This ŠKODA AUTO video delivers great insight into the production of the new ŠKODA OCTAVIA. The Czech car manufacturer produces the fourth generation of its bestseller on a radically modernised assembly line at its headquarters in Mladá Boleslav. It is the only line in the entire Volkswagen Group on which vehicles based on the MEB modular electric car platform and the MQB modular transverse matrix can be built alongside one another.

Every day, ŠKODA AUTO manufactures 1,150 units of its bestseller, the OCTAVIA, in Mladá Boleslav. Most recently, the Czech carmaker made major changes to this assembly line. In doing so, the company has created the conditions required to produce up to 350 units of the ENYAQ iV each day alongside the OCTAVIA. This allows ŠKODA to react quickly to customer demand for the respective model ranges. The car manufacturer is placing great emphasis on production being supported by state-of-the-art robots. They are used for tasks that are physically demanding for the workforce, and contribute to making the workstations even more ergonomic. 

It is the only line in the entire Volkswagen Group on which conventional combustion-engine vehicles based on the MQB platform and all-electric MEB-based cars can be built alongside one another. Major measures taken to convert the site included, among other things, making some structural changes to the building and modifying conveyor technology to cater for the weight of all-electric vehicles and their assembled components. Investments in the conversion work required total over 800 million Czech korunas (32 million euros). 

To date, more than 7.1 million OCTAVIAs have been produced at ŠKODA AUTO’s main plant in Mladá Boleslav. The model’s beginnings date back to 1959. Mark one of the modern-day OCTAVIA was the first ŠKODA to be developed entirely under the umbrella of Volkswagen Group; its production started in the mid-90s. The latest-generation ŠKODA OCTAVIA celebrated its world premiere in Prague in November 2019. Since then, the significantly updated edition of the brand’s bestselling model enjoyed a successful entry into the international markets, despite COVID-19-related disruptions to the sales channels.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

The OCTAVIA and SUPERB were both named as the very best in their respective sectors by Business Car magazine, while the ŠKODA brand was recognised for its ongoing commitment for the business and fleet car sector. 

The respected trade title scrutinised the total cost of ownership fitness for purpose and driver appeal before naming its stars of 2020. 

Leading the silverware haul was the OCTAVIA, which was named Best Lower-medium Car of 2020. Launched in the UK earlier this year, the fourth-generation model has already made a big impact with customers and the automotive press. Commenting on how the OCTAVIA impressed the Business Car judging panel, Editor Simon Harris said: “Our judges liked the simplicity of the new OCTAVIA, as well as its ability as a comfortable high-mileage workhorse. But it also made an impression through its attractive styling, strong equipment levels, and availability of hatchback and estate versions from launch.”

The judging panel were also full of praise for the recently updated SUPERB, which saw off tough competition to be named Best Upper-medium Car 2020. “The SUPERB range underwent a refresh for 2020, strengthening its credentials as a smooth and elegant large saloon or estate car.” explained Simon Harris, adding: “We were impressed by its low running costs, strong desirability among fleet operators and drivers who have experienced its comfort and capability.” 

Such was ŠKODA’s performance in two of the biggest sectors of the fleet and business car market that the judging panel named the brand as Most Improved Manufacturer 2020. Commenting on the award, Simon Harris said: “ŠKODA’s submission in this category highlighted perfectly the raft of improvements the fleet team has made in the last year, enhancing its digital technology to support fleet customers, as well as boosting its level of service. It has also added particular model derivatives that deliver better value for fleet users.” 

The latest Business Car Awards mark the continuation of a remarkable year for ŠKODA. The new OCTAVIA has already won a number of key industry awards, including Auto Express Car of the Year 2020, while the SUPERB now has won six major titles in 2020 and more than 60 since the current model was launched in 2015.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

The ŠKODA SLAVIA made its UK premiere last week as leading British media took to the road at Millbrook Proving Ground in the company’s seventh ŠKODA Student Car. The car’s spectacular design, craftsmanship and attention to detail impressed the journalists as they spent time with the stunning SCALA-based concept. Built to showcase the high quality of training at the ŠKODA Academy, the SLAVIA was designed and engineered by 31 students from the ŠKODA vocational school. Since its inception six years ago, the ŠKODA Student Car programme has produced some remarkable cars.

The current Student Car programme was inspired by a series of 1970s projects where apprentices often worked out of hours to create special one-off cars. Although few were ever officially documented in the way they are now, the philosophy of empowering apprentices to create fully driveable concept cars is at the heart of the modern-era Student Car project.

The Millbrook Proving Ground is situated almost 80 kilometres to the north of London and proved to be the perfect venue for staging the exclusive test drives for the British motoring journalists. Here they were able to put the one-off concept car through its paces over the famous 6.5-kilometre ‘Hill Route’. This track features gradients ranging from 6.5 to 26 per cent. The site’s open layout also provided excellent conditions for ensuring all social distancing and COVID-19 protection measures were adhered to.

ŠKODA SLAVIA a highlight of the anniversary year 
The students from the ŠKODA vocational school in Mladá Boleslav managed to make the SLAVIA a highlight of the company’s anniversary year. 125 years ago, founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement started out in business together, repairing bicycles. Soon the duo began designing their own bikes, successfully marketing them from 1896 onwards under the brand name SLAVIA, the name adopted by the students for their personal dream car.

Dynamic, open-topped and emotive 
The ŠKODA SLAVIA developed by the students is a classic two-seater Spider: dynamic, open-topped and emotive. It’s the first Student Car to be based on the ŠKODA SCALA. Comprehensive changes to the body turned the compact hatchback model into a two-door drop-top that departs from convention and embodies a spirited, youthful and carefree attitude.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Residents across the region – Bristol, Bath, North Somerset, North East Somerset, Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire – already benefit from the charity’s Helimed 65 helicopter which responds to the most serious incidents. Now with the ŠKODA KODIAQ, the critical care team has a vehicle capable of reaching an emergency when it’s unsuitable for a helicopter to fly or when the location of the patient is easier to access by road. 

With the charity receiving over 2,000 call-outs in 2019, of which over two thirds were responded to by critical care cars, the ŠKODA KODIAQ SE L 2.0-litre TDI 190 PS 4X4 is a welcome addition to the fleet.

Day-to-day, critical care teams will benefit from the car’s broad and flexible capabilities, including a 0-62mph in little over eight seconds, class-leading interior space and 4x4 capability, ensuring they can reach the scene of almost any incident quickly and with the essential equipment needed. 

The KODIAQ underwent a bespoke conversation to meet Great Western Air Ambulance Charity’s individual needs. Its 720-litre boot capacity has been fully redesigned to effectively house all of the life-saving equipment such as oxygen tanks and ventilators. The vehicle’s infotainment system has also been moved to allow for a 999-response screen to be installed, providing the on-board crew with details of each emergency and the quickest route to the scene.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk