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When it comes to safety, all-electric vehicles such as the new ŠKODA ENYAQ iV are on a par with cars with conventional drivetrains. This is the conclusion of studies and tests by accident researchers and insurance companies. Thanks to numerous protective features, the vehicles’ electrical components do not pose a risk of electric shock even in wet conditions – whether stationary or driving, charging at charging stations or in the event of an accident. The risk of fire is also no higher in electric cars than in models with traditional combustion engines, especially since there is no flammable fuel on board. In addition, service and rescue personnel receive specific training to handle modern electric vehicles.

Drivers of BEVs like the new ŠKODA ENYAQ iV do not need to worry about safety risks or electric shocks. Studies by accident researchers and insurance companies show that electric vehicles are equally safe as cars with combustion engines.

Electric vehicles as safe as diesel and petrol
Contrary to what is sometimes assumed, the high-voltage system of an electric vehicle does not pose any risk of electric shock, either while driving or recharging. Sophisticated safety technology with circuit breakers and extensive sensors guarantees safety. All electrical components are fully protected so that there is no risk of electric shock, even in the car wash, in floods or when charging in the rain. For example, the charging process is only initiated once the automatic system check has detected a safe connection between the vehicle and the charging station. Should a fault be detected, the flow of electricity to the battery is instantly stopped. In addition, numerous studies have shown that the risk of fire in an electric vehicle is just as low as in vehicles with combustion engines. Moreover, the concept of an electric vehicle means that there is no flammable fuel on board. From a technical point of view, experts consider the spontaneous ignition of an intact lithium-ion battery or the explosion of a burning electric vehicle to be practically impossible.

Drive battery installed with crash safety in mind
The drive battery in the ŠKODA ENYAQ iV is installed in the underbody where it is protected against deformation. Crash tests prove that modern electric vehicles perform just as well in an accident as cars with combustion engines. For instance, the ENYAQ iV achieved the highest five-star rating in the Euro NCAP reference test for crash safety, as did numerous other ŠKODA models. The high-voltage system on board does not pose any increased risk in the event of an accident; the electrical components are automatically disconnected from the battery within milliseconds of a collision. The driver, passengers, other people involved in the accident and rescue workers are thus protected from electric shocks. The crash test has demonstrated that the battery pack, which is well shielded in the vehicle floor, remains undamaged despite body deformation.

ŠKODA AUTO supports advanced training for rescue workers
If a fire should break out despite all the safety precautions, the process of extinguishing a fire in an electric vehicle is different than in a car with an internal combustion engine. Firefighters are therefore given further training to enhance their skills in the field. ŠKODA AUTO supports these training courses and provides the specific information and rescue data sheets to help them deal with damaged electric vehicles. For example, the fire brigade can check the condition of the high-voltage storage unit using a thermal imaging camera and cool it if necessary to prevent a fire in the drive battery. Since a battery fire can sometimes be delayed or reignite, electric vehicles are parked in a separate location or in a pool of water after an accident until the risk of a damaged battery self-igniting or reigniting can be eliminated.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The ŠKODA ENYAQ SPORTLINE iV is the sportiest version yet of the new, all-electric SUV from Mladá Boleslav. Its look is characterised by a range of black design features and large wheels, while the lowered sports chassis makes for a particularly dynamic driving experience. The interior adds to the sporty feel, thanks to decorative, carbon-style trims, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and seats with integrated headrests. ŠKODA’s new flagship model range now includes a SPORTLINE variant, offered in three performance levels. The ENYAQ SPORTLINE iV 60 has an output of 132 kW*, while the ENYAQ SPORTLINE iV 80 produces 150 kW*. Both feature rear-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive ENYAQ SPORTLINE iV 80x is equipped with two electric motors generating a combined output of 195 kW**.

The SPORTLINE variants are an integral part of ŠKODA’s model portfolio. The Czech car manufacturer is continuing with this tradition by adding the ENYAQ SPORTLINE iV to the line-up of its first all-electric SUV. The new variant comes with a sports chassis as standard that features model-specific springs and shock absorbers, and has been lowered by 15 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear. Body-coloured bumpers and side sills further enhance the car’s sporty appearance. Whether fitted with rear- or all-wheel drive, the electric SUV boasts excellent traction, confidently transmitting the power generated by the electric drive system to the road in any situation. Because of how electric motors work, the car’s maximum torque is available immediately, even when pulling away. Furthermore, the high-voltage battery fitted in the floor between the axles ensures a low centre of gravity, which has a positive effect on the vehicle’s agility and behaviour when cornering. Thanks to its model-specific sports chassis, the ENYAQ SPORTLINE iV can handle fast corners more dynamically and with less roll. The progressive steering, another standard feature, also allows for sportier handling.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

ŠKODA AUTO is pressing ahead with the automation of its manufacturing processes in the Czech Republic. In gearbox production at the Vrchlabí component plant, a new smart handling robot has taken over the complex task of moving forged parts for the workforce. ŠKODA AUTO has developed this system in-house to build up expertise in production automation.

The manager of the Vrchlabí plant, Ivan Slimák, said: “At our state-of-the-art Vrchlabí site, we are setting benchmarks in the digitalisation of our production methods. We have now taken the next step with our new smart handling robot. Advanced algorithms and image recognition capabilities make our processes as efficient as possible while continuing to improve workplace ergonomics for our staff. We will roll out the principle of smart handling to other areas of production.”

At the beginning of the manufacturing process, autonomous robots deliver forged blanks for transmission shafts in bins to the CNC machining lines. They are guided by sensor technologies of the Internet of Things (IoT). The new smart handling robot picks the blanks from the bins and places them onto the CNC machine’s conveyor. When processed, it removes the transmission parts and puts them into a transport bin. The robot handles a total weight of 900 kg per shift across both these production steps. The employees who previously carried out this physically demanding work are now assigned to tasks such as tool changes and measuring processes.

The technology behind this new process is based on the principle of digital image recognition. A 3D camera scans the position of the randomly arranged forged parts in the bin. Based on the camera image, an algorithm then determines which of the parts is optimal for the gripper to grab and works out the movements required. The robot positions the blank ready for processing, then picks it up again to place it into a transport bin. As soon as this is full, the robot changes its gripper and prepares the bin for collection. The entire process is highly efficient and fully automated.

It took only eleven months from the first feasibility study to deploying the system in series operation. Several departments worked together to design and implement this smart handling solution. It’s just one of a number of automation projects at the Vrchlabí plant.

Another autonomous transport system brings machined parts from the mechanical processing area to another part of the facility for high-precision measurement.
Blanks for shafts and gears are brought to the CNC machines by an autonomous robot, with ordering and retrieval of the parts also taking place automatically. Each day, the robot transports approximately 50,000 blanks.

At the Vrchlabí site, the carmaker produces more than 2,300 units of the DQ200 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) every day, which is used in numerous ŠKODA models as well as in other vehicles from Volkswagen Group.

Article source: https://www.skoda-storyboard.com

In January 1936, the ŠKODA POPULAR roadster took second place in the Monte Carlo Rally in the under 1,500 cm3 class
› The team tested their leather overalls, heating and Baťa tyres with off-road tread in the snow-covered Giant Mountains
› Limited-edition series model ŠKODA POPULAR MONTE CARLO set standards in both technology and design

Mladá Boleslav, 1 June 2021 – 85 years ago, Zdeněk Pohl and Jaroslav Hausman set off from Mladá Boleslav for the famous Monte Carlo Rally in their ŠKODA POPULAR SPORT. In the principality of Monaco, they drove the roadster to one of the greatest successes in ŠKODA AUTO’s motorsport history.

In addition to the full selection of images accompanying this press release, a comprehensive collection of articles and features on various topics from 120 years of ŠKODA Motorsport can be found on the ŠKODA Storyboard.

The Monte Carlo Rally, which is as famous as it is demanding, was first held in 1911 to attract tourists even during the cold winter months to the Principality of Monaco. Zdeněk Pohl and Jaroslav Hausman took part in the fifteenth run, which took place from 25 January to 2 February 1936, with the ŠKODA POPULAR SPORT and impressively held their own against the competition.

Since the length and difficulty of the route from the official starting point were also decisive for success in the Monte Carlo Rally, Pohl and Hausman set off from Athens and travelled via the Riviera to Monaco. Other possible starting points included Bucharest, Palermo, Stavanger or Tallinn. Within 17 hours, the pair had covered 850 kilometres from Prague to the ferry in Trieste in their ŠKODA POPULAR SPORT. After arriving in the Greek metropolis of Athens, Zdeněk Pohl and Jaroslav Hausman had four days to recover and prepare their vehicle technically for the rally – without the assistance of a mechanic or professionally equipped service vehicle.

The 3,852-kilometre journey via Thessaloniki, Belgrade, Budapest, Vienna, Strasbourg and Avignon to Monaco took four days in total. Pohl later recalled, “I saw strange things along the way. On one occasion, a horse was reversing towards us at full speed; another time, I had to dodge an elephant. The road was clear, of course – we were hallucinating after four nights without sleep. The hum of the engine made us tired, plus it was very foggy.”

Out of the 105 teams registered, only 72 vehicles finished the Monte Carlo Rally in 1936. The ŠKODA POPULAR SPORT reached the finish without any penalty points, and it also passed the technical inspection and did well in the skill test. This secured second place for Pohl and Hausman in the under 1,500 cm3 class.

Their success with the ŠKODA POPULAR SPORT was the result of careful preparation. For example, the duo tested their leather overalls and off-road Baťa tyres in the snowy Giant Mountains. Since the pair could not agree during the preparation whether a wooden or tin shovel would be better suited to freeing the car from the snow, they ultimately packed both options.

The ŠKODA POPULAR SPORT was fitted with the modified chassis of the lighter POPULAR series, but the engine came from the more powerful RAPID. The four-cylinder with a displacement of 1,386 cm3 generated an output of 34 hp, the top speed was around 110 km/h. New Ate-brand hydraulic brakes improved the braking performance. Two fuel tanks with a total capacity of 170 litres guaranteed a range of 1,500 km; consumption was 11.3 litres per 100 km. Its total weight was 790 kilograms, of which the open body accounted for only 250 kilograms. The fully loaded POPULAR weighed in at around 960 kg, plus 170 kg for the driver and front passenger. During the cold season, Pohl and Hausman benefited from the hot air heating as well as a holder for a thermos flask and the partially heated windscreen. The folding passenger seat also came in handy, allowing the co-pilot to rest during the journey.

The automobile manufacturer from Mladá Boleslav took their great success at the Monte Carlo Rally as an opportunity to expand the model range to include an exclusive series of sports vehicles. The first ŠKODA POPULAR MONTE CARLO roadster was delivered in July 1936, followed by the first coupé in August 1936. The official presentation was held at the Paris Motor Show on 1 October 1936. By 1939, ŠKODA had built around 70 roadsters and coupés in the series, and customers included the then fourteen-year-old Yugoslav King Petar II Karađorđević.

One of these vehicles has been part of the ŠKODA Museum collection since 1968. The black POPULAR MONTE CARLO coupé from 1937 is one of only twenty surviving copies. It was painstakingly restored in the early 2000s and has since been attracting attention at classic car events at home and abroad.

The design of the models with their characteristic headlights and lattice in front of the radiator grille is influenced by the style of the interwar period. With its elegantly curved lines, the ŠKODA POPULAR MONTE CARLO is still a design icon in the company’s history. Today, the ‘MONTE CARLO’ equipment line for the FABIA, SCALA and KAMIQ model series commemorates ŠKODA’s great motorsport successes at the rally in the Principality of Monaco.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

ŠKODA AUTO is testing an augmented reality application – known as HoloLens glasses – to assist with production line maintenance. For example, manuals, maintenance checklists and other documents can be projected as holographic images into the user’s immediate field of vision. The view through the AR glasses can also be shared during video conferences and used for training purposes.

Miroslav Kroupa, Head of Brand Management at ŠKODA AUTO, explained: “As part of our current pilot project, we are relying on augmented reality to optimize the maintenance and repair of our machines and to minimize the error rate. With the HoloLens glasses, our technicians have all the relevant information at a glance at all times and can concentrate fully on their work at the same time. In this way, the AR glasses help to further increase work safety. The tool makes it possible to exchange information flexibly anywhere and at any time, even with colleagues at other locations or in different time zones. This speeds up maintenance processes significantly and is an enormous advantage, especially in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the glasses add gamification elements to everyday work and inspire young candidates for technical professions.”

The carmaker’s Central Technical Service department and the ŠKODA AUTO FabLab are testing the use of augmented reality technologies in production line maintenance as part of a pilot project. During video calls, technicians can use the HoloLens glasses to show what they see on the line and consult with colleagues who are not on site. The glasses can also be used to share technical files and other documents.

Furthermore, the AR glasses can display holograms of manuals, checklists and instructions during technical maintenance. Once the staff have scanned a QR code on the respective equipment, the embedded documents interactively guide them through the maintenance work step by step with photos and videos, among other things. This allows the technicians to be hands-free at all times. Once a task has been completed, the technician ticks it off with a hand movement in the hologram.

This AR technology reduces the likelihood of making a mistake, enables service intervals to be carried out on a more flexible basis, and speeds up the maintenance process. Any remaining service requirement is recorded on the internal system via the Wi-Fi connection. HoloLens glasses also make repair work much easier as – thanks to the video instructions – it is no longer necessary to refer to bulky technical manuals.

The HoloLens consists of the actual glasses, which make holograms visible, and a camera-projector unit. The lenses allow for excellent peripheral vision, with virtual displays complementing the real surroundings. The visor can be flipped up at any time to step out of the mixed reality.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

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