04/2023

Škoda Mobil<br>April

• title

• news

  4

  Škoda Auto will start selling the Superb, Kodiaq, Octavia and Karoq in Vietnam this year.
  

  
  

  Minister Supports Entry into the Vietnamese Market

  At the end of February, Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela visited the emerging Škoda car production plant in Vietnam to take a closer look at the logistics halls and assembly line under construction. Accompanied by the carmaker’s representatives, he also met with representatives of Thanh Cong Motor Vietnam (TC Motor) to express his support for Škoda’s market entry in Vietnam. This year, Škoda will be offering its European models to customers in the country, and next year, it will start local production of Kushaq and Slavia models imported from the Indian plant in Pune.

  In March, Michael Oeljeklaus, Board Member for Production and Logistics, and Johannes Neft, Board Member for Technical Development, visited Vietnam. Together with Piyush Arora, Managing Director of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, they participated in test drives of Volkswagen and competitor brands. A photo gallery of the event can be found in the online version of Škoda Mobil.

  Škoda Auto World
  

  VW Group wants a gigafactory in Europe too 

  The VW Group’s recent announcement to build a battery cell plant in North America is unrelated to its plans to build a similar gigafactory in Europe. The VW Group is still committed to building it, and the Czech Republic is in an excellent position among the candidate countries to secure the tender. Negotiations with the Czech government are progressing well. Read more details on Škoda Space.

  Construction begins on ninth student car

  Work has begun on the next Azubi Car project, a student car, at the Secondary Vocational School of Engineering, which is part of the Škoda Academy. A team of 29 students will design and construct their dream car with the support of experts from the carmaker. Details of the project, including the selection of the initial model, the name, and the focus of the conversion, will be announced in the coming months. 

  In the dark for Earth Hour

  For the 11th year in a row, Škoda Auto has participated in the international Earth Hour initiative, supported by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF). On Saturday, 25 March, between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., the lights were turned off at the company’s Czech production plants and its factory in Pune, India. The carmaker is symbolically highlighting its commitment to protecting the environment and the climate.

  Third edition of Project1Hour

  On the occasion of Earth Day, which is commemorated every year on 22 April, Škoda Auto will participate in the Group’s Project1Hour initiative for the third time. Between 11 and 22 April, all employees will have opportunities to engage in fun, hour-long discussion on sustainability and climate protection with their colleagues and teams.

  Even in the age of computer simulations, crash tests continue to play a crucial role. Škoda Auto’s crash laboratory conducts around 300 crash tests every year. You can read about what crash test dummies go through in the Škoda Storyboard online magazine.

  Volkswagen has unveiled its concept of an affordable electric car: the future ID.2all model, which is expected to cost less than EUR 25,000 (just under CZK 600,000). The premiere of the production version is planned for 2025.
  

  Quotation of the month

  
  

  We are expanding Škoda Auto’s global footprint by taking over the strategic leadership of the Brand Group Volume in Southeast Asia. This shift in responsibilities underscores the VW Group’s trust and confidence in our team’s expertise. 
  

  Klaus Zellmer 

  Škoda Auto CEO

  New composition of the Supervisory Board

  At the beginning of March, Škoda Auto’s new Supervisory Board met for the first time. In addition to the KOVO Trade Unions representatives (Jaroslav Povšík, Martin Lustyk and Miloš Kovář, who were elected by the employees at the turn of the year), two new members were appointed. Patrik Andreas Mayer, Board Member for Finance at Volkswagen, was appointed as of 1 February, and Dirk Große-Loheide, Head of Procurement of the VW Group, was appointed as of 1 March. They succeeded Jochem Heizmann and Murat Aksel. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board is Thomas Schäfer, former CEO of Škoda Auto, who now leads the Volkswagen brand.

  Škoda Auto warns against fraudsters

  Fraudsters are attempting to extort money from internet users by offering fake investments or fraudulent competitions, thereby misusing the carmaker’s reputation. Therefore, Škoda Auto has produced an educational video, in which presenter Ray Koranteng demonstrates how to spot dangerous offers. The video and additional information can be found on Škoda Space. If you come across an offer and are unsure of its authenticity, you can also contact the helpline at +420 800 600 000 or infoline@skoda-auto.cz.

  Škoda Auto’s long-term support will be enjoyed by the hospital in Rychnov nad Kněžnou. In March, it received a grant to support mobility on the premises, modernise the examination room with an X-ray machine and improve the facilities.
  

  
  

  300,000

  Škoda Auto donated CZK 300,000 to the Rychnov nad Kněžnou Hospital this year.

  3.4

  The total amount of financial aid reached CZK 3.4 million.

  How they see us
  

  Driven.co.nz
  

  Enyaq iV Sportline 80
  

  The Czech electric SUV is heading to the New Zealand market, where the Škoda brand has been thriving lately, and it has certainly impressed. 

  (25. February 2023)

  Especially in metallic colours, it looks really great.

  Very spacious five-seater car

  Sufficient range even for long journeys

  Online services not yet available for the New Zealand market

  Higher price tag

  RS variant not yet available on the market

  On the net
  

  The car that speaks to pedestrians
  

  Škoda Auto has developed a prototype of a special mask for the Enyaq iV that uses an LED screen to signal to pedestrians that they can cross safely. March’s episode of the Simply Clever Podcast unpacks this idea and other ways that similar communication between the car and its surroundings could look in the future, as well as why current legislation does not allow it. The guests are experts from the EB – Concept Development and ED – Škoda Design departments.
  

  News
  

• topic

  Topic
  

  30 Years of Working with Talents

  Anniversary: The Trainee program is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. During this time, 703 talented graduates from economic and technical universities have passed through the program, most of whom are still working at Škoda Auto today.

  Although Winning Future Talents is one of the initiatives of the current Area S Strategy, its roots can be traced back to 1993 and 1994, when the Trainee program was gradually established. It was based on an extensive questionnaire survey of students at Czech and Slovak universities.

  In 1993, the Škoda Auto was the only company formerly owned by the Czechoslovak state to adopt a long-term adaptation program for new employees. Based on a similar German project adapted to suit Czech conditions, it accepted seven graduates out of 50 applicants in its first year. Over 15 months, with the help of their respective sponsors (now mentors), the trainees underwent numerous training sessions and rotations in various departments to gain an understanding of the company’s internal organisational structure. From the beginning, the program also provided the possibility of an internship abroad in one of VW’s brands.

  “The Trainee program is a key tool in the People & Culture area for recruiting young, talented and diverse university graduates. I am very proud that our trainees feel such a strong commitment to Škoda Auto and its future,” says Maren Gräf, Board Member for People & Culture.

  Major milestones

  To maintain the highest quality, the program has constantly evolved over the past 30 years. The admission criteria have been tightened, and the program has expanded the possibilities of rotations and foreign internships. Educational events have also been added. In 2012, the company opened the program to foreign university graduates to promote internationalisation. So far, 76 foreign trainees from 30 countries have completed the Trainee program. While there were initially mostly men in the program, it has become one of Škoda Auto’s diversity tools, with 35% of women having already completed it. It is worth noting that women now make up 20% of the Škoda Auto’s entire workforce.

  Since the beginning, our trainees have played a key role in Škoda Auto’s success by contributing ideas, driving change and innovation and challenging the status quo. I thank them for being such an important part of the Škoda family!

  Maren Gräf

  Board Member for People & Culture

  Since 2020, the program has been divided into two branches: Business and Tech. The Business Trainee program is an excellent choice for students of economic or business-oriented universities who have the chance to find a job in the marketing, HR, strategy, purchasing or after-sales departments at Škoda Auto. The Tech Trainee program is geared towards graduates of technical universities who will join teams dedicated to development, quality and production. However, both groups have a lot in common: the desire to collaborate, bring new and novel ideas and maintain team spirit outside the program. This will be revealed in the section “Trainees: A Group of People Who Always Help”.

  Trainee program 

  It is designed to help young talents find an enjoyable and fulfilling career and is aimed at graduates of technical and economic universities. Throughout the year, the trainees will work in various Škoda Auto departments and participate in innovative projects. They can also engage in internships abroad with one of the Group’s partners (Germany, Spain, India, Ireland etc.). The program is individually tailored to each trainee’s specialisation and expertise. The core of the program is made up of so-called rotations, which are arranged to match their future specialisation as closely as possible. Through these rotations, the trainees get to know the company, its structure and corporate culture. Additionally, they can participate in interesting projects and complete a range of training courses.

  Olga Fikarová

  Specialist New Work, SPS/1 – Compensation and benefits

  I appreciate the opportunity to gain insight into different “corners” of the individual teams and Škoda Auto through the rotations. However, I consider the chance to assume the role of program coordinator immediately after the end of the program to be the biggest opportunity I have been given. 

  Jana Hakenová 

  Orga-Partner G, STO – Process and Organization Management

  I greatly appreciate senior managers and Board members for passing on their experience to me and serving as a great source of inspiration. 

  
  

  Petr Vencl

  Coordinator, PPF-K/3 – Body Shop Planning in Kvasiny A

  I will always cherish the team spirit. In the beginning, we were a group of strangers from different parts of the Czech Republic and Europe, with different backgrounds, in a new city. After a few weeks, we became a team and friends, and we can still count on each other today.

  Yury Malov

  Network Planning and Management Strategy, VX1 – Offline Customer Journey

  I spent three months on an international internship with the Škoda importer in Moscow, which allowed me to gain a different perspective on the carmaker from its business side.

  
  

  
  

  One of the first trainees from abroad

  Nataša Obermann from Serbia, who joined the Trainee program 18 years ago as an economics graduate, now heads the VX2 – Online Customer Journey department.

  What motivated you to join the Trainee program?

  I was interested in the opportunity to do an internship in production. However, in 2005, the program was not yet targeting foreigners, and it was more difficult to join. I had been living in the Czech Republic for four years, but I was studying in English while the admission interview was in Czech. So, it was quite a challenge.

  Which departments did you go through during the program, and what stood out to you the most?

  During my rotations, I went through production controlling, logistics, pre-production, HR and spare parts sales. At the end of the program, I changed my plans a bit and started as an assistant manager in production. The advantage was that I had time to talk to my colleagues and let them explain what everyone was doing. Through that, I got to know how things work.

  Why is it useful to experience a company from production to marketing?

  It’s good to see one process from different angles. When you go through everything and understand what is important for each area and how things relate to each other, you get a much better feel for it. You can also tell when something is going well or not. You begin to feel the company’s DNA and connect internally with the company and the product.

  How has your participation in the program influenced your career at Škoda Auto?

  It helped me to find my way around the company more quickly than if I had started in a fixed position after school. It also gave me time to consider what career path I would like to pursue.

  Trainees are a strong community. Do you feel closer than the other teams?

  When you’re in the program, the bond is strong, but as everyone moves on professionally and in life, their paths diverge. However, it’s nice to meet again, even within your professional life, and then it’s much easier to collaborate.

  You’re a manager and a mom. How do you juggle the two roles?

  It’s essential not to do it alone. First, having a supportive partner is important, and then a safety net like a grandmother or a nanny. From the start, I was clear that I would return to work full-time after six months. However, having the ability to work from a “home office”, if necessary, is an advantage. 

  Škoda Auto’s current strategies aim to increase the number of women in management. Has that path already been trodden? 

  I believe that, over time, quotas will no longer be necessary because the process will become established. I see it as temporary assistance to support women who are on their way to management in gaining confidence. Society as a whole is moving towards equality.

  Do you act as a mentor for other projects as well? 

  I act as a mentor in the Woman to Woman programme, where I have a few colleagues who are in the process of entering management. It’s inspiring to hear the stories of their journeys. While I can’t judge how much I help them, I know it’s rewarding for me. 

  How would you attract foreigners to Škoda Auto? 

  For Serbians, the culture in the country and the carmaker’s corporate culture are very similar to theirs. The programme is an extension of university, another year of education, and an opportunity to work for a truly international company with many opportunities for personal and professional development.

• outlook

  New Challenge

  Technical development: After taking over responsibility for the global MQB-A0 platform, Škoda Auto will now be responsible for the development of VW’s entire EA211 engine series. 

  
  

  Prior to this expansion, Škoda Auto was responsible for the development of the EA211 MPI atmospheric ignition engines within the VW Group. However, its activities in the area of Group engine development have expanded significantly to include all EA211 TSI turbocharged ignition engines, as well as their hybrid versions. By 2027, Škoda Auto will gradually acquire responsibility for the development of this entire engine series. The series is currently utilised in 50 models from seven Group brands, namely Škoda, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Utility Vehicles, SEAT, Audi, Cupra and Jetta. This represents another significant cooperation milestone within the VW Group for the Czech carmaker.

  The new responsibility for the development of the entire EA211 engine series confirms the carmaker’s high level of technical competence. It also emphasises the importance of the Škoda brand for the VW Group, since the engines in this series are used in 50  model lines across seven Group brands. 

  Johannes Neft 

  Board Member for Technical Development

  Since 2012, some EA211 engine types have been produced in Mladá Boleslav, with more than 4 million units already manufactured. Although taking over the responsibility for engine development will not immediately lead to an expansion of production capacity, it will create new jobs in Technical Development and increase the global competitiveness of the Mladá Boleslav carmaker. 

  What does responsibility for technical development entail?

  It involves the technical design of engine concepts, the preparation of necessary documentation and serial implementation, including emissions, functional and long-term tests. These tests take place in both the Motor Centre’s test facility and Škoda Auto’s emission laboratory. 

  However, the development of the EA211 is not limited to the EU but also taking place in China, India, South and Central America, and South Africa, with consideration of specific market requirements due to the sale of cars powered by these engines on all inhabited continents.

  Info
  

  New job opportunities

  Being responsible for the development of the entire EA211 series will lead to the creation of new highly skilled jobs. 

  These new employees will work on a wide range of topics, from technical development to software assurance, safety and emission measurement, as well as the global dimension of the project. 

  Škoda Auto aims to recruit technical students who will be the driving force behind the new project. 

  Therefore, the carmaker is looking for candidates to fill positions such as development engineer, project or technical manager, test engineer, applicator, specialist and spokesperson for the specialist group.

  
  

  
  

  Outlook
  

• results

  Results
  

  Stable Foundation for the Future

  Annual press conference: Škoda Auto highlighted several important steps taken to strengthen its position for the future. These steps include expanding its presence in foreign markets, accelerating its offensive in the field of electromobility and introducing a completely new design concept.

  At the annual press conference on Thursday, 16 March, the carmaker’s management presented the financial results of the Škoda Auto Group for 2022, along with their outlook for future activities. Despite facing difficulties in supply chains and the war in Ukraine, the carmaker demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2022 and remained focused on addressing challenges related to its company-wide strategy.

  Internationalisation

  In line with the Next Level – Škoda Strategy 2030, the carmaker continually evaluates the potential of new markets and regions. The strategy for developing new regions maximises the capabilities of the entire VW Group to expand into promising markets. In the key Indian market, this approach has proved to be very successful, with Škoda Auto more than doubling its sales in 2022 (+127.7% year on year). The carmaker plans to further strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia.

  The carmaker is entering the highly dynamic Vietnamese market and will strategically manage all of the Group’s large-volume brands in the Southeast Asia region (ASEAN). Vietnam is a major gateway for the carmaker to access these countries and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Currently, ASEAN is the fastest-growing region globally, with a strong economy (+8% per year) and projected sales of 4.1 million cars in 2030. Additionally, the geographical proximity to India offers significant synergies.
  

  We have introduced a new design language and brand identity, launched battery system production for cars on the MEB platform, announced even more ambitious targets in the electromobility field and further strengthened our international presence.

  Klaus Zellmer 

  Škoda Auto CEO

  Electric mobility hub

  Over the past year, Škoda Auto has taken a significant step towards making the Czech Republic a centre of electromobility. In May, it started producing battery systems for electric cars based on the Group’s MEB modular platform at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav. Investments in the newly built line totalled approximately EUR 130 million, and a second line will be added this year, increasing total capacity to 1,500 units per day.

  As part of its electromobility offensive, the carmaker plans to invest EUR 5.6 billion in electrification by 2027 and will introduce three new fully electric cars by 2026, with more to follow. The goal is to increase the share of electric cars in European deliveries to more than 70% by 2030. 

  At the end of the annual press conference, Board members answered questions from journalists. Pictured from left: Martin Jahn (Sales and Marketing), Ariane Kilian (Head of Communications, who also moderated the event), Christian Schenk (Finance and IT), Klaus Zellmer (CEO), Michael Oeljeklaus (Production and Logistics), Karsten Schnake (Procurement) and Johannes Neft (Technical Development). 
  

  
  

  
  

  The management presented its vision for the future in line with Next Level - Škoda Strategy 2030.

  Škoda Auto Group in numbers
  

   

   

  2022

  2021

  Change
  

  Deliveries to customers
  

  cars

  731,300

  878,200

  −16.7 %

  Sales revenue
  

  in EUR million
  

  21,026

  17,743

  18.5 %

  Operating profit 
  

  in EUR million

  628
  

  1,083

  −42.0 %

  Return on sales in
  

  %
  

  3.0
  

  6.1
  

   

  Investments 

  (w/o capitalised development costs)

  
  

  in EUR million

  
  

  1,157

  
  

  782
  

  
  

  48.0 %

  Net cash flow
  

  in EUR million
  

  489
  

  554
  

  −11.7 %

  Deliveries to customers
  

  
  

  cars
  

  2022

  731,300

  2021

  878,200

  Change
  

  −16.7 %

  Sales revenue
  

  in EUR million
  

  2022

  21,026

  2021

  17,743

  Change
  

  18.5 %

  Operating profit
  

  in EUR million
  

  2022

  628
  

  2021

  1,083
  

  Change
  

  −42.0 %

  Return on sales in
  

  %

  2022

  3.0
  

  2021

  6.1
  

  Investments 

  (w/o capitalised development costs)

  
  

  
  

  in EUR million
  

  2022

  1 157

  2021

  782
  

  Change
  

  48.0 %

  Net cash flow
  

  in EUR million
  

  2022

  489
  

  2021

  554
  

  Change
  

  −11.7 %

  Financial results 

  The Škoda Auto Group delivered 731,300 cars to customers worldwide in 2022 and increased year-on-year sales to more than EUR 21 billion. Thanks to effective measures, the carmaker was able to report a positive operating result of EUR 628 million, despite the financial burden caused by extraordinary circumstances related to the situation in Russia. The negative impact related to business activities in Russia was estimated at nearly EUR 700 million. The sales profitability indicator, excluding extraordinary effects, slightly exceeded last year’s 6.1% but fell to 3.0% after considering these effects. 

  Steps for a successful future

  Škoda Auto expects the market situation to remain challenging in 2023, but it is continuing with plans for further development. The carmaker’s current strategy is proving successful, and the attractive model range is receiving positive feedback from customers. The family of the first electric SUVs is also about to undergo another conceptual shift, with the successful Enyaq iV model upgrading to the new Modern Solid design language. Škoda’s new brand identity also reflects the solid foundations for further development, with the biggest transformation of the corporate identity in 30 years. 

  In addition, Škoda is significantly accelerating its electromobility offensive by planning to introduce three new all-electric cars in the small, compact and large car segments by 2026. The carmaker will unveil the first samples in the second quarter of this year.

  The carmaker is also advancing its internationalisation strategy by taking over the strategic management of high-volume brands in the ASEAN region and maximising the growth potential of the VW Group. The Škoda brand is on the verge of entering the Vietnamese market, with imported models to be sold there this year, followed by the launch of a local car assembly facility in the CKD form in 2024. This move positions India as an export hub for the Czech carmaker, representing another successful step in implementing its India strategy. Additionally, Škoda Auto is strengthening its business activities in the Middle East by taking advantage of extensive synergies with its production facilities in India.

• Questions and Answers

  Questions and Answers

  
  

  What Is UNECE?

  Cybersecurity: The implementation of the new car cybersecurity directives is a key issue at present. Here is a brief overview to help you navigate the topic.

  What does it mean when you say UNECE?

  The acronym stands for the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Currently, it has 56 member countries from Europe, North America and Asia. The organisation prepares international regulations and standards in several areas, including technical regulations for cars. In the automotive industry, UNECE has become particularly synonymous with two sets of regulations related to cyber-security requirements and software updates: CSMS and SUMS (read more in the infobox). These regulations are outlined in UN R 155 and UN R 156.

  Why have the new regulations been created, and what benefits will they bring to car users?

  The importance of software in cars has increased significantly in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue. However, as complexity grows, so does the risk of errors, vulnerabilities and threats, which must be addressed during development, production and the car’s life span. In terms of car software development, it is crucial to focus on updates that prevent security risks related to car use. Updates must be carried out in a way that prevents errors and tampering with the car control unit’s software and settings, both during installation at the factory and throughout the car’s life, such as during servicing or wirelessly.

  Which models are affected by the new regulations? 

  The Enyaq iV will be the first model to comply with the UNECE regulations, followed by the next-generation Superb, with production starting in the second half of 2023. In the first half of 2024, other cars will also comply with these regulations. This will happen initially in Europe, with India joining later.

  Which departments at Škoda Auto are responsible for implementing the regulations?

  Given the complexity of the new solution, several departments are involved, including Technical Development, Quality, Production, IT, Legal Affairs, the Customer Centre, After Sales, Procurement and the Škoda Academy. The G2 – Product Line Compact, Midsize department is responsible for project management.

  Is training available?

  Yes, training on SUMS is available in the eDoceo system on Škoda Space. Training Q 40007125 – SUMS – Introduction for THZ is mandatory for all technical and economic employees, foremen and management, including Board members. Additionally, a mandatory instructional video on this topic has been created for all blue-collar positions.

  UNECE REGULATIONS DOCUMENTATION ON ŠKODA SPACE:

  Organisational standard ON.1.065 Cybersecurity Management System for Passenger Cars (CSMS)

  Organisational standard ON.2.009 Software Update Management System (SUMS)

  Methodological guideline MP.2.302  Ensuring the Cybersecurity of the Car (CSMS) in the company’s technical development

  Group Guideline from VW KRL.0.45 

  Tip
  

  For more information on the implementation of the directive, check out the December 2022 issue of Škoda Mobil, where you can also find an interview with František Vlasta, project manager of the G2G – PL Complete Compact Car department. The topic is also summarised on the internal wiki page for CSMS a SUMS.

  
  

  SUMS

  (Software Update Management System)

  Focuses on software updates and establishes obligations to ensure and document continuous compliance with the homologation regulations for any software update, either at the factory or with the customer.

  CSMS

  (Cyber Security Management System)

  This relates to cyber security and obliges carmakers to ensure that their cars are protected against cyberattacks and tampering thanks to the software.

  
  

  
  

• GreenFuture

  Green Future
  

  Day of Forests 

  The International Day of Forests, celebrated on 21 March, was dedicated to this year’s theme of Forests and Health. Škoda Auto did not lag behind as it organised a Green Future webinar.

  Forests provide many important functions, such as cleaning water and air, protecting soil against erosion and strong winds and preserving biodiversity. By binding CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing it in their biomass and soil, they play an indispensable role in the global carbon cycle in a time of climate change. However, they also have a positive effect on our health. In addition to being a great place for collecting berries, they are a source of medicinal herbs, have a noise-dampening effect in populated areas and have a generally beneficial effect on mental relaxation. Therefore, the theme of the 2023 celebrations was a combination of Forests and Health (see Thematic Celebrations).

  Green Future webinar

  This year’s Forest Day celebrations were celebrated in various ways. While some visited the nearest forest to clear their heads, others picked up litter or participated in tree-planting activities. Numerous organisations focused on education. Škoda Auto took the opportunity to organise the fifth webinar in the Green Future series. Aleš Erber, an independent forestry consultant and manager of forest estates, spoke about the future of Czech forestry, wood and timber in the age of climate change. In addition to discussing the optimal form of forests in the Czech Republic, he touched on the management of linear structures (roads of class I-III, railways, power lines), which may contain risky greenery, where wood has limits, where it can be used in industry, and why it should become a strategic raw material in the Czech Republic. A recording of the webinar can be viewed in the Media Centre on Škoda Space.
  

  Info
  

  Thematic Celebrations

  Since 2016, the International Day of Forests has always been linked to a specific focus of celebration.

  2016 Forests and Water

  2017 Forests and Energy

  2018 Forests and Urban Sustainability

  2019 Forests and Education

  2020 Forests and Biodiversity

  2021 Forest Restoration

  2022 Forests and Sustainable Production and Use

  2023 Forests and Health

  
  

  How we save with water

  World Water Day is held annually on 22 March to commemorate the importance of water and the need for sustainable management of water resources. This year‘s event reminded the public of the need to monitor the acceleration of changes that pursue the necessary steps towards the continued availability and sustainability of water resources and efficient drinking water supply, sanitation and wastewater treatment. It was in this spirit that one of the joint Škoda Auto and ŠKO-ENERGO projects at the Mladá Boleslav plant was carried out.

  Industrial water savings

  The main purpose of industrial water at both the Mladá Boleslav plant and the ŠKO-ENERGO heating plant is to refill cooling circuits that remove heat from individual stations, resulting in some inevitable water evaporation. Another important use is the production of demi-water (i.e. water for technical purposes), which is stripped of dissolved substances by using modern membrane technology. The paint shops use two-thirds of this water, while the remaining third is consumed by the power generators in the heating plant, with an annual consumption of 300,000 m3. However, during the production of demi-water, excess operating condensate poses a problem as it is normally recycled and re-enters the circulation as a source of demi-water.

  This measure ranked second in the Group-wide Zero Impact Factory competition.
  

  Heating plant cooling circuit instead of sewage

  The problem arises during hot months when the primary source, the Jizera River, has a high temperature that prevents the recycling of excess operating condensate. Instead of being recycled, the condensate is cooled and discharged. ŠKO-ENERGO experts have focused on addressing this issue and have redirected the condensate flow during regular shutdowns.

  Since last August, it has been flowing to a newly designated location instead of being discharged directly into the storm sewer after cooling without any further utilisation. Now, it is used in the cooling circuit of the ŠKO-ENERGO heating plant during summer months.

  This measure has saved up to 95,000 m3 of industrial water per year, which represents approximately 5% of the total industrial water in the main production plant. To put this into perspective, the carmaker uses around 1.8 million m3 of industrial water per year. 

  ŠKO-ENERGO and the carmaker are working together on a water recycling project at the Kvasiny plant.

  
  

• Akce / Diskuzní fórum

  Event
  

  Learning Logistics by Play

  Discussion forum: In the second half of March, representatives from PL – Brand Logistics and Škoda Auto management held a meeting with students of logistics disciplines at the Škoda Auto Vocational School (SOUs) in a very innovative format.

  Driving a forklift or EDIS vehicle, adjusting the charging of the Enyaq iV to a particular specification or driving the FBU car out of its parking space without damaging even a millimetre of paint on the bumper? For students of the Škoda Auto Vocational School (SOUs), these were definitely unusual tasks but proved to be fascinating experiences. And that was the biggest change at this year’s 8th Logistics Discussion Forum compared with previous years. 

  The cooperation with logistics has been ongoing for many years now, and I appreciate that every year the people from the carmaker are looking for something new. When discussing how a school should look and attract attention, we come to the familiar concept of learning by playing. These events allow students to see in real life why they come to school in the first place. 

  Martin Slabihoudek

  Head of SEB – Vocational School

  Stations in the plants

  Last year, the Škoda Museum prepared specialised tasks for students in the form of an escape game, but this year’s edition was revolutionary in that the individual tasks were performed directly in the plants. Over two days in mid-March, approximately 100 students took turns at a total of eight stations, giving them a unique chance to experience logistics in practice and even “touch” it a little bit. The students received information directly from experienced experts at the stations of the various logistics units and undertook tasks ranging from theoretical ones, such as calculations or doing inputs into information systems, to practical ones, which were the most popular.

  “This year, we took the event to the next level. The students saw logistics in practice and the environment in which the work is done. For example, they were in the warehouses where normal operations were taking place; they just had their own dedicated space. They saw with their own eyes the daily work of people in logistics. They were no longer passive spectators and recipients of information as in previous years,” explains Lenka Grešlová, Head of PLL-A –Logistics Planning Abroad and Aggregates, who led the organising team. The organising team consisted of approximately 30 members and began working on event preparation around Christmas last year.

  Logistics up close

  What specific things were the SOUs students able to experience? For example, they took inventory of selected parts and completed a small pre-assembly of a side carpet. They also developed a packing instruction for India and packed various parts according to the instructions and then transported them on a trolley along a prepared slalom route. Additionally, they learned how to “enter” a truck into the system and label its load, assemble a modular pallet for sheet metal and prepare the FBU truck for loading before driving it out of a tight parking space. They looked for faults on sample pallets and, if they had the necessary driving licence, transported pallets on a forklift or had a test drive with an EDIS vehicle. There event also covered electromobility: The students could climb into the cab of an electric truck and test the Enyaq iV’s infotainment, including its charging set-up.

  Experience from the experts

  We also spoke with the head of logistics at one of the sites. “These events are great for connecting us with the students, which benefits us because we get feedback from them. However, it is also important for the students, who get to experience the possibilities of logistics and see what awaits them in their future job. It is a vision for them, and for us, an opportunity to get them interested in this diverse field,” said David Strnad, Head of PL, who attended the event along with Martin Slabihoudek, Head of SEB – Vocational School. “The forum is attended by students from all years of the Transport Operations and Economics – Industrial Logistics and Warehouse Operator courses, which is great because otherwise, they only get to work in the carmaker in their final year of study. It is a chance to get a taste of practice, perhaps as first-years – and to see whether they have chosen the right field, enjoy their future work and understand where they need to work hard to show their best in a few years to get an interesting job. The students meet logistics experts from the main plant, who can pass on some of their experience, and I see that as a fantastic thing,” said M. Slabihoudek.
  

  Awards from management

  The forum culminated with a meeting between the students, the logistics management and Michael Oeljeklaus, Board Member for Production and Logistics, at the Škoda Museum. Approximately 160 participants filled the auditorium and heard inspiring speeches from Oeljeklaus, D. Strnad and the KOVO Trade Union chairman, Jaroslav Povšík, who announced the best team of the two-day event (Rejzci) and the winner of the quiz (Jana Litoborská). The three best students of the school for this year (Zuzana Hloušková, Adam Bubák and Dominik Stoklas) were also awarded. The representatives of the carmaker presented the Logistics Innovation Award for 2022, with two projects winning: Waze Navigation on the Škoda Auto premises and AGV Flexible Trolleys in the M1 assembly hall. A discussion and evaluation of this year’s event followed.

  
  

• Diverzity

  Women’s Day Full of Inspiration

  On 8 March, nearly 200 employees attended the carmaker’s annual meeting, which was the first time it was aimed not only at women. Those in attendance also had the opportunity to speak to invited writer Šárka Homfray and lecturer Radka Maňáková.

  International Women’s Day presented a valuable opportunity to host an event at the Vision Hall of STC Kosmonosy, where both women and men from Škoda Auto could meet and be inspired. The aim of the event was to reinforce the carmaker’s commitment to providing equal opportunities to women and men. The participants in the morning meeting were welcomed by Martin Jahn, Board Member for Sales and Marketing, via video chat. “It is no longer the case that the production or sale of cars is a man‘s business, and I am sincerely pleased that the proportion of women in our company is growing. Women in general have very strong intuition and can often listen and follow it, which is something I find increasingly necessary these days. I wish all my female colleagues to find interesting and inspiring impulses for themselves and their environment through such meetings and to be able to recognize and use their full potential,” expressed M. Jahn, who also extended his gratitude to the organisational team from the S/X – Transformation department.

  The Women’s Day programme also included contributions from two inspirational women. Lecturer and coach Radka Maňáková led the attendees to reflect on what we cannot avoid being. She shared the experiences of women from leadership training who largely agree that women put high demands on themselves and strive to be 100% successful in all areas of life. The second inspirational woman, Šárka Homfray, is a lawyer, trade unionist and writer. During her presentation, she discussed her book “Proč jsme tak (na)štvané” and used her personal experience of being insulted because of her appearance to demonstrate that the social status of women and men remains very different. 

  At the health prevention booth, female visitors tried out a breast examination.

  Marketplace offer

  After the introductory presentations, the participants were able to visit 10 booths and learn about the support available to women in Production and Logistics or what the Škoda Academy can offer them. Other booths presented the Škoda Benefits Cafeteria offer, the ŠkoFit programme, self-defence against inappropriate behaviour in the workplace and several projects of the FIP – IT Process and System Integration department. A health prevention booth focused on breast cancer was also popular. In addition to information on risk factors, visitors could try out a breast examination on a special model.

  The event was also supported by Maren Gräf, Board Member for People & Culture. “Our concept was to actively involve colleagues in the discussions at the marketplace, get inspiring suggestions from the speakers, build a personal network and do all this in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. The response was very positive,” said M. Gräf.

  Lenka Lupová

  Coordinator
  BN/5 – Procurement Project Management – Forward Sourcing

  It is very important for women across different areas and positions to get to know each other. We can provide support and advice in development and on non-work-related topics. Usually, there are no opportunities or room for such meetings, but we have networking partners and regularly meet in smaller groups. However, this event was unique as it allowed us to meet so many women from various sectors.

  
  

  Kateřina Cermanová Smolová

  Marketing SpecialistVTM – Marketing CZ

  The meeting was very inspiring for me, and I’m glad that Škoda Auto held such an event for the first time. It could be a good step towards establishing a tradition. I was impressed by the performances of the two invited women. However, I think it would be good if more male colleagues were involved in this forum. Among the booths, I was particularly interested in the ones focused on IT projects and health prevention.

  Women Network

  The event marked the symbolic launch of the new Employee Resource Group, Women Network, which aims to implement a programme to support all women at Škoda Auto. The programme intends to strengthen their self-confidence and contribute, among other things, to the goal of having 25% representation of women in management. The group welcomes everyone, regardless of age, job position, gender etc. You can find out more about the group in the here.

  
  

  Diversity
  

• VZOR – fotogalerie

  Studie VISION 7S představuje sedmimístné elektrické SUV s řadou neotřelých řešení.

  V říjnu vyrazil částečně funkční model vozu nejprve do Anglie, k vidění byl v Londýně u Tower Bridge a následně si ho na vlastní kůži vyzkoušeli novináři v Peterborough.

  Následovala také novinářská prezentace studie ve španělském přímořském letovisku Marbella.

  Kola mají průměr 22" a aerodynamické ráfky jsou téměř zcela uzavřené.

  Studie vozu VISION 7S zaujme jak celkovým vzhledem, tak řadou netradičních detailů.

  Interiéru dominuje velká otočná obrazovka s úhlopříčkou 14,6".

  Při ukázce vozu řada novinářů oceňovala jednoduché mechanické ovládání některých základních funkcí.

  Spíše designérskou libůstkou studie je oválný volant. Že by v běžných řadových vozech nahradil klasické kulaté totiž není příliš pravděpodobné.

  Co by to bylo za vůz ŠKODA bez Simply Clever prvků? V případě vozu VISION 7S jde například o magnetické úchyty na mobilní telefon.

  Studie vozu zdůrazňuje přístup ŠKODA AUTO k udržitelnosti. Podlaha a zavazadlový prostor jsou tak celé vyrobeny z materiálu z recyklovaných pneumatik.

• Tema – fotogalerie

  This year’s Trainee Ball had a Trip down memory lane theme. Ticket sales for the event generated CZK 165.000 in contributions to Centrum 83 and Centrum pro všechny.

  Helping the Nymburk Centrum pro všechny is more than a regular occurrence; last year, the trainees returned multiple times to support disabled children and cheer them up.

  Trainees have provided long-term support to Centrum 83, a social service provider for people with mental and combined disabilities from Mladá Boleslav.

  
  

  At the Dogsy shelter, trainees help with maintenance and cleaning, but some also walk the dogs and participate in the material collection together.

  
  

  In autumn, they help with the organisation and preparation of the Teribear charity event in Prague and Mladá Boleslav.

  
  

  Trainees are regular participants in the Ukliďme Česko (Let’s Clean Czechia) and Škoda Stromky (Škoda Trees) events. Last year, for example, they planted 1,600 seedlings together in the forest near Kochánky.

  
  

  Last year, the trainees planted flowers and prepared a wooden house for bees and insects to conserve and promote biodiversity around the Škoda Auto headquarters in Mladá Boleslav.

  
  

  As volunteers, they also help with educational events for children organised by Škoda Auto, such as Czechitas and EDU.Lab.

  
  

• Novinky – fotogalerie

  Test drives of Volkswagen models and competing brands took place in Vietnam in early March. 

  
  

  Board Members Michael Oeljeklaus (Production and Logistics) and Johannes Neft (Technical Development) and other colleagues from various departments attended the event on behalf of Škoda Auto. Colleagues from India, including Piyush Arora, Managing Director, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, were also involved.

  
  

  The cars were tested in normal operation on motorways and city roads. 

  
  

  The test drives provided valuable insights into the Vietnamese market and competition that will help Škoda Auto tailor products to the needs of local customers.

  
  

  Participants also visited the construction site of a new production line near Ha Long to discuss the status of the design with a local partner.

  
  

• Akce / Diskuzní fórum – fotogalerie

  Approximately 100 SOUs students rotated through eight stations over two days.

  
  

  They received information directly from experts from Škoda Auto's logistics departments.

  
  

  For the apprentices, the logistics organisation team prepared theoretical...

  
  

  ... but also practical tasks.

  
  

  For example, they had to pack the individual parts and transport them on a trolley through a slalom route.

  
  

  If they had a driving licence, they also transported pallets on a forklift.

  
  

• Reportáž – fotogalerie

  V Citymove si vyhledáte volná sdílená kola či skútry v okolí... 

  ...a pak se snadno přepnete do jejich aplikací. 

   Zapůjčením skútru vás jednoduše provede aplikace BeRider.

  Placení parkování  přes aplikaci Citymove je teď ještě praktičtější a intuitivnější.

  Stejně jako parkování i jízdenku na MHD zaplatíte uloženou platební kartou.
  

• Komunity / Internationals – fotogalerie

  Skupina Internationals@ŠKODA se zaměřuje na to, aby se noví kolegové ze zahraničí cítili v automobilce od prvního dne jako doma.

  Zaměstnanecká komunita zahájila činnost loni v květnu a vedou ji Robin Ojha z GSC, Aida Merušić z VE1 a Romny Romero z EXZ (na snímku zleva).

  Aktivit komunity se účastní i členové představenstva, v tomto případě například Christian Schenk (Finance a IT). 

• Motorsport – fotogalerie

  Pro vstup do sezony mistrovství světa zvolil Gus Greensmith až třetí podnik v pořadí, náročnou Mexickou rally.

  A hned tento start proměnil mladý britský závodník ve voze Fabia RS Rally2 ve vítězství.

  Na druhém místě dojel obhájce titulu Emil Lindholm, které kvůli obtížné logistice zvolil předchozí generaci soutěžního speciálu Fabia Rally2 evo.

  Do čela šampionátu v kategorii WRC2 se posunul Oliver Sollberg, které po stíhací jízdě kvůli defektu dojel v Mexiku třetí.

  Závod, který zamířil i do proslulých tunelů pod městem Guanajuato, sedl také Kajetanu Kajetanowiczovi. Dojel na čtvrtém místě.

• Okem zrcadlovky – fotogalerie

   

   

   

   

• Diverzita – fotogalerie

  Women's Day took place on 8 March at STC Kosmonosy and among other things, everyone could see the Vision 7S concept.

  
  

  Inspiration was given to all present by lecturer and coach Radka Maňáková. 

  
  

  Šárka Homfray, a lawyer, trade unionist and writer, presented her book Proč jsme tak (na)štvané.

  
  

  At the health prevention stand, visitors tried out breast examinations.

  
  

  Other Marketplace stands focused on projects of the FIP - IT Process and System Integration unit or the ŠkoFit programme.

  
  

  The whole Women's Day was accompanied by a pleasant friendly atmosphere and the feedback from the participants was very positive. 

  
  

• Akce – fotogalerie

  Studenti Gymnázia Jeseník, kteří se podělili o své zkušenosti se stavbou soutěžních robotů z lega. Zleva: Jonáš Worm, Anna Bicanová, Lukáš Drochýtek.

  Škoda Auto s touto střední školou spolupracuje od loňského roku. Díky její podpoře by se studenti mohli opět zúčastnit i světového kola FIRST LEGO League v USA.

  Na workshopu se setkal se studenty také Martin Hrdlička, vedoucí EP – Vývoje podvozku a agregátu.

  Účastníci workshopu si také prohlídli například zázemí Škoda Motorsport.

• Srdcovka – fotogalerie

  Benátecké varhany loni v létě rozebrali a odvezli do varhanické dílny.

  Oprava by měla být hotovo ještě letos, kdy by se nástroj měl vrátit do původní barokní varhanní skříně.

  Oprava je však velice nákladná, kromě Nadačního fondu Škoda Auto na ni přispívá i řada jednotlivců.

  Varhany vyrobila před již více než 130 lety dílna Emanuela Štěpána Petra.