Four weeks after its world premiere near Prague, Škoda Auto has started producing the fourth modern generation of the Superb at the Volkswagen brand plant in Bratislava. This strategic relocation of its ICE flagship model from Kvasiny opens up production capacity at the Kvasiny site, which will be used to build additional units of the Octavia. The Superb has been the ICE flagship of Škoda’s model range since the first modern generation was introduced in 2001.

“Launching a new model generation is always a very special moment for the entire team. This is especially true for the new Superb as part of the Beta+ project, which involved the joint development of the Škoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat under Škoda’s leadership. Along with successfully relocating the Superb’s production to Bratislava, this initiative showcases the high degree of skill and expertise at Škoda. With the next generation of our successful ICE flagship model, we are also leveraging significant synergies for the Volkswagen Group. My sincere thanks to all the colleagues who have contributed to this project with great commitment.”

Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics

Synergies within the Brand Group Core: Production of the fourth-generation Superb in Bratislava
The decision to produce the fourth-generation Superb at the Volkswagen brand plant in Bratislava was announced in November 2020. The move is part of the Beta+ project, aimed at leveraging synergies in the production network and further boosting efficiency. Škoda Auto was responsible for the entire development of the Škoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat, which will both be produced on the same line.

By transferring the production of the Superb to Bratislava, Škoda is creating capacity for additional units of the Octavia at the Kvasiny plant from the summer of 2024 onwards. Additionally, the move will allow more battery-electric vehicles to be built at the Mladá Boleslav plant.

The production of the Škoda Superb in Slovakia begins with the body parts, many of which are pressed in Bratislava and then transported to the new body shop. The hall had been vacant and underwent a complete transformation under the Beta+ project. Moreover, in less than two years, Škoda Auto installed over 500 state-of-the-art robots, control systems and bonding equipment as well as onboarding suppliers. In addition, the assembly hall was comprehensively upgraded: The assembly line, where the new models have been seamlessly integrated into the existing production lines for Volkswagen and Škoda vehicles, had not been previously used for plug-in hybrid models. The assembly hall rebuild included installing automation equipment and handling technologies, industrial camera systems, and further updates across the assembly line. Additionally, the chassis production area was extended to incorporate battery packs for electric vehicles.

The paint shop at the Bratislava plant has also undergone significant changes, bringing tangible environmental benefits: For example, the introduction of new paint booths equipped with advanced air circulation systems and the ability to capture volatile organic compounds marks a further step towards more eco-friendly manufacturing.

Superb’s new design language and diverse powertrains
The production of the fourth-generation Škoda Superb launches with the Combi estate variant, followed by the hatchback set for the first half of 2024. The range of modern and efficient powertrains includes three petrol engines with outputs spanning 110 kW (150 hp) to 195 kW (265 hp) and two diesel engines delivering 110 kW (150 hp) and 142 kW (193 hp). In addition, the line-up includes a new plug-in-hybrid, exclusive to the Combi estate, with a purely electric range of over 100 km, as well as a mild hybrid version – a first for the Superb series.

Superb: Škoda’s standard bearer of design and engineering since 1934
The legacy of the Škoda Superb dates back to 1934, starting with the introduction of the Škoda 640 Superb. The Czech carmaker’s top models bore the illustrious name from then until 1949. In 2001, Škoda revived this historic designation for its first modern generation of the Superb. To date, over 1.6 million units of Škoda’s ICE flagship have been produced.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Škoda Auto is expanding its digital services to include Pay to Fuel. After refuelling, drivers can pay via credit or debit card from the car’s infotainment screen. This service is now available in six European countries, and there are plans to include more countries and fuel stations in the future.

Thanks to the new Pay to Fuel service, paying after refuelling is now even more convenient and quicker for Škoda drivers; they can save time by paying directly from the car’s infotainment system.

The stations supporting Pay to Fuel are listed in the in-car navigation. After choosing one of these, the vehicle automatically recognises the fuel station upon arrival. The driver opens the app on the vehicle’s display, confirms the petrol station and enters the pump number. After refuelling, the amount of fuel is confirmed on the infotainment screen and the payment is processed via debit or credit card. All common cards are accepted. The driver then receives a transaction notification in the MyŠkoda app and on the vehicle screen and can pull away.

Available for all Škoda ICE vehicles with Amundsen or Columbus infotainment systems
In addition to an up-to-date Amundsen or Columbus infotainment system with a touchscreen of 9.2 inches or larger, the service requires an active Škoda Connect account with the Remote Access feature enabled. Using the MyŠkoda smartphone app, users enter and verify their payment card once. Pay to Fuel is available for all Škoda ICE model series sold in European markets. The service is provided in collaboration with Mastercard, Parkopedia and the German FinTech company called ryd.

Different countries, different networks, one app
Pay to Fuel is currently available in Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Portugal and Spain will follow soon. There are also plans to launch the service in the Czech market.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

In this year’s ‘Auto Trophy’, readers and online users of the German trade magazine Auto Zeitung awarded Škoda four accolades. Now for the tenth consecutive year, Škoda has clinched the title of ‘Best Import Brand’. The Škoda Enyaq was recognised as the ‘Best Electric SUV under €50,000’ in the import ranking, while the Škoda Superb led the ‘Midsize Import’ class. The Škoda Kamiq was named the ‘Best SUV under €30,000’, also topping its respective import category.

The Czech car manufacturer retains its stronghold as the ‘Best Import Brand’ among Auto Zeitung’s print readers and online audience. With 12.1% of the vote, Škoda celebrates this accolade for the tenth consecutive year since 2014. Škoda has been the leading import brand in its largest market, Germany, for 14 years.

In the ‘Best Electric SUVs under €50,000’ category, the all-electric Škoda Enyaq was the top choice for more than one in five participants, garnering a 22.1% share of the vote. This preference is also reflected in its market performance, with the Enyaq leading new electric vehicle registrations in Germany for the first time in October 2023. As Škoda launches production of the new 2024 Enyaq models, the brand is further improving its best-selling BEV with increased performance, reduced charging times, and a longer range.

With 16.8% of the votes, the Škoda Kamiq emerged victorious in the ‘Best SUVs under €30,000 – Import’ category. Škoda has recently given this crossover model a comprehensive makeover, enhancing its design to more boldly embody the SUV aesthetic. Innovations such as optional TOP LED matrix headlights and a greater emphasis on recycled and natural materials in the interior further distinguish the current Kamiq.

In the ‘Midsize Import’ category, the Škoda Superb stood out: receiving 34.5% of the votes, the spacious all-rounder proved to be by far the most popular in the ranking. The recently unveiled successor will build on well-known strengths and take them to the next level. The fourth modern model generation is featuring a more refined design, increased space and comfort, and advanced technology. The latest Škoda Superb offers customers the option of a Combi estate variant, including a plug-in hybrid version with a purely electric range of over 100 kilometres, or a hatchback.

More than 9,300 print and online readers of the German trade magazine Auto Zeitung cast their votes in the 36^th iteration of the ‘Auto Trophy’ readers’ choice awards. They selected their favourite models across 14 categories in both general and import rankings. The poll also included four brand-specific classes with a focus on preferred manufacturers.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The Škoda 1203, a legendary vehicle of its era, was a modern and robust light commercial vehicle featuring a cab-over body design. Following 12 years of extensive development, the production-ready model was unveiled on 14 September 1968. Series production started on 20 November of the same year at the Vrchlabí plant. Over the next three decades, the vehicle was manufactured in numerous versions and designs, catering to a wide range of customer needs.

Fifty-five years ago, on 20 November 1968, Škoda launched the series production of the 1203 – the culmination of a 12-year development process that set new standards in the light commercial vehicle segment. With this, the Czech carmaker expanded its offering to include a much-needed light utility vehicle with cab-over construction, addressing a gap in the Czechoslovakian market. “The Škoda 1203 is a classic utility vehicle that saw many modifications and variants. Its versatility and durability made it an integral part of life for nearly every citizen of Czechoslovakia,” explains Andrea Frydlová, head of the Škoda Museum.

Navigating challenges: Škoda 1203’s birth and evolution at Vrchlabí plant
The development and production of the Škoda 1203 are intrinsically linked to Škoda’s Vrchlabí plant. The state planning commission tasked the local development team with creating a completely new ‘modern large commercial vehicle’. As the era of converting passenger cars into utility vehicles and the use of the backbone chassis concept was nearing its end, the team began developing a dedicated cab-over utility vehicle with a single-box, self-supporting body in 1956. The first three prototypes, with the model designation 979 and different body styles, were unveiled in early 1957. The development of the Škoda 1203 spanned twelve years, prolonged by the inefficiencies of the centrally controlled economy. Complications also arose due to the overlap with the production of the outgoing Škoda 1202 series, further hindered by the lack of materials and different production technologies. Consequently, the start of series production was delayed until the fourth quarter of 1968.

Innovative design: blending space, comfort and performance
Eliminating the backbone chassis allowed the Škoda 1203 to offer exceptional interior space and extensive glazing. It boasted a modest kerb weight of just 1,170 kg and benefited from independent wheel suspension, enhancing driving comfort on uneven roads. Under the bonnet, the 1203 was equipped with a 1,221 cm3 OHV four-cylinder engine producing 35 kW (47 hp), which was derived from the Škoda 1202. Despite its modest output, this engine had to power a vehicle capable of carrying a payload of 750 kg and providing up to 5.3 m³ of cargo space. The first ‘twelve-o-three’ models, released at the end of 1968, were panel vans measuring 4,520 x 1,800 x 1,900 mm. These featured convenient side and rear hinged door access to the luggage compartment. This version could reach top speeds of 90 km/h and, when maintaining a steady speed of 60 km/h, had a fuel consumption of 11 l/100 km.

Numerous variants and continuous upgrades
The initial van version of the Škoda 1203 was soon complemented by an eight-seater minibus, available in both Standard and De Luxe versions, a Com half-panel van, a flatbed, an ambulance, and a hearse. Specialised modifications were also made, including several dozen vehicles tailored for veterinarians, versions designed for firefighters, and even a few prototypes of refrigerated or camping variants. In 1981, following a government decree, the production was transferred entirely to the Trnava Automobile Works (TAZ). From April 1973 until that point, it had been concurrently produced at Vrchlabí. The Škoda 1203 not only saw various conversions but also underwent continuous modernisation. A significant update came in 1988, marking its twentieth anniversary, which included the introduction of a larger 1433 cm3 engine with a 42 kW (57 hp) output, a new five-speed manual gearbox, dual-circuit brakes, and minor bodywork revisions. In 1996, the series even adopted a four-cylinder 1.9-litre diesel engine from Volkswagen. Between 1968 and 1981, Vrchlabí produced a total of 69,727 Škoda 1203s. In Trnava, around 89,000 units of various versions were manufactured until production ceased in August 1999.

State-controlled supply and private demand
In Czechoslovakia’s centrally planned economy, the new Škoda 1203 was exclusively available for purchase and operation by state-owned enterprises, organisations, or cooperatives. Prospective buyers had to submit applications to the State Planning Commission, where officials first evaluated and, if approved, issued a ‘balance voucher’. Only with this voucher could the respective organisation order the vehicle, pay the purchase price, and receive the manufactured car. Private citizens, however, had no access to the new Škoda 1203. Their only option was to buy these vehicles second-hand after they were retired from state service. In contrast, the Škoda 1203 was freely available in selected international markets, and it was not uncommon to see this model on the roads of France, Belgium, Egypt, and Turkey.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com