Together4integrity

A PROUD FAMILY

THIS YEAR’S FOURTH OPEN TALK CENTRED ON THE GROUP PRINCIPLE ‘WE ARE PROUD OF THE WORK WE DO’

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 nother OPEN TALK debate took place at the end of July. It was held using the new online format, which was originally necessary due to the strict security measures against the coronavirus pandemic. In front of the camera were Klaus-Dieter Schürmann, Board Member for Finance and IT, Alain Favey, Board Member for Sales and Marketing, Frank Schakau, Head of FC – Controlling, and Libor Myška, Head of VV – Sales Management. The discussion, during which they answered questions posted through the Slido platform, was viewed by more than 100 employees on their work computers. 

We came out of the crisis better than others

The participants in the discussion agreed that the employees’ pride is deeply rooted in the rich 125-year history of the ŠKODA brand. It is something for which everyone has to prove their worth, and our employees are successfully meeting the challenge. The current coronavirus pandemic situation served as an example. All of us have dealt with this situation very well. After all, a large part of the questions focused on the development of this situation and the state of the measures. 

For example, the head of the VV department, Mr. Myška, compared the current situation to the previous economic crisis and described the fundamental difference as follows: “The situation in 2008 had an economic basis. The current crisis was caused by medical circumstances and led to great uncertainty, which in many respects still persists.” The carmaker’s initial reaction to the crisis also helped with the subsequent restart. “Following the crisis, we increased our market share, and we have outclassed many other manufacturers”, said Schakau, who heads the Controlling department.

Sustainable goals

According to the participants, the bet on sustainability may reduce current uncertainty. “This year, in particular, we are addressing the CO2 issue, which is important not only for the environment but also for our business model”, Schürmann noted regarding the new emission targets that have been in place for carmakers since this year. However, the future of ŠKODA AUTO and its proud employees is not just e-cars, although their importance will grow rapidly. Financial sustainability is important, too. And here, the carmaker has an advantage thanks to its budgetary discipline. “We can be proud of our foundation and our cost monitoring”, Favey said, adding that only a company that invests money efficiently and prudently without waste is a sustainable one. Luděk Vokáč