Skoda Garage London Blog - Skoda Garage London - London's best independent Skoda Garage London

› ŠKODA AUTO was founded in 1895, making it one of the world’s oldest automobile manufacturers still active today
› ŠKODA AUTO is celebrating its 125th anniversary with numerous activities, promotions and events around the world
› The company is also celebrating 115 years since the launch of car manufacturing
› Anniversaries of many of the brand’s historically significant models
› ŠKODA AUTO enters a new era of individual mobility from a position of strength

Mladá Boleslav, 14 January 2020 – Anniversary year for ŠKODA AUTO: The car manufacturer celebrates 125 years since its founding and 115 years since the company launched automobile production. Several of the brand’s historically important models are also celebrating jubilees this year.

ŠKODA AUTO CEO Bernhard Maier emphasises: “ŠKODA AUTO is one of the world’s five oldest automobile manufacturers still active today. The courage and ingenuity of the two founders, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, are the cornerstone of this unique success story and at the same time an obligation and incentive to lead the company towards a prosperous future. This is precisely what we are doing through our Strategy 2025, transforming ŠKODA AUTO from a car manufacturer into a ‘Simply Clever Company for the best mobility solutions’.”

In pursuing this goal, ŠKODA AUTO is continuing along its path towards electromobility in 2020, presenting the series-production version of the VISION iV in the first half of the year. The 125th anniversary of the company’s founding thus also marks the beginning of a new era for the manufacturer: the all-electric SUV is the brand’s first vehicle to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Platform (MEB). As part of its ongoing product campaign, ŠKODA will be launching 30 new models from 2019 to the end of 2022, more than ten of which will be partially or fully electric.

The company founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement laid the foundations for ŠKODA’s rise to become an internationally successful car manufacturer in December 1895: the repair and production of bicycles began in the central Bohemian town of Mladá Boleslav. The company named after them,

Laurin & Klement (L&K), would soon offer numerous two and three-wheelers in several dozen versions, and the production of motorcycles started in 1899. The technically innovative models soon gained in popularity for example in England, one of the most demanding export markets.

The first Laurin & Klement automobile, the Voiturette A, made its debut as early as 1905. It quickly proved to be a high-quality everyday vehicle with an excellent price-performance ratio. L&K comprehensively expanded its model range and soon also offered high-performance sports and commercial vehicles that would win over drivers around the world. One hundred fifteen years later, the automobile manufacturer is active in more than 100 markets, delivering 1.24 million vehicles to customers worldwide every year.

The basis for the further development of this success story was the 1925 merger of Laurin & Klement and the mechanical engineering group Škoda, which secured the necessary capital for expansion. Since then, the winged arrow has been featured in the brand logo of the vehicles from Mladá Boleslav.

ŠKODA AUTO is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2020 with numerous activities, campaigns and events for the company’s employees, fans of the brand and automotive enthusiasts. For example, historically significant models will be taking part in driving events in China and India as well as other international markets. A special concert by the world-renowned Czech Philharmonic will be a highlight in the year of festivities. Also, for this anniversary year, ŠKODA is launching an extensive marketing and communication campaign on all the brand’s social networks and the company’s website, ŠKODA Storyboard, under the slogan ‘Driving inventivenes since 1895’.

Throughout the company’s history, the Czech and international production sites have built many historically significant ŠKODA models, some of which will be celebrating the anniversary of their world premieres or market launches in 2020: for example, 85 years ago, in 1935, ŠKODA showcased the fascinating ŠKODA 935 Dynamic with its streamlined body.

Sixty years ago, in September 1960, ŠKODA presented the first ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI at the International Engineering Fair in Brno, and the elegant 2+2 coupé ŠKODA 110 R made its debut in 1970. The 70th anniversary of factory crew´s 1950 participation in the 24-hour Le Mans in a ŠKODA Sport commemorates ŠKODA AUTO’s long tradition in motorsport.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› Compact SUV with a wide bonnet, solid ŠKODA grille and striking rear view
› VISION IN premieres at Auto Expo 2020 in New Delhi from 5 to 12 February 2020
› ŠKODA AUTO has overall responsibility for the activities of the Volkswagen Group brands in India

Mladá Boleslav/New Delhi, 8 January 2020 – Solid, striking, muscular: Two design sketches give a first impression of the extroverted exterior of the new ŠKODA VISION IN. The approximately 4.26-metre-long concept study is a forerunner of a compact SUV designed especially for the Indian market, the production of which will start in 2020. The VISION IN will make its first public appearance at Auto Expo 2020 in New Delhi (5 to 12 February).

The first design sketch shows the dynamic front of the visually compelling SUV concept study. In addition to a wide bonnet, a large ŠKODA grille with solid ribs shapes the visual impression. The upper, very flat units of the split headlights progress directly to the grille. Beneath is a robustly designed front apron with large side air intakes and a massive front spoiler made of aluminium.

The second sketch illustrates a clearly structured, distinctive rear with sharply contoured, three-dimensional rear lights; an additional horizontal light strip connects the reflectors. Illuminated ŠKODA lettering is prominently positioned in the centre of the rear; an aluminium diffuser is integrated into the rear apron underneath.

As part of the INDIA 2.0 project, ŠKODA AUTO is leading the activities of the Volkswagen Group brands on the Indian sub-continent. Several cross-brand ŠKODA and Volkswagen models will be created based on the MQB A0 IN variant of the Modular Transverse Matrix, which the Czech car manufacturer is developing with a focus on India and Indian customers. The new localised sub-compact platform is being showcased for the first time in the ŠKODA VISION IN.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› ŠKODA works driver advises driving with foresight in challenging weather conditions
› “Adjust speed, maintain adequate distance from the car in front and avoid distractions”
› Winter tyres with a sufficient tread depth of at least four millimetres are a must

Mladá Boleslav, 27 December 2019 – In rain or snow, driving in the winter months requires great care. It can become dangerous at temperatures around freezing because the conditions on the road can change quickly. In this interview, Czech rally professional Jan Kopecký, ŠKODA works driver and WRC2 world champion from 2018 gives valuable tips on how drivers can recognise treacherous road conditions early on and keep their ŠKODA under control even in challenging situations.

Jan, as a rally driver you are used to driving in challenging conditions such as on wet roads, in snow and on ice. On public roads, drivers can also find themselves in these situations, especially in autumn and winter. What can we do to be prepared?
Jan Kopecký: The most important advice that every driver should bear in mind at all times, not only in autumn and winter: Don’t let yourself be distracted at the wheel, always drive at a sufficient distance from other road users and maintain an appropriate speed. Drivers should check the weather forecast before setting off and allow additional time if necessary. Starting the journey earlier can reduce stress, especially on the way to the office. Before setting off, the car should be completely free of snow and ice. This also includes scraping the roof and the bonnet. Only people who have good visibility can react well. Besides, cars driving behind must not be endangered by falling snow or ice. Your driving style must always adapt to the conditions of the road. Every driver should prepare their vehicle for journeys in the cold season. Winter tyres with a sufficient tread depth of at least four millimetres are a must.

How can we recognise that the road is going to be slippery or icy?
Kopecký: At low temperatures, darker patches on the road are a sign of slippery surfaces; if the road has a glittery appearance, you should ease off the accelerator. When there is snow on the ground, the road surface is often slippery; salt can turn the snow into slush, which also increases the risk of slipping. Your speed should also be reduced when the snow is firm because the road could be frozen under the snow, which you as a driver may not immediately notice. Therefore, drive with foresight and pay attention to your distance from other road users. In such situations, you should always maintain a gap of three seconds from the person in front.

What is the best way to react when you approach a slippery section of road?
Kopecký: Rule number one: keep calm and do not panic. In principle, the driver should reduce their speed by at least half on a snowy or icy road because your braking distance is three to four times longer in these weather conditions. To avoid the car slipping and getting out of control, abrupt steering and braking should be avoided. Personally, I either don’t drive on slippery roads at all or I drive as if I had fresh eggs in the boot. In vehicles with a manual transmission, the clutch should be depressed if the vehicle skids, then the wheels only have to transmit longitudinal forces. Nevertheless, if the car slips on a bend, it is usually enough to steer into the slide, i.e. steer the direction the car is sliding to regain control. Changing lanes when there is snow between lanes also works best if you step on the clutch and let the car roll into the other lane with a little more momentum.

Both making adjustments to our driving style and having the right equipment can prevent problems on winder roads. What should motorists have in the car with them during the winter?
Kopecký: You should have an ice scraper and a brush to remove snow from your car. At ŠKODA, these two Simply Clever features are included as standard in the new OCTAVIA in the fuel cap and the door. Sometimes a de-icer spray can also be helpful: It makes the job much easier if the layer of ice is particularly thick or you do not have much strength. Snow chains are a must when driving in the mountains, but putting them on should be practised beforehand. There should also be sufficient windscreen washer fluid and antifreeze in the water tank. With older car batteries, a battery check is highly recommended before winter sets in.

What can we do to prevent the wheels from spinning when pulling away on slippery roads?
Kopecký: When driving a modern ŠKODA, traction control usually helps in such cases. In vehicles with a manual gearbox, you can also engage second gear to start and play a bit with the clutch and accelerator pedal to avoid stalling.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› ŠKODA Chief Digital Officer Andre Wehner and Head of Connectivity Sebastian Lasek in a joint interview about the digital voice assistant, Laura
› Laura already understands fifteen languages and is available in the SCALA, KAMIQ, SUPERB iV and the new OCTAVIA
› Customers in Spain can communicate with the Laura chatbot on local ŠKODA importers’ websites

Mladá Boleslav, 19 December 2019 – The car of the future will be controlled by voice commands. However, many drivers are already taking advantage of the technology to control several vehicle functions by voice. ŠKODA’s new advanced voice assistant goes by the name of Laura. She understands natural speech; the driver does not have to use fixed commands or phrases. The feature is included in the range of functions in the top Amundsen infotainment system and is available in the new ŠKODA KAMIQ and the compact model ŠKODA SCALA. The extended voice control is activated with the words ‘Okay, Laura!’. By introducing this voice command feature, ŠKODA underscores the position of its two latest models as infotainment and connectivity pioneers in their segments.

Andre Wehner, ŠKODA CDO, and Sebastian Lasek, Head of Connectivity, talk in a joint interview about the advantages of Laura, the digital voice assistant, and her ability to learn.

Okay, Mr Wehner! Why is ŠKODA using a digital voice assistant?

Andre Wehner: We know from our customers that accessing functions using natural language is becoming increasingly important. That is why we introduced the digital assistant, Laura, who supports our customers in their everyday lives. Laura is a perfect addition to the Simply Clever features that we have been offering in our vehicles since the 1920s and also complements the digital features.

What is the advantage of the Laura voice assistant?

Wehner: Laura offers more comfort. As a true mobility companion, she supports ŠKODA drivers on the go, and when planning journeys at home and visiting the ŠKODA website. In the vehicle, drivers can operate call, navigation and infotainment functions using voice control, enabling them to always keep their hands on the steering wheel and communicate with the vehicle in a natural way. At home, customers can get information about the vehicle’s status, including the fuel or battery charge level and the current parking location, from their smart home assistants such as Alexa or Google Home. At the same time, information can also be sent directly to the vehicle; for example, a restaurant address can be sent directly to the navigation system from home.

Okay, Mr Lasek, what are the advantages of a voice assistant for the vehicles’ interior design?

Lasek: Anyone driving a new ŠKODA has the choice of using voice control or conventional haptic controls. We take customers’ wishes into account when designing our vehicles, and we observe how voice control is used. In many instances, the feature also allows us to reduce the number of buttons and switches and makes operation easier.

Is Laura capable of learning?

Wehner: Laura is still young and offers basic functions, but she is continually developing. In the new OCTAVIA, she understands natural speech much better than before. Laura offers Alexa or Google Home users a growing number of functions.

What languages does Laura understand?

Lasek: Laura is a real polyglot. She understands Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish and Turkish. She even understands natural speech in Czech, English, German, French, Italian and Spanish: You no longer have to say: “Increase the temperature by 1 degree”, but can simply say, “Laura, I’m cold.” Laura recognises passengers’ wishes from their previous user behaviour.

Which vehicles already come with Laura?

Lasek: ŠKODA drivers can speak to Laura in the SCALA, KAMIQ, SUPERB iV and the new OCTAVIA. She will be available in all future ŠKODA models.

Which languages can Laura use to communicate with other voice assistants?

Wehner: Laura can communicate with the widely used voice assistants Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Via Alexa, Laura understands English, German and French – Spanish and Italian will be launched soon. Google Home is available in English; French, German, Spanish and Italian will follow in 2020.

What can we expect from Laura in the future? How is she evolving and where will we see her in the future?

Wehner: We are continuously developing, improving and expanding the capabilities of the Laura voice assistant. The system will be available in upcoming models. In the future, for example, Laura will be able to adjust the first vehicle functions and react even more flexibly to complete spoken sentences and even engage in digital small talk. In the future, extended voice control applications are also conceivable outside the vehicle in other areas related to ŠKODA, such as in mobile or web apps and in the online configurator. For example, customers in Spain can already speak to Laura on local ŠKODA importers’ websites. Laura will soon be available on importers’ websites in other countries.

How do you teach dialects to a voice assistant?

Wehner: As far as dialects are concerned, we define synonyms for specific words in the respective language model. This is how we ensure Laura understands our customers as they speak in everyday language. Laura already understands some dialects and she learns quickly.

Mr Wehner, Mr Lasek, thank you for taking part in this interview.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› ŠKODA presents its concept study of a compact SUV developed specifically for India
› VISION IN celebrates its premiere at the Auto Expo in New Delhi from 5 to 12 February 2020
› INDIA 2.0: Czech car manufacturer manages the activities of the Volkswagen group brands represented in India

Mladá Boleslav/Mumbai, 18 December 2019 – With the premiere of the VISION IN, ŠKODA is giving an outlook of its SUV future in India at Auto Expo 2020 in New Delhi (5 to 12 February 2020). The 4.26-metre-long study offers a foretaste of a compact SUV specially developed for the Indian market. A design sketch provides a first impression of the concept vehicle’s interior.

The sketch shows a wide dashboard arranged on several levels, which echoes the symmetrical contours of the ŠKODA grille in the centre. The colour orange, which inspires vitality and creativity, is used extensively throughout the interior, for example, on the centre armrest and door panels. The chrome-plated ventilation nozzles on the side are also eye-catching, with fine ventilation louvres spanning almost the entire width of the instrument panel. In addition to the large, free-standing central screen and virtual cockpit, a new crystalline element on the instrument panel creates an optical highlight. The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel features buttons and knurl wheels following ŠKODA’s new operating concept. The reduced and clearly structured centre console has a small control lever for gear selection.

The ŠKODA VISION IN is the first vehicle to be based on the new localised sub-compact platform of the MQB A0 IN modular transverse matrix, which also forms the inter-brand basis of various ŠKODA and Volkswagen models. In developing the model, the Czech manufacturer has explicitly focused on meeting the wishes and requirements of customers in the Indian market. As part of the INDIA 2.0 project, ŠKODA AUTO now manages the activities of the Volkswagen Group brands represented in the region.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

More Articles...

Skoda Blog