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A day of celebration in the Principality of Monaco : Andreas Mikkelsen has set a milestone in the ŠKODA Motorsport success story. Jan Kopecký with Pavel Dresler complete the one-two victory for ŠKODA Motorsport in the WRC 2.

Starting in the ŠKODA FABIA R5 for the first time, the Norwegian rally star Andreas Mikkelsen triumphed with navigator Anders Jæger (N) in the WRC 2 standings at the 85th Rally Monte Carlo. Team-mates Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ) completed the one-two victory for ŠKODA at the oldest and most prestigious race in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2). 40 years previously, Václav Blahna (CZ) and his co-driver Lubislav Hlávka (CZ) had driven the ŠKODA 130 RS to victory in the 1,300cc class at the same location.

“This one-two victory at the Rally Monte Carlo is one of the high points in our 116 years of motorsport history. The ‘Monte’ is the most famous rally in the world and it is really special to win here. Respect to Andreas Mikkelsen and Anders Jæger, who showed their class and outstanding speed under the most difficult of conditions,” commented Michal Hrabánek. The ŠKODA Motorsport Director praised the performance of the whole team: “The whole team did an outstanding job, from the mechanics and engineers to our two works duos with Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler, as well as Pontus Tidemand and Jonas Andersson. Of course, this is the best possible start to the new rally year 2017.”

And it was the perfect way to celebrate ŠKODA’s triumph at the “Monte” four decades ago. The three FABIA R5s of the works teams commemorated the 1977 success with a special blue and red striped livery. The thousands of fans loved the spectacular new look but were also delighted by the performance of the turbo 4x4 from ŠKODA. As it had been throughout the rally year 2016, the FABIA R5 was the best car in its class. Under extremely difficult conditions - icy stretches were interspersed with soft snow and clean asphalt on the Alpine switchbacks - ŠKODA driver Andreas Mikkelsen moved straight into the lead with the best time on the first timed special stage on Thursday. The 27-year-old Norwegian extended his lead with outstanding best times and was able to celebrate a dominant win on Sunday after 350 kilometres. Mikkelsen/ Jæger claimed victory 3:25.4 minutes ahead of their team-mates Kopecký/Dresler.

“ŠKODA opened the door to the big rally world for me and it is a special feeling for me to return with this triumph. Thanks to the whole team. I am happy to give ŠKODA this success at the legendary ‘Monte’. The ŠKODA FABIA R5 is a good rally car and I am satisfied with our performance,” commented Mikkelsen, who also successfully completed the legendary climb on the Col de Turini on Sunday, in heavy snowfall at over 1600 metres. He secured four team world championship titles with Volkswagen Motorsport, having already won the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in the ŠKODA FABIA SUPER 2000 in 2011 and 2012. He has now recorded his first class win in the FABIA R5 at the Rally Monte Carlo, celebrating at the awards ceremony on the “Place du Palais Princier”.

Jan Kopecký was almost as delighted: “It is great for ŠKODA to head home with a one-two victory at the Rally Monte Carlo.” The other ŠKODA works driver Pontus Tidemand (S) was not competing for WRC 2 points at his first “Monte” but he and co-driver Jonas Andersson (S) emphasised their ability by finishing eleventh in the overall standings. Tidemand/Andersson will be battling for WRC 2 points at their home World Championship rally in Sweden from 9th to 12th February: “It is no secret that we want to challenge for the WRC 2 title.” Last year, the ŠKODA Motorsport works team of Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN) won the WRC 2 title in the drivers’ and co-drivers’ competitions for the first time. The rally year 2017 has begun with another historic triumph.

Final standings at the Rally Monte Carlo (WRC 2):
1. Mikkelsen/Jæger (N/N)  ŠKODA FABIA R5  2:11:15,4 hrs
2. Kopecký/Dresler (CZ/CZ)  ŠKODA FABIA R5  + 3:25,4 min
3. Bouffier/Giraudet (F/F)  Ford Fiesta R5   + 6:36,7 min
4. Camilli/Veillas (F/F)   Ford Fiesta R5   + 9:55,8 min
5. Gilbert/Jamoul (F/B)   Ford Fiesta R5   + 11:36,8 min

The number of the Rally Monte Carlo: 13
The ŠKODA FABIA R5 was the outstanding car in its class at the Rally Monte Carlo. The turbo 4x4 from the Czech Republic recorded the best time on 13 out of 15 timed special stages in the WRC 2 standings. Ten of these best times were driven by Andreas Mikkelsen, while team-mate Jan Kopecký was fastest on three occasions.

2017 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2)
Rally Monte Carlo  19.01.–22.01.2017
Rally Sweden   09.02.–12.02.2017
Rally Mexico   09.03.–12.03.2017
Rally France   06.04.–09.04.2017
Rally Argentina   27.04.–30.04.2017
Rally Portugal   18.05.–21.05.2017
Rally Italy   08.06.–11.06.2017
Rally Poland   29.06.–02.07.2017
Rally Finland   27.07.–30.07.2017
Rally Germany   17.08.–20.08.2017
Rally Spain   05.10.–08.10.2017
Rally Great Britain  26.10.–29.10.2017
Rally Australia   16.11.–19.11.2017

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Successful start to the new year for ŠKODA: In selecting the Best Cars of 2017, conducted by British magazine ‘What Car?’, the Czech carmaker was victorious in three categories.

ŠKODA is the most successful brand in one of the most prestigious British car awards. The ŠKODA models KODIAQ, FABIA and SUPERB COMBI won the highest awards in their respective classes. The success was rounded off with the ŠKODA CITIGO, ŠKODA FABIA COMBI and ŠKODA SUPERB receiving the title of ‘Best Value for Money’ in their respective segments.

“The ‘What Car?’ awards are a testament to the entire ŠKODA team. For us, these honours are both an affirmation and motivation. They show that we have taken the right path in expanding, modernizing and emotionalizing our model range,” says ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier, adding: “At the same time, our vehicles’ success underscores the increasing appeal of our brand in the international markets. ŠKODA has performed particularly well in the UK over the last few years. In 2016 alone, we grew by 7.3% to over 80,000 car deliveries, making this our fourth largest market in the world.”

2017 could not have got off to a better start for ŠKODA. With three class victories and three value-for-money awards, the Czech car manufacturer was the big winner at the 2017 Best Cars award ceremony held by British automobile magazine ‘What Car?’ at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

“Great Sports Utility Vehicle”
By winning the award for Best Large SUV, the new ŠKODA KODIAQ received one of the most important European automotive awards shortly before its market launch.

“We were looking forward to ŠKODA’s first large SUV with great anticipation. Today, one thing is certain: the ŠKODA KODIAQ did not disappoint the judges. It is a fantastic sport utility vehicle with seven seats, all-wheel drive, a powerful diesel engine, a generous array of features – and all of that at an amazing price,” said Steve Huntingford, editor of What Car?.

With a length of 4.70m, up to seven seats and the largest boot in its class, the ŠKODA KODIAQ is the Czech carmaker’s first large SUV. ŠKODA’s latest model will be launched successively on the international markets from February. The SUV features stylish designs, exceptional space, practical intelligence and innovative technologies that would usually only be found in higher vehicle classes. The ŠKODA KODIAQ marks the beginning of ŠKODA’s broad-based SUV campaign. Five drivetrains – two TDI engines and three TSI engines – form the engine range at the launch of the ŠKODA KODIAQ. Their displacement values range from 1.4 to 2.0 l, with outputs ranging from 92 kW (125 hp) to 140 kW (190 hp).

“The car to beat”
For the third time in a row, the ŠKODA FABIA has been named ‘Best Small Car’ at the What Car? awards. “In the last twelve months, a number of new small cars have been released – but the ŠKODA FABIA is still the car to beat,” said What Car? editor Huntingford. “The ŠKODA FABIA can be manoeuvred easily and safely in the city, but even on country roads and motorways it is more comfortable and refined than many considerably larger vehicles. The car doesn’t just stand out from the competition thanks to its impressive workmanship and the high level of safety but also owing to a number of features in the interior and its distinct practicality,” added Huntingford.

The current ŠKODA FABIA is now the third generation of the model on the market. It is hallmarked by its dynamic and emotive design language and sporty proportions. The small car is equipped with numerous safety, comfort and infotainment systems that are otherwise reserved for higher classes. There are four petrol engines and two diesel drivetrains available for the ŠKODA FABIA, ranging from 44 kW (60 hp) to 81 kW (110 hp). The ŠKODA FABIA is the Czech automobile manufacturer’s third bestselling model after the ŠKODA OCTAVIA and ŠKODA RAPID.

“Leading its segment”
The ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI also defended its title from last year at this year’s Best Cars selection. Chief Editor Huntingford reiterates the good reasons stated by the expert panel: “The ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI is still leading the way in its segment. Its performance, amount of space and comfort are crucial factors in that. Then there is its practicality and – as with all ŠKODA models – the excellent value for money. No other vehicle offers a similarly phenomenal combination.”

The ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI embodies the company’s core values in its current version and is more spacious, practical and clever than ever before. With the largest interior and largest boot in its class, the five-door model sports a dynamic, elegant and emotional design. The third generation of ŠKODA’s flagship is characterized by a high level of comfort, comprehensive safety features, high functionality and good price/performance ratio. Five petrol engines and three diesel engines with an output between 92 kW (125 hp) and 206 kW (280 hp) are available.

Best value for money
In addition to the three class victories, ŠKODA also won three categories for best value for money in the ‘What Car?’ awards. The ŠKODA CITIGO in the ‘City Car’ category, the ŠKODA FABIA COMBI in the ‘Estates up to £18,000’ and the ŠKODA SUPERB in the ‘Executive Cars up to £25,000’.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Works drivers Pontus Tidemand and Jan Kopecký also go in pursuit of the title at selected rounds of the 2017 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2).

Following an extraordinarily successful year in 2016, ŠKODA Motorsport has landed a surprise coup ahead of the new rally season. Experienced WRC driver Andreas Mikkelsen (N) and co-driver Anders Jæger (N) will make a guest appearance for the works team at the wheel of the ŠKODA FABIA R5 at the iconic Rally Monte Carlo, which takes place from 19 to 22 January 2017. The opening round of the FIA World Rally Championship also marks the start of the new season with the works team for Pontus Tidemand/Jonas Andersson (S/S) and Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (CZ/CZ). ŠKODA is the defending champion in the WRC 2 class.

“With the world championship title, three continental and ten national titles, 2016 was one of the most successful years in the history of ŠKODA Motorsport. We want to back up this success in 2017, and kick off the new rally year at the famous ‘Monte’. The ŠKODA Motorsport works team will contest selected rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) and will also race in the Czech Rally Championship,” said Michal Hrabánek. The ŠKODA Motorsport Director will once again put his faith in works drivers Pontus Tidemand and Jan Kopecký in 2017. However, he is also looking forward to the guest appearance of Andreas Mikkelsen: “We are obviously proud to see him in the ŠKODA FABIA R5. In a way, Andreas Mikkelsen is returning to his roots.”

The 27-year-old Norwegian, who is now regarded as one of the world’s top rally drivers, began his rise to the top with titles in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in 2011 and 2012. Back then, he was victorious in a ŠKODA FABIA SUPER 2000. In 2011, he made his first appearance for the Volkswagen Motorsport team at the Rally Finland, again in the successful ŠKODA FABIA SUPER 2000. He then went on to finish third overall in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2014, 2015 and 2016, winning three races in the top tier of rallying. On 20 November 2016, Mikkelsen/Jæger were victorious at the Rally Australia, the final race for four-time world champions Volkswagen in the WRC.

“It feels like I am coming home,” said Andreas Mikkelsen. “ŠKODA gave me an opportunity right at the start of my career. I have so many fond memories of the ŠKODA FABIA and am really looking forward to getting back in that car. I hope I can get a good result for ŠKODA, although the ‘Monte’ is a very difficult rally.” Works drivers Tidemand and Kopecký will certainly be among the experienced WRC driver’s toughest rivals. After all, they have a lot of experience and victories under their belts with the ŠKODA FABIA R5. Tidemand won the WRC 2 class in Portugal in 2016, while Kopecký triumphed in Spain.

The icing on the cake in a successful 2016 for ŠKODA Motorsport was the first Driver and Co-Driver title in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2), courtesy of Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (FIN/FIN). ŠKODA drivers Gustavo Saba (PY) and Gaurav Gill (IND) also won the continental championships in South America and the Asia-Pacific region in the ŠKODA FABIA R5. Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q) triumphed in the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC), while a further ten national titles went to drivers at the wheel of ŠKODA cars. This made 2016 one of the most successful years in the 115-year history of ŠKODA Motorsport.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

The milestone vehicle, a ŠKODA KODIAQ in the colour Moon White, rolled off the production line at the traditional Czech company’s site.

To launch the production of the brand’s first large SUV, ŠKODA’s East Bohemian factory had taken on 2,600 new employees by the end of last year. The production plant will be further modernized and expanded in the coming years.

“Kvasiny is a state-of-the-art production facility with a great tradition and an outstanding team. As an important cornerstone of ŠKODA’s production network, the Kvasiny plant will be making a key contribution to ŠKODA Strategy 2025,” says ŠKODA Board Member for Production and Logistics Michael Oeljeklaus. “The site’s annual production volume will continue to increase over the coming years. To this end, we will be investing heavily into the location, expanding Kvasiny into a competence centre for the production of SUV vehicles among other things. We have recently reached an important milestone in this regard by launching production of the ŠKODA KODIAQ.

The Kvasiny plant has a tradition spanning the last 80 years, and is one of the most important employers in the Hradec Králové region. Cars such as the JAWA 700 were produced here as early as the 1930s. The first ŠKODA to be manufactured at Kvasiny was the ŠKODA SUPERB in 1947. In subsequent years, the models FELICIA (1958 to 1964), 110 R Coupé (1970 to 1980), ŠKODA pickup / VW Caddy pickup (1995 to 2001), SUPERB, ROOMSTER and YETI ran off the production Line.

The ŠKODA plant in East Bohemia is currently undergoing the most significant modernization and expansion in its history. As part of the comprehensive SUV campaign, which was launched with the ŠKODA KODIAQ, the manufacturer has invested approximately seven billion crowns into the location. Over the next few years, the production capacity of the plant will steadily increase to 280,000 vehicles annually. An additional 2600 employees had been added to the workforce by the end of 2016, and ŠKODA will be creating new jobs this year, as well. The company is one of the largest industrial employers in the region.

Automobile production at Kvasiny – important milestones:

1934 - The body shop Jawa Kvasiny is founded.

1947 - Production launch of the ŠKODA SUPERB.

1959 - Kvasiny launches the production of the convertible ŠKODA FELICIA.

1970 - Production launch of the sporty coupé ŠKODA 110 R.

1981 - Production launch of the ŠKODA GARDE / RAPID.

1991 - ŠKODA joins the Volkswagen Group.

2001 - ŠKODA’s new flagship, the SUPERB rolls off the production lines at Kvasiny.

2006 - Launch of the ŠKODA ROOMSTER model produced at Kvasiny.

2009 - The new ŠKODA YETI compact SUV is produced at Kvasiny.

2013 - January: The assembly of the ŠKODA ROOMSTER returns to Kvasiny.
           July: The new combined heat and power plant (CHP) becomes operational.
           Around 3 million euros go into creating an environmental project, later awarded
           ‘eco-project of the year’ in the Czech Republic.
           November: 1.5 million vehicles have been produced at Kvasiny.
           December: 500,000 second-generation ŠKODA SUPERBs have been produced
           at Kvasiny.

2014 - September: The Kvasiny plant celebrates 80 years of operation.

2015 - March: The third generation ŠKODA SUPERB rolls off the line. ŠKODA invests
          heavily in new production technologies, assembly and logistics areas for the start
          of production of the brand’s flagship made in Kvasiny. Around 62.3 million euros
          were invested in the new body construction alone.
           October: The 500,000th ŠKODA YETI is manufactured at Kvasiny.

2016 - October: The brand’s first large SUV – the ŠKODA KODIAQ – is manufactured
at Kvasiny.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Now, after the hatchback, Combi and the fastest model variant – the OCTAVIA RS, comes the most versatile member of the family with various innovations in technology and equipment.

The upgraded ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT launches with three engine variants and state-of-the-art all-wheel-drive technology with electronically controlled, hydraulic multi-plate clutch. With a ground clearance that has been increased by 30 mm in comparison to the ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI, the compact five-door also masters rough terrain. Beyond that, it impresses with good climbing capability, a high towing capacity and numerous ‘Simply Clever’ features from ŠKODA.

Versatile character
The robust all-rounder impresses like always with a distinctive off-road look, innovative all-wheel drive, the best driving characteristics and increased versatility both on and off the road. The comprehensively reworked ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT bears the same front as the newest generation of ŠKODA OCTAVIAs and thereby underlines the family resemblance: it features a more prominent bonnet, the new front end with wide radiator grille and additional headlights with a crystalline look, full-LED headlights with adaptive front headlights (AFS). Also the modified fog lights and tail lights are equipped with LED technology. Its independent character is recognisable by silver-coloured underbody protection at the front and the rear. Furthermore, the Rough-Road package is also part of standard equipment and features plastic covering for the undercarriage as well as the brake and fuel lines.

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT impresses with its interior space, which for the compact car segment is particularly generous, good body layout, distinct versatility, high level of functionality and great driving characteristics. Besides the increased ground clearance, the all-wheel drive with electronically controlled, hydraulic multi-plate clutch, which comes as standard, also ensures even greater driving pleasure off the road. When driving on rough terrain the advantages of the ramp angles, which have been increased to 16.6 degrees at the front and 14.5 degrees at the rear, become apparent.

Both the front and rear axle of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT are fitted with an electronic differential lock (EDL) as standard. EDL allows the car to pull away smoothly on difficult surfaces, transmitting drive to both the front and rear axles.

For safer and easier descents on rough terrain the Off-Road function is available for the ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT. When in use the speed of the vehicle is consistently maintained without the driver needing to do anything. Modern engine management, which increases safety during descents using braking, makes the driver’s life easier.

The ‘Simply Clever’ features include a heated steering wheel and seats with the Thermo-Flux function which, from time to time, increases the air and moisture permeability and provides considerably more riding comfort in different climatic conditions – the upgraded ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT is therefore an adventurer in the truest sense. The boot has a capacity of 610 to 1740 litres and thanks to its width of 1010 mm, is also perfectly suited to transporting bulky loads without any problems. Numerous storage solutions in the interior increase its practicality. The towing capacity is up to two tonnes, depending on the engine version.

Technology and engines
The ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT is based on the ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI. The 2.0 TDI (110 kW) combined with all-wheel drive and a 7-speed DSG transmission is new to the range.

The reworked adventurer is available from market launch with a total of three different four-cylinder engine variants:
1.8 TSI: 132 kW (180 PS), top speed 216 km/h, 0 – 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, combined consumption 6.8 l/100 km, CO2 158 g/km
2.0 TDI: 110 kW (150 PS), top speed 207 km/h, 0 – 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds, combined consumption 5.0 l/100 km, CO2 130 g/km
2.0 TDI: 135 kW (184 PS), top speed 219 km/h, 0 – 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, combined consumption 5.1 l/100 km, CO2 133 g/km.

Infotainment and ŠKODA Connect
The current ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT is equipped with all the modern infotainment systems of the new ŠKODA generation. All of the capacitive touch displays feature a glass design (except for the standard Swing music system). As the top-of-the-line version, the Columbus navigation system has a 9.2-inch monitor and an LTE module, and provides passengers with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The automatic ‘eCall’ emergency call is available as an option. The mobile online services from ŠKODA Connect are the ideal complement to the modern infotainment. They set new standards in navigation, information, entertainment and assistance and can even be configured using your home computer.

Driver assistance systems
The wide range of driver assistance systems in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT sets new standards within its segment. Innovations here include Trailer Assist, Blind Spot Detect (warns of any vehicles in the blind spot) and Rear Traffic Alert (monitors traffic coming from the sides and behind when manoeuvring). The Crew Protect Assist function, which closes windows and the sunroof in the event of an impending accident and tensions the seat belts on the front seats, is connected to the improved Front Assist function, which includes the City Emergency Brake and predictive Pedestrian Protection functions. Park Assist’s functions have been further perfected.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

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