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Managing Directors of Volkswagen Immobilien Meno Requardt and Hardy Brennecke, Vice-Chairman of the KOVO trade union Josef Zmrhal, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Purchasing Karsten Schnake, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Production and Logistics Michael Oeljeklaus and Head of Real Estate Asset and Travel management Radka Čihulková laid the foundation stone for the new ŠKODA AUTO headquarters complex, known as the Laurin & Klement Kampus. It will be built opposite the company’s current headquarters in Mladá Boleslav and is expected to be opened in the second half of 2023. The new building sets new standards in sustainability.

“With our new corporate headquarters, we are making a clear commitment to the Mladá Boleslav site and the founders of our company. The premises of the Laurin & Klement Kampus will soon create the optimal conditions for interdisciplinary cooperation and the generation of new creative Simply Clever ideas as an element of our brand. In constructing the new building, we are consistently guided by the ambitious sustainability targets we have set ourselves: among other things, a photovoltaic system with 330 panels and peak output of 100 kW will provide additional electricity.”

Karsten Schnake, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Purchasing

“We are delighted to bring the future of work to Škodians by creating these workplaces. The attractive office spaces are based on modern New Work concepts and offer customised solutions for various requirements to provide an optimal working environment. The state-of-the-art building technology and all other planning disciplines are consistently implemented according to the BIM (Building Information Modelling) planning method and sustainability aspects. For example, sustainable Cobiax hollow-core ceilings will be installed to intelligently decrease the CO₂ footprint as a result of using less concrete.”

Meno Requardt, Managing Director of Volkswagen Immobilien

The Czech car manufacturer’s future headquarters will cover a total area of 44,000 m². There will be space for up to 1,700 employees over five storeys in four wings. Eleven of the company’s offices and other rented spaces in Mladá Boleslav will be combined in the new building. Thus, the company will achieve operational savings by eliminating rental costs. In addition to office space, the new complex will house a 2,100 m² company restaurant for 400 diners and a conference area. An underground car park will also provide space for over 300 vehicles.

ŠKODA AUTO will be switching to biomass by 2025 to supply its new corporate headquarters with CO₂-neutral energy. Operated in partnership with the energy company ČEZ, a photovoltaic system consisting of 330 panels and a peak output of 100 kW will provide additional electricity from the roof of the building. At the same time, a number of structural and technical innovations will help to significantly reduce electricity consumption. Using LED technology and intelligent light sensors alone will halve the energy required compared to fluorescent tubes. Highly efficient ventilation systems will pre-cool the offices at night, while the air-conditioning systems will achieve a recuperation coefficient of 80 per cent by recovering energy. Roller shutters will effectively protect against solar radiation and thus reduce the cooling load of the building by 30 per cent.

Rainwater will be collected in a central collection point and treated using a 776 m³ filtration system. The water can then be used to irrigate the 4,070 m² of green space, which will provide a natural habitat for numerous insect and animal species across the 13,400 m² site.

The German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) plans to award the new building a gold certificate. The certification system has gained recognition as a global benchmark for clearly defined standards in the field of sustainable construction and thus ensures international measurability and comparability.

Article source: https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/press-releases/skoda-auto-lays-foundation-stone-for-laurin-klement-kampus/

ŠKODA AUTO has started manufacturing battery systems for all-electric vehicles based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB) in Mladá Boleslav. This makes the car manufacturer’s main plant the only production facility for MEB battery systems in Europe outside Germany. Around 250 employees will soon be assembling more than 250,000 MEB battery systems a year on the newly constructed production line. In addition to ŠKODA vehicles, these will also be installed in MEB models made by Volkswagen, Audi and SEAT.

“Today is a very special day for ŠKODA AUTO: By launching the production of MEB battery systems, we are now manufacturing the absolute key component at the heart of the company. This means we have achieved another goal towards our successful transition to electromobility. I would like to thank the entire team who have worked very hard over recent months to set up this new production line. We have invested around 130 million euros and can now produce more than 250,000 MEB battery systems a year – for ŠKODA’s e-models and those of other Group brands. Our objective is clear: we want to produce E-components or E-vehicles at all three Czech plants by 2030.”

Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Production and Logistics

Christian Bleiel, Head of Component Production at ŠKODA AUTO, adds: “Our new MEB battery system assembly line sets standards in efficiency, automation, precision, cleanliness and digitalisation. When it comes to commissioning the complex plant technology, we are drawing on the expertise and experience we have gained over the decades and relying on our highly motivated and qualified staff. In collaboration with VW Group Components and our partner companies and suppliers, we are taking an important step in the transition from the combustion engine to electromobility by manufacturing battery systems. We will be reaching the next milestone at the end of 2023 when we bring the second expansion stage online, enabling us to produce more than 380,000 battery systems a year in total.”

The Czech car manufacturer’s headquarters is the only production site in Europe outside Germany where MEB battery systems are manufactured: The smallest version with eight modules has a capacity of 55 kWh and the medium version with nine modules stores 62 kWh. The largest battery with 12 modules boasts an 82-kWh capacity. In addition to the modules, each containing 24 cells, the components of an MEB battery system include a battery housing with integrated cooling system, a battery management system and the requisite electrical connections. ŠKODA AUTO also manufactures other e-components in Mladá Boleslav; high-voltage traction batteries that are used in the SUPERB iV, OCTAVIA iV and in plug-in hybrid vehicles of other Group brands have been produced here since autumn 2019.

The company’s transformation is gaining momentum on the back of the new production line. As a cornerstone of its NEXT LEVEL – ŠKODA STRATEGY 2030, the car manufacturer plans to produce e-vehicles or e-components at all three production sites by the end of this decade. The aim is to safeguard existing jobs over the long term and create new ones at the same time. By then, the company expects to have increased the share of all-electric car sales in Europe to between 50 and 70 per cent, depending on market developments. To achieve this, ŠKODA AUTO will continue to electrify its model portfolio over the coming years. By 2030, the range will include at least three more BEVs, all of which will be below the ENYAQ iV in terms of price and size.

The author of the SIMPLY CLEVER PODCAST took a tour of the new assembly line for traction batteries for electric vehicles in Hall M6 at the ŠKODA AUTO plant in Mladá Boleslav, Czechia. Christian Bleiel, Head of Component Production at ŠKODA AUTO, was his guide.

Article source: https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/press-releases/skoda-auto-launches-production-of-meb-battery-systems-at-mlada-boleslav-headquarters/

POWERPASS enables ŠKODA customers to use a public European charging network, which already boasts more than 310,000 charging points. This also includes around 10,000 fast‑charging points at over 3,000 locations, available to owners of the all-electric ENYAQ iV family at three different tariffs. Most of these charging points are part of the IONITY network, which ŠKODA AUTO and the Volkswagen Group are continuously expanding. One year after its launch, the Czech car manufacturer reports promising results: one in three ENYAQ iVs is already being charged conveniently and easily via POWERPASS using a single smartphone app or RFID card. The following analogy is a testament to the POWERPASS’ success: ŠKODA customers have so far charged enough energy to drive an ENYAQ iV around the world 570 times.

A year ago, ŠKODA launched its first all-electric SUV, the ENYAQ iV, and since then has also offered the POWERPASS to its customers. This makes charging a ŠKODA ENYAQ iV convenient and straightforward in most European countries, using a single smartphone app or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) card. There are already more than 310,000 public charging points in service. These also include the public fast-charging points in the Europe-wide IONITY charging network as well as many other charging points from other operators. With around 10,000 fast‑charging points at more than 3,000 locations, the POWERPASS provides access to the largest fast‑charging network in Europe.

Across Europe, one in three ENYAQ iV drivers already charges their vehicle with POWERPASS. The total energy charged in the first year alone would be enough to circumnavigate the globe 570 times in a ŠKODA ENYAQ iV. Around half of all charging processes were made in the IONITY network, which has outlets offering the maximum charging power of an ENYAQ iV – up to 135 kW. For example, the 82-kWh battery of an ENYAQ COUPÉ iV 80 can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in just 29 minutes, saving a lot of time compared to using other public charging stations. The popularity of these fast-charging stations, which are mainly located on A-roads and motorways, highlights the frequent use of the ENYAQ iV on long-distance journeys.

The only requirement for using the POWERPASS is to register on one of three tariffs. The ‘Charge Free’ tariff bills customers for each kWh drawn from a charging station. ‘Simply Charge’ offers reduced kWh prices when charging at public AC and DC charging stations for a low monthly fee. The most popular tariff is ‘Charge Faster’, which, for a slightly higher monthly fee, also reduces the cost of using the IONITY network as well as offering even lower AC and DC prices. Every POWERPASS user can charge their vehicle throughout Europe at transparent and standardised prices. The POWERPASS manages all charging processes centrally and lists them in the monthly invoice alongside the costs.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

ŠKODA Motorsport is taking no break during the development process of the new generation ŠKODA FABIA Rally2. Currently, the technicians’ emphasis lies on perfecting the weight distribution. In this respect, the chassis derived from the current FABIA road car gives the engineers the chance to further improve the rally car’s handling characteristics. The new generation of the worldwide successful Rally2 vehicle especially benefits from the new FABIA’s longer wheel base.

The new generation Rally2 variant of the ŠKODA FABIA is based on the all-new road car model. With this evolution comes a new chassis as well. As the regulations allow only minor changes in this area, the rally car takes advantages of the road car’s modified dimensions: The series production ŠKODA FABIA features a 94 millimetres longer wheelbase and 48 millimetres more in width.

“The current ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 evo is the most successful car in its category, winning events all over the world again during the ongoing 2022 season. With the new generation Rally2 variant of the ŠKODA FABIA, we target to defend this position in the future. The completely new chassis is one of the key factors for even better competitiveness.”

Michal Hrabánek, Head of ŠKODA Motorsport

During the current test and development phase of the new generation ŠKODA FABIA Rally2, ŠKODA Motorsport puts a key emphasis on the car‘s weight balance. The longer wheelbase and overall larger dimensions give the engineers new options to position the car’s main components. To find an optimal weight distribution, ŠKODA Motorsport’s engineers developed a unique method to change the balance of the car during test sessions, to evaluate different weight distribution solutions and to analyse set-ups for all types of stage surface.

Jan Krasula, project leader of the development team at ŠKODA Motorsport, describes: “To make the most out this layout, we have started from scratch compared to the previous ŠKODA FABIA Rally2. For example, we were able to re-position the fuel tank. In the engine compartment, we took advantage of the larger space between the chassis rails. We have as well redesigned gearbox, clutch and flywheel to achieve less inertia and more efficiency. Also, the new generation ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 gets a bigger and more efficient intercooler, which would not have fit under the current car’s bonnet.”

Emil Lindholm, reigning Finnish rally champion, says after extensively testing the development car: “The new generation ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 is very well balanced. The longer wheelbase makes the car a little bit calmer, the rear is more stable.”

Andreas Mikkelsen, who at the wheel of a ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 evo in 2021 won the WRC2 Drivers’ title of the FIA World Rally Championship and the FIA European Rally Championship overall, agrees: “The balance of the car is really, really nice. That gives me a lot of confidence to push over jumps.” And test driver colleague Kris Meeke, a winner on FIA World Rally Championship level as well, sums up his experience with the new generation ŠKODA FABIA Rally2: “Step by step, we are making improvements in every area.”

On the ŠKODA Storyboard, the drivers talk about their role during the development of a new rally car and look behind the scenes during a day of testing.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Hat-trick for the ŠKODA FABIA: the Czech carmaker’s popular entry-level model has won the renowned Red Dot Award for outstanding product design for the third time after receiving it in 2008 and 2015. This puts the fourth-generation FABIA on a par with the brand’s iconic OCTAVIA. ŠKODA vehicles have now won 17 awards in the product design category of the renowned design competition. The international jury was impressed by the FABIA’s striking design, spaciousness and balanced package overall.

“Winning the Red Dot Award for the new FABIA is a very special honour and wonderful confirmation of our work. I would like to thank the entire team, who strive to develop our models’ product identity with great dedication and enthusiasm every day. For over ten years now, our cars have regularly impressed the internationally renowned jury members with their emotive design, generous space, practicality and excellent value for money – an attractive package all-round that our customers also appreciate.”

Oliver Stefani, Head of ŠKODA Design

Offering the most space in its segment, the fourth-generation ŠKODA FABIA also scores points for its emotive design and athletic proportions. The angular front headlights, which come with LED technology as standard, extend to the ŠKODA grille. Just like the LED rear lights, they feature crystalline structures inspired by Bohemian glass art. Another tribute to the FABIA’s country of origin appears on the front doors, with bodylines stylising the characteristic triangle of the Czech flag.

In their summary, the expert jury of the Red Dot Award emphasised: “The FABIA conveys a sporty yet likeable impression through its exterior design. The interior has a surprisingly generous feeling of spaciousness.” The symmetrically designed instrument panel along with the free-standing central display and horizontal decorative trim emphasise the width of the interior and enhance the FABIA’s ample space.

48 design experts from 23 countries judge entries
The Red Dot Award is one of the world’s best-known and most prestigious design competitions. 48 jury members from 23 nations, including professors, designers, journalists and consultants, independently evaluated each entry based on numerous criteria, including standard of innovation, functionality, ergonomics, durability and environmental friendliness. In 2022, the Red Dot, which is an internationally recognised seal of quality product design, will be presented for the 67th time. The official award ceremony will be held at the Red Dot Gala on 20 June 2022 in Essen/Germany.

The fourth-generation FABIA has secured this coveted seal of quality for ŠKODA for the 17th time. The Czech automaker’s first Red Dot Award was received for the OCTAVIA COMBI II in 2006. Following four more Red Dot Awards in the Brand and Communication Design category, ŠKODA AUTO also won the prize in the Interface & User Experience category for the first time last year for the MyŠKODA smartphone app and the digital design system ŠKODA Flow.

An overview of all ŠKODA vehicles awarded the Red Dot to date

2022 ŠKODA FABIA IV
2021 ŠKODA ENYAQ iV
2020 ŠKODA OCTAVIA IV and ŠKODA KAMIQ GT
2019 ŠKODA SCALA
2018 ŠKODA KAROQ
2017 ŠKODA KODIAQ and ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI III
2016 ŠKODA SUPERB III
2015 ŠKODA FABIA III
2014 ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK
2013 ŠKODA RAPID
2010 ŠKODA SUPERB II und ŠKODA YETI
2008 ŠKODA FABIA II
2007 ŠKODA ROOMSTER
2006 ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI II

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

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