Production at the Vrchlabí plant once again surpassed the records set in the previous two years, thanks in part to the workforce’s strong commitment and the ongoing modernisation of production technologies.
The plant produced a record 721,400 seven‑speed DSG automatic transmissions from the DQ 200 series. More than half of output is destined for export to models from other brands within the Group. As recently as 2022, annual capacity stood at 537,600 units. The increase in output is due both to the high pace of work and to cutting‑edge technology: last year, for example, a new robot was installed for automatic insertion of the dual clutch.
Automatic insertion of the parking brake module was also introduced and brought into operation after the annual factory shutdown. A converted station for pre‑assembling the differential gear was also commissioned. This improved both safety and ergonomics when handling one of the heaviest components. Ergonomic improvements in the pre-assembly of carriers are also worth mentioning. This operation is now performed by an automatic press.
The Škoda Auto Endowment Fund, the town of Vrchlabí and the KRNAP Administration signed an agreement under which the Endowment Fund will invest around CZK 16 million in new projects over the next three years.
Strategic projects include the creation of an innovation and community hub and the development of cultural and educational institutions in the town centre, including a new art school and the conversion of the old theatre into a cinema. Vrchlabí will also be linked with Jilemnice by a cycle path featuring a new bridge for cyclists. The Endowment Fund has also declared its continuing support for education, social activation and improving the quality of public spaces in the town.
The memorandum between the Endowment Fund and the Krkonoše National Park Administration focuses on protecting and developing the environment in the Krkonoše Mountains and surrounding area. Joint activities include support for biodiversity, volunteering, education and community projects. Plans also include the second stage of the revitalisation of the monastery garden in Vrchlabí, linking nature conservation with high-quality public space. These partnerships build on Škoda Auto’s long-term activities in the region, where the company has invested tens of millions of crowns in development, education and cultural projects in recent years.
Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com