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› New design details and technical features refine the profile of the ŠKODA flagship even further
› Reworked SUPERB to celebrate its debut in May at the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Bratislava
› ŠKODA has been a sponsor of the World Championship since as early as 1993, and is using the event for a product presentation for the first time

Mladá Boleslav, 7 May 2019 – ŠKODA reveals a design sketch displaying the first details of its modernised flagship, the SUPERB. The world premiere of the reworked SUPERB family will take place in the Slovakian capital Bratislava in May as part of the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. ŠKODA has been the main sponsor of the World Championship since as early as 1993, an impressive 27 years in a row, and is now using this international stage for a car presentation for the first time.

The design sketch of the new ŠKODA SUPERB depicts clean-cut front headlights, fog lights with a distinctive trim as well as the ŠKODA-typical radiator grille. The ŠKODA lettering at the rear instead of the brand logo makes its debut in a SUPERB. As the flagship of ŠKODA’s model range, the SUPERB, whose history stretches back as far as the 1930s, boasts the brand’s latest innovations in terms of design, technology and functionality. The refined top model gives substance to ŠKODA’s aspiration to offer vehicles of the highest quality that provide customers with an exceptional amount of space and numerous features from higher-tier segments.

The top model with a long history
The story of the SUPERB as the ŠKODA flagship begins back in 1934 with the original SUPERB at the plant in Mladá Boleslav. From 1947, ŠKODA produced the SUPERB as the first model at its Kvasiny plant. The name SUPERB derives from the Latin word ‘superbus’ meaning exceptional, excellent, or outstanding. After more than a 50-year break, the modern ŠKODA SUPERB seamlessly took up the mantle of these characteristics in 2001. The modern SUPERB is now in its third generation and has become just as popular among families and private customers as it is as a comfortable business and fleet vehicle. In April 2017, the third generation of ŠKODA’s flagship model surpassed the mark of one million cars produced. On ŠKODA Storyboard you will find an overview of all previous generations of the SUPERB.

World record-holding main sponsor
As a dynamic, fascinating and down-to-earth sport, ice hockey is a perfect match for the Czech car manufacturer and, in addition to cycling, forms a central pillar of ŠKODA’s sponsorship strategy. The manufacturer has been the official main sponsor and vehicle partner of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship since as early as 1993, and was even the official vehicle partner for the final rounds of the World Championship in Prague and Bratislava in 1992. Now, in the Slovakian capital, the brand is coming full circle by holding the first vehicle world premiere on the World hampionship stage. ŠKODA is now in its 27th year as the main sponsor of the Ice Hockey World Championship, making this the longest sponsorship in the history of sport world championships.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› Four ŠKODA classics at Lake Constance demonstrate the Czech car manufacturer’s innovative spirit and traditional variety of models
› Luxury saloon ŠKODA SUPERB 3000 OHV, anniversary model ŠKODA OCTAVIA, SUV predecessor TREKKA and rear-engine coupé ŠKODA RAPID 135 together on the starting line
› Three Days, 180 Vehicles: Eighth run of the vintage car rally covering 570 kilometres of scenic routes through the Alpine foothills in southern Germany and Austria

Mladá Boleslav, 2 May 2019 – ŠKODA will be enriching the field at the eighth Bodensee Klassik from 2 to 4 May with four very different milestones in the company’s history. ŠKODA will be sending the luxury saloon ŠKODA SUPERB 3000 OHV, the 60th anniversary ŠKODA OCTAVIA, the very rare SUV predecessor TREKKA and the popular ŠKODA RAPID 135 rear-engine coupé to the popular vintage and classic car rally in the German and Austrian Alpine foothills. The field of around 180 vehicles will travel approximately 570 kilometres over scenic routes.

With its picturesque alpine landscape, Lake Constance, which lies on the three-country border of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, provides the backdrop for the popular vintage and classic car rally for vehicles built before 1999. For the eighth run of the tour, the organisers have added several new routes and special stages to the programme. For ŠKODA, the classic event is a home fixture because the Czech automobile manufacturer has been represented in the demanding German, Austrian and Swiss markets for more than 110 years.

ŠKODA is showing a particularly unusual cross-section of its model history at this year’s appearance at the Bodensee Klassik. Four classics from the years 1939 to 1988 represent important steps in the traditional car manufacturer’s development.

In its jubilee year, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA takes centre stage at the Bodensee-Klassik. The series presented in 1959 celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Thanks to its balanced weight distribution and four-speed gearbox, the two-door car has surprising agility even on mountainous routes. The model was well received – even in many export markets in Europe and overseas: Between 1959 and 1971, a total of 360,000 ŠKODA OCTAVIAs, including more than 54,000 estate versions were built. ŠKODA also achieved considerable success in motorsport with the higher performance OCTAVIA TS, for example, class victories in 1961,1962 and 1963 at the Monte Carlo Rally. The standard version, powered by a 29 kW (40 hp) four-cylinder 1,089 cc engine, achieved a top speed of 110 km/h.

The ŠKODA SUPERB 3000 OHV built in 1939 featuring a 3,137 cc inline six-cylinder engine was a prestigious saloon in its time. ŠKODA is sending a model version with an impressive body length of 5.2 meters and a 3.3-metre wheelbase to Lake Constance. This version was built with up to three rows of seats; a sheet of glass discreetly separated the driver and front passenger from the rest of the interior. Depending on the body, the 63 kW (85 hp) output enabled a maximum speed of 125 km/h.

Just under 3,000 of the exotic-looking TREKKA, which in some ways was a forerunner of today’s globally successful ŠKODA SUV model family, were produced between 1966 and 1972. The rear-wheel-drive off-road vehicle is based on the chassis of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA SUPER and was the first passenger car to be manufactured in New Zealand. The TREKKA has long enjoyed cult status in its home country thanks to its robustness, functional body and surprising off-road capability, and is a rarity in Europe.

The attractive ŠKODA RAPID 135 coupé represents a late stage in the expansion of the brand’s legendary rear-engine models. Its light-weight, 1,289 cc four-cylinder engine has an output of 43 kW (58 hp). Combined with an advanced five-speed gearbox, the RAPID 135 reaches a top speed of 150 km/h. Another notable detail is the innovative eight-channel cylinder head, which even allows it to use unleaded petrol.

The Bodensee Klassik starts on Thursday, 2 May 2019 with an eight-kilometre prologue in Friedrichshafen and a special stage where the participants will start for the first time in Le Mans style. This will be followed by two day stages, starting and finishing in Bregenz, the state capital of the Austrian province of Vorarlberg. The 291-kilometre stage on Friday takes participants through the Austrian Lechtal Alps, passing several romantic castles along the route. On Saturday, the classic cars will make a 271-kilometre loop north of Bregenz through Allgäu.

The demanding special stages make the Bodensee Klassik particularly attractive. Not speed, but reliability and uniformity determine the placement and victory. It all comes down to the effective teamwork of the driver and co-driver because even deviations of tenths of a second from the set point incur penalty points.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› German Auto Bild Allrad magazine’s selection underlines ŠKODA 4×4 expertise
› KODIAQ best import in “Off-road vehicles and SUVs up to 35,000 euros” category
› OCTAVIA SCOUT gets nod as top import car in the “AWD crossover” class
› SUPERB wins best import car in “AWD passenger cars up to 40,000 euros” category

Mladá Boleslav, 12 April 2019 – Triple success for ŠKODA in this year’s “All-Wheel-Drive Car of the Year” poll: the readers of German all-wheel-drive car magazine Auto Bild Allrad have awarded ŠKODA multiple category wins, thus adding to a series of victories stretching back many years. It’s the tenth time the SUPERB 4×4 has snatched the coveted laurels, this year as the best import vehicle in the “AWD passenger cars up to 40,000 euros” category. The OCTAVIA SCOUT, winner in the “AWD crossover” import category, collects its fifth “All-Wheel-Drive Car of the Year” title. And the KODIAQ 4×4 takes first place in the “Off-road vehicles and SUVs up to 35,000 euros” import category. It’s a repeat of the KODIAQ’s performance in 2017, when the readers of Europe’s biggest-selling all-wheel drive magazine awarded the large ŠKODA SUV the import title in its debut year.

This year marks the 18th time the magazine’s readers have chosen the “All-Wheel-Drive Cars of the Year”. Overall, 211 vehicle models across ten categories entered the competition. From 4 January to 1 February 2019, the readers of Auto Bild Allrad were invited to vote for their favourites online. Among the Czech brand’s prize-winning models, the 4×4 version of the SUPERB flagship achieved the best individual result, garnering 9.97 per cent of votes cast. 8.18 per cent of the magazine’s readership voted for the all-wheel-drive OCTAVIA SCOUT. The KODIAQ 4×4 won 7.80 per cent of the vote.

All-wheel-drive vehicles have a long history at ŠKODA. The Czech brand developed its first prototypes of vehicles featuring more than one driven axle in the late 1930s. The modern-day ŠKODA 4×4 success story began in 1999 with the OCTAVIA COMBI 4×4. Since then, ŠKODA has manufactured a total of over 700,000 all-wheel drive vehicles. Given continuously increasing demand in this vehicle category, ŠKODA has steadily expanded its 4×4 range over the past four years. Today, the KAROQ and KODIAQ SUVs as well as the OCTAVIA and SUPERB are all available with all-wheel drive.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› Two new e-mountain bikes and children’s bicycles featuring new colours and a fresh design
› Extensive product portfolio consists of 16 models, ranging from children’s to road bikes
› Colour of the ROAD ELITE road bike inspired by the green jersey of the Tour de France
› History of ŠKODA AUTO began in 1895 with the manufacturing of bicycles

Mladá Boleslav, 18 April 2019 – ŠKODA’s model campaign continues – now also on two wheels. Two new e-mountain bikes have been added to the Czech brand’s collection in time for the start of the outdoor season. In typical ŠKODA style, the elegant design of the two new e-bikes incorporates crystalline elements. One feature that all ŠKODA bicycles have in common is the ŠKODA lettering, which is now contoured. The children’s versions are even more colourful in green and yellow. From funky children’s bikes and premium mountain bikes to road bikes and trendy e-bikes, the new ŠKODA collection offers a comprehensive range to suit all manner of needs.

Two new e-mountain bikes – the EMTB FULL and the EMTB – have been added to ŠKODA’s e-bike portfolio, which previously consisted of two hybrid models. The EMTB FULL is a full-suspension e-mountain bike; together with its 2.6-inch-wide tyres, the EMTB FULL’s suspension improves comfort and traction on any surface. Its sister model, the EMTB, is a hardtail version with front suspension. The EMTB FULL and EMTB are both fitted with the powerful Shimano STEPS E7000 electric drive unit and other components from the Japanese manufacturer, such as the 504-Wh STEPS BT-E8010 battery specially designed for mountain bikes. What’s more, the two new ŠKODA e-bikes feature RockShox shock absorbers, Schwalbe Smart Sam Performance tyres measuring 29×2.6 inches and 1×11 gearing.

ROAD ELITE: a road bike made from high-quality components
The carbon ROAD ELITE showcases a new colour design inspired by the green jersey of the Tour de France. Since 2004, ŠKODA has been an official main partner and vehicle partner of the long-established, globally popular cycling race across France and, since 2015, has also been the sponsor of the green jersey for the rider with the most points. The ROAD ELITE features a new, aerodynamic frame geometry and is equipped with high-quality Shimano ULTEGRA R8000 components. These include gear/brake levers, a sprocket set as well as front and rear derailleurs. The ROAD ELITE’s wheels are made entirely of parts from well-known brand DT Swiss and are fitted with tubeless tyres.

A broader portfolio of children’s bikes
ŠKODA now also offers a wider range of children’s bicycles. In addition to the smaller KID 16 and KID 20 models, the new KID 24 is now also available. With its 24-inch wheels and 11-inch frame, it is suitable for children aged 8-13 who are between 130 and 155 cm tall. The KID 24 features SR Suntour front suspension and 8 gears. All of the children’s bikes are entering the new season with a fresh design: they boast a white frame with crystalline motifs in the company’s two secondary colours, yellow and green, as well as silver-coloured ŠKODA lettering.

Comfortable: belt instead of chain drive
The VOITURETTE offers a blend of a retro look, the history of the ŠKODA brand and the functionality of a modern bicycle. Its elegant appearance is defined by the black paintwork; a brown saddle and brown handlebar grips provide colour contrasts. The VOITURETTE’s tyres come in beige. ŠKODA has given this model further technological enhancements and replaced the classic chain with a contemporary, cleaner and comfortable belt drive.

Special frame geometry for women’s bikes
The altered frame geometry and the colouring of the MTB LADY mountain bike for women set it apart from a comparable men’s version. Its ŠKODA-typical crystalline elements and all of its other details come in turquoise.

MTB 29 FULL: successful on any terrain
The MTB 29 FULL is the bestseller in ŠKODA’s portfolio of two-wheelers. The full-suspension mountain bike boasting a carbon frame now comes equipped with modern SRAM Eagle 1×12 gearing. Its front fork and rear suspension are manufactured by DT Swiss. They each have a spring deflection of 100 mm and their damping can be adjusted via the handlebars. The MTB 29 is available as a full-suspension or a hardtail version with front suspension.

ŠKODA and the bike – the beginning of a success story
The history of ŠKODA AUTO began with bicycles. The company’s two founding fathers, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, laid the foundation for its success story in 1895 by establishing a bicycle manufacturer in Mladá Boleslav, before later committing to the production of motorcycles and cars. ŠKODA AUTO is therefore also closely associated with cycling; the Czech car manufacturer has been an official main partner and vehicle partner of the Tour de France for an impressive 15 years. During the Geneva Motor Show just a few weeks ago, the company extended its partnership with Tour de France organiser A.S.O to 2023. ŠKODA’s commitment to cycling is a pillar of its sponsorship strategy. This commitment not only includes the Tour de France, but also other top-class races such as La Vuelta, the Paris-Nice, Paris-Roubaix, La Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

The bicycles, original accessories and other branded products are available at ŠKODA dealerships or from the ŠKODA e-shop.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

› ŠKODA wordmark at the rear of the SCALA can be replaced by a personalised name
› A process known as rapid 3D printing enables fast, flexible production of desired letters
› New feature available in the Car Configurator as of now

Mladá Boleslav, 1 April 2019 – The ŠKODA SCALA takes the Czech brand to the next level in the high-volume compact class. Future SCALA owners can now use an extraordinary individualisation feature to turn this car into a particularly personal model. A rapid 3D printing process developed by ŠKODA allows customers to replace the individual letters in the ŠKODA wordmark at the rear with a name of their choosing. This new option is available in the Car Configurator now.

With its emotive design, advanced technology as well as excellent functionality and state-of-the-art connectivity, the ŠKODA SCALA sets new standards in the compact class. In addition to three trim levels and numerous options, this car is as of now available with a feature so far unique in automotive production that will enable the ultimate in personalisation. A rapid 3D printing process developed by ŠKODA allows customers to replace the ŠKODA wordmark on the SCALA’s tailgate with a name of their choosing.

The rapid 3D printing process allows for 3 to 9 letters at the rear. Customers can choose their own name for example, or that of a spouse or child. All letters are rendered in the hallmark ŠKODA font and have a glossy chrome finish. Choice is limited to capital letters including Czech diacritics, without spaces or dashes. The new option is available exclusively with the extended rear window, which in the SCALA comes as part of the Emotion package and the Image package. The dark glass is particularly well suited to highlighting the letters, which are applied with a special glue that allows removing them without leaving a residue.

Simply clever: the personalised name at the rear can be replaced with the original ŠKODA wordmark without a trip to the workshop. ŠKODA supplies the wordmark on a mount that has a chrome frame and a crystalline surface texture, creating a particularly sophisticated look. Like a picture frame, it has a fold-out stand enabling it to be displayed or hung on a wall. Later on, it can also be used to hold the personalised name. The mount is manufactured from renewable materials that can be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. The letters are made from recyclable material. Once the lettering is no longer required, it can be returned to any authorised ŠKODA dealer. The visual effect of the name can be instantly checked in the ŠKODA Car Configurator. This new option is available as of now.

ŠKODA has been using this special 3D printing technology for a while now to produce spare parts for vintage vehicles. To enable just-in-time integration into everyday production at the Mladá Boleslav main plant, ŠKODA has refined its rapid 3D technology and had it patented. The SCALA is the first European model from the Czech manufacturer to have the brand name spelled out in separate letters at the rear, enabling this kind of individualisation.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

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