#ExploreŠkoda Podcast 2.0

Mladá Boleslav/ Kvasiny, 17 January 2024 – Škoda Auto announces the launch of series production of the second-generation Kodiaq, its SUV flagship model, at the plant in Kvasiny, Czech Republic. In preparation, the company has made considerable investments into modernising both the production line and welding shop. By transferring the production of the new-generation Superb from Kvasiny to Bratislava, Slovakia, the Czech carmaker has created additional capacity at Kvasiny to manufacture the successful Kodiaq and Karoq SUV models.

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Mladá Boleslav, 12 January 2024 – In 2023, Škoda Auto achieved a notable increase in its vehicle deliveries, reaching a total of 866,800 units. This represents significant growth of 18.5% over the previous year. Germany continues to be the brand’s largest single market, with 157,800 vehicles delivered (+17.6%). Additionally, Škoda Auto posted a strong result in the Czech domestic market, with 87,800 deliveries (+23.4%). The strongest growth was recorded in Germany, the UK and the Czech Republic. The all-electric Enyaq series, which is among the best-selling EVs in many European markets, set a new record since its launch, with 81,700 vehicles sold (+52.1%). Moreover, by entering the Vietnamese and Kazakhstan markets in H2 2023, Škoda Auto is systematically advancing its internationalisation strategy.

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Mladá Boleslav, 10 January 2024 – Škoda Auto announces the integration of the AI-based chatbot ChatGPT into its Laura voice assistant. This important step will enhance the in-vehicle experience of many customers and help to make everyday life easier. Škoda models based on MEB GP and MQB EVO platforms will benefit from this new feature. They will be able to access a vast AI database and have content read out to them while driving. This new function is powered by Cerence Chat Pro from technology partner Cerence Inc., offering a unique, automotive-grade ChatGPT integration. Personal data and vehicle information are protected at all time.

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In the Austrian Alps we thoroughly tested the electric Škoda Enyaq for the model year 2024. How did the new engines handle challenging terrain? How has charging speed improved? How does the latest vehicle software version 4.0 perform? And what changes have taken place in the exterior and interior? Jiří Brynda, the spokesperson at Škoda Auto for Enyaq, answers these questions and much more.

Vrchlabí, 18 December 2023 – Škoda Auto is transforming its logistics processes to a uniform system under a Group-wide project called Project ONE Log. A new, standardised SAP solution will replace a large variety of existing systems. The Company thus consistently uses digitisation and centralisation to leverage potential for cost savings and increased flexibility in production & logistics. The project is the largest system changeover at the Vrchlabí plant over the last 25 years. 

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Mladá Boleslav, 14 December 2023 – The iconic circular Škoda logo with the winged arrow was first registered as a trademark at the patent office in Pilsen on 15 December 1923. Since its initial appearance on vehicles from Mladá Boleslav in 1925, the logo has only undergone a few modifications, with its original visual concept remaining practically unchanged. In August 2022, Škoda Auto introduced a comprehensive update to its corporate identity and also redesigned its picturemark. Aimed at improving visibility on digital platforms, this revamp ensures a more impactful look, especially on mobile devices. Learn more about the evolution of the Škoda logo on the Škoda Storyboard.

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Mladá Boleslav, 13 December 2023 – As an innovator in the digital arena, Škoda Auto is introducing its brand to younger audiences. The company has developed a unique gaming experience within the well-known online video game Fortnite. Through this initiative, featuring the new Fortnite Creative map ‘Out of Bounds Odyssey’, Škoda aims to engage potential future customers, who are increasingly spending time in the gaming world. The map is now available for players to explore.

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Dutch couple Renske Cox and Maarten van Pel embarked on an incredible journey across Africa in Škoda Enyaq 4x4. They managed half of the expedition solely on solar energy they generated themselves. How did this extreme adventure unfold? What do they consider the most extraordinary moment? And what are their future plans?

Mladá Boleslav, 8 December 2023 – Škoda Auto is steadily expanding its previously announced partnership with Allur in Kazakhstan. Martin Jahn, Board Member for Sales and Marketing, along with partner representatives in Astana, signed key documents shaping the future of this collaboration. Beyond sales and production, the companies agree to enhance technical training in Kazakhstan as part of the memorandum of understanding (MoU). The commitments include assembling vehicles from Semi Knocked Down (SKD) kits as well as exploring the feasibility of local production from Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits, potentially starting after 2025. During his visit, Jahn also met with Roman Sklyar, Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, to discuss strategic plans and the automotive industry in both countries.

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Mladá Boleslav/ Bratislava, 1 December 2023 – 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.

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Mladá Boleslav, 27 November 2023 – Škoda Auto has launched the global rollout of its new corporate identity (CI) across its extensive network of over 4,000 dealerships. The first showrooms featuring the new design are in Vietnam, and in Europe, the first revamped dealership is in Estonia. Additionally, Belgrade, Serbia, welcomed its first City Store completed in the new CI back in October. Meanwhile, a state-of-the-art showroom in Kuwait underlines Škoda Auto’s commitment to delivering a holistic digital customer experience and underscores the brand’s ongoing internationalisation strategy.

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The new Pay to Fuel service simplifies and speeds up the refueling process by allowing remote payment for fuel through the vehicle's infotainment system. How does this new feature work? What are its main advantages? In which countries is it available? Tomáš Dražil, Business Owner Digital Services at Škoda X, shares his insights.

Mladá Boleslav, 22 November 2023 – 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. 

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Mladá Boleslav, 22 November 2023 – 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.

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Mladá Boleslav, 20 November 2023 – 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. 

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Mladá Boleslav, 13 October 2023 – The Škoda pavilion at the Autostadt in Wolfsburg, Germany, has been completely redesigned. A host of interactive elements introduce visitors to the rich heritage of Škoda, one of the world’s oldest car manufacturers still active today. The exhibition also offers insights into the Czech carmaker’s evolution, its strides in electromobility, and future aspirations. Initial preparations for the new exhibition concept began in January 2023.

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Škoda unveiled the fourth generation of the Superb model in Dolní Břežany, Czech Republic. What are its key design innovations? What were the most intriguing aspects of its development? And which part of the preparation process was the most challenging? Exterior Design Coordinator Petr Matušinec at Škoda Auto, addresses all these questions and more.

Mladá Boleslav, 31 October 2023 – Škoda Auto is paving the way for carbon-neutral production at its Czech plants by the end of the decade. In cooperation with ČEZ ESCO and ŠKO-ENERGO, the car manufacturer has commissioned three rooftop photovoltaic systems at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav and the Škoda Parts Center logistics hub. Covering an area of over 10,000 m2, equivalent to more than 15 tennis courts, the new solar power plant is expected to generate more than 2 GWh of emission-free electricity annually with its more than 5,400 photovoltaic modules. This energy output could fully charge approximately 25,000 Enyaq 85 cars.

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Mladá Boleslav, 30 October 2023 – With a few clicks, Škoda owners can now create a Digital Certificate with verified details on their vehicle’s condition and service history within warranty time. This file is an official document from the manufacturer, compiling data from various sources, including the vehicle’s electronic service book. Customers consistently have reliable information about their vehicle at their fingertips without needing to visit a dealer or pay additional fees. The service is available for free on all European Škoda cars where Škoda Connect is provided. This website provides an overview of the respective countries for the respective features.

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Mladá Boleslav, 30 October 2023 – Škoda Auto is teasing the fourth-generation Superb, with a short clip offering a glimpse of both the exterior and interior highlights. The world premiere is slated for 2 November at 19:00 CET and will be broadcast live on the Škoda Storyboard and Škoda’s YouTube, X and LinkedIn channels.

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