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› History of the model dates back to 1959 
› Success of the OCTAVIA in the 90s laid the foundations for ŠKODA’s subsequent rise 
› Fourth generation of the OCTAVIA is even more spacious, safer, better connected and more emotive than any before it 

Mladá Boleslav, 20 February 2020 – The seven millionth ŠKODA OCTAVIA has rolled off the production line at ŠKODA’s main plant in Mladá Boleslav. The model’s beginnings date back to 1959. In the mid-90s, the first generation of the modern-day OCTAVIA was the first ŠKODA to be developed entirely under the umbrella of Volkswagen Group. Since then, the OCTAVIA’s success has provided the foundation on which the Czech carmaker has continued to flourish. ŠKODA delivered 363,700 units of its bestseller to customers in 2019 and celebrated the world premiere of the latest, fourth, generation in Prague in November of the same year. 

Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Production and Logistics, stressed, “The OCTAVIA is the heart of our brand. Having enjoyed success since the mid-90s, it has contributed significantly to transforming ŠKODA from a regional market leader into an internationally thriving carmaker that has now firmly established itself as a high-volume manufacturer. This milestone is therefore a very special event for us and is a great testament to the fantastic work of our colleagues in the Production and Logistics department.”

Featuring a generous amount of space and modern technology, the original OCTAVIA has been wowing customers since back in 1959. At the time, it was the eighth ŠKODA to feature the modern independent suspension for all wheels and also the Czech manufacturer’s eighth model since the Second World War. It was therefore given the name OCTAVIA – derived from ‘octo’, the Latin word for the number eight. In 12 years of production (saloon until 1964, estate until 1971), ŠKODA built approximately 400,000 units of the popular model.

A bestseller takes to the stage
At the ‘Mondial de l’Automobile’ in Paris in autumn 1996, ŠKODA presented the first generation of its modern-day OCTAVIA – the first ŠKODA in the lower mid-size car segment for decades. It was also the first model by the Czech manufacturer to be developed entirely under the umbrella of Volkswagen Group. The design and spaciousness of the saloon catered to the public’s taste and, in 1997, around 61,000 units rolled off the line. ŠKODA manufactured more than 117,500 the following year, almost doubling its production. By 2010, a total of 1,440,000 first-generation OCTAVIAs had been built – in the end in parallel with its successor.

ŠKODA began global production with the second-generation OCTAVIA
ŠKODA presented the second generation of the OCTAVIA to the global public at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2004. The car seamlessly continued the success story of its predecessor and impressed thanks to its timelessly elegant design and even more space in the interior. It had a larger boot and was also equipped with the latest technology. In addition to innovative petrol engines with direct injection, new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions were also available, including the direct-shift gearbox (DSG). A new multi-link rear axle ensured driving comfort, while safety was improved by ABS incl. Brake Assist, which came as standard in Europe, four airbags and new active headrests. ŠKODA built a total of approximately 2,500,000 second-generation OCTAVIAs.

Production of the OCTAVIA II at the Aurangabad plant in India began in 2005 and, in 2007, Shanghai Volkswagen (now SAIC Volkswagen Automotive Co. Ltd.) started manufacturing the second-generation OCTAVIA for the Chinese market. The OCTAVIA has also been rolling off the line at Volkswagen Group’s Kaluga plant in Russia since 2009.

Debut for the third-generation OCTAVIA
ŠKODA introduced the third generation of its bestseller in 2012 and started making the third-generation OCTAVIA in Ukraine and Kazakhstan the following year. In February 2017, the manufacturer comprehensively revised the OCTAVIA and refined the image of the successful model. With the introduction of its ŠKODA Connect mobile online services, for the first time the OCTAVIA was able to offer a range of connectivity solutions that were as advanced as they were comprehensive. ŠKODA has built around 2,600,000 third-generation OCTAVIAs to date.

Fourth generation celebrated its world premiere on 11 November 2019
The fourth generation of the bestseller made its debut in Prague on 11 November 2019. The new OCTAVIA is more spacious, safer, better connected and more emotive than any before it. It is longer and wider than its predecessor, has an even larger boot and boasts even more emotive visual touches thanks to the new ŠKODA design language. The new interior concept combines an extraordinary amount of space and outstanding functionality with high-quality materials and clever details. At the same time, innovative connectivity and new assistance systems raise comfort and safety to an even higher level.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› The name combines the ‘E’ for electric mobility with the characteristic ‘Q’ of ŠKODA’s SUV family 
› ŠKODA ENYAQ: name is derived from the Irish name ‘Enya’, meaning ‘source of life’
› First ŠKODA model to be based on the modular electrification toolkit (MEB) 

Mladá Boleslav, 12 February 2020 – ŠKODA ENYAQ: This is the name of ŠKODA’s first electric SUV based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB) to be launched in series production. With its first all-electric SUV, ŠKODA is establishing a new nomenclature that combines the ‘E’ in reference to electromobility with the ‘Q’ that characterises the final letter of ŠKODA’s successful SUV family. With the new ENYAQ, the Czech car manufacturer is taking another leap into the new era of electromobility in 2020.

The name of the new ŠKODA ENYAQ is derived from the Irish name ‘enya’, meaning ‘source of life’. Enya itself comes from the Irish Gaelic word ‘Eithne’, meaning ‘essence’, ‘spirit’ or ‘principle’. These different meanings allow different perspectives on the name of ŠKODA’s new SUV. The ‘source of life’ symbolises the car manufacturer’s entry into the new era of electromobility and is in line with the ŠKODA brand claim ‘Driven by inventiveness – clever ideas since 1895’. It represents a new beginning, which goes hand in hand with the temperament of the ŠKODA ENYAQ and the ŠKODA engineers’ passion and innovative strength for the new electric SUV. ‘Enya’ is authentic, full of character and lively, easy to pronounce and remember and fits perfectly with the dawn of a new era in the company’s 125-year history.

ENYAQ follows ŠKODA’s well-known SUV nomenclature
Like the names of ŠKODA’s successful SUV models KODIAQ, KAROQ and KAMIQ, which are derived from the language of the Inuit people living in northern Canada and Greenland, ŠKODA combines the future all-electric vehicles based on the MEB with the Irish language in a legendary northern region. The ‘E’ at the beginning of the name stands for electromobility; the ‘Q’ at the end creates a clear connection to the virtues of an SUV.

The ŠKODA ENYAQ is the Czech brand’s first series-production vehicle based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB) and the next of the series of more than ten electric models that will be launched under the ŠKODA iV sub-brand by the end of 2022. By 2025, ŠKODA expects all-electric vehicles and models with plug-in hybrid drives to account for 25% of sales. By 2021, the car manufacturer will have invested two billion euros in the development of electric models and a holistic, interconnected ecosystem for modern and environmentally friendly mobility solutions.

The first detailed photo offers a glimpse at the design of the ŠKODA ENYAQ. It shows the ‘ENYAQ’ lettering on the rear of the SUV, the brand’s second all-electric vehicle after the ŠKODA CITIGOᵉ iV.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› ŠKODA Connect now available in English throughout Europe via Google Home 
› ŠKODA Connect Alexa Skill and Google Home Action also offer information specific to electric models
› Alexa now understands also Spanish and Italian

Mladá Boleslav, 28 January 2020 – ŠKODA Connect can now also be used via Google Home and enables data and information about a ŠKODA vehicle to be queried in English. The Czech brand has also expanded the functions of ŠKODA Connect Alexa Skill. In addition, the latest version of the Amazon voice assistant Alexa Skill can call up information specific to electric vehicles. In all ŠKODA iV models, Alexa now understands English, French and German as well as Spanish and Italian.

Intelligent voice assistants, such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa, are becoming increasingly popular and make everyday life easier. ŠKODA has taken this into account with ŠKODA Connect Amazon Skill and the new Google Home ŠKODA Connect Action and extended new functions. With both voice assistants, the current parking location and vehicle data can be accessed easily and conveniently from home via ŠKODA Connect.

Remote vehicle unlocking and status query via Google Home
With the first version of the new Google Home ŠKODA Connect Action, it will initially be possible to access information and control the vehicle remotely in English – other languages will be available soon. The voice assistant can, for example, communicate the vehicle and engine type as well as the current vehicle status and submit a vehicle status report. Google Home can inform users of the oil level and the next dates for an oil change and inspection, as well as the current fuel level and driving range. Driving data such as distance travelled, average fuel consumption and speed and mileage can be accessed, as well as the last parking location. The voice assistant can also advise whether all the windows and doors are closed, the lights are off and the ŠKODA vehicle is locked.

New languages for Alexa Skill and new functions for voice assistants
After updating to the latest version, the voice assistant ŠKODA Connect Alexa Skill, which was introduced in 2018, now understands questions in five languages in all ŠKODA models: in addition to English, French and German, it can now also communicate in Spanish and Italian. In the all-electric ŠKODA CITIGOᵉ iV and the ŠKODA SUPERB iV with plug-in hybrid drive, voice assistants can be used to query the current status of the lithium-ion battery as well as the charge level and the corresponding electrical range. The air conditioning or heating can also be controlled by voice command before a journey. In addition, charging can be started or stopped remotely.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› ŠKODA AUTO is a guest at the international classic car exhibition Rétromobile in Paris
› ŠKODA’s appearance at the trade fair focuses on the 125th anniversary of its founding 
› Highlights: Replica of the SLAVIA bicycle from 1896, the only surviving Laurin & Klement BSC, ŠKODA Sport from 1949, OCTAVIA from 1960 and the electric concept vehicle ŠKODA VISION E from 2017

Mladá Boleslav, 4 February 2020 – This year, ŠKODA AUTO is celebrating the 125th anniversary of the company’s founding. The theme of brand’s appearance at the international classic car trade fair ‘Rétromobile’, which takes place from 5 to 9 February 2020 , focuses on this occasion. With vehicles from several eras, ŠKODA is retracing the long journey of the company. In addition to historic vehicles, the battery-powered concept study VISION E heralds a new era at ŠKODA – the age of electromobility.

ŠKODA’s oldest exhibit in the exhibition halls at Porte de Versailles, a replica of the SLAVIA bicycle from 1896, represents the beginnings of the now global company. ŠKODA AUTO’s 125-year journey started in 1895. That year, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, the company’s founding fathers, began their business repairing bicycles. They soon started producing their own bicycle models under the brand name SLAVIA. The faithful replica of the famous model from 1896 being exhibited at the Rétromobile rolled into the spotlight last year: As part of the ‘L’Etape du Tour’, where amateur cyclists can compete in an original stage of the Tour de France, the Prague classic bike fan Vladimír Vidim ascended the 2,365-metre mountain stage on the SLAVIA. While the racing bikes at the Tour de France, of which ŠKODA is the official main sponsor and vehicle partner, are true lightweights, the SLAVIA weighs in at almost twice as much as today’s racing machines at 18 kilograms. It has only one gear and has neither a freewheel nor brakes – so the riders had to rely on the strength of their legs even downhill. The video of the mountain stage with the SLAVIA bike can be found on the ŠKODA Storyboard.

As early as 1901, the up-and-coming company from Mladá Boleslav was also involved in motorsport. The Laurin & Klement BSC is one of the most successful early racers. The sports car, of which only twelve were built, won the Paris – Berlin race in 1908, among others. ŠKODA is exhibiting the only surviving copy at the Rétromobile. The engine number 5635 confirms the originality of this unique vehicle, which rolled out of the factory on 12 July 1908. Following an extensive restoration, it is now part of the ŠKODA Museum in Mladá Boleslav. The Voiturette sports car is powered by a water-cooled, in-line two-cylinder engine with an output of 12 hp (8.8 kW), which it draws from a displacement of 1,399 cm³. The two-seater reaches a top speed of 75 km/h.

Only two ŠKODA Sport were made in Mladá Boleslav in 1949. The model is based on the successful ŠKODA 1101 ‘TUDOR’. In June 1950, the driver duo Václav Bobek and Jaroslav Netušil headed to the start line of the legendary 24-hour race in France in that car. After a promising start and 13 hours of driving, a tiny component in the engine malfunctioned, causing the pair to drop out. Due to the worsening global political situation, that was the last time the ŠKODA factory team took part in Le Mans for years to come. The ŠKODA Sport from a private collection exhibited in Paris took part in more than 70 motorsport events between 1949 and 1962. This year, the ŠKODA Sport returns to the famous race track on the Sarthe at the Le Mans Classic 2020.

The brand’s bestseller, the OCTAVIA, which has been built since 1959, represents ŠKODA’s successful series production at Rétromobile. The ŠKODA Museum is sending a 1960 model produced in the standard two-door version with a 1,089 cm³ engine and 40 hp (29 kW) output to Paris. That year, ŠKODA also expanded the model range to include the first OCTAVIA COMBI. The OCTAVIA model family and the convertible FELICIA derived from it were exported to several dozen countries around the world. Celebrating a winning streak in the <1,300 cm³ class at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1961, 1962 and 1963, the OCTAVIA TS also made its way into the annals of motorsport.

While the first four exhibits at Rétromobile highlight the diverse tradition of the car manufacturer from Mladá Boleslav, the fifth exhibit points to the future: In 2017, ŠKODA presented the VISION E concept study. The 4,645 mm long ŠKODA VISION E has an extremely spacious interior with four swivel seats and rear doors hinged at the back, making it easier to get in. Two electric motors with a total output of 225 kW (306 hp) drive all four wheels, accelerating the model to a top speed of 180 km/h. The powerful lithium-ion battery and optimal recuperation enable a range of up to 500 kilometres.

The 45th run of the Rétromobile will take place from 5 to 9 February 2020 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. In a space covering 72,000 square metres, 620 exhibitors – including 120 brand clubs – will be showing more than 1,000 classic vehicles as well as parts, accessories and services.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› ŠKODA 130 RS: first milestone in the 45-year history of RS performance models
› RS variant accounts for twenty per cent of third-gen OCTAVIA sales in various markets
› New OCTAVIA iV set to continue distinguished history with first plug-in hybrid RS model

Mladá Boleslav, 23 January 2019 – For more than 45 years, the RS letter combination has “electrified” fans of ŠKODA performance models. The abbreviation RS stands for “Rally Sport”. In addition to its association with successful race cars such as the legendary ŠKODA 130 RS, it has graced the sportiest versions of the Czech car maker’s production models since the year 2000. Now, the fourth-generation ŠKODA OCTAVIA is all set to add a new chapter to the distinguished RS history, with a first plug-in hybrid powertrain – twenty years after the debut of the first OCTAVIA RS.

For over 45 years, ŠKODA has enjoyed success on rally routes and race tracks courtesy of its RS family, which over the past couple of decades has also been adding a touch of sensible sportiness to the road via the RS production models. The history of the RS letter combination goes back to 1974, when the manufacturer first used it as a shorthand for “Rally Sport” in the model designations of the ŠKODA 180 RS and 200 RS rally prototypes built at the time. Since then, and in no small part due to the considerable achievements of the ŠKODA 130 RS in the 70s and 80s, this dynamic acronym has achieved legendary status and become synonymous with motor racing. Since the year 2000, RS production models – consistently designed for outstanding performance – have added to this success story, with a model range that has comprised OCTAVIA RS, FABIA RS and KODIAQ RS variants.

Milestone: ŠKODA 130 RS
After successful tests with the 180 RS and 200 RS rally prototypes, 1975 sees ŠKODA present a car designed for regular use on the race track, in the shape of the ŠKODA 130 RS. Its consistent lightweight construction, with aluminium body components (roof and door outer panels) and glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) parts (wings and bonnet), ensures that the successful two-door coupé based on the ŠKODA 110 R production model weighs only 720 kilos. The rear-wheel-drive race car has a 1.3-litre engine delivering 140 PS and garners numerous victories on the international rally circuit and on the race track until 1983. In 1977 the 130 RS wins the first two places in its class at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally and also takes top place at the Acropolis Rally. On the race track, it becomes the overall winner at the 1981 European Touring Car Championship.

Star production model: the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS
In the year 2000, ŠKODA enters the World Rally Championship with its OCTAVIA WRC, while simultaneously introducing the RS letter combination for a production model. From then on, the RS moniker identifies a model series’ performance variant, a car that perfectly combines driving pleasure with the traditional pragmatic benefits of a ŠKODA. Launched twenty years ago, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS is the first model of a product family destined for success, with a 1.8-litre turbo engine delivering an exhilarating 132 kW (180 PS) of power. Offered first as a saloon and a year later also as a COMBI estate, this model is manufactured until 2005, reaching a production total of over 17,600 units. The second-generation OCTAVIA RS can be ordered with a 2.0 TFSI petrol engine providing 147 kW (200 PS) as well as, for the first time, a diesel engine: the 2.0 TDI has an output of 125 kW (170 PS), and all model variants are once again available in saloon and COMBI estate format. And with over 87,800 vehicles rolling off the production line, the OCTAVIA RS hits the overall production mark of 100,000 vehicles before its second generation comes to a close.

The third-generation OCTAVIA launched in 2013 is even more successful and introduces the continuous reflective red strip at the rear that has since become a hallmark of all RS models. The 2.0 TSI is launched with an output of 162 kW (220 PS), while the 2.0 TDI now delivers 135 kW (184 PS) and can for the first time also be ordered with all-wheel drive. Later on, the petrol engine produces 169 kW (230 PS) and a remarkable 180 kW (245 PS) in the OCTAVIA RS 245. As usual, the third generation is available both as a saloon and a COMBI estate and becomes a big hit with the brand’s fans. In Germany, Britain and Switzerland, the RS models achieve a share of over 20 per cent of sales within the OCTAVIA model series. Overall production figures for the third-generation ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS clock in at 172,000 units.

A new addition to the family: the ŠKODA FABIA RS
The year 2003 sees ŠKODA expand the RS family with the new FABIA RS. It is introduced at the Geneva Motor Show and serves as the basis for the new FABIA WRC rally car presented at the same time. The FABIA RS is the only FABIA to use the 1.9 TDI engine, which delivers 96 kW (130 PS) and combines excellent performance with a fuel consumption of just 5.6 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. This car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and has a top speed of 204 km/h. 2010 welcomes the arrival of the second-generation FABIA’s RS variant, powered by a 132-kW (180-PS) 1.4-litre petrol engine featuring both a turbocharger and a supercharger as well as a seven-speed DSG. For the first time, the FABIA RS is also available as a COMBI estate.

Record holder: the ŠKODA KODIAQ RS
The KODIAQ RS launched in 2018 is the first SUV to join the RS family, establishing its sporty credentials with a 9:29.84-minute lap record for seven-seater SUVs on the Nürburgring race track’s legendary 20.832-kilometre North Loop. This car’s 2.0 TDI has an output of 176 kW (240 PS) and delivers a winning combination of performance and sustainability. The Dynamic Sound Boost provides the exhilarating acoustic backdrop for the most powerful KODIAQ.

To be continued: the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS iV
It won’t be long now before the fourth-generation ŠKODA OCTAVIA will add the next chapter to the successful history of the RS family. The OCTAVIA RS iV will be the first ŠKODA performance model to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It will have its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, which runs from 3 to 15 March 2020.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com