ŠKODA presents brand’s first electric study at Shanghai Auto Show (19 - 28 April) and ŠKODA fans can discover VISION E with new smartphone app “ŠKODA VR”.
ŠKODA is embarking on the mobility of the future with the new VISION E concept vehicle, allowing fans, friends and customers to participate all over the world. Thanks to virtual reality, smartphone users can experience the presentation of the brand’s first electric study on 19 April, 2017, in Shanghai and explore the details of the ŠKODA VISION E. For this, they only need the new ŠKODA VR app, which is available for free download from Google Play and the App Store. 

“We are delighted to present the ŠKODA VISION E in Shanghai and at the same time all over the world,” says Stefan Büscher, Head of ŠKODA Marketing. “Alongside our partners Google and HTC, we are entering the virtual world and inviting friends and fans of the brand to join us. Thanks to new technologies and the ŠKODA Virtual Reality app, everyone can explore our concept vehicle VISION E from home and experience the mobility of the future.” 

ŠKODA is opening three doors to the virtual world. Firstly, the manufacturer invited guests to take part in worldwide events in selected cities in parallel to the VISION E presentation at the Auto Shanghai. The highlight: visitors couldfollow the live presentation using the advanced virtual reality goggles VIVE and corresponding headphones from HTC. This enabled them to take a walk through as if they were at the actual event and experience the new VISION E up close. Another advantage of virtual reality is that anyone interested could find out more about the innovative electric drive, discover the futuristic design of the emotive coupé and even take a digital test drive. 

ŠKODA offered this Premiere 2.0 in partnership with HTC in the following cities: 

• Berlin
• Bratislava 
• Madrid
• Mladá Boleslav
• Oslo
• Prague
• Shanghai
• Tel Aviv 

The second door wasopen to 100 selected opinion leaders who could immerse themselves in the digital world with Daydream virtual reality glasses created by ŠKODA’s partner Google. The data weretransferred to a Motorola MotoZ smartphone, allowing the guests to experience the VISION E presentation from home, work or any other location anywhere in the world. The guests received their Google Daydream headsets on 10 April, 2017.

Customers, friends and fans of the brand can also enjoy the intense world premiere. ŠKODA’s new smartphone app VR enables a virtual 360-degree tour around the pioneering concept car. In addition, smartphone users can playfully explore the new technologies behind the ŠKODA VISION E at their fingertips. The free app is available for download from Google Play or the App Store. 

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

The international jury awards the new ŠKODA KODIAQ SUV and the extensively upgraded ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI with the coveted Design Award for 2017.
The international jury of experts for the ‘Red Dot Award’ declared the ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI and the ŠKODA KODIAQ the winners. The extensively upgraded compact car and the brand’s new large SUV therefore win one of the most well-known and prestigious design competitions in the world. The ŠKODA models continue their winning streak; these two trophies are, incredibly, ŠKODA’s tenth and eleventh at the Red Dot Awards since 2006.

“These awards make us very proud,” said Karl Neuhold, Head of Exterior Design at ŠKODA. “We are searching for beauty in simplicity, and combine functionality with aesthetics. Our lines are clean and clear-cut, and are inspired by Bohemian crystal glass art. We call it crystalline design. These details can be found in the exterior and in the interior. It makes our models unique,” added Neuhold.

In the new ŠKODA KODIAQ and the upgraded ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI, the crystalline design can be seen in the structure of the headlights, for example. Traditional Czech crystal glass art provided the inspiration for this refined design.

In typical ŠKODA style, the new large SUV as well as the compact bestseller also impress with an extraordinary amount of interior space, innovative connectivity solutions and numerous driver assistance systems, which are normally only found in higher segments. With these qualities, the two models won over the highly distinguished expert panel. 

To receive the coveted Design Award, products have to impress the jury in criteria such as the degree of innovation, design quality, functionality and environmental compatibility. The independent jury for the Red Dot Awards discusses and judges each individual submission live and on-site. The ‘Red Dot’ is regarded worldwide as a seal of high-quality product design and was awarded this year for the 62nd time. Every year, around 5,000 products are entered – this time from 54 countries, making it one of the most well-known design competitions in the world. The jury of roughly 40 people is made up of independent designers, design professors and specialised journalists.

Eleven ‘Red Dot Awards’ now adorn the trophy cabinets in Mladá Boleslav. The ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI was the first to win the prestigious award in 2006. In 2007, the prize went to the ŠKODA ROOMSTER and the second generation of the ŠKODA FABIA; the third generation was also awarded the prize in 2015. ŠKODA also claimed a double victory in 2010 – with the ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI and the ŠKODA YETI. In 2013, the ŠKODA RAPID won, presenting the brand’s new design language for the first time. In 2014, the hatchback variant, the ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK, also brought home the award. The flagship, the ŠKODA SUPERB, triumphed in 2016.
Article source: www.skoda-auto.com
The brand-typical design language is constantly developing and evolving. Precision and clarity are the fundamental principles of car design at ŠKODA.

ŠKODA DESIGN emphasises its commitment to a distinct design identity with continuous development of its design language. Harmonious proportions, clean-cut lines, bold contours and crystalline features are combined to create a design that places a focus on precision and clarity. One of the sources of inspiration for ŠKODA’s designers is Czech crystal glass art, which is characterised by outstanding craftsmanship. This yields an expressive, emotionally charged design which harmoniously combines aesthetics and functionality. 

“Within just a few years, ŠKODA’s new design language has already yielded a number of sensational design studies which point towards the future of our brand,” said Karl Neuhold, Head of Exterior Design at ŠKODA. “Our objectives are clearly defined and we are now ready to present the next step.” 

With harmonious proportions, clear contours, precise lines and clean-cut edges in both the exterior and interior, the ŠKODA DESIGN DNA demonstrates a strikingly clear and particularly distinct style. This DNA is an expression of the timeless elegance and modern functionality that is typical for ŠKODA cars. Equally characteristic are the powerful contours, which set the stage for a sensational interplay between light and shade that conveys dynamism and emotiveness. Crystalline structures can also be seen in headlights, tail lights and other features. Their crystalline, three-dimensional design gives them a high-quality character defined by modern technology and particular finesse. 

Czech crystal glass art is internationally renowned and steeped in tradition. It combines classic manufacturing processes with modern aesthetics. Thus ŠKODA DESIGN pays respect to the cultural heritage of the brand’s homeland and pays tribute to the artists who create sculptures of timeless beauty through precision craftsmanship and attention to detail. To a large extent, their ability to produce high-quality, emotive works of art from simple, clear shapes chimes with the fundamental values of the Czech car brand, whose vehicles harmoniously combine aesthetics and functionality. 

With this awareness of tradition and heritage, ŠKODA has developed a design language that distinguishes the brand and has already been applied to numerous concept studies. Charting its progress from the ŠKODA VISION D design study in 2011 through to the ŠKODA VISION C (2014) and ŠKODA VISION S (2016) concepts reveals a continuous development that is also reflected in the appearance of the brand’s most recent models and which will also decisively shape design at ŠKODA in future. 

In the near future, another concept study will enable ŠKODA to underline the constant evolution of the ŠKODA DESIGN.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

ŠKODA looks back on impressive milestones in 122 years of corporate history at this year’s Techno Classica (5 to 9 April) in Essen.
As one of the world’s oldest automotive manufacturers still producing cars, the traditional Czech brand will be focusing on three main topics at their stand in hall 7: Innovative aerodynamic prototypes testify to ŠKODA’s pioneering achievements and engineering skill. In 1977 the ŠKODA 130 RS achieved a highly acclaimed class double victory at the Rally Monte Carlo. Ten years later, the ŠKODA FAVORIT paved the way for one of the most fruitful partnerships in automotive history.

"At this year's Techno Classica, we are taking three special themes from the impressive history of ŠKODA," says Andrea Frydlová, head of the ŠKODA Museum at the headquarters in Mladá Boleslav. "One of the highlights at our stand in Hall 7 is the ŠKODA 935 Dynamic, which represents the brand’s development competence in the field of aerodynamics. It is the world’s only preserved specimen of this type and has been faithfully restored by our restoration department – even the hue corresponds to that of the original vehicle,” Frydlová added.

Since the pioneering days of the automobile, ŠKODA has been one of the frontrunners in development thanks to the engineers’ and craftsmen’s passion for technology. The brand repeatedly built exceptional vehicles, which made a great contribution to the technical progress. One example of this is the ŠKODA 935 Dynamic; the brand’s first aerodynamic prototype was presented at the Prague Motor Show in 1935 and caused a sensation around the world with its particularly low air resistance. On show at the Techno Classica, ŠKODA will be presenting the unique model – once again in top form after an eventful history. Also at the classic car show: the ŠKODA POPULAR Monte Carlo in coupé and convertible body variants. Both were far ahead of their time with elegant and aerodynamic bodies. The same is true of the rare ŠKODA RAPID ‘Dalnice’ of which only 110 were produced between 1938 and 1941. This is also one of the highlights at the ŠKODA stand. Its streamlined design was created in a wind tunnel – a rarity in this early phase of automobile construction. In combination with a 34 kW (46 hp) powerful four-cylinder, which draws its power from a 1.6-litre displacement, the model has a top speed of 120 km/h.

The ŠKODA 130 RS represents the brand’s motorsport passion in the 1970s. Visitors of the Techno Classic 2017 can experience an extraordinary variant of the legendary rear-wheel drive at the traditional Czech brand’s stand: the ŠKODA 130 RS A5, Type 738, was used in 1978 in numerous aerodynamic tests at the airport in Hoškovice, Czech Republic. With a large wing as well as the body widening towards the rear, the engineers achieved a higher contact pressure and thus improved handling at high speeds. This was also necessary for the streamlined prototype to reach its top speed of 250 km/h. The 140-hp (190 hp) four-cylinder rear-engine model had to be ventilated by large air inlets.

On the topic of the ŠKODA 130 RS, the ‘Porsche of the East' won the 1,300 cm3 class with the duo Václav Blahna / Lubislav Hlávka at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1977. In second place Milan Zapadlo / Jiří Motal rounded off the brand’s double victory perfectly. The predecessor of the current ŠKODA FABIA R5 wrote of the most glorious chapters in ŠKODA's 117-year engagement in motorsport. A ŠKODA 130 RS, as well as a ŠKODA FABIA R5 in the 1977 look can be seen alongside other representatives of ŠKODA’s racing history at the classic-car event in Essen.

With the debut of the ŠKODA FAVORIT on 16 September, 1987, at the International Engineering Fair in Brno, the car manufacturer reinvented itself and set the course for an unprecedented success story. In the difficult final years of the socialist era, the compact model designed by the Italian studio Bertone used a transversely mounted front engine and front-wheel drive for the first time. The new model signalled a turning-point for the entire company: With its modern concept, it provided Volkswagen with a decisive reason for its commitment in the Czech Republic. At the Techno Classica 2017 in Essen, the FAVORIT 5-door model will stand alongside other representatives of the series: the estate model FORMAN quickly established itself as a family favourite. With the FAVORIT F2 Rally, ŠKODA won the Rally Manufactures’ World Championship 1994 in the front-wheel drive category, while the FAVORIT saloon demonstrated the enormous diversity of the model range and the brand’s development potential.
Article source: www.skoda-auto.com
Worldwide deliveries of 1,126,500 vehicles reach new highs. ŠKODA achieves new record sales revenue of 13.7 billion euros. Operating profit grows by 30.8 percent to 1.197 billion euros.
ŠKODA’s record performance continues. The Czech carmaker achieved new best values in 2016, both in terms of global vehicle sales and financial results. Compared to the previous year, deliveries rose by 6.7% to 1,126,500 vehicles (2015: 1,055,500). In the same period, sales revenue also increased by 9.8% to 13.7 billion euros (2015: 12.5 billion euros), thereby also reaching a new record high. The traditional Czech brand recorded an increase of 30.8% in operating profit at 1.197 billion euros (2015: 915 million euros). ŠKODA has set the course for further growth with Strategy 2025 and the associated model campaign. The brand expects additional growth impetus in particular from the introduction of the new ŠKODA KODIAQ SUV, the upgraded ŠKODA OCTAVIA as well as other new models the company will be presenting in the course of the year.

"The results of the 2016 financial year exceeded our expectations. Achieving three record years in a row demonstrates the success of our sustainable growth strategy,” says ŠKODA CEO, Bernhard Maier. “With our Strategy 2025, we will consistently promote the growth of the ŠKODA brand over the coming years. In this context, we will renew and expand our model portfolio, and open up new markets, segments and digital business areas. We will also be focusing on the electrification of our vehicles. We are going to launch the first purely battery-powered ŠKODA model on the market in 2020. A first idea of how the electric future of ŠKODA might look will be presented at the motor show in Shanghai.”

Digitization, connectivity and new mobile services are among the cornerstones of Strategy 2025. Our aim is to develop completely new mobility services for ŠKODA customers. “The car will remain the core of our offer. We will be complementing this with services that make daily driving easier, safer, more comfortable and efficient. ŠKODA will be transitioning from being purely a car manufacturer to a mobility services provider. One component of this future-oriented strategy is the new ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab in Prague, with which we are strengthening our innovation and digital development expertise,“ Maier continued. 

"Our profitable growth is primarily based on four pillars: a higher number of vehicles delivered, the utilization of capacities of our plants, an improved model mix, and optimized product costs," says ŠKODA CFO Klaus-Dieter Schürmann.

ŠKODA achieved new best figures in sales revenue and operating profit in the 2016 financial year. Sales revenue grew to 13.7 billion euros (2015: 12.5 billion euros), thus surpassing the previous record figure set in 2015 by 9.8%. Operating profit increased by 30.8% to 1.197 billion euros (2015: 915 million euros). This corresponds to 8.7% of the sales revenue (2015: 7.3%). 

The profit before tax rose by 38.7% to 1.173 billion euros (2015: 846 million euros). After tax, the profit for 2016 was 951 million euros (2015: 708 million euros), 34.3% above the previous year. Investments amounted to 548 million euros in 2016 (2015: 591 million euros). 

ŠKODA delivered a new record number of 1,126,500 vehicles to customers worldwide in 2016. This corresponds to an increase of around 71,000 vehicles or 6.7% compared to 2015 (1,055,500 deliveries). ŠKODA’s sales reached new highs in numerous key markets such as China (317,100), Germany (165,200), Great Britain (80,300) and Poland (56,200). In Turkey (28,900), France (23,000) and Israel (20,400), more people than ever before received a new ŠKODA car in 2016. 

Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the successful partnership between the Volkswagen Group and the traditional Czech brand; a period in which ŠKODA transformed from being a regional market leader into an internationally successful car manufacturer. The product highlight of 2016 was the world premiere of the new large SUV ŠKODA KODIAQ in Berlin and its subsequent trade-fair debut at the Paris Motor Show. The KODIAQ marks the launch of the Czech carmaker’s broad SUV campaign with which the company intends to reach new customers and segments, expand its market shares and strengthen its position on the global markets. 

"The success of the ŠKODA brand in the 2016 fiscal year can be attributed to the great commitment of the entire workforce. We would like to thank all our employees as well as the KOVO trade union, which constructively supported the company's growth throughout 2016," says Bohdan Wojnar ŠKODA Board Member for HR.

"ŠKODA greatly appreciates the efforts of its employees, which is also reflected in their remuneration. The average wage at the company has increased by 30% since 2010. We are also intensively preparing our employees for the future challenges related to Industry 4.0, especially with regard to developing their IT skills," adds Wojnar.

ŠKODA has also made a strong start to 2017. In January and February, the brand achieved new records, increasing its deliveries to customers in the first two months by 2.7% to 174,900 units (2016: 172,300 vehicles). In March, the extensively revised OCTAVIA, RAPID, RAPID SPACEBACK and CITIGO series, as well as the KODIAQ SCOUT and KODIAQ SPORTLINE, OCTAVIA RS 245 and OCTAVIA SCOUT model versions celebrated their world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. ŠKODA will be presenting a total of eleven model innovations in 2017.

ŠKODA AUTO Group in figures:
2016 2015 Change in %
Deliveries to customers Thousand cars 1 126 1 056 +6,7
Deliveries without China Thousand cars 811 774 +4,8
Production1 Thousand cars 1 152 1 037 +11,1
Production ŠKODA plants2 Thousand cars 776 694 +11,8
Sales3 Thousand cars 814 747 +9,0
Employees4 people 29 580 26 646 +11,0
Sales revenue Million EUR 13 705 12 486 +9,8
Operating profit Million EUR 1 197 915 +30,8
Return on Sales % +8,7 +7,3 -
Profit before tax Million EUR 1 173 846 +38,7
Profit after tax Million EUR 951 708 +34,3
Net Cash Flow Million EUR 1 057 913 +15,8
Investments (w/o capitalized
development costs)		 Million EUR 548 591 -7,3

1) ŠKODA brand worldwide
2) Comprises Production of the ŠKODA brand, without production in China, Slovakia, Russia or India, but does include other Group brands, such as SEAT, Audi and VW; Vehicle production without part/complete kits
3) Vehicle sales without part/complete kits
4) Number of employees without agency staff, but including trainees
Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

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