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This year marks the 65^th anniversary of two iconic model designations, which have carved out their place in Škoda Auto’s current era: the Octavia and Felicia. Both vehicles were first presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1959, and subsequently in Leipzig. Launched in 1996, the modern Škoda Octavia has attracted over seven million customers in more than 60 markets across its four generations.

Octavia: the eighth chapter in the legacy
In March 1959, Škoda unveiled two comprehensively upgraded vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show: The Octavia, a closed-top saloon and the Felicia, a convertible. Among many other modifications, these cars received a redesigned front axle, where the traditional leaf spring suspension was replaced with coil springs paired with telescopic dampers. Regarding the model designations, the car manufacturer moved away from numerical model naming, opting instead for word designations.

For the saloon, formerly known as the Š 440/445, the name Octavia was chosen, derived from the Latin numeral ‘octava’, meaning eighth. This was fitting, as it was the eighth model produced by the Mladá Boleslav-based carmaker since 1945. On top of that, from a technical standpoint, the Octavia was the eighth vehicle featuring a backbone frame, independent front suspension, and four-cylinder engines. The base version of the Octavia was powered by a 1. 1- litre four-cylinder engine delivering 29.4 kW (40 hp), driving the rear wheels through a four-speed gearbox and achieving a top speed of 110 km/h. The more powerful Octavia Super featured a 1.2- litre engine (33 kW/45 hp), reaching a top speed of 115 km/h.

Felicia: a symbol of happiness captivates New York
Alongside the four-seater Octavia models with their closed bodies, the beginning of 1959 also saw the launch of an attractive convertible named Felicia. The 1089 cm³ four-cylinder engine with a twin-carburettor tuned to produce 50 hp (37 kW). The model designation was derived from the Latin word ‘felicitas’, meaning happiness. The Škoda Felicia was the successor to the open-top Škoda 450, primarily aimed at export markets. Between 1958 and 1959, only around a thousand units of this car were produced. However, the automaker was well aware of the new Felicia model’s potential: Thus, shortly after the March premieres in Geneva and Leipzig, three new convertibles made their way across the pond to the New York Auto Show at the Coliseum in April 1959, attended by nearly seventy exhibitors from around the world. There was great interest in the Czechoslovak convertible, partly thanks to a joint promotion with Miss USA 1957, Charlotte Sheffield. Though the Felicia model’s career was not long, it was exceptionally successful. By 1964, nearly 15,000 units of this series had been produced for markets in Europe, South and Central America and even Africa.

Beyond a new axle: a host of technical enhancements
Both the Octavia and Felicia were the result of a major overhaul of the ‘Spartak’ model with the new front axle standing out as a key upgrade among many. The engineers focused on reducing vibration transmission, enhancing driving comfort, and improving engine lubrication and cooling.

Reviving legends: the Octavia and Felicia in modern times
In the 1990’s, the symbolic and real value of these model designations warranted their reintroduction. Thus, on 26 October 1994, the new Škoda Felicia hatchback was officially unveiled to the public at the Atrium Hotel in Prague. The successor of the Škoda Favorit was equipped with numerous safety features, for example airbags and an ABS braking system. In June 1995, the model portfolio was extended by the Felicia Combi estate variant, which was first presented to the public at the Brno Auto Show.

The first modern generation of the Octavia made its debut in 1996, marking a milestone in the automaker’s recent history. The model quickly became the car manufacturer’s best-selling vehicle. The second generation was launched in 2004, followed by the third in 2012. The current fourth modern generation debuted in 2019 and underwent a facelift in February 2024. With over seven million units sold across its four modern generations, the Octavia ranks among the top ten best-selling cars in Europe and remains a mainstay of Škoda’s line-up.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Small becomes epic: Škoda Auto has revealed the name of its battery-electric city SUV crossover, along with a design study showing a first glimpse of the new model. The Škoda Epiq, due to be unveiled in 2025, will cost around 25,000 euros. At 4.1 metres in length, it will feature a spacious interior and up to 490 litres of luggage capacity. The vehicle will fully incorporate the powerful, functional and authentic new Modern Solid design language – inside and out. This will be complemented by a flawless digital experience, with new technologies and assistance features.

“The coming Škoda Epiq will package a lot of car for an attractive price and a big interior with a compact size. Our customers want choices, which is why we are expanding our growing e-mobility portfolio into this popular segment. I hope these first design teasers demonstrate that the Epiq will shine because of its modern design, everyday range and user-friendly technologies – all of it affordable.”

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto

4.1 metres long, electric range of over 400 km and up to 490 litres of luggage capacity
The new digital design study released by Škoda highlights key features and characteristics of the future production vehicle. At 4.1 metres in length, the Škoda Epiq city SUV crossover will have plenty of space for five people and a luggage capacity of up to 490 litres. With an entry-level price starting at around 25,000 euros, it is the perfect choice for customers new to electric mobility. It fully incorporates the powerful new Modern Solid design language – inside and out – and offers a maximum electric range of more than 400 kilometres.

“Our new design language – Modern Solid – represents the next level of modernity. Smart functionality and practicality are harmoniously balanced by attractive new looks and our sustainability approach. The Škoda Epiq design study perfectly embodies all the key attributes of the new design language.”

Oliver Stefani, Head of Škoda Design

Modern Solid: powerful, functional, authentic design reinterprets classic Škoda attributes
The new Modern Solid design language combines robustness, functionality and authenticity. The Škoda Epiq design study features a sculpted bonnet bearing a new Škoda wordmark. Its Tech-Deck Face in glossy black is a modern reinterpretation of the familiar Škoda grille and houses electrical devices like the distance radar and the front camera. The Tech-Deck Face is flanked by bifunctional, T-shaped LED elements for the daytime running lights and indicators. The front headlamps are in a lower, secondary position. Their light modules have a cubist-inspired design and feature Matrix LED technology. The robust front bumper comes with a striking spoiler painted in Unique Dark Chrome. The side view is characterised by a high, sweeping tornado line that visually separates the greenhouse from the rest of the body and emphasises the car’s powerful shoulders. The wheel arches below are picked out with a striking trim and house aerodynamically optimised wheels. The low, gently sloping roof line merges into a roof spoiler for optimal aerodynamic efficiency. The rear also features a robust bumper and Škoda lettering in Unique Dark Chrome on the tailgate. The minimalist look of the Škoda Epic design study is underlined by the matt metallic paintwork in bright Moon White. Flashy Orange detailing on the roof rails and the wheels as well as on the front and rear bumpers add visual interest.

Minimalist, functional interior and new technologies
The Škoda Epiq will be the first production vehicle to feature a minimalist Modern Solid interior focusing on durable, practical and sustainable materials. It has an open storage compartment that includes a wireless mobile phone charger in the free-floating centre console as well as Simply Clever compartments for even more storage options. The boot also benefits from some of the brand’s hallmark Simply Clever details such as bag hooks, cargo elements, fastening hooks and a hidden underfloor compartment. The two-spoke steering wheel showcases the new Škoda lettering as well as physical buttons and haptic scroll wheels with Flashy Orange accents to control key functions while driving. The mobile digital key enables a wide range of interactions via the customer’s smart device, thus enhancing the user’s digital experience. This underlines the consistent customer focus of Škoda’s “mobile first” approach designed to make drivers’ everyday lives easier. The Škoda Epiq also supports bidirectional charging, transforming the car into a rolling energy storage unit that can feed excess electric energy into the customer’s home and other appliances.

A striking name for an epic milestone in Škoda history
The Škoda Epiq will be a milestone in Škoda history, which is emphasised by its distinctive and easily recognisable name. It fits perfectly into the nomenclature of Škoda’s BEV SUV models: the E at the beginning stands for a battery-electric Škoda model, while the Q at the end identifies it as a member of the brand’s SUV family. Epiq is derived from the ancient Greek word “epos”, which stands for “word” or “verse”, but also for “tale” or “poem”. The name evokes positive associations such as amazing, great, extraordinary and remarkable. With its clever features and versatility, the Škoda Epiq aims to fulfil the needs of both family- and lifestyle-oriented customers. The city SUV crossover will be made in Pamplona, Spain, as a joint development and production project of Volkswagen’s Brand Group Core representatives Škoda, Cupra and Volkswagen. Škoda Auto is committed to investing billions of euros into its transformation towards e-mobility in the coming years. The Škoda Elroq, a battery-electric compact SUV, will be the first vehicle to be launched as part of the upcoming electric model campaign, with its debut scheduled for later this year.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Škoda Auto India has announced an all-new compact SUV as the next step of its product offensive in the country after Kushaq and Slavia. The strategically important new car in the popular compact segment – developed and built in India – will strengthen Škoda Auto’s position in the market and further accelerate the company’s internationalisation strategy. The sub 4 metre SUV will debut in India in the first half of 2025.

“India is crucial to the global growth of Škoda Auto, both because of its own market strength and as a development and manufacturing base for our expansion in new markets including ASEAN and the Middle East. We have more than doubled sales in India since 2021 and we are now taking the next step by further expanding the range of models designed for customers in India and internationally. The all-new compact SUV due in 2025 will add an important segment for customers. I’m confident the expanding Škoda portfolio will contribute to our India growth target of achieving a market share for the Volkswagen family of brands of around 5 percent by 2030.”

Klaus Zellmer, CEO Škoda Auto

“The Škoda brand has taken big strides globally. In 2023, we have grown by 18.5% compared to 2022. India is a key market for our growth and we have just crossed the 100,000 sales mark over the last two years – thanks to the locally developed and produced Kushaq and Slavia models. With the all-new compact SUV, we are underlining our commitment to India and its importance to our internationalisation plans. Together with the Kushaq and the Kodiaq, we will have an even better SUV portfolio for India, which is a key segment that contributes over 50% to all vehicle sales in the market.”

Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing

“After the success of the Kushaq and Slavia, we are expanding our reach with the upcoming launch of an all-new compact SUV, targeting the largest segment in India. Our R&D expertise in India has already enabled us to incorporate highly localised parts and components for our entire range. With the new compact SUV, we are furthering this strategy by systematically developing our local supplier base to provide parts and components of global standards and quality at competitive prices. We aim to actively participate in the evolving landscape of mobility in India. We remain focused on our expansions and further enhancement of the Group’s wide portfolio of cars in India.”

Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India

A compact SUV to attract new customer groups
The new model will be the brand’s entry level product in India and intends on winning new customer groups in the strategically important compact segment. As a sub 4 metre SUV, the car uses the excise benefits for under 4-metre cars available in India and the car manufacturer will pass on these benefits to customers when it comes to pricing.
To directly involve customers and fans in the market even before the car hits the road in the first half of 2025, Škoda Auto India announced the #NameYourSkoda campaign. The car maker shared seven registered names with the public but also encourages customers to suggest their naming ideas for the new compact SUV. The final name after this participative approach will be officially announced later this year.

Extending the locally developed and built product portfolio on the MQB-A0-IN platform
The new compact SUV will be the third Škoda product on the MQB-A0-IN platform and will forward the same Škoda DNA of superior driving dynamics and safety as the other two locally developed and produced models Kushaq and Slavia. The platform was developed jointly by teams in India and the Czech Republic with a focus on high localisation, low cost of ownership, and quick turnaround times. It is the first platform developed by the company outside of Europe and tailormade for the Indian market. The platform enables the use of efficient engines and advanced safety systems, specifically for the Indian market and to meet the country’s new, stricter safety and emission requirements.
The MQB-A0-IN platform has already proven its mettle in India and the world with the Kushaq and Slavia earning a full 5-stars for adult and child occupants in Global NCAP crash tests in October 2022 and April 2023 respectively. They were the first cars in India to be tested under the then newer and stricter test protocols of Global NCAP and the first to earn 5 stars for both adults and children.

India as an integral part of Škoda Auto’s internationalisation strategy
Activities in the Indian market are part of Škoda Auto’s Next Level Strategy. Škoda aims to sell 100,000 Škoda vehicles annually in India by 2026, become the best-selling European brand by 2030 and achieve a five percent market share for all Volkswagen Group brands as part of its responsibility for the region. Škoda Auto is rapidly expanding its internationalisation strategy and leverages synergies in the export of vehicles produced in India to the ASEAN and Middle East regions.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

After laying the foundation stone in May 2022, Škoda Auto is pleased to announce the completion of its new headquarters in Mladá Boleslav, the Laurin & Klement Kampus (LKK). The first employees of the Czech automaker will begin working at the state-of-the-art facility this month. The new building complex is designed to foster interdepartmental collaboration and uphold the highest standards of sustainability.

“With our new headquarters, we are stating our clear commitment to both our location in Mladá Boleslav and our heritage. We made a conscious decision to name the new building complex after our company’s visionary founders – Václav Laurin and Václav Klement. This building is designed to foster interaction, discussion, and inspiration – a place where ideas are conceived, innovations nurtured, and teams strengthened. At the same time, the buildings reflect Škoda Auto’s values, incorporating cutting-edge technology and focusing on our ambitious sustainability goals.”

Karsten Schnake, Škoda Auto Board Member for Procurement

“As the builder of and investor in Škoda Auto’s new corporate headquarters, we take great pride in presenting this innovative campus building to our Czech colleagues. I would like to express my sincere thanks for the trust placed in us and the excellent cooperation with the Škoda team throughout the entire project. As a real estate partner for the Volkswagen Group brands, we are deeply committed to sustainable construction, aiming to make a tangible contribution to achieving climate protection goals with our buildings.”

Meno Requardt, CEO of Volkswagen Immobilien

State-of-the-art working environment for up to 2,000 employees
Built within a two-year timeframe, the interconnected complex consists of four buildings. It will enable synergies to be efficiently tapped and promote direct interactions across various departments and units. The five-storey Laurin & Klement Kampus will bring together up to 2,000 employees previously working across around 20 buildings in Mladá Boleslav and Prague.
Additionally, the complex includes a modular conference area equipped with the latest audio-visual technology, accommodating up to 400 people. It also houses a restaurant and café catering to both employees and visitors, over 680 parking spaces, 138 electric vehicle charging stations, and a dedicated bike storage facility.

New Work focus at Škoda Auto’s headquarters
With the Laurin & Klement Kampus, the Czech carmaker is introducing contemporary New Work office concepts, tailored to the demands of a modern workforce. The campus is divided into various zones, each designed with a wide range of needs and activities in mind and supported by cutting-edge technology. A key aspect of this modern work environment is desk sharing over 22,800 m² of net office space, allowing employees to use flexible workspaces within their respective areas.

In addition to conventional office zones, the building features designated community areas, designed to encourage networking, social interactions, discussions, and relaxation. Employees will have access to a comprehensive range of facilities aimed at improving employee well-being, fostering creativity, and enhancing motivation, thus contributing to the company’s success.

Key factor: sustainability
The new building is expected to receive a gold certificate from the German Sustainable Building Council. This certification is internationally recognised, setting a global benchmark for sustainable construction practices. It ensures the building meets clearly defined standards of sustainability while allowing for international comparability.

The building is equipped with a 222-panel photovoltaic system, boasting a peak power of 100 kW. It also incorporates technical innovations that will significantly reduce energy consumption. For example, LED technology, alongside smart light sensors, reduces power usage by half compared to conventional fluorescent lighting. Additionally, the building features highly efficient ventilation systems that cool the premises overnight and an air conditioning system with an 80% energy recovery rate. Rolling shutters, which shield the complex from sunlight, further enhance efficiency and reduce the building’s cooling load by 30%.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Protecting the environment and minimising the company’s environmental impact has long been central to Škoda Auto’s corporate strategy. Between 17 January and 16 June, the Škoda Museum is hosting a comprehensive exhibition showcasing the company’s sustainability efforts and initiatives to visitors. The exhibition also marks the public debut of the all-new Kodiaq, now offering a plug-in hybrid drivetrain for the first time.

The new exhibition at the Škoda Museum in Mladá Boleslav highlights the company’s commitment to electrification and sustainability. On show until 16 June, it offers visitors an in-depth look at Škoda Auto’s initiatives to continually reduce its environmental impact. The display details the specific strategies the carmaker employs to lower emissions across the value chain. Additionally, it features a range of environmental projects and activities, both historical and current and outlines future sustainability plans.

Innovation rooted in tradition
The exhibition at the Škoda Museum not only presents the company’s history but also its long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, highlighted by vehicles like the Škoda Eltra. Derived from the Škoda Favorit, this all-electric model was created in the early nineties and reflects the beginning of Škoda’s electrification efforts.

The display also educates visitors on the use of sustainable materials in current Škoda models. For example, in the new Škoda Kodiaq, all textiles used for the seat upholstery, the carpets in the cabin and the boot, as well as the headliner, are made of 100% recycled polyester or, in the case of the Design Selection Lounge, a combination of recycled yarns with 40% natural wool. Even the leather seat covers are produced through eco-friendly processes, and the iconic Škoda umbrella is now made from recycled materials.

In collaboration with its suppliers, Škoda Auto is working intensively on developing new, sustainable materials for future production, including mono-materials and recycled plastics for seats and door trims. The interior study of the Škoda Octavia on display offers insights into the sustainable materials that will characterise the interiors of future vehicles.

Sustainability as a strategic cornerstone
Since 2013, Škoda Auto has integrated its sustainability efforts into its corporate GreenFuture strategy, encompassing the core areas of GreenFactory, GreenProduct, and GreenRetail. This move underscores sustainability as a key element of the Next Level – Škoda Strategy 2030.

Since 2020, the company has sent no production waste to landfill. This means all the waste from production processes is energetically or materially reprocessed. By 2030, Škoda Auto commits to achieving CO₂-neutral operations at its three Czech and two Indian manufacturing sites, and reducing its European fleet emissions by 50% compared to 2020 levels. The Czech carmaker is also expanding its use of renewable energy sources. In collaboration with energy supplier ŠKO-ENERGO, the automaker is modernising the heating plant to use 100% biomass. It is also developing solar energy projects at its plants in cooperation with other partners, another example of its holistic approach to sustainability.

Promoting sustainability across the international dealer network
Škoda Auto extends its sustainability efforts to its global dealer network, adopting eco-friendly practices in logistics, including the use of recyclable packaging, electric trucks, and route optimisation to minimise emissions. At its dealerships and service centres, the company promotes sustainable operations having installed solar panels, battery storage systems, and heat pumps to reduce energy consumption. Moreover, Škoda Auto ensures the responsible use and management of chemicals, waste, energy, and water.

To find out more about Škoda Auto’s sustainability initiatives, detailed information about the exhibition, including the opening hours of the Škoda Museum, is available here.
Additionally, Škoda Auto has a dedicated sustainability microsite, offering deeper insights into its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics and measures.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

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