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On ŠKODA’s bike portal ‘We Love Cycling’, the ‘Lock Challenge 2017’ shows, how bicycles can best be secured.

With the new ‘Lock Challenge 2017’ campaign, ŠKODA is placing a focus on bicycle security. In its online cycling magazine ‘We Love Cycling’, the brand publishes fascinating stories, useful tips and entertaining videos on this topic. The campaign kicks off with a new video in which ŠKODA sends an amateur but determined thief around Barcelona to steal. Bicycles are the object of his desire. Watch the video at www.welovecycling.com to find out how successful he was in his mission, how passers-by reacted and what secret weapon he revealed for the most stubborn bicycle lock.

"ŠKODA has always been on the cyclists' side. After all, the company's history began 120 years ago with bicycle manufacturing," explains Stefan Büscher, Head of ŠKODA Marketing and Products, adding, “Bicycles are a great way of getting around city, especially in modern life. Unfortunately though, the more expensive bikes are stolen all too often. With the ‘Lock Challenge 2017’, we intend to highlight the topic of bicycle security, and give cyclists tips on how they can protect their bike even better. At the same time, we want to inspire even more people to take up cycling."

The amusing new video shows which bicycle locks can withstand a thief and which are a waste of money. The main character is a rookie bicycle thief with no previous kleptomaniac experience. His task is to try to open various bicycle locks and steal bikes on the streets of Barcelona. His opposition: a simple cable lock costing around €10, a standard U-lock – which appears stronger at first glance – and a U-lock made by a German manufacturer used in combination with a folding lock. The thief has two minutes per lock. He can use a bolt cutter and crowbar to help him, and he also has an unusual ace up his sleeve.

In the video, the culprit in a black hoody sidles up to the two-wheeler he is eyeing. As he pulls the bulky bolt cutters out of his bag, he’s already arousing more attention. How the different locks hold their ground in the ‘Lock Challenge’, how passers-by react to the brazen theft right in front of them and for which lock the perpetrator has to pull out his secret weapon can all be seen in the video at www.welovecycling.com.

With ‘We Love Cycling’, ŠKODA offers active cyclists a modern and diverse online magazine with fascinating bike-related stories. Furthermore, the online community facilitates a lively exchange of views and discussions about specialist topics. The negative side of life as a cyclist is also discussed and presented in a humorous way – including practical tips.

With the new video about the ‘Lock Challenge 2017’, ŠKODA has built on the successful production from 2015: back then, the clip of the ‘European Bike Stealing Championship 2015’ rocked the boat and went viral, reaching millions of people. ŠKODA was rewarded for this anti-bike-theft campaign at the prestigious British D&AD Awards, receiving the ‘Wooden Pencil’, and was honoured for the ‘Best Use of Video Content’ by New York’s Digiday.

For years, ŠKODA has dedicated itself as the ‘engine of cycling’ – partly because the roots of the long-standing Czech manufacturer lie in the production of bicycles: in 1895, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement founded a bicycle factory in the Bohemian town of Mladá Boleslav, the brand’s headquarters. Just ten years later, the ‘Voiturette A’ was the first motor car to roll out of the young company’s workshop. In 1925, Laurin & Klement merged with ŠKODA.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Less cylinder capacity, more power. In the FABIA and FABIA COMBI, a 1.0 TSI engine with three cylinders and four valves is replacing the 1.2-litre engine with four cylinders that has been used to date.

The new engine offers more power. The power output of the ŠKODA FABIA 1.0 TSI is 70 kW (95 PS), while the output of the more powerful version is at 81 kW (110 PS) but offers an improved torque of 200 Nm (previously 175 Nm). Downsizing offers another advantage: the engines’ fuel consumption has been reduced by up to six per cent. One reason for this is the three-cylinder’s engine concept with a reduced weight of the free inertial forces and a more efficient oil pump. The revised ŠKODA FABIA and ŠKODA FABIA COMBI will be introduced to the public for the first time at the Geneva International Motor Show (7-19 March 2017).

Injection pressure reduces consumption by up to 6 percent
Downsizing, lightweight construction, more turbo power – the ŠKODA FABIA and ŠKODA FABIA COMBI feature the Czech car manufacturer’s latest developments under their bonnets. Thanks to an increase in injection pressure to 250 bar, both power variants of the new 1.0-litre engine offer better driving performance than the 1.2-litre engines that have been used up to now and they also achieve a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 6 per cent.

The third generation of the ŠKODA FABIA impresses with a dynamic and emotive design, a large amount of interior space, innovative safety, comfort and infotainment systems‚ and numerous ‘Simply Clever’ features. The car offers a range of in-car equipment that exceeds the current offering in the small car segment by far.

Three-cylinder engine with very smooth running and sporty sound
Besides its smooth running, the ŠKODA FABIA’s new 1.0-l TSI three-cylinder engine also impresses with its sporty and dynamic sound. With its compact construction and due to its lightweight aluminium crankcase, the engine weighs ten kilograms less than the 1.2-litre engine that has been used to date. The aluminium pistons and the connecting rods are so well balanced that the engine runs in a particularly smooth and refined manner with very little friction. A balancing shaft is therefore unnecessary. This saves on weight and helps to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The oil pump, which has a freely controllable flow rate, also helps with this. It continuously adjusts the pressure required to suit the engine load. The boost pressure, which reaches up to 1.6 bar (relatively), increases highly spontaneously due to the turbocharger’s intercooler being integrated into the induction tract. The engine comes across as very responsive and dynamic because the frequency of the exhaust pulses generally builds quicker than with the four-cylinder, for example. This occurs even at low rpm, providing a clear advantage in city traffic.

The 1.0 TSI with 70 kW (95 PS): stronger, faster, more tractability and quicker acceleration
The power output of the ŠKODA FABIA 1.0 TSI with manual five-speed transmission is 70 kW (95 PS). Torque remains unchanged at 160 Nm, yet the driving performance has been improved. Compared to the 1.2 litre engine with four cylinder used to date, the top speed has increased by 3 km/h to 185 km/h (ŠKODA FABIA COMBI: from 185 to 187 km/h) and the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h has improved by 0.3 seconds to 10.6 seconds (ŠKODA FABIA COMBI: from 11.0 to 10.8 seconds). The engine’s tractability from 60 to 100 km/h and from 80 to 120 km/h is identical to its predecessor. The fuel consumption and emissions of the hatchback and Combi,on the other hand, have dropped considerably from 4.6 l per 100 km (105 g CO2/km) to 4.3 l per 100 km (99 g CO2/km).

The 1.0 TSI with 81 kW (110 PS): power output unchanged, considerably more torque
Just like its 1.2-litre predecessor, the more powerful 1.0-litre engine with manual six-speed transmission delivers 81 kW (110 PS); however, its torque has increased from 175 to 200 Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 9.5 seconds (ŠKODA FABIA COMBI 9.6 seconds); the top speed is 196 km/h (ŠKODA FABIA COMBI 199 km/h). The increase in torque is most noticeable when accelerating on country roads or motorways. The improved tractability of the engine is most evident when it is combined with the optional 7-speed DSG transmission. In the highest gear, the short burst from 60 to 100 km/h can now be accomplished up to 2.6 seconds faster (ŠKODA FABIA hatchback 2.4 seconds), while acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h is as much as 4.1 seconds faster (ŠKODA FABIA hatchback 3.9 seconds). In the manual versions of the hatchback and Combi, the fuel consumption and emissions of the three-cylinder with 81 KW / 110 PS have dropped by 0.3 l to 4.4 l per 100 km (101 g CO2/km). For the DSG-transmission versions, the fuel consumption has reduced in both variants by 0.1 l to 4.5 l per 100 km (104 g CO2/km).

Driver assistance systems usually seen in higher segments
The ŠKODA FABIA provides safety systems that exceed the current offering in the small car segment by far. In addition to six airbags, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the XDS+ electronic differential lock, the portfolio also includes the optional Front Assist (reduces the risk of rear-end collisions) with the integrated City Emergency Brake function (which brings the vehicle to a standstill when an impending collision is detected). Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is also available for the new three-cylinder versions. This consistently maintains a gap from the vehicle in front at speeds of up to 160 km/h. The Multi-Collision Brake function automatically applies the ŠKODA FABIA’s brakes after an accident to prevent any further damage. Driver Alert fatigue detection recognises a reduction in the driver’s concentration and emits a warning. The Speed Limiter function prevents the vehicle from going above the chosen speed. Hill-Hold Control provides assistance when performing a hill start. The electronic tyre pressure monitor comes as standard in EU countries.

Numerous comfort features also make the ŠKODA FABIA unique in the small car segment. These include the KESSY (Keyless Entry Start and Exit System) automatic electronic starting and locking system, and the front and rear parking sensors. The rain sensor as well as Light Assist provide optimum visibility. The former automatically regulates the speed of the windscreen wipers and the latter turns full beam on or off depending on the light conditions.

In-car ŠKODA Connect, help at the touch of a button
As an option, occupants in the ŠKODA FABIA can be ‘always online’ thanks to the new ŠKODA Connect services, which consist of Infotainment Online and Care Connect. One of the most attractive services that Infotainment Online has to offer is online traffic information, which shows traffic flow on the selected route in real time and suggests alternative routes in the event of a traffic jam. Infotainment Online services also provide information on petrol stations, available parking spaces, the news and the weather.

The Care Connect services support drivers in many situations. Data is transferred via a SIM card that is permanently installed in the vehicle. The services include Emergency Call, which automatically connects to an emergency call centre when a restraint system has been deployed; it can also be operated manually.

The Care Connect services also include Breakdown Call – which can be used to arrange help, if necessary, or to provide answers to technical questions about the vehicle – and Proactive Service. Proactive Service allows service-relevant vehicle data to be sent to a ŠKODA garage in a timely manner before the vehicle’s service. The driver can remotely access information about whether the windows, doors and sunroof are closed as well as the ŠKODA FABIA’s remaining fuel level via the ŠKODA Connect app at any time. Furthermore, they can send navigation destinations to the car or display the vehicle’s current parking location on their smartphone.

The SmartLink+ interface transfers selected smartphone apps including navigation apps to the infotainment system’s display. The integrated SmartGate function makes it possible to collect and save vehicle data on a connected smartphone and use it on the move.

‘Simply Clever’ – the ŠKODA FABIA is packed full of well-thought-out features
Like all ŠKODA models, the ŠKODA FABIA is packed full of ‘Simply Clever’ features, including an umbrella under the passenger seat, an ice scraper in the fuel filler flap, a multimedia cradle in the centre console’s cup holder (provides space for a smartphone or iPod) a portable waste bin, a hi-vis-vest storage compartment and bottle holder in the door trims, storage nets on the inside of the front seats and space for a 1.0-litre bottle in the glove compartment.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

ŠKODA seamlessly continues last year’s record results: In January, the Czech car manufacturer delivered 93,800 vehicles to customers worldwide.

It is 2.4% more than in the same period last year (January 2016: 91,600) and more than in any January before. ŠKODA models were particularly in demand in Eastern (+ 23.2%) and Central Europe (+17.6%).

“ŠKODA has made a good start to the year. Our deliveries remain at a high level around the world,” says Werner Eichhorn, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “We are optimally positioned with our current model range and the new products. The new ŠKODA KODIAQ in particular will provide further impetus for the brand. Our new SUV model will gradually be introduced on the international markets from end of February.”

With a total of 1,127,700 vehicles, ŠKODA delivered more than one million cars to customers worldwide for the third time in a row. January’s result continues this success.

In Western Europe, ŠKODA grew by 4.0% in January to 34,200 vehicles (January 2016: 32,900). In Germany – the brand’s strongest European single market – deliveries rose to 11,200 vehicles (January 2016: 10,500 vehicles, +5.9%). The brand grew in double-digit figures in France (1,700 vehicles; +17.2%), Italy (2,000 vehicles; +20.1%), Spain (1,600 vehicles; +11.2%) and Sweden (1,000 vehicles; +21.6%).

In Central Europe, ŠKODA recorded sales growth of 17.6% with 16,700 vehicles (January 2016: 14,200 vehicles). On the Czech home market, deliveries increased 19.5% over last January’s results (6,400) with 7,700 vehicles. ŠKODA also recorded double-digit growth over January 2016 in Croatia (200 vehicles, +43.5%), Poland (5,800 vehicles, +20.4%) and Hungary (900 vehicles, +14.1%).

In Eastern Europe, the Czech carmaker grew by 23.2% to 2,400 vehicles (January 2016: 2,000 vehicles). Deliveries in the Ukraine rose by 118.5% to 300 vehicles (2016: 100 vehicles). In the Baltics, ŠKODA recorded growth of 22.3%; the brand delivered 500 vehicles here (January 2016: 400 vehicles).
In Russia, the number of deliveries increased slightly to 3,600 vehicles (January 2016: 3,600, +0.4%).

The Czech manufacturer’s models are in high demand in Turkey and Israel. In Turkey, the brand’s vehicle sales increased by 79.3% to 1,300 vehicles (January 2016: 700 vehicles). In Israel, deliveries increased by 9.6% to 3,500 vehicles (January 2016: 3,200 vehicles).

In China, the brand’s largest single market, ŠKODA delivered 30,000 vehicles (January 2016: 31,400; -4.3%).

ŠKODA will also be pushing ahead with its model campaign in 2017. With the new ŠKODA KODIAQ and the revised ŠKODA OCTAVIA, two new models will be launched in February. Additional product innovations, such as the product upgrade of the ŠKODA CITIGO, will follow in the course of the year.

ŠKODA deliveries to customers in January 2017 (in units, rounded off, by model; +/- in percent compared to January 2016):
ŠKODA OCTAVIA (37,400; -4.6%)
ŠKODA RAPID (17,700; +5.9%)
ŠKODA FABIA (15,700; +8.2%)
ŠKODA SUPERB (13,500; +37.2%)
ŠKODA YETI (6,400; -27.3 %)
ŠKODA CITIGO (only sold in Europe: 2,500; +5.2 %)

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Elegant and affordable

The main headlights now shine with bi-xenon lights, the daytime running light uses LED technology. The modified fog lights shine in the newly designed lower part of the bumper. A narrow chrome strip connects the lights and creates a wider-looking front end. Black-tinted covers on the taillights in the distinctive C-shape give the rear an even sportier look.

The ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK now also features an extended rear window. The side view on both models is characterized by the long wheelbase and the coupe-like silhouette, with a sharp tornado line creating an interplay of light and shadow. The wheels are available in new designs: 15" COSTA, 16" EVORA and VIGO (also in black metallic), 17" TRIUS and TORINO (black polished for the Monte Carlo edition).

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

The use of four CNG-powered lorries at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav enables a significant reduction in harmful emissions.

ŠKODA further expands its environmentally friendly logistics fleet and puts four CNG-powered lorries (CNG = compressed natural gas) into service at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav. These four vehicles are being used for transporting goods within the company site, while another is destined for use in the supply chain. Their CNG drive enables a significant reduction in harmful emissions and transport costs. Furthermore, ŠKODA will use ‘Gigaliner’ lorries on selected routes in future. This will save up to 200 further tonnes of CO2 per year.

“As part of our overall social responsibility, we have traditionally devoted great attention to developing environmentally friendly logistics solutions,” said Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA Board Member for Production and Logistics. “With the CNG-powered lorries, ŠKODA is making a further contribution to a sustainable company,” added Oeljeklaus.

Following a two-month trial period, four lorries with CNG drive are now being used in daily operations at the ŠKODA headquarters in Mladá Boleslav. Another of these environmentally friendly lorries has been used for transport to and from Stráž nad Nisou. It completes the 120-km journey twelve times per week and saves 16 tonnes of CO2 per year compared to a vehicle with a diesel engine.

The CNG lorries impress with considerably lower emissions than vehicles with a conventional engine and scored points during the trial period with a 30-per-cent reduction in fuel costs. Nitric oxide (NOx) emissions are 80 to 90 per cent lower, while carbon monoxide emissions (CO) are reduced by a total of 90 per cent. With an average fuel consumption of less than 50 kg of CNG per 100 km, emissions of particulates are reduced by up to 95 per cent, and CO2 emissions by 25 per cent.

The ‘Gigaliners’ that ŠKODA will be using on selected routes for transporting goods to and from suppliers from now on are another step forward in terms of environmental protection. The lorries, which are up to 25 m long, transport a volume of goods totalling 150 m3 per trip – 50 per cent more than a conventional lorry. ŠKODA thereby reduces the number of weekly trips along the 292-km route between Mladá Boleslav and Rokycany from 53 to 35 – this equates to 250,000 fewer kilometres per year and reductions in CO2 emissions of around 200 tonnes. Lower transport costs are another benefit.

For production logistics, ŠKODA is increasingly using zero-emission, battery-powered transporters on-site at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav. Hence as part of a pilot project, an electric tractor with two trailers was also fitted with solar panels. The photovoltaic modules charge the lithium-ion batteries while the vehicle is in motion. The battery-powered tractors cover around 70 km every day. By using solar power, ŠKODA expects an annual energy saving of around 10 per cent. If the trial period is a success, ŠKODA will equip more vehicles with photovoltaic technology. Alongside these tractors, another 18 battery-powered logistics tractors are in use at ŠKODA’s plants.

The initiative for CNG and electric power within Logistics is another component of the various environmental activities which ŠKODA is promoting as part of its ‘GreenFuture’ strategy. It consists of several elements: ‘GreenProduct’ deals with the development of vehicles that are as environmentally friendly as possible – in terms of fuel requirement as well as materials and recycling capabilities. With ‘GreenRetail’, the brand is promoting eco-friendly operations in their dealerships and workshops. ‘GreenFactory’ brings together all activities that help to conserve resources during production. This element also includes the ‘GreenLogistics’ area of action for sustainable logistics solutions. For the near future, the manufacturer envisages that the majority of their suppliers based near the Bohemian plants will deliver their components to the assembly lines exclusively using lorries powered using alternative resources.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Elegant and affordable

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