“The expansion of our production capacities in 2024 has paid off in full over the past year. For the first time in six years, we have exceeded the milestone of 1,000,000 Škoda vehicles produced. This is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the team spirit of our production crew, who work hard to meet the demand for our models. We are also on track at international plants: the start of production at the new plant in Vietnam, in cooperation with our partner Thanh Cong Group, contributes to leveraging synergies in Southeast Asia. In India, our new, locally manufactured Kylaq SUV has got off to a very successful start, thanks in large part to the tremendous efforts of our colleagues there.”

Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics

Production in the Czech Republic increased at all three plants
In Mladá Boleslav, 605,600 Škoda vehicles were produced last year (+4.9%) – the Fabia, Scala, Octavia and Kamiq model lines, alongside the all-electric Enyaq, Enyaq Coupé and the Elroq. On the production line in Mladá Boleslav, vehicles with internal combustion engines on the MQB platform and electric vehicles on the MEB platform are produced side by side on the same line, increasing manufacturing flexibility and enabling rapid adaptation to changing customer demand. The plant in Mladá Boleslav still stands as the only plant in the Volkswagen Group with such flexibility on one production line. Following the start of production of the new Elroq in January 2025, this versatility enabled the production of 112,500 Elroq by year-end.

Mladá Boleslav also produces battery systems for MEB-based electric vehicles. Last year, employees assembled more than 329,000 units there, both for Škoda vehicles and models from other Volkswagen Group brands. The lines also produced 513,800 EA 211 petrol engines and 311,300 MQ 200 manual transmissions, which are also supplied for use in other Volkswagen Group vehicles.

In Kvasiny, 301,500 Škoda vehicles were produced (2024: 248,000). The plant assembles units of the Škoda Octavia, the Karoq and the Kodiaq. Due to the high worldwide demand for the Kodiaq SUV, production of this model was expanded to a second line. The Kodiaq also became the one-millionth vehicle produced last year: the milestone car was a Sportline version with a 2.0-litre petrol engine. In addition, the Kvasiny plant also produced 40,200 SEAT vehicles, contributing to an overall production record.

The plant in Vrchlabí produced a total of 721,400 seven-speed DSG transmissions (DQ 200). More than half of these are destined for use in models of other Volkswagen Group brands. In February, the plant reached the mark of its six-millionth transmission since production began in 2012.

International production in Europe and China
In Slovakia, the Škoda Superb is produced at the Volkswagen Group plant in Bratislava, with an output of 69,500 vehicles (2024: 54,500). The Superb is built there alongside the Volkswagen Passat. Within the Brand Group Core, Škoda was responsible for the development of both models.

In China, Škoda’s vehicle portfolio produced in Changsha, Ningbo and Nanjing comprised the Octavia, Kamiq, Kamiq GT, Karoq, Kodiaq, Kodiaq GT and Superb. Total output reached 12,100 vehicles (2024: 15,200).

In Ukraine, 1,200 Karoq SUVs were produced in Solomonovo from semi-knocked-down (SKD) kits.

Internationalisation: new plant in Vietnam and growth in India
A key focus of Škoda’s internationalisation strategy is the establishment of India as its second strong pillar outside its European home market.

In India, production more than doubled to 73,800 Škoda vehicles (2024: 32,800). In addition, over 85,000 Volkswagen Group vehicles were produced alongside the Škoda cars. A key driver is the new Kylaq SUV in the popular sub-4-metre segment. The local logistics centre prepares Slavia and Kushaq models as completely knocked-down (CKD) kits, which are assembled at the newly opened plant in Vietnam. At the Pune plant, the Slavia, Kushaq and Kylaq are produced, while the Kodiaq SUV is built on the line in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad).

In Vietnam, production of the Slavia and Kushaq started in 2025 at a newly opened plant, operated in collaboration with partner Thanh Cong Group. By year-end, 2,500 vehicles had rolled off the assembly line. Škoda Auto is leveraging synergies with its plants in India to unlock the potential of the ASEAN region and the Middle East.

In Kazakhstan, Škoda Auto assembled 2,800 vehicles from semi-knocked-down (SKD) kits. These included the Octavia, Superb, Karoq and Kodiaq.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

More Articles...

Skoda Blog