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Škoda Auto is celebrating the production of its three-millionth SUV, a black Škoda Kodiaq Sportline, which rolled off the production line at the Kvasiny plant. After Škoda first entered the SUV segment with the Škoda Yeti in 2009, the vehicles have quickly become an integral part of the Czech carmaker’s portfolio. Over the course of its successful SUV campaign, Škoda has introduced the Kodiaq, Karoq and Kamiq series as well as its first all-electric MEB-based SUV model, the Enyaq. Boosted by the Kushaq’s success in India, SUVs now represent nearly half of Škoda’s global deliveries.

“Producing three million SUVs since 2009 is a fantastic achievement for our entire team. This milestone highlights the evolution of our customers’ preferences and our flexibility in meeting their needs. Today, almost 50% of the vehicles we deliver are SUVs. Our mission is clear: We are wholly committed to electrifying our SUV lineup and adapting our production facilities. Challenge accepted!”

Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics

In the Czech Republic, Škoda manufactures the Kamiq, Enyaq, and Enyaq Coupé at the Mladá Boleslav facility, while the Karoq and Kodiaq roll off the production line in Kvasiny. Additionally, the automaker builds its SUV models in China, India, Ukraine, and Slovakia.

The Yeti: Škoda’s first SUV model
In 2009, Škoda Auto launched what was then its fifth model series – the Yeti. The Czech car manufacturer’s first SUV was compact and boasted typical SUV characteristics like a raised seating position and spaciousness, complemented by Simply Clever features like VarioFlex rear seats. With more than 684,000 units produced, the Yeti’s production concluded in 2018. Its success laid the foundation for Škoda’s comprehensive SUV campaign.

The Kodiaq: Pioneering the SUV campaign and anticipating the next generation
The Kodiaq made its global debut in September 2016. The Kodiaq RS, introduced in autumn 2018, was the first SUV in the sporty Škoda RS family. To date, more than 841,000 units of the brand’s largest SUV have been produced. In the coming weeks, Škoda is set to unveil the second-generation Kodiaq, which will feature a plug-in hybrid variant with an electric range exceeding 100 kilometres.

Škoda Karoq: accelerating the SUV campaign
In 2017, Škoda presented the Karoq as the second model in its SUV line-up. This compact model quickly became a cornerstone of Škoda’s current portfolio, with over 705,000 units produced. By 2021, the Karoq was available in 60 countries and ranked third in terms of total deliveries after the best-selling Octavia and the Kamiq city SUV. The 2022 update introduced a more refined design language and incorporated sustainable materials.

Škoda Kamiq: Entering the city SUV segment
With the Kamiq, Škoda added an SUV series in the rapidly growing city SUV segment to its line-up. Since its 2019 launch, over 537,000 units of the Kamiq, including the Kamiq GT in China, have rolled off the production line. This success positioned it as Škoda’s best-selling SUV in both 2021 and 2022. In August, Škoda showcased updated versions of the Kamiq, featuring improvements in design, safety, and connectivity.

The Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé: Entering the electric era with an SUV
In September 2020, Škoda Auto marked a pivotal moment in its e-mobility strategy by launching the Enyaq, its first production model based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB). In January 2022, the Enyaq Coupé was introduced, boasting an emotive design, sporty aesthetics, and a roomy interior. To date, over 166,000 units of the Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé have been produced at the Mladá Boleslav plant.

The Kushaq: Made in India for India
Introduced in 2021, the Škoda Kushaq is the brand’s first locally manufactured model in India. With close to 64,000 units produced since its launch, the Kushaq underscores Škoda’s commitment to the Indian market. Leveraging existing synergies for dynamic growth markets, the first Kushaq vehicles from the Pune plant will be exported to Vietnam as CKD (Completely Knocked Down) units, set for final assembly there from the second half of 2024 onwards.

Trekka: Škoda’s trailblazing forerunner
The all-rounder Trekka, introduced in 1966, is the forerunner of today’s Škoda SUV models. Developed in collaboration with a local Škoda importer and other New Zealand-based companies, it is distinguished as the first vehicle fully designed and manufactured in New Zealand. Technical kits from Mladá Boleslav, comprising engines and transmissions among other components, were shipped to New Zealand for assembly. By 1972, the Ōtāhuhu factory had produced nearly 3,000 units of the Trekka.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The new generations of Škoda’s Superb and Kodiaq model series have successfully completed an intensive international test programme. The Czech carmaker put both models through their paces ahead of their upcoming world premieres. Over a period of two years, they covered more than a million kilometres. The test drives exposed the cars to temperatures of -30 °C north of the Arctic Circle as well as almost 50 °C in the Arizona desert. Moreover, Škoda Auto had them towing trailers on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road and tested various charging infrastructures for the variants with plug-in-hybrid drivetrains. With numerous additional endurance and material assessments on test rigs and in the laboratory, Škoda simulates 40 years of real-world vehicle use prior to the model’s launch.

“We live by the words of our founders Laurin and Klement from 1895: Only the best is good enough for our customers. For that reason, we push our cars to the limit, simulating and testing everything our customers might face during their journeys. Our vehicles complete well over a million kilometres in urban traffic, on country roads and on motorways within a few months – a distance an average customer would need 40 years to cover.”

Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development

“Before the start of series production, we assess all of the roughly 7,000 components. Our rigorous test programmes yield precise data on each part’s resilience, durability, and overall quality. From these extreme tests, we gain insights into factors like thermal endurance and even the durability of paints and finishes. We are committed to identifying and implementing any necessary adjustments.”

Florian Weymar, Head of Škoda Auto Quality Assurance

Extensive tests to examine all components of a new model generation
While the first virtual tests for a new model start roughly four years before its debut, real-world drives begin around two years after. These sessions thoroughly examine the vehicle’s overall quality and durability – from its chassis and body to its powertrain and electrical systems, ensuring performance even under the harshest conditions. In addition, many individual components and entire assemblies, such as the new DCC Pro system and the new TOP LED Matrix headlights, are tested on special test rigs and in the laboratory.

Confronting the extremes: Arctic cold to desert heat
Ahead of their upcoming world premieres, the new generations of the Superb and Kodiaq endured tests under the most severe weather conditions. The vehicles were exposed to temperatures as low as -30 °C north of the Arctic Circle as well as tests in the searing heat of Spain, Africa and the Arizona desert at temperatures of up to 50 °C. The assessments also revealed details on the thermal behaviour of the new plug-in-hybrid drivetrain.

Additional focus areas: towing and charging evaluations
On the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in the Austrian Alps, the all-new Superb and Kodiaq successfully proved their worth as towing vehicles. These mountain road tests, with inclines reaching 13%, offered valuable insights into brake efficiency and thermal regulation. As both models series will be also available as PHEV versions with an electric range of over 100 kilometres, Škoda took the initiative to also assess varied charging options and infrastructure.

Having successfully completed the intense testing programme, both model series are now ready for their world premieres in the coming weeks. The new vehicle generations round off the upper end of Škoda’s comprehensive product portfolio that caters the diverse preferences its global customers.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Škoda Auto, about to release the fourth generation of its ICE flagship model series, the Superb, will once again complement its popular Combi estate with an elegant hatchback. The new iteration of this traditional body variant has grown in length and height and at the same time become even more aerodynamic. Its sculptural Škoda design has evolved further and now features a redesigned octagonal Škoda grille and updated door handles. The wide range of powertrains for the new Superb now also includes a mild hybrid. The interior has been completely redesigned. For the first time in the Superb, it comes with a head-up display and a central infotainment display that has grown in size to 13 inches. The gearshift lever, now positioned on the steering column, makes for a roomier centre console. Below the central display are the new Škoda Smart Dials. These rotary push-buttons, each with a small digital display, allow quick and easy access to many vehicle functions. The interior is marked by sustainable materials; the textiles used are made of 100 percent recycled polyester.

Premiere for mild-hybrid drive
The fourth-generation Superb hatchback is available for the first time with mild-hybrid technology. In the 1.5 TSI entry-level model with 110 kW (150 hp), the four-cylinder petrol engine is supplemented with a 48-volt belt-driven starter-generator and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery. This enables energy recuperation during braking. The energy thus recovered is stored in the battery and can be used to support the internal-combustion engine with an electric power boost, or to allow the vehicle to coast with the engine completely switched off. In addition to the 1.5 TSI, Škoda offers two 2.0 TSI units with 150 kW (204 hp) and 195 kW (265 hp). Like the most powerful diesel, a 2.0 TDI with 142 kW (193 hp), the top petrol unit comes with all-wheel drive as standard. The generous engine roster is rounded off by a 2.0 TDI with 110 kW (150 hp). For the first time at Škoda, all Superb engines are mated to a DSG as standard. All powerplants meet the Euro 6d emissions standard.

Even more space and improved aerodynamics
Compared to its predecessor, the new Škoda Superb hatchback has grown in length by 43 millimetres to 4,912 millimetres and in height by twelve millimetres to 1,481 millimetres. This makes for eleven millimetres more headroom in the front and six millimetres more for rear passengers. Luggage capacity has increased by 20 to 645 litres. Vehicle width, at 1,834 millimetres, and the wheelbase, measuring 2,841 millimetres, have remained unchanged. Optimised air intakes and detailed work on the occupant cell, rear and exterior mirrors have improved aerodynamics, resulting in a c_d drag coefficient of just 0.24. The latest iteration of the Superb design language features many of the Škoda brand’s signature sculptural lines.

Completely new interior concept and various Design Selections
The redesigned interior of the Superb now features a free-standing central display with a screen diagonal of up to 13 inches. It is complemented by a head-up display, a first for Škoda’s ICE flagship model, and the new Škoda Smart Dials. These are three rotary push-buttons below the infotainment screen, each featuring a digital display with a diameter of 32 millimetres. The Smart Dials provide quick and easy access to many vehicle functions. The redesigned centre console has a tidy, more spacious and organised look, since the gear lever is now located directly on the steering column. The traditional Active, Ambition, and Style trim levels have been replaced by new options: Essence and Selection, complemented by the Sportline and Laurin & Klement versions. Each of these features a unique interior design, blending contemporary concepts with an emphasis on sustainable materials.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The Wallbox is an electrical device that makes it easy to charge an electric car, especially in home conditions or in shared garages. The Wallbox connects to the three-phase electricity supply and thus allows the electric car or plug-in hybrid to be charged faster and more conveniently than from a conventional 230 V power socket. ŠKODA offers customers three types of wallbox: the ŠKODA iV Charger, the ŠKODA iV Charger Connect and the ŠKODA iV Charger Connect+.

The basic version only supports faster charging and has no connectivity functions, so it is primarily intended for use in the private garage of a house. The ŠKODA Charger Connect version has an internet connection function via wi-fi or LAN cable, allowing the user to monitor the charging status, Wallbox occupancy and other parameters via a mobile app. At the same time, this Wallbox has an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader for user authorisation using a smart card. This means that the Wallbox can be used by multiple users – but charging on it is activated only by those who have the appropriate authorisation card (access can be set individually for users). This solution is suitable, for example, for shared underground garages, where it prevents unauthorised charging.

The most sophisticated ŠKODA iV Charger Connect+ also adds an LTE module for connection via mobile operator networks and a certified electricity meter to its technical arsenal, which enables the Wallbox operator to divide charging costs between individual users. This is also useful for anyone who charges a company car at home. because the data from the certified meter can be used by the employer to calculate the amount of reimbursement necessary for the vehicle’s electricity consumption.

Wallboxes can be ordered from ŠKODA dealers, who will also be happy to help with installation. An inspection of the installation site by a certified installation partner, known as a Home Check, will determine the complexity of the installation as a whole, which differs from customer to customer depending on the local conditions.

Article source: /www.skoda-storyboard.com

Ahead of the world premieres of the new Kodiaq and Superb generations, Škoda is unveiling their completely redesigned interiors, featuring a digital cockpit, a head-up display and a 13-inch free-standing infotainment display. The DSG gear selector has been moved to the steering column, now giving front passengers more space, while a roomy centre console offers more storage. Enhancing onboard operation, the customisable Škoda Smart Dials allow for easy control. Each rotary push-button provides intuitive access to various vehicle functions, and a digital display ensures a quick, comprehensive overview at any time. In a move toward greater sustainability, Škoda now uses upholstery made from 100% recycled polyester for both the new Kodiaq and Superb.

“Škoda interiors stand for intuitiveness, simplicity, customer focus, and smart solutions. Our latest innovation, Škoda Smart Dials, has expanded the intuitive options for controlling the car’s functions, combining the best of both worlds: physical controls and digital displays. The fresh interiors of the Kodiaq and Superb now feature a large, free-standing display, a steering column-mounted gear selector, and an uncluttered centre console. These enhancements have paved the way for a more spacious and cosy interior that not only catches the eye but also offers practicality and genuine added value for our customers.”

Peter Olah, Head of Interior Design at Škoda Auto

Innovative new features for even more comfort onboard
Škoda has redesigned the interiors of both upcoming models, including enhancements to the steering wheel, instrument cluster, dashboard, and decorative trim. A Škoda first: the gear selector has moved to the steering column in both models, making it particularly accessible. As a result, the centre console has a tidy, clearly structured layout, opening up additional space for the front passengers. Other firsts in the Kodiaq and the Superb include a head-up display complementing the 10-inch Virtual Cockpit, and a free-standing central infotainment display that is larger than ever, measuring 13 inches diagonally. Also debuting in both models, Škoda Smart Dials are innovative rotary push-buttons that cleverly integrate haptic and digital components for a more intuitive experience.

Škoda Smart Dials: Push-buttons with digital displays
With the introduction of Škoda Smart Dials, the Czech carmaker is taking the proven combination of haptic and digital controls in its vehicles to the next level. This entirely new approach consists of three rotary push-buttons below the infotainment screen, each with a 32-millimetre digital display. These allow quick access to numerous vehicle functions based on the equipment level. The two outer Smart Dials for the driver and front passenger control the interior temperature, seat heating, and seat ventilation, displaying the currently active function. The centre Smart Dial controls up to four different functions, such as the infotainment volume, fan speed, air direction, smart air conditioning, driving modes, and map zoom. The central Smart Dial is configured via the infotainment system menu, and pressing the button switches between functions.

Expanded range of Simply Clever features
The quest for enhanced comfort onboard is evident in the new additions, including the Phone Box with fast inductive smartphone charging capabilities of up to 15 W – and in the Kodiaq, this extends to two phones – paired with an active cooling function. Additionally, passengers benefit from up to four USB-C ports with a power output of 45 W, as well as a convenient 15 W USB-C port on the rear-view mirror. Not to be overlooked, the new Kodiaq is available with ergo seats complete with a pneumatic massage function. Rear-seat passengers will also appreciate a fresh storage compartment in the centre tunnel. In the Superb, a redesigned steering wheel, instrument cluster and decorative trim elements blend seamlessly with enhanced optional massage seats. These now include ten pneumatically controlled massage cushions and an extensive selection of programs, with four-way adjustable lumbar support. Matching the Kodiaq, all heating functions for the seats, steering wheel, windscreen, and rear window can be conveniently managed via a configurable Heaters button in the climate control menu.

Sustainable materials for all textiles and two popular Simply Clever features
Škoda demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by using environmentally responsible materials for all interior textiles, as well as for two iconic Simply Clever features: the umbrella in the driver’s door and the ice scraper. Continuing the approach of other Škoda models, the traditional equipment lines have been replaced by the Design Selections concept: In the Kodiaq, customers can opt for Loft, Lounge, or ecoSuite in Black or Cognac, with textiles crafted from 100% recycled polyester. The leather in the ecoSuite Design Selection benefits from an eco-friendly tanning process using coffee bean processing residues. For the fourth-generation Superb, the Essence trim level includes the Design Selection Studio, with choices for the Selection trim level encompassing Loft and Lounge, as well as the Design Selection Suite in Black and Cognac. The top L&K model extends the offer with the Design Selection L&K Suite in Black and Cognac, boasting leather sustainably tanned using wastewater from olive processing.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

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