02/2023

Škoda Mobil<br>February

• title

• new

  3D

  The three-dimensional Škodaverse is running on the Nemesis platform.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  The Škodaverse offers information and entertainment

  Škoda Auto has launched a new project that will bring it into the virtual world of the metaverse and enable customers and fans to interact with it in unusual ways. They can easily and playfully discover electromobility in the Škodaverse, for example, by taking a virtual test drive in the Enyaq Coupé RS iV or creating an avatar in the Škoda colours. However, that is not all. There is also a Škoda NFT digital object gallery, games and digital conferences. In time, it will also be possible to hold media presentations or new car launches in this space. The Škodaverse can be found on the carmaker’s official website and is introduced in more detail in a new episode of the Simply Clever Podcast, whose guest was Diego Borgo, Metaverse strategist and expert on Web 3.0.

  Škoda Auto World
  

  
  

  The 42 Prague institute has its curriculum 

  More than 100 students have already enrolled at the independent training institute for software developers, co-founded by Škoda Auto. Together with partners and supporters of 42 Prague, they attended the presentation of the institution’s first curriculum on 9 January. Students will learn the C programming language, the UNIX operating system and other basic programming concepts.

  How to use inclusive language 

  Inclusive language has become an important element of equality and mutual respect in the workplace. It refers to a way of speaking that avoids using expressions or words that might exclude a certain group of people from the collective. The principles of inclusive language and its use in the context of gender and gender identity, colour, ethnicity, health, age, family and partnership are clearly presented in a new guide that you can find on Škoda Space. 

  Free electric car charging again this year

  Once again, Škoda Auto is providing free electric car charging at employee and visitor car parks in 2023. In total, there are 111 charging stations in Mladá Boleslav, Kvasiny and Vrchlabí, each equipped with two connectors. To start charging, you need to sign in with your MFA card. 

  Patent authors receive awards 

  After a two-year delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the FLI – Intellectual property department held its second annual Inventors Award event at the end of last year. Inventors who came up with new technical solutions that were filed for patent protection by Škoda Auto between 2018 and 2022 received awards. A total of 259 patent applications were filed. “I believe that this event will also help us to improve our patent statistics even further next time,” said Johannes Neft, Board Member for Technical Development. 

  Škoda cars hold a one-third share among all the electric cars on the Czech market. In addition, the top-of-the-range Enyaq RS iV is now going on sale here in the SUV body variant. 

  Result of the election to the Supervisory Board

  A total of 21,271 eligible voters of the carmaker took part in the election of members of the Škoda Auto Supervisory Board. It took place from 1 December 2022 to 8 January 2023, and the turnout was 58%. As their representatives on the Supervisory Board, the employees elected Jaroslav Povšík who ranked first with 16,360 votes, Miloš Kovář who ranked second with 12,218 votes, and Martin Lustyk who ranked third with 11,185 votes. All three were elected for a four-year term. 

  The market situation will remain tight in 2023; however, we’re optimistic with a degree of caution and believe in gradual improvement. In addition, our chosen strategy is already proving successful, and our products have received very positive feedback from customers.

  Klaus Zellmer 

  Škoda Auto CEO

  ID.7 electric sedan in special camouflage 

  At the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, the Volkswagen brand gave a sneak preview of its upcoming addition to the electric car family. The spacious sedan, which will offer a 15-inch touchscreen, among others, has so far only been introduced with an electroluminescent effect that responds to music from the car’s audio system. Its world premiere is planned for the second quarter of this year. 

  Fabia RS Rally2 has become an exhibit at the National Technical Museum in Prague. Škoda Auto donated one of two prototypes that it developed for asphalt tracks to the museum’s collection.
  

  The Octavia model was a global bestseller in 2022, as demonstrated by the chart of the year’s best-selling Škoda models. Read more about last year’s production and delivery statistics here.

  How They See Us
  

  Autosalon TV Prima 

  Kamiq Monte Carlo 1.5 TSI

  The compact SUV acts like a hatchback during a drive but can also cope with lighter off-road terrain, such as rutted roads. 

  (12 Jan 2023)

  Sophisticated interior with a well-placed infotainment display 

  Also available with automatic transmission 

  Sporty flair 

  Adaptive cruise control as standard

  Not available in a 4×4 version 

  Less engine lag on acceleration 

  Diesel engine missing

  Online
  

  

  New Klaus Drives series

  Škoda Auto CEO Klaus Zellmer has launched a video format on his LinkedIn profile where he and his colleagues from the carmaker will discuss Škoda’s model lines, history and current topics. In the first episode, he test drives the Enyaq RS iV in Málaga, joined by Jaromír Mendl from the VP – Product Marketing department.

  News
  

• topic

  Topic

  On Snow and Ice 

  Models A range of cars with electric and internal combustion engines and four-wheel-drive capabilities were shown to journalists at an event in Sweden. The experience was rounded off with a co-drive in the Fabia RS Rally2 special

  Where can Škoda’s four-wheel-drive cars showcase the full range of their abilities? Sweden, with its vast open countryside and snow-covered frozen lakes, offers the ideal conditions. That is why the company organised the 4×4 Winter Experience event near the city of Östersund. The Nordic country, which has undergone an energy and industrial transformation in recent years with an emphasis on low-carbon production, has inspired the Czech carmaker, and sustainability is one of the key themes in the company-wide Next Level – Škoda Strategy 2030. 

  1,250,000 

  Škoda 4×4 cars were delivered by the carmaker to its customers. 

  106,118 

  four-wheel-drive cars were produced by Škoda Auto last year.

  45,170 

  Kodiaq 4×4 cars headed to customers last year, making it Škoda’s best-selling all-wheel-drive model for 2022. 

  Participants were able to test drive the Superb, Kodiaq, Octavia and Karoq, as well as the electric Enyaq iV and Enyaq Coupé RS iV models. Exciting experiences awaited drivers on the frozen lake, where the organisers offered braking and slalom activities, a car handling test on the test track and a drift school. The Škoda Motorsport team also participated in the event, so participants could sit as co-drivers in the new Fabia RS Rally2 competition special. Two recent WRC2 World Champions, Emil Lindholm and Andreas Mikkelsen, took turns behind the wheel. Details of Škoda’s four-wheel-drive portfolio, as well as photos and videos from the 4×4 Winter Experience event, are available in the online magazine Škoda Storyboard.  

  Škoda’s broad 4×4 portfolio appeals to active customers who want to experience something new and discover something different each day. We call them ‘contemporary explorers.’ 

  Martin Jahn 

  Board Member for Sales and Marketing

  Representatives of the carmaker, including Board members, met with journalists and other participants. “All-wheel drive helps to improve driveability, thus ensuring significantly improved safety in both internal combustion and electric cars. This applies not only in winter but also on dry or wet roads. Modern electronic control systems react optimally to changing road conditions within milliseconds and ensure that the driver is in control of the driving situation. However, when conditions allow, only one axle is driven, making all-wheel drive models more economical,” explained Johannes Neft, Board Member for Technical Development.  

  Why 4×4 models?

  They give the Škoda brand something extra over the competition. In the volume segment, it is not exactly common to offer this drive. Demand for these vehicles is growing significantly, especially in the SUV segment. This is an attractive offer for customers in the carmaker’s key markets. There is strong demand for these cars in Germany, as well as Switzerland, Scandinavia and some non-European markets. The Škoda brand already has a lot of experience with the drive, having first offered it with the first generation of the Octavia model in 1999.

  Two electric motors 

  Two electric motors power all four wheels in the Enyaq iV family. A 150-kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor is mounted on the rear axle and is very efficient in the vast majority of driving situations. If required (e.g. due to reduced surface grip), an 80-kW asynchronous electric motor on the front axle will provide additional drive to the front wheels. There is no mechanical connection between the two axles. The swift and smooth electronic control of the electric motors prevents the driver from noticing the necessary adjustments made by the assistance systems. 

  The 4×4 Winter Experience event took participants to Östersund, Sweden, a popular biathlon and speed skating venue. The city of 50,000 is situated on the shores of Sweden’s fifth-largest lake, Storsjön, and partly extends to its island, Frösön.

  

  Record drift 

  The highlight of the event in Sweden was an attempt to break the longest continuous drift on ice. Motoring journalist Richard Meaden succeeded with the Enyaq RS iV, achieving a drift length of 7,351 metres. This feat has been entered into the Guinness Book of Records twice, including as the longest continuous drift on ice with an electric car. Meaden achieved the record drift with a controlled skid on a roughly 200-metre circuit on a frozen lake, which he circled 39 times in 15 minutes and 58 seconds. R. Meaden was also a guest on the latest episode of the Simply Clever 2.0 podcast.

• performance

  Performance
  

  Stability Amid Tough Challenges 

  Production and sales Despite multiple crises, Škoda Auto has achieved solid results in vehicle production and customer deliveries. At the same time, it has developed significant opportunities for the future.

  Despite supply chain disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine and the semiconductor crisis, Škoda Auto managed to produce a almost 780,000 cars at all its domestic and foreign plants. “This success demonstrates the high level of commitment and flexibility of our employees, who deserve great credit for this. In 2023, we will continue electrification with clearly defined targets: By 2030, all three Czech plants will be producing electric components or electric cars,” says Michael Oeljeklaus, Board Member for Production and Logistics. Car production was also significantly affected by the halt of production in Russia and exports to the country in February due to the attack on Ukraine. By contrast, production at the Indian plants increased to 56,000 cars, which is promising. 

  More promising new products will follow this year: the next-generation Kodiaq and Superb, as well as facelifts for the Kamiq and Scala. In addition, our e-offensive is in full swing. We will launch three new fully electric models as early as 2026, with more to follow.

  Martin Jahn 

  Board Member for Sales and Marketing

  In addition, the carmaker also produced bodies, components, engines, axles, transmissions and high-voltage traction batteries for plug-in hybrid models, as well as battery systems for the MEB platform. These have been produced at the new line in Mladá Boleslav since May 2022 and are also used for models of other Group brands. This year, the carmaker plans to launch another line that will increase capacity by more than 340% to 1,500 units per day. 

  Another promise is the planned car assembly launch in the form of completely knocked-down (CKD) kits in Vietnam in 2024. These will be the Kushaq and Slavia models on the MQB-A0-IN platform.  

  Customer deliveries 

  Of course, the global situation has also had an impact on customer deliveries. However, despite a 16.7% decline since 2021, the sales performance was solid. In total, Škoda Auto delivered 731,300 cars to customers worldwide, maintaining a stable position in the key German and domestic markets, for example, and a 128% increase in India. The electric offensive also delivered results, with sales of the Enyaq iV family up by 20%.  

• event

  Event
  

  Early Bird Breakfast

  At the end of January, six dozen top managers of Škoda Auto met for the first time this year in the Václav restaurant, where they discussed current topics related to the carmaker over breakfast. Colleagues from India and Russia also joined the meeting online. These informal meetings, called Early Bird Breakfasts, are an ideal platform for exchanging information and strengthening cooperation between colleagues and departments. The main topics included the current situation related to ongoing supply chain shortages and the semiconductor crisis. 

  Production currently relies on a flexible approach that makes the most of all possibilities to save every car. “We’ve saved numerous cars and, a huge thank you goes to everyone in production, logistics, sales and procurement for their efforts. However, we must continue to do so because what we miss now will be hard to recover later,” emphasised Martin Jahn, Board Member for Sales and Marketing.  

  There were also discussions about sales results and the impact of the Euro 7 emission standard. Diversity in career development, as well as customer centricity, was also frequently mentioned. “Škoda Auto can rely on its strong team. Therefore, we strive to maintain optimism, which will help us to overcome these difficult times,” concluded Klaus Zellmer, Škoda Auto CEO.

• 7S Boot camp

  Event
  

  Get Thoroughly Inspired 

  The 7S Boot Camp and Concept Assessment involved an intensive series of workshops to explore ideas for Škoda’s future flagship.

  The development of the seven-seat electric car, based on the Vision 7S concept study presented last year, is of great importance to Škoda Auto. The model will be ground-breaking not only in terms of its interior layout and the implementation of other advanced technologies and new Simply Clever features but also through the use of a range of innovative sustainable materials. This is why the BW – Value Engineering department, together with G3 – Product Line EV & Connectivity, organised a three-week event in the new V12 Hall to draw inspiration for ideas, specifically in the areas of sustainability, innovation and cost optimisation.  

  The event’s kick-off in mid-January was also attended by Klaus Zellmer, Škoda Auto CEO, Karsten Schnake, Board Member for Procurement, and Michael Oeljeklaus, Board Member for Production and logistics. 

  So where did the participants draw their inspiration from? They looked to in-house role models in the form of the Enyaq Coupé iV and the electric VW ID.6 and ID.Buzz, as well as competing cars from European and Asian carmakers. These were displayed directly for all to see and feel for themselves. Other models were available to the participants virtually.  

  An important prerequisite for the success of the 7S Boot Camp and Concept Assessment was that employees across the entire carmaker could collaborate. In addition to the Procurement and Product Line departments, Technical Development, Production and Logistics, Quality Management, Controlling, Marketing and others were also represented. They all focused on fine-tuning costs to meet the targets set. The idea was to look for value where the customer sees it and to optimise costs in areas that are not key to the customer. The outputs from the workshops will eventually be evaluated, and the organisers will then prepare a presentation for the Board so that the implementation of the selected ideas can be approved. 

• goals

  Event
  

  Goals for 2023 

  Klaus Zellmer, Škoda Auto CEO, summarised the goals for the management this year and how they are to be evaluated at the Target Summit, which took place on 12 January at STC Kosmonosy. During the meeting, Zellmer stressed the importance of keeping a strong focus on specific goals and plans, especially during these uncertain times. He also emphasised the need to provide clear instructions to teams. For Škoda Auto management, 12 key performance indicators (KPIs) will be crucial this year, which, in addition to brand value, market share and some financial indicators, include diversity in management or the decarbonisation index. 

  I am extremely pleased with the results of the meeting. The genuine collaboration, open discussion, valuable comments and openness to embracing change is exactly the approach I like.

  Klaus Zellmer 

  Škoda Auto CEO

  One of the big challenges from the perspective of the carmaker’s management is the entry of Chinese brands into the European market. It is, therefore, important for Škoda Auto to build on an emotional relationship between customers and a brand that provides them with attractive value for money. Other challenges include adapting to the new EU emissions standards, seizing growth opportunities to make Škoda one of the top five best-selling brands in Europe by 2030 and pushing for new digital solutions to make life easier for customers.  

  The carmaker can leverage its solid foundations, especially proven products, a clear strategy and a strong brand position in Europe. The new design language will provide a distinct identity for the three upcoming electric models by 2026. The carmaker also benefits from its strong financial resilience and the team spirit of its employees.  

• memorial

  Memorial

  Carl Hahn, Forever a Member of the VW Family 

  Carl Horst Hahn, known for his significant contribution to the growth of the VW Group, passed away on 14 January at the age of 96. It was under his leadership that Škoda Auto became part of the Group. 

  Carl Hahn was a great visionary. Here he is shown with the Futura concept in 1989 and on a visit to Mladá Boleslav in March 1991. 

  Hahn was one of the most important European entrepreneurs of the 20th century. He built the VW Group into an international multi-brand group and had a lasting influence on its suppliers. At the same time, he took long-term responsibility for the communities in which he lived. Hahn was born on 1 July 1926 in Chemnitz. His father was instrumental in the rise of the DKW motorcycle factory and co-founded the Auto Union carmaker in 1932. Hahn studied economics in Germany, Switzerland and England and political science in France. At the age of 28, he joined the then Volkswagen GmbH as assistant director. 

  Carl Hahn was a visionary leader and personality. Over four decades, he set the course for Volkswagen and laid the foundations for its success today.

  Oliver Blume

  CEO of the VW Group

  Earned his stripes in the USA 

  In 1959, he was sent to the USA to set up Volkswagen of America. After five years on a successful American mission, the 38-year-old Hahn became a member of VW’s Board of Directors in Wolfsburg and came up with the strategy of two separate brands for the Group: Volkswagen and Audi. The Group had acquired the latter by buying out Auto Union. In 1982, Hahn became CEO of the VW Group. With his strategic decisions and business intuition, he set the Wolfsburg-based company on a path to becoming a global player. This era was characterised by the success of the Golf, the acquisition of SEAT, the visionary entry into the Chinese market and, last but not least, the inroads made with the Mladá Boleslav carmaker. 

  Czech roots     

  Perhaps because Hahn’s ancestors had been from southern Bohemia (his father was born in Nové Hrady), he was very close to the then Czech country and its people. In cooperation with the carmaker in the 1980s, he was involved in discussions regarding the licensed production of Volkswagen engines in Mladá Boleslav for the Favorit model. This gave him insights into the brand’s potential. When VW was approached after the Velvet Revolution with a strategic partnership offer, alongside other companies, Hahn knew that the plans from the 1980s to use Škoda as a business opportunity would expand beyond the original unfinished licensing negotiations and open up trade in Central and Eastern Europe. Entering into a joint venture with Škoda Auto in 1991 not only helped to kick-start the Czech brand’s rise but also further strengthened the VW Group’s position. 

  Permanent legacy 

  At the end of 1992, Hahn handed over his position as CEO to Ferdinand Piëch and joined the Supervisory Board until June 1997. Even after that, however, he remained active and was, among others, honorary chairman of the Supervisory Board of Škoda Auto. He was also heavily involved in social life. Thanks to his initiative and funding, the Wolfsburg Museum of Art was founded, and together with his wife, he founded the Carl and Marisa Hahn Foundation, which is dedicated to helping the needy and providing pre-school education. In addition, Hahn served on the boards of numerous charitable and educational organisations. The vocational school for business, administration and health care in Wolfsburg bears his name, as does the Saxon Carl Hahn International School. 

• services

  One Click Is All It Takes

  Technical development The app that enables remote control of certain functions and facilitates communication with the car now comes in a new version called MyŠkoda Next. The update features a revised design and improved user experience.

  Owners of Škoda cars will soon see a new version of the app that makes using the car even more comfortable. The completely redesigned version is called MyŠkoda Next. Initially, it will be available for use with Enyaq iV family models, followed by other cars later in the year.  

  MyŠkoda Next is essentially the carmaker’s flagship digital consumer product. When developing the new version, the goal of the team at VX/1 – User Experience was to streamline the application and simplify the operation of its functions. “Customers should solve 90% of their needs in one click,” says Miroslav Vinter, Product Owner of the MyŠkoda platform from the EEH/4 – Development of connectivity Frontends department, who has been leading the app’s development. The developers collaborated with several colleagues from other departments at the carmaker to reach this goal. It was crucial to collaborate with the UX team of the VX/1 – User Experience department, with whom they managed to design a completely new app structure.

  In the first phase, 15 user studies were conducted. Others followed during the development of specific functions. They focused on maximising the clarity of all icons and items in the application and ensuring easy operation of functions and a style for the application that aligns with the operation and appearance of other solutions used by Škoda Auto in the digital environment. New control concept and new design based on the versatile Škoda Flow design, which has been familiar to users since last year from the existing app and recently won a Red Dot Design Award. The design uses the same principles across multiple platforms, so the user will feel equally “at home” in the app on their mobile phone, in the car’s infotainment system or on any of the carmaker’s websites. In keeping with Škoda’s brand values, the design is minimalist, simplistic and as practical as possible. Of course, it also matches the new corporate identity.

  MyŠkoda app in numbers

  2016

  The year the first version of the MyŠkoda app was launched.

  41

  Countries where the app is available. 

  30

  MyŠkoda app language versions. 

  40

  More than this many updates to the app have already been released.

  550,000

  Number of customers actively using the MyŠkoda app.

  Everything in a clear and smart way

  Users can find everything important in the app right on the home screen. They can check the car status information and start the available functions right there (see MyŠkoda Next What you can find in the app). “We’re ready to expand the repertoire of functions as the cars get new software and thus the new Škoda Connect services,” adds M. Vinter. From the main screen, the user can click through to the details of a given function and set it more precisely – for example, by pushing the maximum battery charge limit for charging.

  In addition to the main screen, the app has three other tabs: Maps, Tour and Settings. The Tour tab provides information about the car’s service status and makes it possible to contact a selected Škoda service partner, for example. However, the Maps tab is probably the most interesting for regular EV user operations. Here, the user can search through maps taken from Google Maps and supplemented by a rich layer of data from the Group company Cariad. It maps charging stations in detail, so the user can see the available charging capacity, the number of individual connections and the current occupancy of stations where such information is available. Stations can be filtered by capacity and whether they participate in the Powerpass network.

  The user can plan any route on the phone, including stops, and the app logic works with the actual data from the car when planning, i.e. it calculates the range and the need to charge along the way. The planned route can then simply be sent to the car. “However, the entire route is not sent, but only its points that the user has planned, and the car then adapts it to the current state of affairs when it leaves,” explains M. Vinter. 

  The maps in MyŠkoda Next are really smart. When planning your route, they consider your car’s charging needs.

  Currently exclusive to Enyaq iV

  At the moment, the MyŠkoda Next app is designed for the so-called MOD4 cars, i.e. the Enyaq iV family. The current version of the app remains the same for all other car models. “Around the second half of 2023, we will also add support for MOD3 cars, which are the current Fabia, Octavia, Superb, Kamiq, Karoq and Kodiaq models,” says M. Vinter. Support for older software and infotainment variants should be added later as well.

  MyŠkoda Next

  What you can find in the app

  Car status check

  Opening windows and doors

  Locking the car

  Activating lights

  Battery level and range

  Fuel tank level and range
  (will be available for internal combustion engine models)

  Car service information 

  Car function control

  Interior heating and cooling

  Starting charging

  Unlocking and locking (in the future) 

  Navigation functions 

  Maps searching

  Smart route planning and sending it to the in-car navigation

  Detailed overview of charging stations

  Automated testing

  With the new mobile app, Škoda Auto is also introducing a new way of testing. User applications have mainly been tested manually, but now the GQS – Smart Quality department is introducing automated testing. “We started preparing for this at the beginning of last year, and everything was directed towards the new MyŠkoda Next app,” says Jan Krčmář, QS software assessor IT from the GQS department. 

  With automation, the most frequently used functions of the application do not require manual testing by a human tester. All it takes is a computer script in Java, which automatically triggers the necessary actions in the application on a specific mobile phone. Simply put, the software can “click” on items for the user. “The advantage is that, in this way, we can carry out tests on schedule at times that suit us, even in terms of the time difference in selected markets, for example. We can test a function – for example, 20 times during the day and then again 30 times at night – without the need for a human. We can then evaluate the results quantitatively. Just because a function works correctly once doesn’t mean that it will always be like that; automated tests help us to assess its reliability as well,” says J. Krčmář. 

  The tests do not have to be carried out only on the phones that the department has at its disposal. “There are specialised farms where you can rent space on virtually any phone in use today,” explains J. Krčmář. The goal of this effort is not only to ensure a higher-quality app when a given version is released but also to shorten the entire testing and release process. “Today, it takes us about 14 days, but I believe that thanks to automation, we’ll be able to reduce the time required by half,” adds J. Krčmář.

  Info
  

  Application development

  It is one of the largest agile projects at Škoda Auto, involving experts from Technical Development, IT, Quality Management, Customer Journey and other departments. Currently, four development teams of around eight people are working on the application. At the beginning of this year, three more teams from the Green:Code subsidiary joined the development. It works in so-called sprints, 14-day periods when a given team has to solve a specific task. “This is how we can react flexibly to the current situation, for example to new challenges, changes in assignments or external influences. We plan to approximately four updates per year, but our goal is to bring our customers updates MyŠkoda Next more frequently, ideally once a month,” adds M. Vinter. Martin Sodomka, Head of EEH – HMI & UX, appreciates the cooperation of various areas and external partners. „Regardless of department or company affiliation, everyone is primarily concerned with the product and its benefits for the customer. I believe that the experience of working together in such a large team that applies agile management methods will soon be used in the development of infotainment. The MyŠkoda app development team is thus showing the direction of our further development, for which they deserve recognition and a big thank you.“

  Service
  

• GreenFuture

  Green Future
  

  Circular Economy, Biodiversity and Water Supply

  What did the Green Future initiative achieve last year, and what are the plans for this year?

  A new theme for this year’s goals is biodiversity and the Krakonoš Gardens project.

  The PSU – Environmental and Work Protection team has set targets until 2025 with separate annual sub-tasks. A large part concerns the environmental impact of production. “The efficiency of our solutions depends on production – the less we produce, the less efficient they are,” explains Pavel Grmela, Project Coordinator of CO₂ Neutral Production at PSU. 

  40

  Around that many kilogrammes of plastic in every car will be recycled by 2025.

  2030 

  By this year, Škoda Auto aims to have CO₂-neutral production at its plants.

  Škoda Auto has long been a responsible consumer of energy. The ongoing energy crisis has only intensified these efforts, and the energy-saving programmes in collaboration with all production and non-production units are bearing fruit. However, the carmaker is not only seeking opportunities in existing technologies and buildings but also pursuing strategies that will not affect consumption for several years to come.

  Rainwater harvesting

  PSU wants to focus on using captured water wherever possible within the carmaker. “As an example, I would like to mention the large rainwater tank project that was created under the new central kitchen. The captured rainfall is used for watering, including the urban greenery in Mladá Boleslav,” adds P. Grmela.

  Biodiversity and circular economy

  PSU is currently cooperating with the Škoda Auto Foundation on the Krakonošovy zahrádky project. Town halls and associations may apply for grants for projects that will enhance the biodiversity of urban greenery, flower beds and ponds. “This is an extension of the Škoda Trees project,” explains P. Grmela, adding that the new area will incorporate the circular economy. “Last year, we managed to carry out a circular scan in production. The goal was to find new solutions that would raise waste management to a higher level of material recovery or even circularity,” says P. Grmela. 

  GreenWeek will also continue in a more interactive format. It will now provide video reports from the individual plants to showcase the measures supporting sustainable development. Škoda Auto will continue focusing on decarbonisation with the aim of being CO₂ neutral by 2030. “I have to say that we’re on the right track. Our sustainability strategy should be approved in the first half of the year. We’re going to make our efforts more visible by attending conferences and organising various events. The topic of greenwashing is related to this – we don’t want to show ourselves in a better light than we really are,” concludes P. Grmela.

  Through the eyes of the Force Program  

  What are the plans for the F8 – Green Future action field, which is part of the internal Force Program? “The themes are the same as those across the company: circular economy, water supply and biodiversity. We would like to involve employees more, like last year, when colleagues from Logistics helped in cleaning and preparing ground in the Krkonoše Mountains to plant new trees etc. We’d like to make such events a regular programme that could be used as a form of teambuilding,” says P. Grmela. The PSU team is also embarking on a new Group methodology, goTOzero, which will measure the carmaker’s environmental impact. “This is a big innovation that we’ll have to learn to work with,” he adds.

  As part of the Force Program, the team is preparing a study – and possibly a pilot project – of photovoltaic panels in car parks. “We’ve been inspired by the initiative in France to cover large car parks with solar panels,” says P. Grmela. The development of the various technologies that the F8 action field will follow is also moving forward at a rapid pace. For example, there will be research into the use of noiseless wind turbines without blades and several other recent energy trends.

• Inovace

  Innovation
  

  Together on the innovation journey

  What did last year’s merger of the SVP team and InnoTeam bring? The aim was to identify previously untapped synergies between the two departments and improve the efficiency and effectiveness in innovation management. 

  Visitors at the annual InnoDay, organised by the InnoTeam in cooperation with various departments throughout the company, could see many innovative projects.

  One year ago, InnoTeam (GSC) and the SVP team (Škoda Verbesserungsprozess – ed.) were merged. The methodological leadership was transferred from the former GGP (current STO) – Process and Organisational Management to the GSC – Corporate Strategy and Innovation Management, which Sascha Cubranic has led since August 2022. What are the benefits of these changes? 

  ‘Discovering together’   

  Cooperation between InnoTeam and the SVP team started with the Discovering Together event, which was designed to promote successful projects, inspire each other and look for new ideas for process optimisation. These events have already been held in several production departments (PF – Car Production, PK – Component Production, PS – Brand Management, PL – Brand Logistics) and in VA – After Sales, with plans to continue in other areas.  

  Scalability of projects 

  The joint team has selected projects that can easily be extended to other areas. These include the Technical Development area’s own IT solution – VRUT (virtual reality of vehicle technical data) and the Digital Twin (energy flow model) in Production and Logistics. In Purchasing, an analytical process mining tool from Celonis has been deployed to identify process bottlenecks based on data analysis.  

  Automation   

  InnoTeam and the SVP Team sought candidates for process automation across the company and identified 26 potential opportunities. Together with the Automation Competence Centre team, they evaluated their contribution and recommended two projects for implementation: the visualisation of schedules and project reporting in Technical Development and the automated creation of SKD sheets in Manufacturing and Logistics. 

  New projects  

  The tandem cooperation also resulted in the launch of new projects. These included the sale of used parts inspired by examples from Audi and VW, the deployment of Fleet Configurator for internal service vehicles and a new method for testing the breakage of textiles, among others.
  

  Appeal
  

  Let us know what to improve  

  Participate in the innovation opportunities and join the Innovation Boosters community on IdeaSpace. You can consult directly with an SVP expert or innovation manager about your ideas for process optimisation or about dysfunctional or missing processes. Your active involvement will strengthen our culture of innovation.

• Audit

  Audit
  

  We have met demanding requirements 

  The integrated management system of the automotive company passed the certification audit of TÜV NORD, which took place in October and November. Škoda Auto has defended its system certificates every year, demonstrating mandatory compliance with international regulations for quality management systems, cyber security and software updates (read more in the December 2022 issue of Škoda Mobil), to obtain approval for car sales.

  Effective defence against cyber risks is essential for us, and its importance is growing as our products and processes become increasingly digital.   

  Johannes Neft

  Board Member for Technical Development

  The carmaker also shows above-standard care in the areas of environmental management systems, energy saving, occupational safety and information. Škoda Auto has demonstrated compliance with the increasingly demanding requirements of international standards and regulations and has defended its ISO and VDA certificates for the next period. In addition, after three years, it has also received new certificates for quality management systems, environmental management compliance, energy management, occupational health and safety and recyclability. 

  “We see all the findings of the audit as an incentive for further improvement, which makes the carmaker’s processes more resilient to disturbances,” highlighted Florian Weymar, Head of GQ – Quality Management (pictured centre). Jan Weinfurt, Managing Director of TÜV NORD Czech (left), presented the summary results of the audit to the system managers and representatives in the presence of Johannes Neft, Board Member for Technical Development (right), who took over patronage of the audit. 

• S-Fórum

  Report
  

  S-Forum: new and interactive

  The S-Forum, a meeting of People & Culture employees, surprised with a new, interactive format that reflected the ongoing HR transformation and emphasised on empathy, support and collaboration.

  After a business update on the current situation at Škoda Auto, Maren Gräf, Board Member for People & Culture, gave an overview of the progress that has been made on strategic HR topics. She also thanked everyone for their good work during the COVID-19 and subsequent energy crisis. “The team spirit of Škoda is unique in the Volkswagen family. Despite all the crises, I remain optimistic and believe we will emerge stronger,” she said. 

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  Participants from the Czech Republic and abroad took part in the S-Forum discussions. 

  Our employees are the biggest asset we have at Škoda. For a successful transformation, we need all employees’ smart and intelligent ideas and 100% commitment. The picnic’s playful atmosphere embodies our company culture of “Excellence with Joy”. The creative impulses and active discussions showed how motivated our teams are. The People & Culture area is fully dedicated to supporting the Next Level – Škoda Strategy 2030.

  Maren Gräf

  Board Member for People & Culture 

  Hot topics with the CEO

  Hot topics like diversity and the impact of the Fixkostenprogramm on personnel topics were discussed in Open Talks with Klaus Zellmer, Škoda Auto CEO. Zellmer highlighted the key role that the People & Culture area plays in our transformation. “This company is nothing without the HR people. You’re the ones who identify great people in the market, bring them to the car company and help to keep them there. We wouldn’t have a future without quality employees,” he noted at the end of his speech.

  Picnic with strategy

  The next part of the programme was devoted to a picnic over strategic topics such as digitising HR processes, enhancing the company’s appeal and upskilling employees. The 500 participants were divided into three groups based on their individual preferences. They listened to a panel discussion on the topics and debated in small groups while enjoying picnic baskets filled with goodies. During lively dialogues, each group made notes of new suggestions and ideas on the cards provided, which were presented on a large ideas board at the end of the programme.

  HR as a strong partner

  This is the first time ever that all employees in the area have been asked to share their views on issues important to HR. The opportunity to meet in groups and collaborate was positively received and reinforced the perception of HR as a strong partner for the future of the company. “I appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the effort to broaden everyone’s horizons on the issue of digitisation because it is a trend that accompanies us at every step,” said Kateřina Bednářová, HR Officer from SBK – Human Resources Personnel Care, Kvasiny. “It’s great that we could choose topics that interest us. For me as a teacher, for example, the issue of new work competencies is very important in terms of preparing future curricula for our students,” mentioned Zdeněk Stanke, SEB/6 – Mechanics and Logistics.

  Valuable feedback

  Thanks to the output from the group workshops, it was possible to get not only feedback on current strategic initiatives but also new interesting topics to focus on in the future. The results of the S-Forum also showed the need to increase communication with all employees and superiors. All outputs were evaluated and formed the basis for work packages that will be discussed with relevant stakeholders in the coming weeks. What is clear, however, is that all the current and new projects clearly support the goal of transforming the People & Culture area and speed up Škoda Auto’s personnel transformation.
  

  Info
  

  Workshop picnic 

  At the museum, attendees were treated to panel discussions in the three thematic areas for which they had pre-registered: Engage your community, Expand your horizons, Explore more opportunities. In L&K’s main hall, they talked about community engagement, how to attract talent and how to motivate them, how everyone can represent the company or what trends there are in remuneration. The Hieronimus Hall was filled with reflections on broadening horizons, the future of employment, planning and skills management. The third topic dominated Café Václav. Here, employees explored new opportunities, the digital transformation of HR and tools to teach people new thinking and the use of modern tools such as the Hello Success system. 

  Kateřina Bednářová

  HR Officer, SBK – Human Resources Personnel Care, Kvasiny

  I appreciate the division of the workshops into different topics and groups and the opportunity to discuss what interests us and to broaden our horizons. We also get to know other colleagues because there are a lot of us, and not all of us know each other. I chose the topic of digitisation because it’s a trend that accompanies us every step of the way and increasingly affects our work. That is why I want to prepare myself as much as possible for this area, get closer to it and learn more about it.
  

  Karolína Hermanová

  Specialist, Postgraduate Care, STR/2 – Talent Acquisition 

  The second part (i.e. the workshop), where it was possible for people to ask and participate in the tasks, was definitely more interesting and engaging. The atmosphere was also more pleasant and relaxed, which is understandable. The topic of community engagement was close to my heart and directly affected my work. We deal daily with how to attract new talent and how to retain existing talent, so it seemed like the most logical choice. 

  Marek Bláha

  HR Information System Advisor, SB/4 – Digitalisation and system support HR

  I appreciated how the event was divided into a formal part, where we learned about what is happening throughout the company and in HR, and a part where everyone chose a topic that interested them. In a relaxed atmosphere, we received specific answers to our questions. I chose the workshop topic because I deal with digitisation in my department, and I was curious to hear the perspectives of other colleagues.

• VZOR – fotogalerie

  Studie VISION 7S představuje sedmimístné elektrické SUV s řadou neotřelých řešení.

  V říjnu vyrazil částečně funkční model vozu nejprve do Anglie, k vidění byl v Londýně u Tower Bridge a následně si ho na vlastní kůži vyzkoušeli novináři v Peterborough.

  Následovala také novinářská prezentace studie ve španělském přímořském letovisku Marbella.

  Kola mají průměr 22" a aerodynamické ráfky jsou téměř zcela uzavřené.

  Studie vozu VISION 7S zaujme jak celkovým vzhledem, tak řadou netradičních detailů.

  Interiéru dominuje velká otočná obrazovka s úhlopříčkou 14,6".

  Při ukázce vozu řada novinářů oceňovala jednoduché mechanické ovládání některých základních funkcí.

  Spíše designérskou libůstkou studie je oválný volant. Že by v běžných řadových vozech nahradil klasické kulaté totiž není příliš pravděpodobné.

  Co by to bylo za vůz ŠKODA bez Simply Clever prvků? V případě vozu VISION 7S jde například o magnetické úchyty na mobilní telefon.

  Studie vozu zdůrazňuje přístup ŠKODA AUTO k udržitelnosti. Podlaha a zavazadlový prostor jsou tak celé vyrobeny z materiálu z recyklovaných pneumatik.

• After Sales – fotogalerie

  Atraktivnější a efektivnější poprodejní služby, to je cílem testování nových formátů v servisní síti.

  Projekt rozšiřování kapacity dílenských prostor Service Factory úspěšně otestoval partner v Německu.

   Možnost předat vůz do servisu kdykoliv a bez čekání jistě uvítá řada zákazníků. Stačí zaparkovat a uložit klíčky do bezpečnostní schránky.

  Systém Key Drop-off výrazně zvyšuje komfort předání vozu do servisu.

• S-Forum – fotogalerie

  A half-day meeting of employees and management of the People & Culture area took place in December at the Škoda Museum.

  
  

  In the "Grill your CEO" incentive, the audience could ask Klaus Zellmer anything.

  
  

  Discussions and debates on a range of topics relevant to the People & Culture area were held in small groups.

  
  

  Each discussion group was given a picnic basket with suggestions for debates.

  
  

  The excited chatter of the groups showed that they were brimming with ideas, thoughts and opinions. 

  
  

• Výročí – fotogalerie

  První motory řady EA211 sjely z montážní linky na konci roku 2012.

  Školení na montážní lince EA211

  Automatizace – montáž zdvihátek pomocí Kuka robotů

  Hlava válců – lisování sedel ventilů

  Digitalizace  – využití vlastní Power aplikace při výměně hořáků

• event – fotogalerie

   

   

   

   

• 7S Boot camp – fotogalerie

  The 7S Boot Camp was inspired by cars from competing carmakers as well as models from the VW Group, including the Škoda Enyaq Coupé iV.

  
  

  The Volkswagen brand was represented, for example, by the multifunctional pure electric car ID. Buzz.

  
  

  The cars were then examined by employees from various departments in a series of workshops to look for ideas in the areas of sustainability, innovation and cost optimisation. 

  
  

  Members of the Board and heads of some departments also attended the kick-off. Pictured are Karsten Schnake (Board Member for Procurement), Axel Andorff (Head of G3 - EV Product Line & Connectivity) and Klaus Zellmer (CEO).

  
  

• Speciální třídy – fotogalerie

  Na podzim žáci speciálních tříd zazimovávali zahradu v Dětském centru Mladá Boleslav.

  Součástí úklidu bylo i hrabání listí.

  Za odměnu jim děti nakreslily obrázky stromů s padajícím listím.

• Motorsport – fotogalerie

  Třiadvacetiletý Erik Cais si za volantem vozu Fabia RS Rally2 vedl skvěle. Ke stupňům vítězů v kategorii WRC2 mu chybělo necelých 20 sekund.

  V jednotlivých rychlostních zkouškách kraloval Oliver Sollberg, který se však Rally Monte Carlo účastnil mimo pořadí.

  Do první desítky kategorie WRC2 se dostal soutěžní speciál předchozí generace, Fabia Rally2 evo. Britská posádka Chris Ingram a Craig Drew dojela na šestém místě.

  Celkový vítěz Rally Monte Carlo v roce 1994 François Delecour si dojel s vozem Fabia RS Rally2 pro vítězství v kategorii WRC Masters Cup pro jezdce starší 50 let.

• SOUs – fotogalerie

  Šipky dosahující výšky lidské postavy jsou pobité buď lehčeným plastem, nebo překližkou.

  Žáci museli nejprve pomocí brusky odstranit několik vrstev předchozího laku.

  Po tmelení povrchu následovalo nanášení vrstev plniče.

  Pak už došlo na zelenou barvu, kterou dodavatel namíchal v požadovaném odstínu.

  Hned v lednu se nové šipky uplatnili na prezentaci vozů s pohonem čtyř kol 4×4 Winter Experience.

  Účastníkům ukazovali správný směr při testovacích jízdách.

• topic – fotogalerie

  For the generous presentation of its range of four-wheel drive vehicles, Škoda Auto chose the attractive setting of Frösön Island on Lake Stortjärnen in central Sweden.

  
  

  The local winter sports centre Östersund offered snow-covered roads in the surrounding area for test drives, as well as rutted circuits on the frozen lake.

  The aim of the 4×4 Winter Experience was to demonstrate the advantages of Škoda four-wheel drive vehicles in winter conditions. 

  On display were 4×4 versions of the Octavia, Kodiaq, Enyaq Coupé iV, Enyaq iV, Karoq and Superb.

  The Kodiaq SUV was shown in its top-of-the-range RS version.

  The organisers of the event prepared kilometres of attractive routes for the participants to test drive the cars. 

  
  

  These were fitted with special tyres for ice driving.

  
  

  The electric cars of the Enyaq iV series also coped with the freezing conditions.

  
  

  They were available in both body styles - classic SUV and Coupé.

  
  

  The icing on the cake for the participants was the opportunity to ride as a co-driver in a new car from Škoda Motorsport - the Fabia RS Rally2.

  
  

  The direction board indicated how far the cars from Mladá Boleslav had travelled to Sweden.

  
  

  The climax of the event was an attempt to overcome the longest continuous drift on ice. 

  
  

  In the Enyaq RS iV, motoring journalist Richard Meadon attempted the record.

  
  

  And he did. In 15 minutes and 58 seconds, he covered a distance of 7,351 metres in the drift, allowing the record to be entered into the Guinness Book of Records.