What's New at Our Plants
The summer shutdown traditionally gives us the chance to modify the production halls and upgrade technology. We took a look at the most significant developments. In Mladá Boleslav, the main focus was on preparations for the launch of the Peaq model. In Kvasiny, for example, the paint shop was modernised, while in Vrchlabí, one of the larger projects was renovating the façade.
What Changed in Production During the Summer Shutdown?
Significant technological and construction changes have taken place in Kvasiny, Mladá Boleslav and in the component production halls, which will fundamentally affect future car production.
Production and Logistics
The Škoda brand is gradually changing its production portfolio. Production of the largest electric model, the Peaq, has started in Mladá Boleslav, and production capacity has been freed up in Kvasiny following the end of the SEAT and CUPRA Ateca models (see Škoda Mobil 6/26). As a result, the carmaker had to change its production lines, technologies and logistics flows. This year's summer shutdown therefore provided an opportunity for hundreds of adjustments that would not have been possible during normal operation.
Kvasiny
Preparing the line for HEV and PHEV
The Kvasiny plant underwent the biggest overhaul during this year's shutdown. A new section for chassis pre-assembly was created on assembly line ML1, enabling the integration of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid (HEV) models. The team completely dismantled the original equipment, installed a new frame storage unit and replaced the electrified conveyors along with their suspensions. These were also connected to the overall flow of the line. "Thanks are due to everyone who took part in this major overhaul," says Aleš Bureš, Head of PPF – Production Planning.
Significant changes were also under way in the Body Shops. Teams prepared production of the Karoq model after dismantling the equipment for the SEAT Ateca and automated the lines for the Kodiaq model, thereby improving ergonomic conditions for employees. In the construction area, the replacement of skylights and the building of the noise barrier continued.
The Paint Shop has undergone a rebuild of the top-coat line. The replacement of application robots also brought a switch to two-component paint, which delivers a higher quality standard, the option of matt finishes and the application of HTE (high transfer efficiency).
338
Activities
158
Coordinating employees
146
External companies
60
Halls
Mladá Boleslav
Major projects and line modifications
In the main production plant, construction continued on the body storage facility and the new Paint Shop. The growing structure of conveyors and bridges (see the Infrastructure articles in Škoda Mobil 8/2026) will gradually connect both buildings with the production flow.
In the M12 Body Shop, the team shortened and reprogrammed the Unterbau 1 line in connection with the transfer of Octavia Combi production to Kvasiny. The plant will use the freed-up space for the production of MEB models.
In the M13 assembly hall, staff have reconfigured and expanded all workstations on the production line to accommodate the Peaq, the largest electric car in Škoda's portfolio. (You can read more about the start of its production in Škoda Mobil 8/2026.) The modifications were scheduled to take place during the last plant-wide holiday before the start of series production.
Modernisation of other facilities
In the foundry and forge, the implementation team rebuilt the casting workstation and adapted the shot blaster and saw to a universal design. This allows Škoda Auto to start production of new electric motor housings. In battery production, the implementation teams applied measures related to the 2027 model care across all lines and also carried out technical modifications to stabilise production. In gearbox production in Mladá Boleslav, machines were relocated to free up logistics space, while in Vrchlabí new test benches were added and areas were prepared for further equipment.
Engine Production has prepared the 1.5 TSI HEV engine variant on the cylinder head line. On the crankshaft line, it has modernised the tool monitoring system, and on the connecting rod lines, it has updated the camera systems.
Vrchlabí
Maintenance across regions
The shutdown also provided an opportunity for extensive building and machinery maintenance. For example, in Vrchlabí, work teams repaired the facade and completely refurbished the fixed fire-fighting system, contributing to a safer and better working environment.