ŠKODA has comprehensively upgraded their bestseller, equipping it with new technologies. New services connect the ŠKODA OCTAVIA closely to the owner, the driving is more comfortable and safer.
ŠKODA has equipped their bestseller with a new range of connectivity services: mobile online services under the label ŠKODA Connect. These are divided into two categories: Infotainment online services for the navigation systems Amundsen and Columbus are used for information and navigation; Care Connect services provide assistance and remote access to the car, regardless of the infotainment system. 

One particularly useful feature of Infotainment Online is Online Traffic Information, which indicates the real-time flow of traffic along the selected route and suggests useful alternative routes in case of traffic jams. The services also provide customized information on fuel prices, parking information, news and weather information online. Via the ŠKODA Connect portal, routes, destinations and points of interest can be transferred directly from the computer to the navigation system. Especially for the system Columbus, there are other services, including Google Earth™ and Google Street View™. The Online Map Update service regularly updates to the latest maps available.  

Among the Care Connect services, the emergency call (eCall) is one of the most important. If a restraint system is triggered after an accident, an emergency call centre is alerted. In addition, there is a notification function for minor accidents, as well as a breakdown call service. Service Scheduling is also included in the Proactive Services. Here the owner is contacted by the dealer before the vehicle’s service is due in order to arrange a convenient and timely appointment. 

The new ŠKODA Connect app on the smartphone also supports more Care Connect services; one particularly interesting feature is the new remote services. The Vehicle status service, for example, informs you about the status of the vehicle's lighting, or open or closed doors. The Parking-position function shows the location of the vehicle. Honk & Flash makes it easier to find for the vehicle by sounding the horn and activating the hazard lights. Area Notification and Speed Notification inform the owner if the vehicle is moved without authorization. 

The driver assistance systems in the comprehensively upgraded ŠKODA OCTAVIA go beyond compact-class standards. Some come from higher segments and complement the already very extensive range. The predictive pedestrian protection is specialized for city driving. In the range between 10 and 60 km/h, it triggers an emergency brake if a pedestrian dangerously steps out into oncoming traffic. The system is part of the optional Front Assist that includes city emergency braking function. Blind Spot Detect supports the driver when changing lanes with two radar sensors monitoring traffic at the rear. If a collision is imminent, a warning light is illuminated in the exterior mirror housing. Rear Traffic Alert assists when parallel parking or leaving a parking space; it detects oncoming vehicles very early. 

Another innovation in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA is the optional trailer assist. Using the rotary switch for the exterior mirrors, the driver specifies the angle at which they want to reverse their trailer. When the driver then slowly accelerates, the system makes appropriate steering suggestions. Maneuvre Assist helps when reversing without a trailer, activating the brakes soon as it detects an obstacle behind it.
Article source: www.skoda-auto.com
In 1966, construction of the ŠKODA TREKKA lightweight off-road vehicle began in New Zealand. Its chassis was based on the ŠKODA OCTAVIA.
The ancestor of the ŠKODA SUV models is celebrating a major birthday: exactly 50 years ago, on 2 December 1966, production of the TREKKA model began in the town of Otahuhu, New Zealand. By 1972, almost three thousand of the lightweight off-road cars had been manufactured. 

“ŠKODA has always striven for solutions that are tailored for individual markets,” said Andrea Frydlová, Manager of the ŠKODA Museum in Mladá Boleslav. “The all-terrain TREKKA, which was produced in collaboration with the New Zealand importer and local businesses, is a prime example of this philosophy.” 

The vehicle manufacturer from Mladá Boleslav had developed the New Zealand market early on: over 100 years ago, Laurin & Klement cars were already being exported to New Zealand. 

The ŠKODA cars delivered from Czechoslovakia in a disassembled state (CKD – completely knocked down) for customs and tax reasons were imported by the company Motor Industries International based in Otahuhu since 1956. The ŠKODA TREKKA was developed in a collaboration between several dozen local businesses and representatives of the plant in Mladá Boleslav to be a robust, compact, everyday car for the local farmers, tradespeople and merchants. 

In 1965 and 1966, several designs and prototypes were created, which bore the hallmarks of Josef Velebný, ŠKODA’s former Head of Bodywork Development, and New Zealand designer George Taylor. The chassis, which was based on the ŠKODA OCTAVIA, came from Mladá Boleslav along with the rigid central tubular frame and independent suspension. Its special features were the wheelbase, which was shortened from 2,389 mm to 2,165 mm, and the axle ratio, which was changed from 4.78 to 5.25. Tyres with dimensions of 5.90 x 15” contributed to the 190-mm ground clearance; there was also an optional differential lock that improved the off-road capability of the rear-wheel-drive TREKKA. 

The front, longitudinally mounted OHV four-cylinder engine with a cylinder capacity of 1,221 cm3 achieved 34 kW (47 PS) at 4,500 rpm and its torque reached 87 Nm at 3,000 rpm. With its synchronised four-speed gearbox, the ŠKODA TREKKA had a top speed of 105 to 110 km/h. Its consumption of approximately 11 l per 100 km formed the basis of its relatively low running cost. 

Customers could choose from several variants: a three-door pickup with between two and eight seats, a canvas soft-top, a fixed plastic hardtop, an estate model (STW) and a beach variant. The TREKKA was 3,590 mm long, 1,600 mm wide and between 1,785 and 2,040 mm high. It weighed between 920 and 980 kg, and could carry loads of up to 450-500 kg. 

From 1966 to 1972, nearly 3,000 TREKKAs were made, probably the first car designed and built in New Zealand. Export markets included Australia, Fiji, Samoa and Vietnam. ŠKODA also applied a similar concept in Pakistan, where production of the SKOPAK (ŠKODA Pakistan) lightweight off-road car commenced in May 1970. The Czech car manufacturer still successfully sells its models in New Zealand today, just as in Australia and over 100 other international markets. 

Do you know that ŠKODA AUTO... 
› is one of the longest-established vehicle manufacturers in the world. The company was founded in the Czech town of Mladá Boleslav in 1895 – during the pioneering days of the automobile. Today, the company’s headquarters remain in Mladá Boleslav.
› currently offers the following model series: CITIGO, FABIA, RAPID, OCTAVIA, YETI as well as the KODIAQ and SUPERB.
› in 2015, delivered more than 1 million vehicles to customers worldwide.
› has been part of Volkswagen Group, one of the most globally successful automotive groups since 1991. ŠKODA, in association with the Group, independently manufactures and develops vehicles as well as components such as engines and gear transmissions. 
› operates at three locations in the Czech Republic; produces in China, Russia, Slovakia and India mainly through Group partnerships, as well as in Ukraine and Kazakhstan with local partners.
› employs over 26,600 people globally and is active in more than 100 markets.
Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

At ŠKODA AUTO, the Environmental Protection Management System is certified in accordance with the standard EN ISO 14 001:2004, which falls under the so-called Integrated Management System. EMS also applies to the activities of plants at Mladá Boleslav, Kvasiny, and Vrchlabí:

  • development, production, sales, and servicing of vehicles, components, and tools;
  • development and shipping of knocked-down cars, and sale of genuine parts and accessories.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

ŠKODA’s new SUV voted best car for big families by British Top Gear Magazine.
Top rating from Top Gear: The British auto magazine awards the ŠKODA KODIAQ best car for big families. The Czech carmaker’s first large SUV impressed the panel with its high flexibility in everyday life, excellent price-performance ratio and as well as with its emotional design. The ŠKODA KODIAQ will be heading to customers in February 2017. 

“Minimising stress is at the heart of the KODIAQ’s mission,” is the experts’ verdict. “That’s what its versatility is all about, because you never fear it won’t ably put its shoulder to any task family life throws at it: fetching of stuff and carrying of people, hauling or going mildly off-road or defeating slippery roads. It’s reassuring and safe, but it manages to avoid tedium.” 

With up to seven seats, 24 driver assistance systems, more than 30 ‘Simply Clever’ solutions, a maximum trailer load of 2.5 tonnes and the largest boot in its class, the ŠKODA KODIAQ was a clear choice for the ‘best car for large families’ award. In addition to its high flexibility in everyday life, the Czech automaker’s latest model also stood out due to its excellent price-performance ratio. An additional plus point in the jury’s evaluation: the emotional design of the SUV. With the ŠKODA KODIAQ, the brand has transferred their expressive design language to the SUV segment for the first time. The distinctive interplay of elegant lines, sporty contours and a robust build symbolize protection and strength. 

The latest model will be heading to the dealerships with all the brand’s strengths in early 2017. The amount of room is characteristic of ŠKODA: with a length of 4.70 meters, a width of 1.88 meters and a wheelbase of 2.79 meters, the brand’s engineers have maximized the interior space. This enables the vehicle to respond flexibly to various seating and cargo requirements – thanks also to the longitudinal and tilt-adjustable seats. In addition, the SUV scores with practical intelligence through numerous useful ‘Simply Clever’ solutions and innovative technologies, which would usually only be found in higher vehicle classes. ŠKODA is launching their broad SUV campaign with the brand’s first large SUV.
Article source: www.skoda.co.uk
ŠKODA works duo Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm clinch the drivers' and co-drivers' title in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) with victory at the Rally Australia.
The "Flying Finns" Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm are crowned World Champions. With their commanding victory at the Rally Australia, the ŠKODA works duo clinched the drivers' and co-drivers' title in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) for the first time and were over the moon as they climbed onto the roof of the winning FABIA R5 after crossing the finish line. ŠKODA Motorsport was also victorious in the team standings of the WRC 2 and with this triple title celebrates one of the greatest successes in its 115-year history. 

"It is a day of celebration for the ŠKODA brand! I am proud of the entire ŠKODA Motorsport team. Naturally of Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm first and foremost, who rewarded the entire team for their fantastic performances this season here in the Australian heat. A big thank you also goes to the engineers and mechanics, without whom this success would not have been possible," said Michal Hrabánek. The ŠKODA Motorsport Director also views the success as confirmation of the development department of the Czech car manufacturer: "10 of the 13 races in the WRC 2 were won in the ŠKODA FABIA R5 this year. That says everything about the quality and speed of our rally car." 

And the FABIA R5 was victorious again Down Under: With his victory at the season finale of the world championship in Australia, Esapekka Lappi catapulted himself to the top of the overall standings of the WRC 2 with 130 points and as champion becomes the successor of Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q). Second place in the drivers' standings went to Lappi's fellow Finn Teemu Suninen (120), who contested the season in a privateer ŠKODA FABIA R5. The championship victory is another milestone for ŠKODA: Juho Hänninen (FIN) was victorious in the S-WRC, the predecessor series of the WRC 2, in the ŠKODA FABIA SUPER 2000 in 2011. 

Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm's victory was never in doubt on the approximate 280 classified kilometres of the Rally Australia on difficult gravel tracks. With the best time on the first special stage on Friday, the Finns took the lead in the WRC 2 and extended it steadily with further top times. Despite the dust and the heat, Lappi maintained a clear view at the wheel, won a total of 22 of the 23 stages, and finished with an impressive advantage of 4:35.8 minutes over brand colleague Nicolás Fuchs (PE) in a privateer ŠKODA FABIA R5. Esapekka Lappi set further milestones with his fourth win in a row. He gifted the ŠKODA works team its tenth victory and 25th podium for the FABIA R5 in the WRC 2 since the new rally car made its debut at the Rally Portugal in May last year. 

25-year-old Esapekka Lappi celebrates the greatest success of his career with the championship victory in the WRC 2. He clinched the European championship title in 2014, but this year's victory over the best drivers and cars in the WRC 2 class is to be rated even more highly. "I am over the moon. This is one of the biggest days in my life as a rally driver! The nervous tension ahead of the Rally Australia was high, but fortunately Janne and I kept a cool head throughout and clinched the deserved victory for the entire team. Thanks to the entire team at ŠKODA Motorsport, who always provided us with a perfect car. Now we can celebrate together," said Lappi. 

Final standings at the Rally Australia (WRC 2):
1. Lappi/Ferm (FIN/FIN)  ŠKODA FABIA R5  2:53:38.0 hrs
2. Fuchs/Mussano (PE/ARG)  ŠKODA FABIA R5  + 4:35.8 min.
3. Ptaszek/Szczepaniak (PL/PL) Ford Fiesta R5   + 6:42.9 min.

The number of the Rally Australia: 4
Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm celebrated their fourth win in a row in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) at the Rally Australia, thereby clinching the drivers' and co-drivers' title. The spectacular winning streak began at home on gravel in Finland at the end of July, then came a victory on asphalt at the Rally Germany. At the Rally Great Britain, Lappi and Ferm were also unbeatable on muddy tracks, before they were crowned champions in Australia. But the season didn't get off to a perfect start. Third place at the Rally Sweden was followed by ninth place at the Rally Italy on Sardinia and another third place at the Rally Poland. However, after that Lappi/Ferm were in a class of their own. 

FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2):
Rally Monte Carlo   21.01.–24.01.2016
Rally Sweden    11.02.–14.02.2016
Rally Mexico    03.03.–06.03.2016
Rally Argentina    21.04.–24.04.2016
Rally Portugal    19.05.–22.05.2016
Rally Italy    09.06.–12.06.2016
Rally Poland    30.06.–03.07.2016
Rally Finland    28.07.–31.07.2016
Rally Germany    18.08.–21.08.2016
Rally China    08.09.–11.09.2016 (cancelled)
Rally France    29.09.–02.10.2016
Rally Spain    13.10.–16.10.2016
Rally Great Britain   27.10.–30.10.2016
Rally Australia   17.11.–20.11.2016
Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

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