A new address

Avinash Gosavi

Head of the SAVWIPL Body Shop in Pune

6,248

separate Avinash’s workplace in Pune from Mladá Boleslav, where he completed his one-year internship

Even the pandemic offered a valuable experience

I

previously worked at the ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) plant in Pune as the Paint Shop manager. As part of my preparation for joining the management of the Body Shop, I received an offer for a one-year deputation at the parent company. As a project manager on the new generation of the FABIA model at the MB II Body Shop, I have broadened my horizons and deepened my body design knowledge. I have gained the know-how that I could apply to the new KUSHAQ car and three other models that we will launch in 2021. Although my stay in Mladá Boleslav was affected by the pandemic, which meant the plant was completely closed for several weeks, it was still a great experience to learn how systematically operations were closed and restarted without any hiccups. My colleagues received me very well from day one and helped me in my work and beyond. I think that we handled the situation caused by the pandemic very effectively, and as a result, I gained a lot of new, unexpected experiences.

The pandemic disrupted our plans to visit other European

countries. However, we were able to get to know your country

more, which impressed us so much that my wife and I are now

brand ambassadors for the Czech Republic in India.

Road experiences: ENYAQ iV and snow

One of the highlights of my stay in Mladá Boleslav was my ride in the new electric SUV, which was lent to me by Marek Jancák, Head of PF – Car Production. Otherwise, driving in Europe is always a pleasure for any Indian. No traffic, no honking. It’s just a problem when it starts to snow. When you’re not used to it, you can skid. It happened to me, as well!

Learning the history

My wife and I were lucky to be in the Czech Republic at the time when the carmaker was commemorating 125 On the very first day, I was introduced to the long history of ŠKODA AUTO, and I was surprised that its journey to making top electric cars actually began with the production of bicycles at the same factory.

To the skies

My wife, Arati, and I enjoyed our visit to the Mladá Boleslav Flying Club, where we saw its antique planes taking off one after another. It was an incredible view that one just can’t get in India. Luboš Hradecký, a colleague of mine, and I then flew in his plane, which I will never forget.

Multicultural breakfast

I got along very well with my colleagues in Mladá Boleslav. For example, I once organised a traditional Indian breakfast (poha rice and laddu dessert), where we discussed the cultural specifics of India and the Czech Republic. In return, some of my colleagues brought home-made jams for me and my wife.

A paradise for cyclists

I’m a passionate cyclist, and I was thrilled by the local conditions. Around Mladá Boleslav and throughout the Czech Republic, people have plenty of opportunities for safe rides in the beautiful countryside. I bought my ŠKODA mountain bike and set off on cycling routes in the area. One of my colleagues, Radek Dubský, was often my guide.