2/2020

ŠKODA Mobil - newsletter, February 2020.

• Title

• Flight through the ŠKODA World

  FLIGHT THROUGH THE ŠKODA WORLD

  FROM THE WORLD OF THE BRAND’S MODELS

  Sporty and Economical 

  In early March, the OCTAVIA RS iV will be presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show. Boasting a plug-in hybrid drive and a system output of 180 kW, it is the brand’s ultimate sports version of its fourth-generation bestseller. It combines the practical elements of a family car, sporting characteristics and environmental friendliness. The design sketches reveal an impressive black radiator grille and large alloy wheels.

  RETURN TO SRI LANKA

  The ŠKODA brand returns to the island state of Sri Lanka after 17 years. In May, it will open a dealership in the largest city of Colombo in cooperation with the importer IWS Automobiles Ltd. It will initially offer four models - FABIA, SUPERB, KODIAQ and KAROQ. OCTAVIA will be added to the portfolio later in the year. The carmaker thus continues its internationalization and acquisition of new markets.

  My Name is ŠKODA ENYAQ

  The first mass-produced purely electric ŠKODA SUV based on the Group’s MEB modular platform will be named the ENYAQ. In line with previous car names, which referred to the language of the Inuit, inspiration now comes from another language of a harsh region. This time, it is the Irish “enya”, which means “the source of life”. It symbolises the carmaker’s entry into a new era. The “E” refers to electric mobility, while “Q” is the hallmark of ŠKODA’s sports utility car family.

  Production Record at Kvasiny

  The Kvasiny plant has reached a production record number of more than 320,000 cars last year. ŠKODA’s East Bohemian factory has seen other milestones as well. In July, it launched the production of its upgraded SUPERB model, and in September, its iV plug-in hybrid rolled off the production line for the first time. Since then, more than 2,000 cars have been produced. Another success was the introduction of the dProduction digitisation project, which guides employees through their individual work steps, documentation and quality control in the paperless and multimedia forms.

  How They See Us

  
  

  MeinAuto.de (14 January 2020)
  

  ŠKODA SUPERB iV 
  1,4 TSI PHEV 

  Final rating 

  4 / 5

  The SUPERB iV’s

  plug-in hybrid

  drive is just as

  powerful but

  significantly

  quieter than

  any internal

  combustion engine

  Quiet and powerful engine

  Economical operation

  Improved appearance

  Reduced trunk volume
  

  Achievements and Trophies

  
  

  Two Wins 

  in the Best Cars 2020

  Readers of the Auto Motor und Sport professional magazine strongly appreciate the cars from Mladá Boleslav. For the eighth time, the OCTAVIA won the Best Cars poll of compact-class cars imported into Germany. The SUPERB has become the most popular model among the imported mid-class cars. This extraordinary success is underlined by the fact that the magazine’s readers made their selection from among 387 cars in 11 categories this year.

  Last year, ŠKODA AUTO delivered thousands of its OCTAVIA cars (363,700 cars, to be precise) to the whole world.  
  

  Tribute to Artificial Intelligence

  Laura, the new digital assistant, earned the SMARTBEST 2019 award for innovation of the year in the driver-artificial intelligence interaction field. Laura was selected by a jury of professional journalists from 31 European countries. They especially appreciated the fact that Laura was developed by car engineers without any software assistance from any other technology company. The KAMIQ car earned the European AUTOBEST Association’s award as well, ranking third in the Best Buy Car of Europe main category.

  At the Top 

  for the Ninth Time

  In the TOP Employers study, ŠKODA AUTO defended its first place in the Automotive and Engineering Industry category last year and confirmed its position as one of the most awarded employers in the Czech Republic. In addition, the carmaker also succeeded in the new specialised category for human resources management projects by winning an award for its career website and Facebook. The study is based on a survey conducted among almost 11,000 Czech university students.

  News from the Group

  Charged in 15 Minutes

  The VW Group and E.ON have jointly developed their prototype ultra-fast charging station. Thanks to their integrated battery system, such devices can be installed almost anywhere, without any complicated construction work and at significantly lower costs. One station offers charging performance of up to 150 kW. In 15 minutes, cars can be charged for up to 200 kilometres.

  Obujeme se do digitalizace

  Ještě odvážněji a rychleji musí koncern VW pokračovat ve své přeměně v digitálně technologickou společnost. Prohlásil to jeho šéf Herbert Diess na lednovém setkání 120 koncernových top manažerů Global Board Meeting v Berlíně. Člen představenstva pro HR Gunnar Kilian na něj navázal ukázkou programu Leadership Next Level (moderní vývojový stupeň vedení – pozn. red.), který od začátku roku absolvují vrcholoví manažeři všech značek. Nové kompetence jsou podle něj potřeba zejména tam, kde se pracuje na inovacích.

  Services
  

  Fuel Tank Checked 

  Even From Your Living Room

  In European countries, ŠKODA Connect services can also be used through the Google Home Action intelligent voice assistant. For example, your home assistant will report the current fuel status, driving data and whether your car windows and doors are closed. In the case of the iV series electric cars, you can, for example, switch on the heating or start charging via remote voice command. The service currently works in English, and other languages will follow. Since 2018, similar functions have been provided by Amazon Alexa Skill, which, besides English, German and French, also understands Spanish and Italian.

  Since 1959, more

  than 7 million

  OCTAVIA series

  cars have been

  produced at

  the main plant

  production line in

  Mladá Boleslav

• INDIA 2.0

  INDIA 2.0
  

  ŠKODA SETS ITS SIGHTS ON INDIA 

  THE CARMAKER SHOWCASED ITS FUTURE AT THE AUTO EXPO, NEW DELHI AND INTRODUCED ITS DYNAMIC VISION IN CONCEPT TO THE PUBLIC

  or the first time ever, all the VW Group brands met in India for their joint presentation. An important role was played by ŠKODA, which is fully responsible for the INDIA 2.0 project. In early February, at the Auto Expo, New Delhi – which is considered one of the largest motor shows in the world – ŠKODA AUTO presented its first materialised result to the public – the VISION IN concept, which will transform into a desirable SUV for India. 

  195
  

  km/h Maximum speed

  8.7

  seconds acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h

  250

  nm Torque

  12.3

  INCHES OF Central screen diagonal

  Over the past year, ŠKODA AUTO has gradually assumed responsibility for the VW Group's activities in the Indian region. The INDIA 2.0 project aims to bring the ŠKODA brand and the entire Group to a leading position in the Indian automotive market. The goal is for the newly established ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) Company to acquire its market share of around 5 percent by 2025, depending on the development of the market and its individual segments. “India is one of the VW Group's most interesting and promising growth markets. For the ŠKODA brand, it should become one of the five largest in the world,” said Bernhard Maier, Chairman of the Board of Directors, regarding the Indian expansion.

  As the Automotive Superpower

  To emphasise the importance of the local market, ŠKODA decided to use its newly acquired competences to launch the era by presenting the Group brands in India. A few days before (3 February) the Auto Expo, the world's biggest car show, which is held every two years, SAVWIPL hosted its Media Night for journalists, welcoming more than 200 of them from around the world. The stage presented all of the Group’s brands available on the Indian market. In addition to the ŠKODA models, the Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini carmakers presented their cars as well. Under the SAVWIPL umbrella, ŠKODA AUTO coordinates all their activities in the country. 

  Of course, the star of the evening was the ŠKODA VISION IN concept study along with the Volkswagen Taigun. Both these studies are based on the new MQB-A0-IN platform, which was specially developed to meet the Indian market’s specific requirements. The evening then featured the spirit of the TOGETHER TOWARDS TOMORROW motto, which specifically expresses the coordinated approach and cooperation of the Group’s brands on the Indian market. Luděk Vokáč
  

  The ŠKODA Model Pallet

  The OCTAVIA, SUPERB, KODIAQ and (soon also) KAROQ models can be found in the current model range of the Czech brand in India. Only the RAPID is specific to the Indian market and differs from the car known to Czech motorists. It is produced in Pune, where they are preparing for the production of new models on the MQB-A0-IN platform. The OCTAVIA, SUPERB and KODIAQ are produced in Aurangabad.

  The VISION IN CONFIDENCE

  The first tangible result of the new strategy of the VW Group and ŠKODA brand in India has become the VISION IN study, which had its world premiere at the New Delhi Auto Expo in February, where the general public could see it. The study with a length of 4,264 millimetres and a wheelbase of 2,671 millimetres has met the Indian public’s expectations. The study is as robust as the Indians wanted but, at the same time, very spacious and full of clever solutions inside. Nor does it forget the current trend of digitisation. It is a car that runs great on and off paved roads, even with its front-wheel drive. Its design follows the spirit of ŠKODA’s SUVs, and its interior combines Czech crystal with the Indian traditional Kalamkari print technique. The study is driven by its 1.5 TSI 110 kW engine, whose 250 Nm of torque is transmitted to its wheels through the study’s automatic DSG transmission with a digital selector. These features ensure a clear response to the Indian motorists’ high demands and prove how difficult it is to succeed on the local market.

  Jan Řepa

  Product Marketing of ŠKODA AUTO INDIA

  The INDIA 2.0 project aims to sell far more cars in this region. Meanwhile, we offer rather higher-segment cars, such as our OCTAVIA, SUPERB or KODIAQ, and soon enough the KAROQ will sell as well; however, smaller cars up to 4 meters in length sell better on this market (it is also thanks to the tax advantage). We wish to remain a premium brand here, providing our customers with the European quality and equipment but also offering them affordable cars. It means cars that meet the Indian drivers’ expectations, i.e. they are a perfect fit both for the city and for relatively difficult road conditions.

  
  

  Lukáš Shon

  VME – Experience Marketing

  Compared with the European car shows, the event in Delhi, India, was different. For example, we did not have any hostesses at our stand, but instead the production and office employees of SAVWIPL. They were all trained to present our products in the best possible way, which was authentic for our Indian customers. Our Days for the Public were visited by far more people than in Europe. 

  Kalamkari

  The Indian tradition of manual printing or painting of cotton and silk fabrics goes back to the Middle Ages. The original technique consists of up to 23 individual steps, using natural dyes derived from various fruits, roots, leaves and minerals. Nowadays, digital technologies are used in the modern form of kalamkari, too. Influences of this technique were used in the VISON IN study’s interior.

  India in a nutshell

  What are the specifics of the Indian automobile market?

  ndian customers are demanding yet very price-sensitive, requiring a reliable and modern car that is used quite heavily in local traffic in terms of driving, occupancy and cargo.

  In addition, the fact that a large proportion of cars are sold for leasing in India is bit of a complication in the current  economic slowdown. “We are as impacted by it as the other markets. However, people believe that the economy will get better. To this end, the government strives to promote its housing accessibility policy, which should improve the situation for the Indians,” says Gurpratap Boparai, CEO of SAVWIPL.

  In addition to the VISION IN concept, we introduced the new SUPERB to our customers. We will start selling it this year, and for the first time the KAROQ as well. We also presented TWO NEW RAPID models, the best-selling ŠKODA cars in our country, and the OCTAVIA RS 245, which our customers totally adore and WHOSE LATEST VERSION THEY CAN'T WAIT TO SEE.

  Tarun Jha

  Head of ŠKODA Brand Marketing in India

  Both the Mind and Heart

  It was Boparai who explained the carmaker's strategy for the Indian market. For example, ŠKODA AUTO plans to expand its dealerships about threefold over the next three years, quickly reaching over 200 dealerships and continuing to expand. In addition, SAVWIPL will have to increase its concentration on new customers. “We will focus on smaller cities around large settlements, precisely to cover the segment of customers who need a lot of commuting,” is how Boparai outlined one of the options. Therefore, the carmaker will bet on the fact that even if housing is to become more accessible due to the government policy, commuting will still be necessary, and thus it will not find the most potential customers in large cities but in their vicinity. In cooperation with its partners, the brand will open its new dealerships when it launches its models specifically designed for the Indian market. Besides its SUV based on its VISION IN study, the carmaker will also include other cars on the MQB-A0-IN platform.

  ŠKODA wishes to reach Indian customers’ hearts by investing significant sums in cricket (for example, ŠKODA Single Wicket). Price competitiveness will be ensured by strong localisation of its production: Up to 95 percent of new car components are to come from Indian suppliers. SAVWIPL in India also takes great care of the environment. For example, it recently commissioned one of the largest rooftop solar power plants in India at the Pune plant, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 9,000 tonnes per year. In addition, the company focuses on sustainable development, the conservation of natural resources and efficiency of costs. The Pune plant is also working to ensure that no waste is generated in the future and is disposed of in landfills. Luděk Vokáč
  

  Indian Car Market

  While the European Union has a population of 500 million and less than a fifth is under the age of 25, India has 1.3 billion people. Yet, the number of cars sold there is less than a third of the EU figures. But the Indian population is craving cars, and half the population is under 25. Almost 50 percent of the local car market is dominated by the domestic Maruti-Suzuki. The average age of cars in India is 10 to 12 years. As in the EU, the automotive industry accounts for about 7 to 8 percent of the country's GDP; however, cars are significantly cheaper. They currently sell for CZK 150,000–180,000 on average. Highly affordable motorcycles remain the dominant driving force. Their sales have continued growing in recent years, and in 2019, the customers bought about 20 million of them.

  The Indian Customers’ Eight Features

  They are demanding

  They like to shop online; however, they require a personal approach 

  They trust popular brands

  Compared to other markets, Indians prefer established, reputable brands

  Constantly online

  Increasingly, they prefer personalized communication and social media vis-à-vis traditional information channels

  Travellers

  They seek new, unknown or offbeat places and then love to share their experiences on social networks

  They know the ropes

  They are perfectly informed and prepared; the seller should not be caught unaware

  Everything customised

  Individualization of products and services are important expectation

  They are price-sensitive

  Indian customers expect the greatest value for their money. They are some of the world’s most demanding customers from this perspective

  They enjoy their healthy lifestyle

  They use technologies that monitor their lifestyle. They are picky about what they eat

  Advantage of brand’s reputation

  The popularity OF THE CZECH CARMAKER on the Indian market is rising, with THE RAPID BEING the star model  

   he Indian automotive market is growing fast – it’s likely to emerge as the third-largest in the world. And the ŠKODA brand does pretty well on the sub-continent, maintaining 82 sales and 61 service touchpoints spread across 54 cities. “The ŠKODA brand has earned one-of-a-kind ‘value luxury’ positioning in India, as a top-quality and safe brand at an appealing sticker price,” says Ashish Kaushik, Product and Brand Communication department. “We command substantial market share in the segments in which we operate, and we also offer a host of segment-first features. There is a sense of strong brand allegiance among the customers. Should we succeed in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, we have to offer not only top-quality products but also great value for money, as it’s very important to the Indian customers,” says Kaushik. 

  The bestselling model on the Indian market is the RAPID. “It’s proved its mettle as a perfect blend of beauty, uncompromising performance, and European craftsmanship, all at a competitive price point,” says Kaushik.

  Virtual visit to the showroom

  To succeed on the Indian market, the brand also needs good showrooms. They have been designed using state-of-the-art digital technology, including virtual reality. “We have invited our Indian partners to the Czech Republic, and prepared a virtual presentation of top-quality showroom for them,” says architect Jaromír Kuhn, who was in charge of the project. The partners could try special headsets that allowed them to enter the area, walk through it and explore it in detail, just as if they were physically present on the site. “If we showed them the showroom on pictures and computer visualisations it would not be of much use for them; now, it was a unique and very practical experience,” Kuhn adds.

  Other modern technology will be delivered straight to Indian showrooms – especially tablets and table-tops, or sales desks with large computer touchscreens on the surface. The salesforce can use the screens to present customers with various interiors or colour versions. Rani Tolimat 
  

• Development of Dealers

  Development of Dealers

  Ready for the Future

  Interest in the management programme for ŠKODA dealership owners and managers is growing 

  KODA AUTO didn’t have an educational platform for dealership owners and managers, but “since the importers’ demand for the development of these key people was evident, we decided to prepare a programme that would meet their needs”, says Šárka Bouchalová from VAD – After Sales Business Development, who is responsible for developing the programme.

  Dealer Principal Programme (DPP)

  The programme is being developed by the After Sales Business Development (VAD), Sales Training (VBQ) and After Sales Training (VA/2) departments. It is designed to improve the quality of our sales and service network, develop the management skills of our dealership owners and prepare them for their current challenges in the automotive industry. The implementation team cooperates with the Group brands that use a similar educational system. It was also inspired by a programme designed for the Czech dealership owners. In addition, our importers have the opportunity to adapt the programme to the circumstances of their individual markets.

  The programme has become

  an integral part of ŠKODA

  dealership network

  education, and, although

  not obligatornější, interest

  in it keeps growing.

  Šárka Bouchalová

  VAD – After sales BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

  Programme Details

  The programme is designed for a group of 12 participants and consists of five two-day modules: Business Management, Leadership, Human Resources, New Trends and eMobility, and Strategy for the Future. These modules are led by experts experienced in the given subjects and often also utilise experts from other industries to inspire and motivate the programme participants. Our dealership owners and coaches share their best practices and discuss and analyse case studies. “According to them, the programme’s greatest benefit is the possibility to share their experiences with a group of people facing the same or similar challenges. In addition, the DPP provides them with opportunities to create new contacts and exchange experiences”, adds Bouchalová.

  In 2018 and 2019, dealership owners from Ireland, Slovakia and Great Britain participated in the programme. It was a great success, as confirmed not only by the participants’ feedback but also by the certification we obtained from the Chartered Management Institute in Great Britain. At present, the programme continues with its second stage in all these countries and recently also in Russia, Bosnia and Turkey. ŠKODA Coaching Team

• 125 years

  Golden Czech Hands

  ŠKODA AUTO is a traditional company with more than 100 year s of continuous production. Do you know the others as well?

  hen Václav Laurin and Václav Klement launched their business in 1895, nobody knew they had laid the foundations of a globally successful carmaker that would still be operating 125 years later. In addition, this company has been producing its means of transportation for 125 years at the same location where its founders launched it – in Mladá Boleslav. In 1895, bicycles were its only sales items. Four years later, motorcycles were added, and finally in 1905, the first car called the VOITURETTE A left the factory lines. For 115 years, the company has successfully continued in its visionary activities. Thanks to them, the company is successfully transforming its fascinating past into a successful future. Radka Vosáhlo

  Thanks to their vision, engineering skills and perseverance, the company’s founders rank among the pioneers of individual mobility. Thanks to them, the carmaker has an exceptional history that has provided the basis for its successful operation to this day.

  Andrea Frydlová  
  

  gkm – škoda museum

  Rudolf Diesel patents his diesel engine

  
  

  Carmakers begin using air-filled tyres

  Alfred Nobel signs his will, according to which the Nobel Prize is later awarded

  In Paris, the Lumière brothers screen films in public for the very first time

  
  

  Traditional Beer, Crayons and Shoes

  The turn of the 19th and 20th centuries was a time of great change

  Over the previous hundred years, the world had undergone an evolution that moved passengers from their horse saddles to railway car compartments and, at the end of the century, behind the steering wheels of their first cars. They were rather carts but aroused a mixture of emotions ranging from enthusiastic reactions to panic. Czech entrepreneurs and pioneers were there and became famous not only thanks to their car production.

  Koh-i-noor Hardtmuth 

  Czech crayons were a surprisingly successful export item. Koh-i-noor Hardtmuth is one of the world’s biggest producers of office and art supplies. As far back as 1790, Josef Hardtmuth founded his pencil-making company in Vienna. A few years later, in 1802, his company had pencil lead – something very common today – patented. Later on, the company moved to České Budějovice.

  Pilsner Urquell

  The roots of Pilsner Urquell date back to 1842, when brewer Josef Groll brewed the first batch of his famous “Pilsner” at the burgher brewery. The Pilsen Brewery is one of the last in Europe to maintain and develop the cooperage craft.

  Baťa

  The history of the Baťa Group also dates to the end of the 19th century. As early as 1900, the Zlín shoe factory with its 120 employees was one of the eight biggest shoe factories in Bohemia and Moravia. Today, Baťa sells on average 270 million pairs of shoes per year through its network of companies in more than 70 countries.

  Pioneers of Motoring from the Czech Lands and Abroad

  Mercedes

  Two talented engineers, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, laid the foundations for their brand as well. Gottlieb Daimler had his self-propelled vehicle patented in 1885, and Carl Benz one year later. Albeit separately, both were dedicated to the development of motoring: Benz in Mannheim and Daimler in Stuttgart. Their companies merged in 1926 because of the poor condition of the German economy at the time. 

  TATRA

  Its roots date back to 1850 when Ignác Šustala started his Kopřivnice company producing carriages and buggies. In 1898, the Präsident car was built in Kopřivnice. Three years later, the new joint-stock company, Nesselsdorfer Wagenbau-Fabriks-Gesellschaft, was founded, which ensured critical funds for car production.

  Renault 

  Further proof that the end of the 19th century was great for business is found in France’s Renault brand, which was established three years after L&K, in 1898. It was founded by three brothers: Fernand, Marcel and Louis Renault. As good businessmen knowing that successful promotion was an absolute necessity, they personally participated in the first car race

  Opel 

  The history of the Opel brand began in 1862, when its founder, Adam Opel, embarked on the production of sewing machines and bicycles. Only a few years after his death, in 1899, did the company start producing passenger cars; however, the first of them did not leave the factory until 1902.

• Together4Integrity - OPEN TALK

  open talk

  Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

  The second OPEN TALK at the Kvasiny plant focused on the VW Group’s Third Principle

  nother of the seven planned OPEN TALK meetings took place in Kvasiny on 13 February. In an intimate setting, employees met with Bernhard Maier, Chairman of the Board of Directors, as well as Bohdan Wojnar, Board Member for Human Resources Management. Together, they discussed the Group’s Third Principle, namely, “we have courage for new things”. The meeting was also attended by the Kvasiny Plant Manager, Miloš Halbich, and the Head of the Communication department, Jens Katemann, who made the opening speech. He mentioned the success of the first January discussion around one of our principles, which was “we accept responsibility for our environment and society”. In connection with the current topic, he summed up the events of recent months by referring to our courage for new things, such as the carmaker’s transition to electric car production.

  Courage means not being afraid to take a risk and often overcoming ourselves when we leave safety and embark on a risky solution.

  
  

  Bernhard Maier drew attention to a survey that he participated in. Its respondents answered questions about whether they bring new ideas and prioritise innovations and whether they have the courage to try new things, even if it means they might fail. He gave those present an incentive to realise their situation as it relates to the new topics. He said that even the founders of the Laurin and Klement Company had to have the courage to do something previously unknown. Despite not knowing whether they would succeed, they stepped out of their comfort zone and set up a joint venture. They had to repeat this step when switching from their two-wheeled to multi-wheel cars. The Chairman of the Board emphasised that in 2020, ŠKODA AUTO had no other choice but to meet certain challenges like eMobility. To emphasise the need to abandon our comfortable paths and dare to take new steps, he mentioned a German proverb: Whoever does only what he knows will just remain what he already is.

  Bohdan Wojnar stated that the Group’s Third Principle is the most important prerequisite for the carmaker to continue its success story. He expressed his thoughts about how to motivate and support our employees when they are hindered by their fear of potentially making mistakes during innovations. He pointed out that people had to accept that they could lose money and time with innovations. But if they do not wish to innovate, they will lose more: their ability to set trends.

  In addition to questions about the VW Group Principles, some of the discussion questions included: What mix of cars will the carmaker offer in 10 years? How is electromobility supported by the state? Will ŠKODA AUTO change its strategy because of Elon Musk’s plans? And many others. Eva Jarošová
  

• Together4Integrity Conference GRC

  CONFERENCE GRC

  Changing our Corporate DNA

  The benefits of the international Governance, Risk & Compliance Conference, subtitled Driven by Integrity

  ore than 550 VW Group experts and managers involved in T4I, integrity, compliance and risk management met up at their GRC (Governance, Risk & Compliance) Conference in Prague during the third week of February. The participants from 38 countries were welcomed by the VW Group’s Board Member for Integrity and Legal Affairs, Hiltrud Dorothea Werner, who emphasised that the integrity principles were the cornerstone of the entire Group’s successful development. “Our T4I Programme covers integrity, compliance and corporate culture as equal topics. I am sure that our employees in all of our Group brands’ expert areas have already figured out that our Governance, Risk & Compliance teams support them in their daily work”, said Werner.

  During the first two days of the conference, the VW Group experts presented their visions, approaches and specific measures. On the third day, every participant had an opportunity to select from among five interactive workshops: the Future of Ethics, Compliance Training in the Near Future, Three Success Factors of the T4I Programme, Business Partner Due Diligence and Cyber ​​Risks. During these workshops, they participated in discussions, worked in smaller groups on solving everyday situations at their individual companies and shared their experiences and knowledge with others.

  Klaus-Dieter Schürmann, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Finance and IT, opened the last day of the conference. He presented the economic indicators and product portfolio and mentioned the brand’s history and 125th anniversary. He also described the situation in the global markets, including our CSR activities and sponsoring. Finally, Mr. Schürmann answered questions from the audience. Subsequently, our colleagues from the VW Group presented their concept of the second round of workshops to identify our employees’ views on the carmaker’s environment and culture. The participants had an opportunity to vote on issues relating to the principles of our T4I Programme. The conference closed with a panel discussion on the voting results and our further improvement possibilities. RED
  

• Together4Integrity

  Together4Integrity

  Setting an Example

  On Thursday, 30 January, the Integrity Ambassadors met for the first time this year

  ore than 10 volunteers attended a workshop focused on their specific experiences regarding the implementation of our integrity principles in everyday working life. At the beginning, the Governance, Risk & Compliance team presented them with its plan of upcoming activities in which they can participate. Then, the participants discussed the basic principles of integrity and how they relate to the VW Group’s Seven Principles. “The workshop included the opinions and experiences of colleagues from the carmaker’s various areas. They were actively involved in discussing the integrity concept of the future. I found it extremely beneficial”, says Ambassador Ladislav Kubíček from the BXE – Purchase of Lighting and Electromechanics department. 

  Integrity is not black and white; we all perceive it a little differently according to our own internal 

  values.

  Ladislav Kubíček 

  Integrity Ambassador

  Then, they all shared their experiences about their understanding of the integrity concept in the various areas of ŠKODA AUTO, including their perceptions and responses. This discussion led to suggestions as to how to grasp the topic in the future and communicate it to the employees in an understandable way. “We have jointly generated a number of ideas on how to further promote and communicate integrity. Every department should consider the specifics of its day-to-day activities and choose its approach by complementing it with practical examples”, he adds. The Governance, Risk & Compliance team will further develop the ideas generated during the workshop and use them for both communicating the integrity principles and expanding the ambassadors’ membership base. RED
  

  The Integrity Ambassadors Programme is still open to new applicants. You may apply at integrity@skoda-auto.cz

  T4I Programme in Numbers

  The overview of last year’s Together4Integrity (T4I) programme activities and events provided interesting insights into our compliance, integrity and corporate culture. Last year, for example, there were 14 key events directly linked to the T4I Programme, including our Innovation Breakfast on integrity, nine days of the third round of cultural workshops and a three-day launch of the T4I Programme, as well as Ambassador Integrity meetings. The programme also became the subject of structured discussions during the so-called Management Advanced Programme, comprising over 10 groups of more than 100 future carmaker managers in 2019. RED

  3,200

  More than 3,200 new employees were introduced to the VW Group’s Principles and Integrity Principles during their 23 on-boarding training sessions

  120

  More than 120 specific measures, under the direct responsibility of more than 40 experts, yielded the further development of ŠKODA AUTO as part of the T4I Programme

  43,600

  The carmaker distributed almost 44,000 manuals on compliance, integrity and corporate culture

• DIGITISATION IN PRODUCTION

  DIGITISATION IN COMPONENT PRODUCTION

  No Paper

  Production and Logistics has a growing number of digital tools to limit paper documents as much as possible

   igitisation and automation affect an increasing number of operations and activities. For example, do you know how modern technology makes everyday life easier for our Component Production workers?

  Production management online

  Our Smart TVs with this application are located in the eSFM rooms. Thanks to them, our individual sections, as well as production levels and other indirect areas, can be effectively managed. They help us to keep all the documentation or key indicator data only in an electronic format, whether it is a selected application, a visualisation or data stored on a shared drive. All of this happens online. Today, the application is used at all Production and Logistics units in Mladá Boleslav and Vrchlabí – a total of 23 screens in our eSFM rooms and executive offices. An expansion is also planned for the Digital Team Boards project at the PSI department, where the number would increase by another 35 units. You can currently access the application through the computer Web interface, and we are preparing a mobile version as well.

  Applications, Tablets and Monitors Replace Paper Documents in Production. Our Goal is Clear: To Have All the Current Information Available in Real Time and Online.

  For easier communication

  This tool is now in its test phase. More and more employees are gradually joining the initial 3,900 licences as part of the digitisation. The package contains several sub-applications that are being tested and that our responsible teams are looking for ways to use: MS Teams, Sharepoint and Power BI.

  MS Teams is a unified communications platform that combines the applications you currently use: Skype for Business or team websites. In the application, you can create your own teams to manage projects, communicate and share data, links, notes or reports. “The MS Sharepoint application serves as cloud storage where any data can be stored and shared. The advantage is that we are not limited by hard-drive capacity. So far, we’ve been testing the application to see how our various types of data will behave in the cloud. Our goal is a complete transition from hard disk to this technology”, explains Pavel Vorlík from PKM – Engine Production. A useful tool is the Power BI app, which allows you to create user-defined reports. All that is required is training from the ŠKODA Academy. “We are now using it to report on individual key production indicators. So far, we have created some data sources manually, but we want to get them online, directly from the facilities”, says Vorlík, adding that Power BI is also used for defect visualisation, individual machine equipment replacement reports and summaries of energy consumption in the M2 Hall. 

  Documents under control

  Last year, 2,108 employees were trained in 6,646 operations in Component Production thanks to the DFView application, which is used to manage and archive production documentation. It provided numerous benefits to our foremen and -women and their teams: paperless administration and record keeping, online data availability, electronic training and document handover. An important function of the system is the application’s connection to attendance. The system alerts the foreman/-woman to the worker’s training upon the latter’s return following an absence. “Today, DFView works in all units in the Component Production department. There is no red tape associated with any attendance sheets and other training materials. We gradually equip our foremen and -women with tablets in order for them to be mobile and train directly on their production line. We are also deploying our versatile module designed to inform about current topics”, adds Vorlík. At the Component Production department, digitisation does not end with these processes. On the contrary, many projects have been developed and are ongoing. These include, for example, the further computerisation of qualitative data and the preparation of online cockpit reports that will serve as part of Shopfloor Management’s SFM meetings or as an important decision-making tool in production management, from the perspective of foremen, forewomen and executives. Štěpán Vorlíček ŠTĚPÁN VORLÍČEK
  

  
  

  KAREL KOŤÁTKO

  PKM/13 – Cylinder Head EA 211 
  

  Our employees appreciate our new way of training. Thanks to the DFView application, it is quicker and simpler, and we don’t have to print tonnes of sheets, which had been used for completed employee training records in the past.

• DIGITALIZACE VE SVAŘOVNĚ KVASINY

  DIGITISATION IN THE BODY SHOP IN KVASINY

  When a Robot Supports a Robot

  Eliminate employee routine activities, help increase productivity and reduce costs

   T his is exactly the goal of the new technology used by the Body Shop in Kvasiny. They run it as a pilot project created in cooperation with the PPF-K unit – Body Shop Planning department. It is called Bin Picking, and the goal is to automate the removal of parts from their pallets and load them onto the production line.  

  Typically, the entire system would work in such a way that the operator removes a part from its pallet, check it for damage and load it into a robotic station, where the robots continue to work with it to form a larger unit. In this particular case, it is the reinforcement of the front part of the SUPERB car floor. Robot-based automation works similarly. Using a 3D camera, the system scans a virtual three-dimensional image of a “scene” featuring a pallet placed at a specific location and full of randomly placed parts (about 200 parts). With the help of artificial intelligence, the algorithm selects the part that the robot easily picks up (it processes the theoretical possibility and percentage success rate of picking up the individual parts) and directs it. However, in addition to selecting the right part, its quality must be checked as well. “Our robot can do it, too. This is done with the help of another two-dimensional camera. It checks the part, and the software evaluates its quality status. Then, the part is centred and rotated so that it proceeds to the line in its correct position”, explains Jan Flégl from PFK-K/3 – Body Shop Maintenance. Next, a picture of the parts palette is taken, and the most suitable one is selected.

  The first robot with this feature already works in our series operation. Its reliability varies between 70 and 80 percent (the percentage of times it successfully reaches the right part on the first attempt) and, so far, it supports one station – the aforementioned floor front part reinforcement. “For us, the Bin Picking system is an integral part of production automation. It represents the vanguard of the use of camera systems at our body shops and indicates how their expansion will continue in the coming years”, concludes Flégl.  ŠTĚPÁN VORLÍČEK
  

• DIGITALIZACE V LAKOVNĚ V MLADÉ BOLESLAVI

  DIGITISATION IN THE PAINT SHOP IN MLADÁ BOLESLAV

  Watch Out – Trolley’s Coming!

  Videomapping alerts our employees to hazardous areas, navigates them during part packing and assists them in bonding elements to the bodywork

   ne of the modern technologies being promoted in the field of Production and Logistics uses light rays: Laser projectors project symbols onto various surfaces. It is applied in three activities. In logistics, videomapping is used to fill pallets with sets of disassembled cars to be exported. By using symbols, pictures, texts and videos, the laser projection shows workers exactly where to put a specific part on the pallet and how to fix and protect it. The system can also verify whether a part is in the right position and has been properly rotated. 

  Videomapping is

  a way of attracting

  our employees’

  attention

  effectively and

  quickly at our

  production

  operations.

  Another way of using videomapping is by projecting safety warnings on the floor. This system can be found in the car factory at several locations, and the latest one is our new M18 Paint Shop. “While the projection was retrofitted to our other operations, it was planned for operation since the beginning. We use Visap technology as our safety marking to alert our workers to dangerous sections. When they enter a road where motorised trolleys are moving, a warning is projected onto the floor”, says Ladislav Kocmich of PFO 8/11 – M18 Paint Shop Production Section (base). At the Paint Shop, another symbol is projected on the floor. It is a special clothing warning that appears when our employees enter the facility. The system features a detector that detects an incoming person at a distance of 3 to 5 metres and projects the symbol in his or her path.

  The third operation, where the projection is used, is in our “old Paint Shop” in building A, at the Decor department. There, the light instructions make the work easier for colleagues who attach labels, logos, signs with model names and engine designations to the finished bodywork. While previously they would follow their written manuals and instructions, our current system projects everything directly on the bodywork, including the exact locations of specific elements.  ŠTĚPÁN VORLÍČEK
  

• Think digitally

  Meet the New Team Member

  You will beat the routine with a chatbot that never sleeps

  ny repeated questions, requests for advice or assistance with a manual can easily be handled by artificial intelligence in the form of a chatbot. At ŠKODA AUTO, a number of departments are already working with this tool (see Where and How IVA Helps). This is because the chatbot is part of a growing family of applications that automate the processes we are used to completing on our computers and mobile phones or by calling a Service Desk. Interestingly, its user interaction is almost exclusively based on its chat interface – e.g. a chat embedded in a website or one of the widespread chat applications like Facebook Messenger, Skype for Business, WhatsApp etc. It primarily communicates with the user in the most natural way – in writing or verbally. “The main advantage is the ability to use a chatbot to communicate at any time and without waiting. It works online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition, it will serve multiple customers at the same time”, explains Filip Kulka from the FIO/5 department, who is in charge of artificial intelligence and automation.

  ŠKODA customers and employees send numerous recurring requests to our various departments every day. That is why our IT department designed our intelligent virtual assistant (IVA). Thanks to its algorithms, our assistant solves the most common situations so that only more complicated questions reach our experts. Thus, the chatbots freed the hands of many of our workers who can concentrate on more creative or complex work that matches their qualifications. In addition, this feature can be used in most of our departments. This is precisely what the SVP (SKODA Verbesserungsprozess) activities aim to achieve. Their goal is to provide a paperless office for the entire company.

  Chatbot technology is currently in use in three departments, and we are already working to deploy it at our three other departments. Štěpán Vorlíček
  

  Where and How IVA Helps

  IT Point and Service Desk

  Over 1,000 inquiries about various issues reach the Service Desk via business phones every month. When handling a similar situation, our employees would turn to the operator and then to our IT specialists. However, our Chatbot IVA can respond to their inquiries itself. It will also help in a situation where mobile phones are undergoing massive change, and our IT Points may not be able to handle such a huge workload. Our chatbot can link calendars and suggest appointments at times that fit everyone involved.

  Legal Department

  Are you often looking for confidentiality agreements or its templates? All you need to do is to enter what you are looking for by business name, its business ID or department (of submitter). Chatbot IVA will look for a confidentiality agreement based on the parameters and display all the information. Otherwise, it can direct you to create it in the ELO app

  
  

  Purchasing

  The only chatbot that is not only an internal matter but also handles external inquiries is at the Purchasing department. It helps our external contractors who are not sure how to complete their registrations on the car manufacturer’s website.

  
  

  Where They are Preparing Their Chatbots

  Quality

  A chatbot will already support our Quality department during the first quarter of this year. If its employees cannot get into the system they need for their work, they have previously had to solve it directly with support by phone or via e-mail. Now, our chatbot will offer them assistance. It will be able to verify their access permission and employee card if their login is denied. Alternatively, you can use our chatbot to apply for the (re)assignment of access roles.

  
  

  Finances

  Another new feature that is coming soon is a chatbot that will help employees to bill business trips directly in @SMART Apps. 

  
  

  HR and Recruitment

  Our HR department colleagues will soon get rid of their handwritten documents for recruiting, which they used to enter into their computers. Our chatbot will enter all their data directly into our system. This new feature will also be launched very soon. 

  Would you need a chatbot at your department as well? Contact us at skoda.it.ai@skoda-auto.cz

  @SMART Application

  Do you wish to process your employee interview results effectively, comfortably and quickly?

  eMAG

  An employee interview (or MAG, abbreviated from the German Mitarbeitergespräch) is a two-way dialogue between a supervisor and his/her subordinate and is a key tool to motivate, manage the performance and assist in the personal development of technical-economic employees and foremen. Your simple and quick processing of its results is ensured by the eMAG application, which is designed for the electronic versions of interview outputs. The data entering itself is very intuitive. The individual forms can be completed through either the supervisor’s or his/her subordinate’s computer. A lot of data (such as time range, employee data and more) are already automatically pre-filled in the application. It is this step that accelerates your work. Approval and potential modifications of the system-filled forms take place via the EBP/eCockpit, and they are completed by the supervisor or the employee, who did not enter any data into the application. If the approver disagrees with the information provided, he/she may return the form with comments to help with modifications. RED

  9,863

  interviews took place via the eMAG Application last year

  News at ŠKODA Space

  Mobile app, to-do list and an abundance of information. These are the features you will find at ŠKODA Space. We are currently working on additional features so that our portal is fully functional after we shut down the current version.

  Already Running

  Portal Contents Search

  The basic search and results filter already work on the portal. Now, you can click through to the relevant content directly from your list of search results once you have entered your desired term.

  Mobile Application

  Your simple login is here! Our business mobile phones feature our ŠKODA Space application. For iOS mobile devices, your login through both the first and second factor is fully automatic. We are developing one for Android users, too.

  Task List

  It features the same items and to-be-approved tasks as on our current portal. For example, you can process BWAs, IT requests, EBP items, improvement suggestions and much more.

  Fuels

  On the home page, in the Me section and in the Useful menu, our service car users will find a new portlet with information on fuelling and washing their car during the selected period.

  What is Coming?

  Manual

  Our comprehensive manual will guide you through the most frequently used features of our new portal. 

  Kiosks

  Starting in mid-March, ŠKODA Space will also be available at the production information kiosks.

  Contact Cards

  This feature will allow you to download a contact card to your Outlook Address Book or onto your mobile phone.

  Favourite Links

  At ŠKODA Space, you will find the same favourite links that you have created on our current portal. You can find their list in the Me section.

  Meals Summary

  The summary you know from the original My Portal section can be found in the Me section and the Useful side menu.

  Attendance

  You will be able to view your last arrival, departure, recommended work breaks and a link to your attendance sheet.

  Favourite Contents

  If you select any tracking of specific information and news, the system will notify you of updates.

  Notifications

  ŠKODA Space will notify you of your new tasks or updates of our tracked news and information pages.

  Did You Know That..

  ... you can access ŠKODA Space from your own private computer or mobile phone? Just open www.skodaspace.cz and enter your username (DZC) and LDAP password.

• Green Future

  Recycling is not enough

  The ecology and sustainability of human activities is a crucial issue today. For this reason, we need to reflect on the circular economy’s principles

  he idea of a circular economy is becoming an integral part of sustainable mobility. It looks beyond the current extractive industrial model of take-make-waste and aims to redefine growth from the use of resources. “We are looking for new ways of developing, producing and using carbon-neutral and circular products and services. 

  Efficient and

  high-quality

  treatment of

  waste for re-use will require both

  new technology

  and sophisticated

  logistics and a lot more hands

  and brains to

  make these

  changes.

  I consider it a key contribution by ŠKODA to offer sustainable mobility solutions to our customers. That's why we are exploring ways to integrate this concept into our ŠKODA Green Future strategy”, says Friederike Kloeckner, assistant to the Board Member for Technical Development.

  “Basically, we are at the beginning. We’ve put together a cross-functional team that is looking beyond the status quo of developing and producing cars. We started work on a white paper and invited experts to understand the implications of shifting from a linear to a circular approach in the context of ŠKODA AUTO. We are all invited to ask ourselves, ‘How can I contribute?’” explains Pavel Grmela from the PSU – Ecology and Labour Safety department.

  ŠKODA AUTO already thinks and acts circular in many areas. One tangible example is the second life project of batteries from our electric cars.  ŠTĚPÁN VORLÍČEK
  

  Circular Economy at ŠKODA AUTO

  Three key principles based on those of the Ellen McArthur Foundation will guide us towards a circular economy. In short, it is the transition to a system in which we will:

  1. Keep Products and Materials in Use 

  Enable systems to extend life time and get materials back so they do not end up in a landfill. 

  Examples: Ground limestone from our Paint Shop is used for the desulphurisation of flue gases at the ŠKO-ENERGO heating plant. It is also used in the construction industry. Our mobile filtration systems extend the life cycle of oils. Recycled thinners are used to clean our Paint Shops. Waste cardboard is used to package parts at our CKD Centre.

  2. Design out waste and pollution 

  Design and development ensures that waste and pollution are not created in the first place. We design products and components so that they can be re-used, repaired and re-manufactured. 

  3. Regenerate natural systems

  We will not only protect our environment but may even improve it, too.

  Pavel Grmela

  PSU – Ecology and Occupational Protection

  As part of the ZEBRA Improvement Program, ŠKODA AUTO employees can contribute with their idea to improve sustainability, for example, in the Plastic Pitfalls motivational campaign. From the viewpoint of the circular economy, one of the projects currently being implemented at the carmaker can be followed. Thanks to the Tritan bottles that the carmaker distributes to its employees to improve their drinking regime, we are reducing the amount of waste in the form of disposable PET bottles. The outcome, however, largely depends on whether our employees decide to use these washable bottles or not.

• Motorsport

  motorsport
  

  Hot Moments 

  on the Ice Track

  The FABIA Rally2 evo specials showed off at the GP Ice Race on snow and ice at Zell am See

  n the first weekend of February, the ŠKODA Motorsport team returned to the Austrian mountain spa where Ferdinand Porsche once lived. It was in honour of the founder of one of the Group brands that they renewed the GP Ice Race at Zell am See. This time, the Czech team had two FABIA Rally2 evo factory cars. Four talented riders took turns behind their steering wheels and competed in their own category. 

  German champion Fabian Kreim eventually celebrated his victory. The ERC1 category European Junior Champion Filip Mareš, as well as Slovak Champion Martin Koči and Austrian Vice-Champion Julian Wagner, stood next to him at the start of the competition, which the Mladá Boleslav team called the Ice Race of Champions. Their mentor was last year’s winner, Jan Kopecký, who reached the Alpine walls as the ŠKODA brand’s ambassador this year. “They haven’t asked me for any advice yet”, the former WRC 2 World Champion smiled at the beginning of the racing weekend. “They are talented riders and know well that it is crucial not to make any mistakes”, he added. At Zell am See, he also completed several promotional laps this year in his sharp style, for which he received hefty applause from the audience. ŠKODA AUTO’s Board Chairman Bernhard Maier boldly took the hot passenger seat.

  The riders behind the steering wheel of the Czech special entertained some 16,000 spectators with their spectacular corner turns. Any mistake on a slippery surface meant a significant waste of time. “I was pleasantly surprised by the car’s adhesion thanks to its studs. I was rather expecting it to behave more like on gravel”, said a visibly excited Mareš. His experiences from Austria came in handy, as he took part in the Swedish Rally in mid-February with his privately deployed ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 evo. The other riders were also very pleased. “Every ice experience counts. Although it is mainly a show for spectators, we riders have enjoyed it as well”, revealed the second-ranking Wagner. The mechanics were busy in the service area, too, because they had to prepare two cars for four riders. “After every ride, we cleaned the chassis of snow and ice, which could accumulate up to 30 kilogrammes”, explained Miroslav Šlambora from the ŠKODA Motorsport Team. “We also had to adjust the seat, steering wheel and pedals for every rider. However, the whole operation took less than half an hour, and our car was ready for its next ride”, he added.

  Renamed Special

  In connection with the introduction of new terminology by the International Automobile Federation (FIA), the ŠKODA FABIA R5 evo was renamed the ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 evo. Michael Kudela

  Ice Race of Champions Results

  1. Fabian Kreim (GER)

  18 points

  2. Julian Wagner (AUT)

  16 points

  3. Martin Koči (SVK)

  12 points

  4. Filip Mareš (CZE) 

  10 points

  For more information on this change, visit our website

  The Best for our Customers 

  ŠKODA Motorsport Manager Michal Hrabánek explains the 2020 season changes

  This season, the ŠKODA Motorsport factory team will not participate in the FIA World Rally Championship. Why did you make this decision?

  Last year, we won the championship for the fourth time in a row, thus clearly demonstrating the quality of our car. This year, we made a change due to our capacities and our desire to focus more on cooperation with our customers. During the ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 project, we sold over 330 cars, which is an extraordinary success but also a huge commitment to our customers. In addition to the sale of cars and spare parts, we also offer teams our extensive customer support, whose quality we wish to improve further. Nevertheless, it is important to mention that we are not leaving the World Rally Championship scene completely. We managed to establish a unique collaboration with talented rider Oliver Solberg (son of the 2003 world champion, Petter Solberg – ed.).

  What will your customer support look like this year?

  We’ve always supported a specific young rider, and that is what we intend to do now. Our closest cooperation will take place just with Solberg, who will complete selected WRC 3 events with our factory FABIA Rally2 evo car. We are also sending our engineers and mechanics to certain European and World Championship races to support our customers. They can use the recommended setups that we send them before their important races. Of course, we also share information about all the technical changes or provide special training organised at our facilities.

  Are you working on upgrading your FABIA Rally2 evo model, or is it time to develop a new special?

  If we wish to stay at the top of our class, we have to work on our current car all the time. This is the only way to ensure its competitiveness in the coming season as well. The current model will be used at least in the next two years, so any development of our brand-new car is not an issue yet.  RED

• INDIA 2.0 – VISION IN

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

• INDIA 2.0 - dealeři

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

• Okem zrcadlovky

  Sysel při západu slunce na Radouči

  Bedřichov po cestě na přehradu 

  Zima v Arberu

  Přehrada Souš

  Kozí hřbety nad Špindlerovým Mlýnem

  Mléčná dráha nad osadou Jizerka

• Konference GRC

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

• Motorsport

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

• Tehdy a Ted

  Většinu vybavení si pracovníci zkušebny vyráběli sami, tak jako figurínu 3DH (na snímku vpravo). Výjimku dovezenou ze Západu tvořila testovací figurína Sierra Sam na židličce vedle
  

  Pomocí prvního tzv. saňového vozíku s mechanickou brzdou se testovaly například střešní nosiče