On gas and electricity

The new OCTAVIA is offering the broadest range of eco-friendly drives to date

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he fourth generation of ŠKODA’s best-seller is expanding its range with three alternative drives: the plug-in hybrid iV, the mild-hybrid e-TEC and the environmental G-TEC on natural gas (see picture). “We have made it a priority to reduce aerodynamic resistance and CO2 and NOx emissions during the early development stage already. We’ve managed to combine efficiency and sustainability with a high level of functionality and versatility”, emphasises Christian Strube, Board Member for Technical Development.

In the iV series, the innovation is following last year’s plug-in hybrid, the SUPERB iV. Likewise, it is equipped with an electric motor that has an output of 85 kW, though in a new development version. The increased range on electricity, which allows it to contribute to lower pollution in city centres, is provided by regenerative braking that also reduces brake wear. The Economical Driving Assistant also contributes to the car’s frugality, cooperating with the recovery system and adjusting its level according to an approaching roundabout or speed limit so that the car decelerates as efficiently as possible.

The fourth-generation OCTAVIA reduces CO2 emissions thanks to not only alternative drives but also excellent aerodynamics. The numbers 0.24 and 0.26 may not tell you much at first glance. However, these are the values of drag coefficient for the OCTAVIA and OCTAVIA COMBI that place these cars at the top not only of their segment. ED

Read more about alternative OCTAVIA drives at www.skoda-storyboard.com.

Circular economy in practice

Organic packaging material is composted in Pune and improves the soil of the logistics park

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n July, the brand’s Logistics department launched a pilot project in which it tests biodegradable films for packaging parts prior to them being shipped to our plant in Pune, India. It checks whether the innovative packaging concept can be used on a larger scale than before. “At ŠKODA AUTO, we take a holistic approach to constantly shrink our ecological footprint and also encourage our employees chip in. Together with our Pune colleagues, we test films based on corn starch. Using this concept, we have already halved the amount of conventional plastic packaging used for parts deliveries to this plant”, says David Strnad, head of PL – Brand Logistics, which expects to have the testing results by June 2021. 

The so-called compostable films protect parts just as efficiently as conventional plastic packaging. The significant difference is that after use, it decomposes within three to six months and then serves as an organic fertiliser in the logistics park in Pune. The unique packaging concept is a Green Logistics project and will save the carmaker approximately 500 kg of conventional plastic films every month.

The brand’s Logistics department specifically targeted a new type of packaging that is biodegradable. The CKD Centre employees tested several test consignments to check that they meet the strict requirements for shipping overseas in containers. The quality control following the delivery to Pune revealed no damage nor any traces of corrosion on the components that had been transported. Subsequently, the carmaker checked on-site whether the packaging would degrade according to plan. The Pune logistics staff built composters made of recycled material, which were filled with other organic waste, in addition to the films. After only six months, the films had largely biodegraded. ED