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ŠKODA participates in Top City Classic Rally China 2016 and ŠKODA FELICIA wins award for ‘Most Elegant Car at the Event’. Further success: victory in a special stage and award for 'Historical Revival of the Rally'.

The ŠKODA FELICIA, the most popular open-top model, won the award for ‘Most Elegant Car’ at the Top City Classic Rally China 2016. The ŠKODA cabriolet, which was produced in 1960, drove over 500 km in each of the Beijing and Shanghai stages of the rally. The model completed the rally successfully and impressed droves of spectators along the way.

Andreas Hafemann, President of ŠKODA China, took part in the rally in Beijing and attended the award ceremony at the stage destination Zhangjiakou – one of the host cities of the Winter Olympics 2022. “ŠKODA is one the oldest automobile manufacturers in the world, with a legendary history spanning 121 years. We are very glad to share the classic and iconic ŠKODA models, as well as ŠKODA’s unique auto culture and heritage with consumers and auto fans in China,” said Mr. Hafemann.

The Top City Classic Rally China was organized by the German magazines Auto Motor und Sport and Motor Klassik. The rally was divided into two stages: The Beijing stage involved 35 vintage cars from various brands starting in a Beijing suburb, passing by the picturesque grassland of Hebei province and finishing in Zhangjiakou. In the Shanghai stage, 36 classic cars started from the landmark Oriental Pearl Tower, heading through the ancient town of Wuzhen and finishing at the beautiful Thousand Island Lake in Zhejiang province.

ŠKODA took part in the first Top City Classic Rally China in 2014, when two vintage cars from the Czech brand – a ŠKODA FELICIA and a Laurin & Klement – became the stars of the show.

This year, the ŠKODA FELICIA was once again the highlight of the event. The car was originally produced in 1960. Over the last 56 years, the car has been painted in various colours and some parts were lost or damaged. Recently, only with great support from the ŠKODA Museum’s historical archives, technical documents and auto parts was the car fully restored and re-furbished.

The ŠKODA FELICIA is ŠKODA’s most famous open-top car model. Continuing the company’s tradition of manufacturing open-top cars, the ŠKODA FELICIA was series-produced between 1958 and 1964. The car offered elegant bodywork that became a symbol of the Czech social revolution of the 1960s and also appeared in numerous films. Whilst inspired by the classic English roadsters, it surpassed them with its driving features, universal character and driving comfort. With a total of 14.863 units manufactured, the FELICIA became the most popular open-top model by ŠKODA.

2016 marks 121 years since the company was founded, making ŠKODA AUTO one of the longest-established vehicle manufacturers in the world. The company was one of the pioneers in the industry, launching bicycle production in 1895, followed soon after by the production of motorcycles and cars at their headquarters in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic. ŠKODA has sold more than one million vehicles for the second year in a row and is present in over 100 markets worldwide. The most comprehensive model range in the company’s history is manufactured at 14 plants in Europe and Asia.

Since entering the Chinese market in 2007 with the first locally produced vehicle – the OCTAVIA, ŠKODA has established a very successful partnership with SAIC Volkswagen. Over the past nine years, the partners have jointly established ŠKODA as one of the major car brands in China, so far delivering a total of 1.8 million cars to customers in China.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Integrated Media Portal features press releases, photos and video clips. It offers a fresh design, innovative technology and easy to use on all devices.

A new era at ŠKODA: The ŠKODA Storyboard (www.skoda-storyboard.com) heralds a new online era for the brand. The platform presents emotive and surprising stories from the world of ŠKODA, interactively edited and compiled for electronic and social media. The Storyboard has also become the ŠKODA brand’s new media portal.

The joint communication channel of the Communications and Marketing departments is a milestone in the brand’s content and online strategy. The ŠKODA Storyboard is the ŠKODA brand’s new online platform that combines the latest information and messages with emotive background reports and target-group-specific stories all about ŠKODA under one roof. The site also includes videos, picture galleries, downloads and links. In addition, the platform bundles the company’s social media channels. All content on the ŠKODA storyboard is approved for further use by the media. The platform is aimed at journalists and opinion makers, as well as customers and ŠKODA fans.

“With the ŠKODA Storyboard, we are focusing and bundling our online presence, and communicating to media professionals as well as customers and ŠKODA enthusiasts across a single channel. We are following a global trend: Our target groups are blurred. Nowadays, a ŠKODA driver can find their voice in social media just as well as a journalist,” explains Stefan Büscher, Head of ŠKODA Marketing and Products.

“The ŠKODA Storyboard is another important step for the company with regard to increasing the brand’s emotional appeal and the ongoing digitization of the media and communications world,” said Peik v. Bestenbostel, Head of ŠKODA Communications. “With the Storyboard, the Marketing and Communications departments have jointly adopted an integrated communications concept. Our common goal is the optimal presentation of all ŠKODA topics and the efficient use of available content formats.”

In addition to current, attractive content, the ŠKODA Storyboard features a modern and user-friendly layout that is adapted to the company’s new crystalline design language. Thanks to Responsive Design, the site can be used on all devices – from desktops and tablets to smartphones.

Did you know that ŠKODA AUTO:
› is one of the longest-established vehicle manufacturers in the world. The company was founded in 1895 – during the pioneering days of the automobile. Today, the company’s headquarters remain in Mladá Boleslav.
› currently offers the following models in the range: CITIGO, FABIA, RAPID, OCTAVIA, YETI, KODIAQ and SUPERB.
› in 2015 delivered more than 1 million vehicles to customers worldwide.
› has belonged to Volkswagen since 1991. The Volkswagen Group is one of the most successful automotive groups in the world. ŠKODA, in association with the Group, independently manufactures and develops vehicles, as well as components, engines and gear transmissions.
› operates at three locations in the Czech Republic, produces in China, Russia, Slovakia and India mainly through Group partnerships, as well as in Ukraine and Kazakhstan through local partners.
› employs over 26,600 people globally and is active in more than 100 markets.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

From the legendary ŠKODA 440 SPARTAK of 1957 to the racing car ŠKODA 130 RS. Three-day rally leads 180 driver teams through picturesque streets of Hamburg in federal capital.

ŠKODA’s participation in the Hamburg-Berlin Klassik has become a tradition. ŠKODA classic cars will be starting in the prestigious 'Rally of the North' for the seventh time. Spectators watching the 9th Hamburg-Berlin Klassik can look forward to five ŠKODA classics this year. The vintage cars from Mladá Boleslav show the variety of ŠKODA’s model history, ranging from the well-known ŠKODA 440 SPARTAK dating back to 1957, to the racing car ŠKODA 130 RS from the year 1976.

“Taking part in this fascinating drive is an absolute must for ŠKODA,” says Andrea Frydlová, Head of ŠKODA Museum. “ŠKODA is represented by five rolling rarities this year. Last year we gained the upper hand in the Hamburg-Berlin Klassik in the category of post-war vehicles. ŠKODA’s vehicles also have a very high chance of success this year,” Frydlová is convinced.

The ‘Rally of the North’ is one of the finest vintage- and classic-car rallies in Germany. The 9th Hamburg-Berlin Klassik tour takes place from 25 to 27 August along marvellous routes from the Hanseatic City to the capital. A colourful array of 180 vehicles is now on its way to the pleasure trip. The uniformity and reliability rally is characterized by a scenic route, exciting stages and a varied programme.

The oldest ŠKODA vehicle in the Hamburg-Berlin Klassik is the ŠKODA 440 SPARTAK dating back to 1957. Under the hood of the distinctive classic there is a 40 horsepower engine with 1,089 cc engine. ŠKODA’s fleet this year also includes a car of the same type but one year younger, which has been carefully restored by an owner from Germany.

Hardly any other car casts a spell on spectators as does the elegant convertible ŠKODA FELICIA. The specimen from the ŠKODA Museum’s inventory was produced in 1961. Since this vintage car weighs a mere 930 kg, its 50 hp engine makes this model surprisingly spritely.

The sporty coupé ŠKODA 110 R is currently in high demand and every interesting specimen attracts the attention of collectors. The automobile, which was produced in 1978, features a 1107 cm3 engine with an output of 52 hp.

The racing-car legend ŠKODA 130 RS from 1976 is pure emotion. Behind the wheel is the seven-time German Rally Champion Matthias Kahle. By winning the European Touring Car Championship in 1981 and its class victory in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1977, the 'Porsche of the East' is an outstanding representative of ŠKODA’s 115-year motorsport history and one of the most fascinating racing cars of its time.

The start of this year’s Hamburg-Berlin Klassik takes place against the spectacular backdrop of the fish auction hall in Hamburg. The first vehicle will be rolling onto the launch ramp on Thursday 25 August at twelve o'clock. The all-day stage on Friday will take the participants past Mecklenburg Fleesensee. Starting from there, the vintage and classic cars will enter the final stage on Saturday, taking the participants to Berlin.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

This is how ŠKODA's new large SUV looks inside: Shortly before its world premiere, the Czech automobile manufacturer gives a first glimpse inside the new large SUV. The photos emphasize that ŠKODA has implemented its modern, clear, expressive design language in the cockpit. At the same time, the images highlight

the brand's uncompromising standards in terms of functionality and build quality. ŠKODA is once again setting new standards in interior space: The ŠKODA KODIAQ features the largest boot in its class and is available as a seven-seater.

Mladá Boleslav, 30 August 2016: The interior of the ŠKODA KODIAQ is powerful and robust, yet welcomes passengers with a friendly character. As with all ŠKODA models, the KODIAQ is modern and elegant whilst meeting the functional requirements of an SUV. Every detail conveys clarity and calm; form and function are harmonized.

The expressively and elegantly designed dashboard is uncluttered. It is divided into two symmetrical zones for driver and passenger. Distinctive vertical elements, such as the four large air inlets characterise the interior. The middle ones flank the on-board monitor. Their edges run along the top of the instrument panel and form a trapezoid, which reflects the ŠKODA KODIAQ’s bonnet. The large display has an elegant glass design with ‘Simply Clever’ operation – logical and intuitive. All switches and functions are easily accessible with a self-explanatory layout. The seats are made of high quality materials, offering the driver and front passenger superior comfort.

The above-average space, which sets new standards in its class, is characteristic of ŠKODA: The developers of the KODIAQ have made the largest interior possible from the external dimensions of 4.70 meters in length and 1.88 meters in width. For the first time in a ŠKODA, the SUV is also available with seven seats. The model can react flexibly to various seating and cargo requirements thanks to longitudinally adjustable reclining seats.

With a volume of 720 to 2,065 l (with rear seats folded), the five-seater ŠKODA KODIAQ offers the largest boot in its class. Options such as the heated steering wheel ensure high comfort. The same is true of the more than 30 ‘Simply Clever’ solutions, such as the door edge protection, electric child safety locks and sleep headrests.

The new ŠKODA KODIAQ celebrates its world premiere in Berlin on 1 September 2016. ŠKODA will be broadcasting the impressive production of film, music and choreography live on the Internet from 19:00 CEST.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

The ŠKODA KODIAQ made a strong guest appearance at the finale of the Tour de France: the brand’s new SUV led the peloton across the finish line in Paris. Stephen Roche, winner of the 1987 Tour, was captivated by the driving performance of the lead car.

On yesterday’s final stage of the Tour de France, the ŠKODA KODIAQ was first across the finish line. According to former Tour winner Stephen Roche, the brand’s new SUV cuts a fine figure on the bumpy Champs-Élysées boulevard. “The ŠKODA KODIAQ offers a particularly generous amount of space”, said Roche, who sat behind the wheel of the SUV. “Its ride is very pleasant and the car responds to all your commands with a high degree of precision. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the ŠKODA KODIAQ on its Tour debut”, said the Irishman, who acts as a brand ambassador for the Czech car manufacturer.

As the vehicle partner, ŠKODA provided around 250 support and escort vehicles as well as more than 50 team cars. One of those was the ‘Red Car’ – a ŠKODA SUPERB in Corrida Red, which served as official lead car for all 21 stages. In a similar design – with a red, grey and black camouflage car wrap – the ŠKODA KODIAQ led the peloton across the 21st and final stage to the finish in Paris.

Stephen Roche in an interview: “Paris is an electrifying experience”

Mr Roche, you have already experienced the finale of the Tour de France in Paris on multiple occasions – do you still get butterflies when you drive along the Champs-Élysées?

Stephen Roche: Yes, I don’t think that will ever change. This great city, all the people, the cheering – it’s an electrifying experience. It brings back memories from 1987. In cycling, there is nothing better than the finale of the Tour de France in Paris. Here at the finish, all the hard work of the previous three weeks evaporates. You’re just happy to be here.

This year you were able to drive a very special car on the last stage. What was your impression?

Stephen Roche: Throughout the entire Tour, the ‘Red Car’, a ŠKODA SUPERB, has lead the peloton. It’s a great car – spacious, comfortable and easy to drive. But the surprise for me this year was the new ŠKODA KODIAQ SUV. It was the first SUV ever that the A.S.O. has allowed to lead the finale in Paris. This is a special honour for such a great car. The ŠKODA KODIAQ provides an extremely generous amount of space, its ride is very pleasant and the car responds to all your commands with a high degree of precision. It was great fun to drive it.

As a ŠKODA ambassador, how have you found the experience of this year’s Tour?

Stephen Roche: I rode some of the stages in the ŠKODA SUPERB. I also hosted some guest events, cycling together with them and watching the Tour.

What impression has ŠKODA, as sponsor of the Tour de France, made on you?

Stephen Roche:ŠKODA impressed with absolute professionalism. The ŠKODA team comprises of hundreds of people, yet everyone knows exactly what they have to do at all times. They all do a wonderful job – you can just sense the brand’s close connection to cycling and their enthusiasm for it. I would also like to pay the drivers a compliment. It is enormously difficult to support the cyclists in the peloton without disturbing them.

Stephen Roche – a brief profile

He is a living legend: in 1987, Stephen Roche became the first, and so far the only, Irishman to win the Tour de France. At the end of an exciting tour, during which the yellow jersey changed hands nine times, he crossed the finish line with a lead of 40 seconds – he had not overtaken the runner-up Pedro Delgado from Spain until the final time trial. In the same year, Roche also won the Giro d’Italia and UCI Road World Championships. Eddy Merckx is the only other cyclist to win the triple.

The new ŠKODA KODIAQ

The ŠKODA KODIAQ marks the beginning of the Czech brand’s global SUV campaign. It represents all of ŠKODA’s strengths – a distinct design that is full of character, an exceptionally large amount of space, a high level of functionality and the philosophy of the ‘Simply Clever’ features.

At 4.70 metres long, the SUV offers, along with excellent all-round qualities, the largest boot within its vehicle class and an optional third row of seats. Comprehensive connectivity, modern assistance systems and future-orientated infotainment are further highlights of the ŠKODA KODIAQ.

The Czech car manufacturer’s SUV will celebrate its world premiere on 1st September 2016 in Berlin. At the end of September this year, the ŠKODA KODIAQ will visit Paris once again – as a guest at the motor show in the French capital. The market launch will be at the beginning of 2017.

The name KODIAQ refers to the Kodiak bear, who lives on the island of the same name off the southern coast of Alaska. Size, strength, sense of family and outdoor skills – the bear and the new ŠKODA SUV both share common character traits.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

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