#ExploreŠkoda Podcast 2.0

Mladá Boleslav, 2 May 2024 – With the new Enyaq RS Race concept study, Škoda Auto is exploring new sustainability possibilities in motorsports while further enhancing the brand’s emotional appeal. Raising Škoda’s motorsport DNA to the next level, the Enyaq RS Race features an aggressive design highlighted by a massive rear wing. This concept offers insights into how motorsport technology can help accelerate the shift towards a dynamic and sustainable automotive future. It also serves as an ideal platform for the development and rigorous testing of cutting-edge electric technologies for future battery-electric production vehicles. This article was read by AI-generated voice

Mladá Boleslav, 2 May 2024 – Škoda Auto has begun 2024 with solid financial and sales results. Demand for the Czech car manufacturer’s models remains high: in the first three months of the year, Škoda Auto delivered 220,500 vehicles worldwide (+5.2%), while the order books continue to show promise. The return on sales (RoS) remains robust at 8.1%. Net cash flow reached €457 million (+10.7%). In the first quarter, there was a modest decline in sales revenue by 3.2%, totalling €6,574 million compared to the previous year, with an operating profit of €535 million, a decrease of 1.3%. This was partly due to rising material costs. In Germany, Škoda Auto’s largest single market, the company delivered 43,500 cars between January and March, up 3,300 units from the previous year. This represents the highest growth in deliveries for the brand in the first quarter of 2024. Poland and Ireland ranked second and third in sales growth. The Octavia remains the brand’s top-selling model, with 61,200 units delivered (+36%). Production of the upgraded version began in early April at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav. Additionally, the all-electric Enyaq model recorded global deliveries of 14,000 units, an increase of 12.3% compared to the same period in 2023. This article was read by AI-generated voice.

The all-new Škoda Kodiaq presents a more captivating design, comfortable seats, multifunctional Smart Dials controls and an extensive range of efficient engines. Our recent tour of this SUV in Barcelona revealed its highlights. What impressed us? A detailed conversation with Jil Katharina Mahler, Head of SUV Product Marketing at Škoda Auto.

Mladá Boleslav, 22 April 2024 – Škoda Auto has introduced its own ‘Curiosity Fuel’ coffee at its Czech plants and offices. The coffee, which is grown, roasted and packaged specially for the car manufacturer, preserves the local environment and supports fair and secure wages for local workers by adhering to Rainforest Alliance principles. Additionally, the coffee aims to ‘fuel curiosity’ about sustainable practices along the entire value chain. As a car manufacturer, Škoda takes a holistic approach to sustainability and focuses on minimising the footprint of its business activities along the whole value chain, driving sustainable growth and promoting circular economy principles: The coffee bean husks of Škoda’s Curiosity Fuel, which would otherwise be discarded as waste, are used to sustainably tan the leather for the seats in the Suite Design Selection of the Kodiaq and Octavia. This project is strongly supported by the KOVO trade unions. This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 18 April 2024 – Škoda will unveil the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo concept car on 24 April at 18:00 CEST. The world premiere will be broadcast live from the PLAYzone Arena in Prague and can be followed on the official Škoda Motorsport and Škoda Auto Česká republika YouTube channels. The event will also be streamed on the PLAYzoneCZ Twitch channel. Ahead of the premiere, the Czech car manufacturer has released a first teaser picture showcasing the taillights of the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo concept car. This article was read by AI-generated voice.

The enhanced MyŠkoda app impresses with its sleek design, user-friendly interface,and above all, a wide range of practical features conveniently consolidated in one place. What posed the most significant challenge during its development? All of these aspects and more were discussed by Škoda Auto experts Chloe Hoi Ying Wong and Adam Klas.

Mladá Boleslav, 8 April 2024 – Škoda Auto has launched series production of the refreshed Octavia at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav. The upgraded fourth generation of the brand’s bestseller features a redesigned Škoda grille, new second-generation LED matrix beam headlights and the integration of ChatGPT into the Laura voice assistant, among other enhancements. With Octavia production being transferred to the Kvasiny plant later this year, the Czech carmaker will create additional capacities in Mladá Boleslav. This article was read by AI-generated voice

Mladá Boleslav, 4 April 2024 – The refreshed MyŠkoda app now serves as a unified platform for owners of all current compatible Škoda models. It offers seamless vehicle access and introduces a wide range of new and further improved features, including smart services like Pay to Park and Pay to Fuel as well as Track & Explore and a loyalty program for users, initially rolled out in selected markets. Moreover, the integration of Powerpass into the app streamlines the charging process for electric Škoda vehicles, consolidating these services into one convenient, intuitively designed app. This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 28 March 2024 – Škoda Auto is opening a Volkswagen Group Technology Solutions India (VWITS) regional office in Prague. The new facility will strengthen collaboration and create new links with specialists in India, where VWITS operates one of its largest global IT centres. The strategic partnership and further development of in-house expertise underline Škoda Auto’s efforts towards advancing digitalisation, a cornerstone of the Next Level – Škoda Strategy 2030. This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Vehicle acoustics is becoming an increasingly important topic. What are the key trends in this field? How will car sounds evolve in the foreseeable future? And what makes electric vehicles distinct? These and many more topics were explored in our conversation with Jaromír Žák, Specialist of technical regulations for external noise at Škoda Auto.

Mladá Boleslav, 20 March 2024 – The 2023 Škoda Auto Sustainability Report provides a comprehensive overview of the Czech carmaker’s updated sustainability strategy, detailing initiatives and advancements across all Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) areas. Škoda Auto is dedicated to systematically reducing the environmental impact of its operations. At the same time, the company is committed to enhancing local ecosystems and offering international humanitarian aid, supporting individuals, communities, and regional development in Mladá Boleslav, Vrchlabí, and Kvasiny, where its sites are located. In addition to these efforts, the report includes insights into corporate governance, corporate culture policies, and the implementation of integrity tools. This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 20 March 2024 – This year marks the 65th anniversary of two iconic model designations, which have carved out their place in Škoda Auto’s current era: the Octavia and Felicia. Both vehicles were first presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1959, and subsequently in Leipzig. Launched in 1996, the modern Škoda Octavia has attracted over seven million customers in more than 60 markets across its four generations. This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 15 March 2024 – Small becomes epic: Škoda Auto has revealed the name of its battery-electric city SUV crossover, along with a design study showing a first glimpse of the new model. The Škoda Epiq, due to be unveiled in 2025, will cost around 25,000 euros. At 4.1 metres in length, it will feature a spacious interior and up to 490 litres of luggage capacity. The vehicle will fully incorporate the powerful, functional and authentic new Modern Solid design language – inside and out. This will be complemented by a flawless digital experience, with new technologies and assistance features. This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 15 March 2024 – The Škoda Auto Group achieved a record revenue of €26.5 billion in 2023 (2022: €21.0 billion; +26.2%). The company significantly increased its operating profit by 182.3% compared to the previous year to €1.8 billion (2022: €628 million euros). The Czech carmaker also improved its return on sales (RoS) to 6.7% (2022: 3%). Globally, Škoda Auto delivered 866,800 vehicles to customers last year (+18.5%). With 81,700 units sold, the Enyaq recorded the highest percentage growth among all models (+52.1%), making it one of the top-selling BEVs in many European markets. By entering the Vietnamese and Kazakh markets, the Czech car manufacturer continued to implement its internationalisation strategy. In addition, Škoda is also resolutely implementing its plans in the areas of digitalisation and electrification: The company is committed to investing billions of euros in e-mobility in the coming years. These strategic investments, coupled with the company’s robust financial performance, are essential for ensuring its long-term success in the rapidly evolving automotive industry. This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 13 March 2024 – This Friday at 10:00 CET, Škoda Auto will present its 2023 financial results and provide an outlook on its current developments and strategic plans via livestream. Additionally, Škoda Auto will offer an exclusive sneak peek of its design concept for a future entry-level BEV. The first sketch of the vehicle’s interior is also available on the Škoda Storyboard and the company’s social media channels. This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 7 March 2024 – Škoda Auto will be broadcasting this year’s Annual Press Conference live online on Friday, 15 March at 10:00 Central European Time. The livestream will be accessible on the Škoda Storyboard and the company’s official social media channels. The carmaker will present its 2023 key financial indicators and provide an outlook on its current developments and strategic plans. Additionally, Škoda Auto will share an exclusive sneak peek of its design concept for a future battery electric vehicle. This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 5 March 2024 – From 29 February to 1 March, Škoda Auto hosted the BeeGreen hackathon. The carmaker extended invitations to seven teams consisting of 60 international IT experts to take part in the competition. The participants were tasked with presenting innovative ideas aimed at enhancing the sustainability of the overall customer experience, developing GreenFuture business models, and improving supply chain management practices. The ETAS team won over the jury with their ideas and will have the opportunity to further develop their ‘Cycle App’ project with Škoda Auto. The event was opened by Karsten Schnake, Škoda Auto Board Member for Procurement, and Soňa Klepek Jonášová, a member of Škoda Auto’s External Sustainability Council and founder of the Institute of Circular Economy (INCIEN). This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 4 March 2024 – After laying the foundation stone in May 2022, Škoda Auto is pleased to announce the completion of its new headquarters in Mladá Boleslav, the Laurin & Klement Kampus (LKK). The first employees of the Czech automaker will begin working at the state-of-the-art facility this month. The new building complex is designed to foster interdepartmental collaboration and uphold the highest standards of sustainability. This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 29 February 2024 – Building on two decades as the Tour de France’s official main partner and vehicle provider, Škoda Auto announces the extension of the partnership to 2028. The renewed agreement with Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) also encompasses the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift as well as 18 other international cycling events, including five standalone women’s races. Both partners underline their commitment to sustainability, taking steps to further electrify the vehicle fleets used across all the races. This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 27 February, 2024 – Škoda Auto India has announced an all-new compact SUV as the next step of its product offensive in the country after Kushaq and Slavia. The strategically important new car in the popular compact segment – developed and built in India – will strengthen Škoda Auto’s position in the market and further accelerate the company’s internationalisation strategy. The sub 4 metre SUV will debut in India in the first half of 2025. This article was read by AI-generated voice.