Škoda Mobil

Škoda Mobil is the company newspaper for Škoda Auto employees, published monthly and presenting up-to-date information on what is happening at Škoda Auto and the Volkswagen Group. The regular columns focuses on employees, innovations and interesting projects from within the company, current information from Škoda Motorsport and many other topics.

03/2024

Škoda Mobil<br>March

  • Cover

  • News

    8

    The Superb comes standard with eight airbags.

    New Superb and Octavia pricing revealed for Czech market

    All authorised Škoda dealers are now taking orders for the new-generation Superb, which will reach its first customers in April. The recommended starting price for the liftback with the 1.5 TSI 110 kW engine in the richly equipped basic Selection version starts at CZK 935,000. The estate commands a CZK 40,000 surcharge, as with the previous generation. The Laurin & Klement trim level variant starts at CZK 1,135,000 with the 1.5 TSI 110 kW engine. The brand’s Czech dealership has introduced an upgraded Octavia model (more information here) in the limited First Edition series, which is already available in the web configurator. It includes features such as 17-inch Rotare Aero wheels, 13-inch infotainment with navigation, predictive cruise control and many more. Its price starts at CZK 799,000, with the estate also attracting a CZK 40,000 surcharge. Delivery of the first cars is scheduled around the end of the second and the start of the third quarter. Meanwhile, the current Octavia Fresh model is on offer until 31 March with discounted extended equipment at starting prices from CZK 649,000.

    Škoda Auto World

    Aurangabad changes its name

    The government of the Indian state of Maharashtra has announced the official renaming of the city of Aurangabad, which is also home to one of the manufacturing plants of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited. The new name is Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Because of the complex pronunciation and the transition period before the name takes hold, the GK – Communications department advises referring to the city by both its current and former names as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad).

    IVA marks five years of assistance

    Chatbot IVA has become a familiar and widely used application on Škoda Space and MS Teams. It provides advice on a wide range of topics, with an average of two new ones added every month. It all started in the first quarter of 2019 with a single task: helping Microsoft Lumia business phone users transition to Android or iOS devices, initially communicating exclusively via Skype for Business. Since then, its unique user base has grown significantly to 40,000.

    Fabia and Octavia triumph as Best Cars

    Two Škoda compact models have won the title of Best Imported Car in their respective classes in this year’s Best Cars readers’ poll organised by the German automotive magazine auto motor und sport. The Octavia extended its remarkable winning streak by winning the title of Best Foreign Compact Car for the 11th consecutive time. The Fabia was crowned the winner among imported small cars for the third time, following victories in 2008 and 2023.

    Enyaq for the Partnership Environmental Foundation 

    On 14 February, Škoda Auto donated an Enyaq model to the Partnership Environmental Foundation, with which it has long cooperated in the field of tree planting and sustainable greenery. The foundation serves as a guarantor and administrator for the Škoda Trees grant appeal and announces the Josef Vavroušek Award. This year marks the first time the Škoda Auto Endowment fund has partnered with the foundation.

    Škoda Auto has already produced 200,000 fully electric cars from its Enyaq family. The anniversary model was the Enyaq Coupé Sportline, which came off the production line on 16 February.

    The Škoda brand has achieved a historic milestone in the Taiwan sales region, delivering 10,001 cars to customers last year – a 39% increase over its previous record. Various marketing activities, including sponsorship of the Rakuten Monkeys baseball team, played a significant role in this.

    Quotation of the month

    With the modernised Octavia, we continue to strive for even greater sustainability. This is reflected in the use of recycled fabrics and environmentally processed leather. The Simply Clever elements – the ice scraper and umbrella – are now made from recycled materials.

    Karsten Schnake  

    Board Member for Procurement

    Unique showroom in Hanoi

    Customers in Vietnam’s capital can now visit a new Škoda dealership called the Experience Centre. This space, reflecting the brand’s new corporate identity, serves as a showroom for those interested in cars during the day and can be transformed into a venue for cultural events at night. So far, the store features Kodiaq and Karoq models, which customers can explore in depth through interactive digital technology.

    Support for cycling continues

    Škoda Auto has renewed its partnership with the Czech Cycling Federation until 2027, maintaining its status as the federation’s general partner. This collaboration spans all cycling disciplines, with Škoda providing 13 cars. At the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Tábor at the beginning of February, Škoda Auto already presented itself as the main partner. Former racer Zdeněk Štybar also becomes the new expert of the Škoda WeLoveCycling platform.

    In 2023, the Škoda brand further strengthened its position as market leader in the Czech Republic. Here is a look at its performance last year:

    35%

    Škoda market share in the Czech Republic in 2023.

    77,490

    Newly registeared cars Škoda in the Czech Republic, a year-on-year increase of 23%.

    7/10

    Seven of the Top 10 best-selling cars on the Czech market were Škoda models.

    How they see us

    Autosalon.tv

    The new Octavia

    The brand’s modernised bestseller has been presented to the public and the press, who have already had time to review it. 

    14 February 2024

    Interior equipment is closer to the top Škoda models

    New wheel rims

    Octavia RS estate version is really beautiful

    Sharp, distinctive headlight cut

    Two-zone air conditioning

    Improved keyless entry

    Exterior changes only subtle, harder to spot

    Only 16-inch wheels in the basic version

    Minimal changes to the engine range, no plug-in hybrid version

    On the network

    How the new Octavia is better

    The February episode of the #ExploreSkoda podcast delves into the facelift for Škoda’s best-selling car. The new Octavia is introduced by Denisa Pánková, who is in charge of car projects in the G21 – Model line A unit. On the podcast, she focuses on the car’s design changes, upgrades, motorisation and which versions should be the most successful with customers.

    News

  • Czech fleets with Škoda logo

    Sales to corporate customers are crucial for Škoda Auto. Škoda cars are driven by Czech police officers, rescue workers, ministers and representatives of not only the largest companies but also small businesses. The carmaker’s Czech dealership is extending wholesale benefits to customers when they buy two cars within 12 months. A digital fleet configurator has also been introduced as a new feature.

    Topic

    Škoda Dominates Czech Fleets

    For Škoda Auto, fleet sales are crucial. That is why it offers wholesale benefits for purchases of as few as two cars within 12 months and recently introduced a digital fleet configurator.

    Škoda cars are a common sight on Czech roads. They dominate the landscape, as last year’s statistics confirm: Every third newly registered car in the Czech Republic was a Škoda. However, sales to corporate customers (i.e. fleets) are also a major contributor. Škoda vehicles are used by Czech police officers, rescue workers, ministers, representatives of the largest companies and small entrepreneurs.

    The Czech Škoda Auto dealership is helping them in this regard by offering a wholesale concept that customers can access when they buy two new cars within 12 months from any authorised dealer. The main draw of this concept is the wholesale discount, but there are many other advantages. Customers enjoy guaranteed terms throughout the framework purchase agreement, access to individual financing offers and, for example, benefits like the employee programme, which offers preferential terms for new car purchases for the wholesaler’s employees. In addition, the extensive sales and service network, high residual value of Škoda models and eMobility consultancy are significant benefits.

    67,800

    Number of Škoda fleet cars registered in the Czech Republic in 2023.

    40.5 %

    Market share of the Škoda brand in the Czech fleet market in 2023, marking an increase of 2.7 percentage points from 2022.

    Which wholesalers have the largest Škoda fleets? “Primarily, our customers in the telecommunications, energy and construction sectors. The number of Škoda cars in these fleets ranges from the higher hundreds to lower thousands. Typically, it is a mix of all models from our range – from the Fabia to the Enyaq,” explains Michal Nykl, coordinator of the VTV/1 – Sales – Fleet department.

    Even demanding corporate customers are usually satisfied with the standard equipment range and, if necessary, an extensive selection of Škoda accessories. Cars for rescue and security forces are an exception, since they have numerous specific modification requirements, which Škoda Auto is fully equipped to deliver. 

    Digital assistant for car orders

    A new feature that will make fleet management easier for corporate customers is the Fleet Configurator. This user-friendly online platform, easily accessible from mobile phones, enables fleet managers to easily configure company cars and interact with dealers at the same time. They can also invite an employee to participate in the company car selection and configuration process, according to the restrictions set by the company’s internal guidelines. All communication and approval processes are carried out in a transparent online environment, which significantly reduces administrative complexity and expedites the agenda.

    “The configurator was developed in collaboration with the VX – Customer Journey department. The preparations took several months and involved selected customers who contributed to the development and by reflecting their requirements, needs and ideas. The Czech market is the first where we have launched this tool,” says Nykl.

    Most popular models

    Octavia, Kodiaq, Fabia

    Most popular colours

    White, grey, blue

    Most popular transmission

    Automatic

    Corporate fleets 2023

    Last year, Škoda Auto delivered its cars to various private and state entities. Below is an overview of the most significant deliveries.

    Electrification at Komerční banka 

    In October, Škoda Auto supplied 80 Enyaq 80 cars to Komerční banka. A total of 131 electric cars, delivered by Škoda Direct auto, an authorised Škoda dealer, are now operational in its fleet. Based on satisfaction with their performance, the fleet is now being further expanded. 

    Kodiaq in police service

    The Police of the Czech Republic added 289 Kodiaqs to its fleet. The first 50 were received last autumn at the polygon in Úhelnice. Each car is equipped with a protective frame to serve both traffic and riot police. The Mladá Boleslav carmaker is a longstanding supplier to the Police of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of the Interior and has already delivered more than 23,000 cars to these entities.

    Tender for the Czech Postal Service

    Škoda Auto won a major tender to refresh the Czech Postal Service’s fleet with 371 Fabia cars, all to be operated under an operating lease. The first 300 cars were ceremonially handed over at the Přerost a Švorc auto authorised dealer.

    ČEZ emission-free fleet

    Škoda Auto delivered 23 Enyaq electric cars to ČEZ Distribuce, primarily for customer visits and troubleshooting. The ČEZ Group, which collaborates with the Mladá Boleslav carmaker on several electromobility projects, is thus enhancing its fleet with locally emission-free cars.

    Logical step for CPI Property Group

    Škoda Auto has handed over the first six new Škoda Enyaq 80 electric cars to CPI Property Group. The company’s entire fleet will consist of 82 cars. The Group’s transition towards a fully electrified fleet will be facilitated by the Chargee solution for managing, operating and controlling charging and infrastructure both within and beyond the company.

  • Topic / Fleet-rozhovor

    Topic

    Fleet sales ensure stable sales

    In an interview with our colleagues from the VTV/1 department, we explore the importance of car sales to wholesale customers for the Škoda brand and the current trends in this area.

    How does the Škoda brand appeal to wholesale customers, and why is it so popular with them? We asked Michal Nykl, coordinator of the VTV/1 – Sales – Fleet department (pictured right), and Marek Olič, the Regional advisor Key account management from the same department, who answered our questions together. 

    Customers can reach the wholesale concept with as few as two cars purchases within 12 months. What motivated you to set such an easily reachable threshold?

    We did this to accommodate customers with smaller fleets, such as sole business owners and SMEs, allowing them to enjoy price reductions and other advantages as well. In addition, the concept includes specific target groups – selected groups of customers eligible for discounts on single-car purchases (e.g. driving schools, non-profit organisations or the disabled in the Škoda Handy programme).

    The fleet segment makes up a significant share of Škoda’s deliveries in the Czech market. How would you summarise the benefits for the carmaker?

    The wholesale concept has contributed to more than half of the brand’s sales in recent years, and we have longstanding partnerships that guarantee stable sales. In addition, company cars often accumulate more mileage, which ensures that our service network keeps busy. Last but not least, the regular renewal of fleet cars is significantly faster than in the case of private customers and is also important for sales of cars under the Škoda Plus programme.

    Why is the Škoda brand popular with wholesale customers?

    We offer a diverse lineup of models, from small pool cars to executive cars, with a range of different motorisations, assistance systems and individual configuration options, as well as an emphasis on safety. In addition, Škoda cars retain a high residual value and have low operating costs. Finally, we have to mention our extensive service network.

    Can you give an indication of what further trends in digitisation can be expected in fleet sales?

    Digitisation and efficiency improvements are a clear trend, and corporate fleet management is no exception. This evolution is closely related to the shift towards electromobility and will influence the entire lifecycle of a car – its selection, ordering, delivery, operation and even retirement from the fleet. Accordingly, we expect to enhance the Fleet Configurator’s functions and develop additional tools.

    The automotive industry has faced tough challenges in recent years – pandemics, supply chain disruptions, and the rise of Chinese competition. How are these factors affecting fleet sales?

    Profoundly. We’ve had to make swift adjustments in all areas. For example, the fluctuating delivery times, which initially surged before dropping just as quickly, complicated the fleet renewal planning. Then there was the advent of electromobility, which has brought with it a much more complex approach and new issues, requiring companies to deal more with not only car selection but also the charging infrastructure at workplaces and in users’ private homes. We believe that we are ready for the challenges, and our common goal is for the Škoda brand to maintain its strong position in the domestic market.

  • A bit of history

    A bit of history

    Serviceas, postal services and food suppliers

    The carmaker has had wholesale customers since its early days. Laurin & Klement proved its ability to meet specific customer requirements for car design as early as 1908 with an order for the Principality of Montenegro. 

    At that time, Montenegro issued a tender for vehicles suitable for passenger and mail transport on the narrow, steep, serpentine roads connecting Kotor with the hinterland. Laurin & Klement won the contract with their E-type cars built on a shortened chassis and with a driver’s cab over the engine.

    A year later, Vienna expressed interest in the L&K cars and ordered 50 GDVs with F-type engines for taxi services in the city.

    In the autumn of 1911, the supply of vehicles to breweries, one of the traditional and booming industries in the Czech lands, was very promising. At the Prague Brewery Exhibition, the L&K brand received praise for its range of flat-bed lorries designed for transporting barrels of golden liquid and for its selection of stable Brons engines from 4 to 32 hp, suitable for powering brewery equipment.

    By the end of 1911, military contracts – not only from Vienna but also from Russia and Japan, among others – were also becoming an increasingly interesting part of the brand’s future.

  • Modernising a bestseller

    The updated version of the fourth-generation Octavia features design and aerodynamic changes, including a redesigned radiator grille and new headlights. This new version of Škoda’s best-selling car boasts more equipment, improved safety features and a higher proportion of sustainable materials. Other novelties worth noting are the new assistance systems and an expanded Simply Clever feature set.

    Models

    Modernising a Bestseller

    The fourth-generation Octavia arrives in an updated version boasting a refreshed design, more equipment and an increased proportion of sustainable materials.

    Upon first glance, you will notice the redesigned radiator grille and new headlights. But the Octavia’s update offers much more. Both the front and rear bumpers have undergone design and aerodynamic modifications, and the cooling air intake has been changed. In addition, new aerodynamic wheels ranging from 16 to 19 inches have been introduced.

    Now, let’s get back to the headlights. They are available in the Selection and Sportline trim levels with the second-generation Matrix-LED technology, a standard feature on the Octavia RS. They have a total of 36 light modules across two rows, 12 more than before. The fog lights have been replaced by a bad weather light function that adjusts the light output based on current lighting conditions.

    More than 7 million Octavia cars have been sold since 1996, making it the Škoda brand’s best-selling car. 

    New inside the car

    The interior is available in nine variants with a higher proportion of sustainable materials, such as recycled fabrics and eco-friendly leather. A 10-inch infotainment screen comes standard, with an option for a 13-inch screen. Customers will also be served by USB-C connectors offering triple the charging power, and the AI-based ChatGPT chatbot will be added later. New Simply Clever features include an automatic release for the estate version’s boot roll-up cover.

    Drive and safety

    The new Octavia offers four petrol and two diesel engines, with outputs ranging from 85 to 195 kW. There is a choice of manual and automatic transmission variants, as well as mild-hybrid technology. Safety features have also been innovated. New fatigue and attention recognition assesses driver behaviour even more accurately, and up to 10 airbags and new driver assistance systems, such as automatic parking, are now available. 

    Octavia RS and Sportline

    The modernisation of the model introduces two sporty variants: the RS and the Sportline. Both feature a sporty chassis, progressive steering and several specific black design elements on the exterior, along with an attractive interior. The Octavia Sportline features recycled grey fabric, grey stitching and faux leather. The interior of the Octavia RS, by contrast, is dominated by a black theme with red stitching. It is powered by an exclusive 195 kW 2.0 TSI engine. In addition, it now comes equipped with the original sports exhaust system featuring black tailpipes.

     

    1996

    Launch of the first-generation modern Octavia.

     

    1998

    Introduction of the estate body version for the Octavia model.

     

    2000

    First-generation model modernisation, with the first appearance of the L&K and RS versions.

     

    2004

    Introduction of the technically more advanced second generation of the car.

     

    2007

    Launch of the Scout version with modifications for more demanding conditions.

     

    2008

    Facelift for the model, featuring new lights, among others.

     

    2012

    Introduction of the third generation of the model.

     

    2017

    Facelift for the third-generation Octavia, featuring a distinctive “four-eyed” look.

     

    2019

    Launch of the current generation of the brand’s bestseller, with a significantly more dynamic design.

     

    2024

    Modernisation of the fourth-generation Octavia.

  • Refreshing the Scala and Kamiq

    Production of the upgraded Scala and Kamiq models started on Monday, 29 January, at the MBII assembly line in Mladá Boleslav. The facelifts focused primarily on the front and rear of the car, with a new design given to the headlights, among other changes. Inside, both models received new decors. The highlight, however, is the 8-inch virtual cockpit, which replaces the traditional analogue tachograph.

    Flipping Production from One Minute to the Next

    Scala a Kamiq: On Monday, 29 January, production of the upgraded Scala and Kamiq models started on the MBII assembly line in Mladá Boleslav.

    Production

    The facelift for the Scala compact car and the Kamiq urban SUV primarily means a rejuvenation of the front and rear of the car without altering the body. Both bumpers have undergone significant visual changes, and the headlights have also been redesigned. In addition, they now feature Matrix-LED technology for the first time. Inside, both models have received new seat and dashboard decors, with the highlight being the 8-inch virtual cockpit that replaces the traditional analogue tachograph.

    576,000

    The number of units produced since the Kamiq urban SUV was launched, including 107,000 units last year.

    260,000

    How many Scala cars have rolled off the production line since the model’s launch in 2019, with more than 56,000 produced last year alone. 

    Responding to customer feedback, the developers have also modified the climate control panel, making it more intuitive and simpler. The modernisation of both models is detailed in an article in the Škoda Storyboard online magazine.

    I want to thank all my colleagues across the carmaker for their professional work that has led to the successful ramp-up. This achievement was possible even though some suppliers did not behave professionally at the key time of the ramp-up and failed to deliver parts in adequate numbers.

    Petr Kuba

    Head of PA – Launch Management

    New standards in the compact class

    However, the design modifications to both models are far from the biggest challenge the project had. The ramp-up team faced a significant upgrade of the car’s electrical architecture to meet UNECE regulations, including ensuring cyber security of the car’s electronics throughout its lifecycle. In practice, this means protecting against cyber attacks and unauthorised tampering with control unit software, as well as maintaining continuous compliance with homologation regulations through software updates, both during car production and in customer use.

    “We’ve taken both models to the next level and set new standards in the compact class – particularly in assistance systems. I want to thank everyone involved for their exceptional cooperation. I’m confident that our customers will warmly welcome both upgraded models,” says Andreas Dick, Board Member for Production and Logistics.

    Successful ramp-up

    The updates to almost all control units required a new commissioning process for the cars on the assembly line. This change affected not only the Scala and Kamiq models in the M1 hall but also the Fabia. With the start of production of the upgraded cars, production at the entire MBII plant was flipped from one minute to the next. This meticulously planned action took place from the welding shop through the paint shop to the final assembly. With a daily output of 1,250 cars, the original Scala, Kamiq and, to some extent, Fabia models were immediately replaced by their new, modernised and safer counterparts with the same name.

    Reported in the media

    Top Gear: The Scala is competent, practical and decently priced.

    Garáž.cz: Škoda Scala was supposed to be a kind of intermediate waithin the models, but its qualities have reached the level of the Czech bestseller.

    Handelsblatt: With the Kamiq and Scala, Škoda offers a combination of advanced and affordable mobility.

    ADAC: The small Škoda Kamiq proves in the ADAC test that it can be a big car.

  • Master meetings with management

    In January and February, further meetings were held between masters and the Škoda Auto management. Klaus Zellmer, Škoda Auto CEO, Andreas Dick, Board Member for Production and Logistics, and Maren Gräf, Board Member for People and Culture, collectively reviewed the past year and discussed what lies ahead for the carmaker and its employees not only this year but also further into the future.

    Together on Current Issues

    In January and February, Škoda Auto held meetings between its forewomen and foremen and the management to review the previous year and outline the future direction of the carmaker.

    Event

    Klaus Zellmer, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Andreas Dick, the Board Member for Production and Logistics, and Maren Gräf, the Board Member for People & Culture, attended the first meetings with the forewomen and foremen this year. Moderated by Marek Jancák, Head of PF – Car Production, these discussions focused in particular on what lies ahead for the carmaker and its employees this year and beyond.

    Evolution in the electromobility field

    The Chairman summarised last year’s milestones, highlighting the launch of the new Kodiaq and Superb generations, entry into the Vietnamese market and the plans to produce up to six electric cars, including the successor to the Enyaq to be built in Mladá Boleslav.

    Zellmer also “struck an electric chord” by mentioning battery production. He pointed out that uncertainties surrounding the battery factory in Líně near Plzeň do not affect Škoda Auto’s electromobility strategy, adding that the carmaker has produced over 700,000 battery systems since 2019. “The ability to produce our own battery cells is a very important step in the transformation,” stressed Zellmer.

    He also remarked that electric cars will play an increasingly important role in the Škoda brand’s range and will account for more than 70% of the cars delivered in Europe by 2030. The brand’s new model range, developed as part of the company-wide Next Level – Škoda Strategy 2030, will also serve this purpose.

    Increasing production efficiency

    The Head of Production and Logistics praised the employees’ approach. “I would like to thank you for your high level of commitment and flexibility in the past year, which has been full of challenges and extraordinary events. Our achievements are the result of great teamwork,” Dick praised the employees.

    The carmaker produced 888,000 cars last year, a significant increase over 2021 and 2022. According to Dick, however, the goal for this year is not only to increase production and car sales but also to improve overall efficiency, including through cost optimisation. “There are many challenges ahead, for just for our company but also for the entire automotive industry this year, and it’s important to keep you informed,” said Dick.

    Focus on training and education

    Training and education are key to a successful transformation of the carmaker. “At Škoda Auto, employees are the most important aspect. Skills are the currency of the future – that is why we focus heavily on retraining our workforce and increasing their qualifications,” Maren Gräf highlighted to the forewomen and foremen. Last year, the carmaker introduced HR advice centres for employees and launched a new learning platform called Degreed, and it has prepared around 150 courses for foremen and forewomen this year.

    Gräf also emphasised the company’s commitment to social sustainability, such as investments in catering, accommodation and transport. A new addition in the realm of health is the Doctor Online service, available to employees 24/7 and not only for themselves.

    Social investments

    (2019–2023) 

    Overheads (4 billion)

    Catering 2.6 billion 

    Accommodation 0.26 billion 

    Transport 0.25 billion

    Other 0.89 billion 


    1.25 billion 

    Total investment in CZK in the commissioning of the central kitchen (0.57 billion), the canteen in the paint shop and 18 renovations.

    21 million

    During the reporting period, Aramark served 21 million main dishes and more than 8 million portions of soup to employees. 

    2.8 million

    How many employees the carmaker transported; it also housed some 6,800.

  • GreenFuture / Cirkularita

    GreenFuture

    Ten Principles of the Circular Economy

    Škoda Auto’s future holistic strategy 

    Ten R principles

    Design phase

    Most sustainable

    Added value

    Responsible use and production

    R0

    Refuse

    Avoid using non-eco-friendly materials and raw materials in the production of goods, processes and services.

    R1

    Rethink

    Rethink the production, use and maintenance of products.

    R2

    Reduce

    Reduce the proportion of non-eco-friendly materials in products and services.

    Consumption phase

    Optimal use

    Preserving and extending product lifetime

    R3

    Reuse 

    Enable the secondary use of products by another owner for the same purpose.

    R4

    Repair 

    Extend the product’s lifecycle through maintenance and repair.

    R5

    Refurbish

    Improve products to extend their useful life.

    R6

    Remanufacture 

    Produce products with the same purpose from discarded products or parts.

    R7

    Repurpose 

    Produce products with different purposes from discarded products or parts.

    End-of-life or payback phase

    Capturing and retaining added value

    Using waste as a resource

    R8

    Recycle 

    Process waste into new raw materials or materials that can be reused.

    R9

    Recover 

    Use waste to recover energy.

    Loss of resources and added value

    Environmental pollution

    Landfill or incineration

    Circularity is the economic principle of sharing, repairing, refurbishing, recycling, remanufacturing and reusing as much as possible. It aims to minimise not only waste but also the extraction and production of primary materials.

    Can the circular economy be the solution to a sustainable future and replace the linear economy? Yes, it can, but the transition will be neither easy nor cheap. It requires investment in new technologies and changes in societal behaviour. The role of national governments is key.

    European directives 

    European countries have started consuming more responsibly. Legislation and instruments are gradually being developed or adopted by the European Union. A recent phenomenon is the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) method, which enables companies to formulate sustainable business strategies and effectively meet objectives relating to the company’s environmental (E), social (S) and governance (G) performance. The new ESG directive is the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), which aims to introduce more detailed reporting requirements on sustainability activities based on the ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards). These standards are intended to ensure that companies report comparable, relevant and reliable sustainability information. For example, Škoda Auto has been publishing a Sustainability Report every two years since 2007. 

    Product material flow

    For the circular economy, tracking of the product material flow (digital product passport – ed.) is crucial. This tracking provides information on the product’s composition and origin, its carbon footprint and how it is managed at the end of its lifecycle. This data is absolutely essential for all links in the value chain and offers consumers more insights into sustainable products, which enables them to make choices based not only on price but also on environmental and social impacts. For Škoda Auto, implementing this system means developing a system for tracking material flows within its plants and with suppliers, as well as the ongoing monitoring of energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

    The successful implementation of European regulations requires the carmaker to establish a circular economy strategy and develop a holistic system based on the Ten R principles (see infographic), where each R contains a separate strategy. For a better understanding, these principles are divided into three categories, which differ in terms of the length of the waste loop (i.e. how many intermediate steps waste must pass through to become a product again). The shorter the loop, the more sustainable the overall strategy, as it needs less material and is more circular. Low numbers (for R) indicate the beginning of the value chain, with higher numbers towards the end.

    Info

    Specific production measures

    Recently implemented solutions from the Component Manufacturing assembly prove that the path to a circular economy is often very simple. “We use battery caps to protect the batteries, a portion of which can be reapplied to other batteries. In practice, the caps are fitted to batteries in the M6 hall and then move to the M13 hall. There, they are removed and sent back to the M6 hall in boxes. If they are not damaged, as confirmed by an employee checking them before assembly, they are reused on the battery assembly line. We mark the caps so we know how many times they have been rotated. This process allows us to save around 6 tonnes of waste per year, and the payback period for the measure is just over a year,” says Miloš Freiberg, who is responsible for eMobility projects in the PKV – Project Management, Pre-series Component Centre. “We’ve also found a way to repurpose the disposable paper boxes in which we receive our parts. We used to discard them, but now we send them on to the Expedition Centre, where they are used to repackage parts or move them between plants,” adds Freiberg.

  • GreenFuture / Voda

    GreenFuture

    Life-Giving Water

    Water protection and conservation at Škoda Auto 

    Water consumption in car production

    38% 

    The specific water consumption per car produced dropped by this percentage last year compared with 2010, reaching 1,720 litres in 2023.

    50%

    Half of the total amount of water used for production purposes in the Czech Republic is recycled, indicating that modern technologies enable the reuse of water in production processes many times over.

    100%

    At the Indian plants in Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), all wastewater is treated and reused for watering greenery. To improve the water balance in India, these facilities capture rainwater during the monsoon season for later use.

    Škoda Auto develops its environmental policy with full awareness of the importance of water and other natural resources. At the same time, the company makes an all-round contribution to reducing the negative impact of production processes on the environment. It consistently ensures compliance with essential pollutants limits in water through monitoring, continuous search and the implementation of innovative measures in both production processes and wastewater treatment.

    In fostering public support and raising awareness, the carmaker, through the Škoda Auto Foundation, supports projects to revitalise, restore or create natural water bodies. It engages employee volunteers in these initiatives and collaborates with local authorities and water resource experts to highlight the importance of water.

    Water management measures

    1 Using modern technologies and processes that use minimal water in production and operations.

    2 Recycling water in production and operations, for example, by reusing water in the paint shop or water tests in assembly plants or by using rainwater for irrigating green areas or cleaning roads on the plant site.

    3 Treating wastewater in accordance with strict environmental standards and using treatment equipment to minimise water discharges.

    4 Protecting water resources near production facilities and collaborating with local authorities and organisations on water conservation efforts.

    5 Educating the public and training employees on the importance of protecting water resources and reducing environmental impact.

    Info

    Did you know that...

    ...World Water Day has been celebrated annually on 22 March since 1992, following a UN proclamation? According to statistics, more than 3 billion people depend on water that crosses national borders. Currently, only 24 countries have formal agreements on cross-border cooperation on water sharing. This year’s theme, Water for Peace, reflects the critical nature and urgency of the issue.

  • GreenFuture / Akce

    Škoda Trees initiative continues

    Škoda Auto and its expert partner, the Partnership Foundation, have launched another round of the popular Škoda Trees grant. The grants aim to support the planting of trees and greenery that enhance water retention in the landscape, fulfil anti-erosion functions, increase biodiversity and restore well-functioning ecosystems to mitigate the effects of climate change. This year’s goal is to plant a total of 87,784 trees and shrubs, bringing the total number of plants since the start of the programme to 1,331,864. Grant applications are open from 1 March to 1 April via the Grantys online system at nfsa.grantys.cz.

    GreenFuture

    Environmental training

    The PSU – Environmental and Work Protection department, in partnership with Škoda Academy, has updated the e-learning course on ECMS – Environmental Compliance Management System. The training introduces current topics and showcases key activities: climate protection, resource conservation, maintaining ecosystems and ensuring legislation. Completion of the course is a prerequisite for the mandatory ECMS qualification. You will receive individual notifications about the renewal date via the Personal Tasks section on Škoda Space, which will also direct you to the training in the Training Events Catalogue. The course is available in the LMS eDoceo application, under the Training section for mandatory qualifications.

  • From the world

    From the world

    Leading by example in sustainability

    Rakesh Saini, Head of Production Planning at SAVWIPL, explains what it takes to earn the IGBC Platinum certification for the new Parts Expedition Centre in India.

    Rakesh Saini beside the vertical garden, which increases the proportion of greenery at the Parts Expedition Centre

    The newly opened logistics centre in Pune not only facilitates the export of CKD parts for assembly in Vietnam but also stands as the first building ever to receive the highest certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) in the owner-occupied category. Saini describes the measures that were required.

    How challenging was it to meet the requirements of Platinum certification? Did you have to make any concessions to achieve this?

    It wasn’t exactly easy, but we managed to strike a balance without compromising on the contractor selection or building operations. For example, according to the IGBC, 15% of the total area must be covered in greenery. We met this requirement by maximizing green cover in the site’s marginal spaces and integrating vertical gardens, thus preserving the available operational area. We also attained zero water and solid waste discharge outside the facility by treating 100% of effluents with the Solid Immobilised Bio-Filter system. This treated water is then recycled for irrigation and toilet flushing.

    Could you mention some specific initiatives undertaken during the building of the Parts Expedition Centre that you think deserve special recognition?

    One significant achievement was cutting the lighting requirements on the shop floor in half by allowing 5% of the roof area to let in natural light. Other noteworthy initiatives include the collection of rainwater from roofs and other surfaces, the use of eco-friendly paints (e.g. from cow dung) with negligible volatile organic content, 100% battery-powered material handling equipment and recycled planters or benches from plastic waste used on site. At our plant, 30% of all energy requirements come from in-house solar power. 

    Are there any benefits for employees as a result of this certification?

    Yes, they have better working environment thanks to improved fresh air ventilation and increased access to daylight. The reduction in noise and air pollution, thanks to battery-operated material handling equipment, along with other measures, contributes to their health and well-being. Our participation in the VW Group’s zero-emission commitment through this initiative also boosts employee morale. 

    What are your future plans regarding sustainability? 

    SAVWIPL is addressing them in its 2032 strategy. Plans includes increasing the share of renewable energy at the plants, having CO2-neutral production by the second half of the decade and minimising the impact on biodiversity through various conservation efforts.

  • From the world / Savwipl

    From the world

    SAVWIPL continues to grow

    Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) is successfully consolidating its position in India. In 2023, it delivered 145,713 vehicles from the Škoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini brands to customers both domestically and in export markets. Deliveries to SAVWIPL customers in the Indian market increased by 4% last year, with a key part coming from models built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, specifically designed and manufactured in India for the local region. “Our Made-in-India models have become synonymous with premium quality, robustness, style, driving dynamics and safety. We’re looking to reach out to more customers and grow our international market presence in 2024,” stated Piyush Arora, Managing Director of SAVWIPL.

    101,465

    Number of cars delivered by SAVWIPL to the Indian market

    44,248

    Number of cars exported to other markets

    32%

    Year-on-year increase in SAVWIPL exports from India

    India is poised to play a key role in the expansion into the ASEAN markets, for which Škoda Auto has assumed strategic responsibility inside the VW Group. Exports of India-made CKD parts of Kushaq and Slavia to Vietnam for assembly will begin as early as this year, facilitated by the newly established Parts Expedition Centre in Pune.

  • Reportáž / Roadshow – fotogalerie

  • Vyroba – fotogalerie

  • Infrastruktura / Kampus – fotogalerie

  • VZOR – fotogalerie

  • Okem zrcadlovky – fotogalerie

  • Výročí – fotogalerie

  • Soutěž – fotogalerie

  • Xxxx – fotogalerie

  • Jak to chodi  – fotogalerie

  • Motorsport – fotogalerie

  • Skodovaci – fotogalerie

  • Modely – fotogalerie

  • Téma / Superb – fotogalerie

  • Akce / Mistři – fotogalerie

  • Reportáž / Fest test – fotogalerie

  • Pravidla soutěže

    Pravidla soutěže ve ŠKODA Mobilu

    1. Pořadatel Soutěže

    Společnost Škoda Auto a.s., se sídlem tř. Václava Klementa 869, Mladá Boleslav II, 293 01 Mladá Boleslav, IČO: 00177041, zapsaná v obchodním rejstříku vedeném Městským soudem v Praze pod sp. zn. B 332 (dále jen „Pořadatel“), pořádá tuto čtenářskou soutěž (dále jen „Soutěž“), jejíž postup a podmínky upravují tato pravidla (dále jen „Pravidla“).

    2. Doba trvání soutěže

    Soutěž probíhá v době od 2. 2. do 23. 2. 2024 (dále jen „Doba soutěže“).

    3. Soutěžící

    Soutěže se může účastnit každý čtenář zaměstnaneckých novin Škoda Mobil, který v Době soutěže vyplní kvíz a své odpovědi zašle na e-mailovou adresu skoda.mobil@skoda-auto.cz (dále jen „Soutěžící“). Soutěžící se zavazuje uvádět v soutěžní registraci pouze pravdivé údaje.

    Soutěžící mladší 18 let se mohou Soutěže zúčastnit pouze se souhlasem svého zákonného zástupce, který je povinen se na žádost Pořadateli prokázat.

    Ze Soutěže jsou vyloučeni zaměstnanci útvaru GKU jako organizátora soutěže a osoby těmto osobám blízké podle § 22 zákona č. 89/2012 Sb., občanský zákoník, ve znění pozdějších předpisů.

    4. Princip Soutěže

    Úkolem soutěžícího je vyluštit deset správných slovních spojení otázky v kvízu, který Pořadatel zveřejní v tištěné verzi zaměstnaneckých novin Škoda Mobil (vydání 2/2024), nebo v online verzi novin téhož vydání na webové adrese www.skodamobil.cz. Zodpovězením otázek se rozumí odeslání odpovědí na kvízové otázky na e-mailovou adresu skoda.mobil@skoda-auto.cz. Každý soutěžící může odeslat své odpovědi za Dobu soutěže jen jednou. Ze správných odpovědí budou vylosováni 3 výherci (dále jen „Výherce“).

    5. Výhra v Soutěži

    Výhrou je následující cena:

    3x balíčky reklamních předmětů Škoda.

    6. Kontaktování Výherce a podmínky čerpání výhry

    Pořadatel bude Výherce informovat o výhře zejména telefonicky/písemně na kontaktní telefonní číslo / e-mailovou adresu, které Soutěžící uvedl v e-mailu se svými odpověďmi, a to nejpozději do 14 dnů od ukončení Soutěže. S Výhercem se Pořadatel následně dohodne na způsobu předání Výhry. Standardní způsob předání výhry je osobní předání. Podmínkou předání výhry je podpis předávacího protokolu nebo potvrzení o převzetí ze strany Výherce.

    Výhru není možné alternativně vyplatit v hotovosti ani v jiném plnění. Výhra není soudně vymahatelná. Poskytovatelem výhry je Pořadatel. Pořadatel nenese žádnou odpovědnost za jakákoliv rizika a závazky související s užíváním výhry. Pořadatel si rovněž vyhrazuje právo výměny výhry za výhru, která je odpovídající náhradou.

    V případě, že Výherce výhru nepřevezme osobně ve sjednaném termínu, ztrácí na výhru nárok a výhra propadne, aniž by Výherci vznikl nárok na jakoukoliv kompenzaci ze strany Pořadatele.

    7. Pravidla ochrany osobních údajů (v souladu s GDPR 2016/679)

    Vyplněním kvízu i osmisměrky a zasláním odpovědí na výše uvedenou e-mailovou adresu Soutěžící vědomě a dobrovolně souhlasí s Pravidly soutěže (viz tento dokument), což znamená:

    – zařazení do soutěže a příslušné evidence Soutěžících;

    – zasílání informačních e-mailů týkajících se této Soutěže;

    – případné zveřejnění jeho osobních údajů v rozsahu jméno a útvar na výherní listině.

    Osobní údaje budou uchovávány pouze pro potřebu Soutěže a nebudou využívány k marketingovým účelům.

    Osobní údaje se zpracovávají po dobu od jejich poskytnutí v rámci Soutěže až do vyhlášení výsledků Soutěže, maximálně však na 1 rok od jejich poskytnutí. Osobní údaje jsou od Soutěžícího získávány na základě pravdivě vyplněného registračního e‑mailu (e-mail se správnými odpověďmi zaslaný na skoda.mobil@skoda-auto.cz). Osobní údaje Soutěžícího budou zpracovány ve výše uvedeném rozsahu v elektronické databázi správce osobních údajů, popř. zpracovatelem, se kterým správce osobních údajů (Pořadatel) uzavře příslušnou smlouvu.

    Požádá-li Soutěžící o informaci o zpracování svých osobních údajů, je mu správce a případně i zpracovatel povinen tuto informaci bez zbytečného odkladu předat. Každý Soutěžící, který zjistí nebo se domnívá, že správce provádí zpracování jeho osobních údajů, které je v rozporu s ochranou soukromého a osobního života Soutěžícího nebo v rozporu se zákonem, může požádat správce o vysvětlení nebo požadovat, aby správce odstranil takto vzniklý stav. Soutěžící má právo (omezení zpracování, oprava osobních údajů, doplnění nebo likvidace osobních údajů, podání stížnosti) se obracet na správce na: DPoffice@skoda-auto.cz.

    Kontakty:

    Pověřenec pro ochranu osobních údajů ve ŠKODA AUTO: DPO@skoda-auto.cz

    Úřad pro ochranu osobních údajů: www.uoou.cz.

    8. Ostatní ustanovení

    Pořadatel neodpovídá za přímé či nepřímé škody v souvislosti s účastí v Soutěži. Nebezpečí škody na výhře přechází na Výherce okamžikem předání výhry Výherci. Pořadatel není odpovědný za jakékoli technické problémy vzniklé při přenosu dat elektronickými prostředky.

    Pořadatel si vyhrazuje právo bez udání důvodu vyloučit Soutěžícího, jehož chování či jednání vykazuje známky nekalého či podvodného jednání. Osoby nesplňující podmínky účasti v Soutěži nebo jednající v rozporu s Pravidly Soutěže nebudou do Soutěže zařazeny. I pokud taková osoba splní některé podmínky pro získání výhry, např. v důsledku nepravdivých informací, které poskytla, nestává se Výhercem a nemá nárok na výhru. Výhra bude v takovém případě předána dalšímu Soutěžícímu v pořadí. Soutěžící bude vyloučen v případě, že Pořadatel zjistí nebo bude mít oprávněné podezření na spáchání podvodného nebo nekalého jednání ze strany některého ze Soutěžících či jiné osoby, která dopomohla danému Soutěžícímu k získání Výhry.

    Pořadatel si vyhrazuje právo i bez uvedení důvodů Dobu soutěže zkrátit, Soutěž přerušit nebo zrušit či změnit její Pravidla, a to i bez udělení výhry a bez poskytnutí náhrad. Pořadatel si rovněž vyhrazuje právo nahradit ohlášenou výhru předmětem podobného typu a odpovídající hodnoty a upravit podmínky předání výhry v případě, že výhra nebude poskytnuta způsobem umožňujícím předání výhry vítězům v souladu s těmito Pravidly.

    Pořadatel má právo konečného rozhodnutí ve všech záležitostech Soutěže včetně rozhodnutí o neudělení výhry v Soutěži a také si vyhrazuje právo konečného posouzení splnění či nesplnění podmínek stanovených pro získání výhry v Soutěži. Výhru nezískají ti Soutěžící, kteří nesplní byť jen okrajově či částečně stanovené podmínky pro získání výhry. Pořadatel tímto nepřebírá vůči Soutěžícím žádné jiné závazky, a tito nemají nárok na jakákoliv jiná plnění ze strany Pořadatele než uvedená v těchto Pravidlech.

    V případě, že dojde ke změnám podmínek a Pravidel Soutěže, bude toto učiněno písemně ve formě aktualizace těchto Pravidel. Aktuální verze těchto Pravidel je v plném znění dostupná na www.skodamobil.cz. Soutěžící nemá právo na náhradu nákladů spojených s účastí v Soutěži, a to ani v případě změny těchto Pravidel.

    Tato Pravidla jsou platná a účinná ode dne 2. 2. 2024.

  • Novinky / sustainability – fotogalerie

  • Novinky / Vietnam – fotogalerie

  • Akce / Enyaq – fotogalerie

  • Ze světa / Udržitelnost – fotogalerie

  • Téma – fotogalerie

Škoda Weekly

Weekly Thursday newsletter for employees. A summary of the last week‘s main events at Škoda Auto, regional news as well as cultural events.

Skoda Supplements

Škoda Mobil, the employee newspaper of the Mladá Boleslav-based carmaker, includes special supplements that focus on especially important topics from Škoda's perspective. Supplements can be a part of the newspaper, in the same format as the newspaper, inserted, for example, in the form of a flyer, or they can be stand-alone unique magazines in a specific format, such as supplements dedicated to new models, the brand's historical anniversaries, or other important information from the company's environment.

Škoda GreenFuture

Green Future

Škoda Mobil