FLIGHT THROUGH THE ŠKODA WORLD
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Flight Through the ŠKODA World
Happening at ŠKODA AUTO
Deliveries fall, sales profitability holds
In the first half of this year, ŠKODA AUTO delivered 360,600 cars to its customers worldwide, which is 30% fewer than during the same period last year. Similarly, the operating result dropped by 30.6% to EUR 676 million (approximately CZK 16.5 billion). However, the profitability of sales remains stable at 6.6%, and the carmaker expects it to remain strong throughout the year. The war in Ukraine and the ongoing semiconductor shortage have had a heavy impact on the financial results. The consolidation of OOO Volkswagen Group Rus under ŠKODA AUTO shortly before the Russian invasion also adversely affected the results.
Despite numerous geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges, ŠKODA AUTO is proving to be resilient to the crisis.
Klaus Zellmer
ŠKODA AUTO CEO
Vision 7s life-size model
Visitors to the ŠKODA Museum in Mladá Boleslav have until 15 September only, a unique opportunity to see clay model of the VISION 7S electric car study (read more about it on the pages of this ŠKODA Mobile). A preview of the future seven-seater SUV on the Group's MEB platform is on display in a real size and shows the specific solutions such as the new Tech-Deck Face mask, the portal doors with counter-rotating opening, a slightly sloping roof and triangular D-pillars.
Ask Klaus
The new CEO, Klaus Zellmer, took office on 1 July. In an introductory video that you can watch on ŠKODA Space, the experienced manager presented his life journey and the new developments to look forward to in the near future and the years to come. Zellmer will also be happy to answer your questions via the new “Ask Klaus” format on ŠKODA Space. Priority will be given to questions from employees, so please include your name, surname and department information. You can also follow the new CEO on his LinkedIn profile.
Questions for the CEO should be sent to klaus@skoda-auto.cz.
How they see us
Autosalon.tv (15 August 2022)
ENYAQ COUPÉ RS iV
We were pleasantly surprised by the ENYAQ COUPÉ RS iV’s potential as a family car.
Looks great from all angles
Cool sports seats with well-designed headrests
Driving it is an experience
Fascinating and addictive peace in the cabin
Good range
Serves well as a family car
Somewhat clumsy in turns
Brakes are rather weak for a sports car
Fast charging is slow
ŠKODA AUTO Helps
Support of mobility and social services in the Vrchlabí region
ŠKODA AUTO has handed over three new OCTAVIA COMBI cars to representatives from social service organisations in Vrchlabí. These cars are intended to improve access to care for elderly and disabled citizens and have been loaned on an ongoing basis since 2018. The OCTAVIA COMBI models, which are characterised by their easy handling, good driving characteristics, spacious bodywork and operational efficiency, will be fully utilised in the daily demanding regime in the mountain region. These cars are used to transport employees to clients, some of whom live in remote areas. But the cars are also used for trips to the doctor and the delivery of lunches and medical equipment, as well as other services.
Collection for schoolchildren
ŠKODA AUTO and the KOVO Trade Union participated in a public collection for schoolchildren from families in difficult financial situations as part of the Boleslav Clothing Event charity project. The project was set up by the Statutory City of Mladá Boleslav to help all people in need. To a large extent, it helps both citizens from the region and refugee families from Ukraine who found a home here after the war broke out. While humanitarian aid has focused on clothing, toiletries and small household items, this collection aimed to meet the needs of schoolchildren, especially those entering local schools for the first time. It ran until 4 September at the Olympia shopping centre in Mladá Boleslav. Contributors could bring new and used school supplies: bookbags, lunch boxes, bottles, classroom and gym shoes, as well as other supplies that pose a significant financial burden, especially for families of first graders.
Events
Seven ŠKODA cars at the Sachsen Classic
The traditional veteran rally on the Czech-German border region was once again graced by ŠKODA cars. At the 19th Sachsen Classic from 18 to 20 August, cars from the German brand importer and five other cars from the ŠKODA Museum were among those in competition, including a 1940 RAPID OHV “Motorway” and an 1100 MBX DeLuxe. After the start in Zwickau, Germany, the almost 600-kilometre route took the participants to Kynžvart Castle, Loket Castle and Boží Dar. The finish line was waiting for them in front of the town hall in Saská Kamenice. Michal Velebný and Andrea Frydlová from the ŠKODA Museum, driving a 1940 RAPID OHV with aerodynamic bodywork (pictured), placed second in Class 2 (cars from 1931–1946).
Fans of the brand drove through the Český ráj
At the end of July, the 57th ŠKODA Tour, an international meeting of owners and fans of the Mladá Boleslav brand, took place near the ruins of Zvířetice Castle. Twenty-three crews arrived from various parts of Europe in both historic and newer cars and then took part in the traditional rally through the Český ráj and a visit to the ŠKODA Museum. Participants were also able to take a test drive in the ENYAQ iV.
Group News
Audi heads to Formula 1
From 2026, race cars in the world’s most prestigious motor racing competition will also be powered by power units developed by Audi in Neuburg an der Donau, Germany. With Formula 1 placing an increasing emphasis on sustainability and cost-effectiveness, these units will be hybrid and combine an electric and an internal combustion engine with roughly the same power output. Audi will announce which race team it will be working with by the end of the year.
Quarter more electric cars
In the first half of 2022, VW Group carmakers delivered 217,100 fully electric cars worldwide, an increase of 27% year on year. ŠKODA was a major contributor, with its ENYAQ iV models among the VW Group’s best-selling electric cars. They also include the Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5 and ID.3, as well as the Audi e-tron.
Cycling
Great advertisement at Tour de France
The world’s most famous cycling race had a particularly exciting course this year, and ŠKODA AUTO was there. The peloton was accompanied throughout by a convoy of the Czech brand cars, among which the all-electric ENYAQ iV SUV reigned supreme. ŠKODA Design awards awaited the best drivers. In addition to the overall winner, Jonas Vingegaard, the crystal trophy was presented to the top spurter, Wout van Aert, by ŠKODA AUTO Board Member Christian Schenk (pictured above). As a major partner, the carmaker also helped to organise the first year of the eagerly awaited Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. More than 50 ŠKODA cars accompanied the event, one of which was used by the race director, Marion Rousse (bottom picture). In the end, the victory went to Annemiek van Vlouten of the Netherlands. Marianne Vos dominated the scoring, which was sponsored by ŠKODA both here and in the men’s race.
The Tour de France and ŠKODA AUTO as its long-standing partner are a „perfect match“ at this after the summer Olympics and the football World Cup world's most media-savvy sporting event. In addition to the presentation of the green jersey and the trophy designed by ŠKODA design, the launch of the women's race, which took place for the first time in history and was also sponsored by ŠKODA AUTO, were key highlights für ŠKODA at the famous event.
CHRISTIAN SCHENK
Board member FOR FINANCE AND IT
Long ride for a good cause
In the middle of the holiday season, the 10th year of the Metrostav Cycle Handy Marathon took place across the 14 regions of the Czech Republic. Its purpose is to show cooperation between able-bodied and disabled athletes. Once again, the ŠKODA WeLoveCycling.com team was headed by Paralympian Jiří Ježek, accompanied by Pavel Vobora, External Service Technician from BSL – Supplier Readiness Management, and Ota Řehák, Coordinator from EES/1 – Central Electronics. Other members included model Andrea Bezděková, traveller Michal Kamermaier, cyclist Evelína Opičková and last year’s participant, Zuzana Boháčová. Last year’s team patron, Lenka Kladivová, took to the track on a handbike. In her place, David Štefanides served as patron this year.
kilometres had to be completed within the 111-hour time limit at this year’s Metrostav Cycle Handy Marathon.