Mladá Boleslav, 22 February, 2024 – Škoda Auto has reached a significant milestone in advancing its e-mobility strategy, marking the production of 200,000 units of the Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé models. The jubilee car is a white Enyaq Coupé Sportline, which rolled off the production line on 16 February. In the current model year, the Enyaq continues to evolve with enhancements including more powerful and efficient drivetrains, even more range, faster charging, and new software with an upgraded and more intuitive user interface. Looking ahead, Škoda Auto is set to further its commitment to e-mobility with the world premiere of the new Elroq later this year. This all-electric compact SUV signals the start of an ambitious campaign, introducing six new electric models in total over the coming years to complete Škoda’s fully electric line-up.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 15 February 2024 – Protecting the environment and minimising the company’s environmental impact has long been central to Škoda Auto’s corporate strategy. Between 17 January and 16 June, the Škoda Museum is hosting a comprehensive exhibition showcasing the company’s sustainability efforts and initiatives to visitors. The exhibition also marks the public debut of the all-new Kodiaq, now offering a plug-in hybrid drivetrain for the first time.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 14 February 2024 – A repeat success: this year, both the Škoda Fabia and Octavia have secured the title of best import car within their respective classes in the renowned Best Cars Readers’ Choice Awards. In the 48th iteration of the competition, organised by the German automotive magazine ‘auto motor und sport’, 92,798 participants cast their votes, with a record number of 455 models competing in 13 categories. The Octavia extended its impressive winning streak, claiming the title of best import compact vehicle for the eleventh time in a row, marking its twelfth Best Cars award in total. The Fabia was crowned winner among imported small cars for the third time, following victories in 2008 and 2023.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 12 February 2024 – The world premiere of the refreshed Škoda Octavia is drawing closer: Škoda Auto will reveal its updated bestseller on Wednesday, 14 February at 10:00 CET. The event will take place in a Virtual Studio venue and will be broadcasted on both Škoda Storyboard and Škoda’s official YouTube channel. This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 6 February 2024 – Škoda Auto has published exterior sketches of the refreshed Octavia. The fourth modern generation continues the legacy of the brand’s iconic model, which has achieved over seven million sales since its launch in 1996. This latest iteration introduces a refined exterior with new headlights, redesigned bumpers, and an updated Škoda grille. The digital global premiere is set for 14 February.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav/ Kvasiny, 5 February 2024 – Škoda Auto announces the opening of advanced technical training facilities at its Kvasiny site, aimed at strengthening robotics and automation skills among its workforce. The initiative is designed to equip employees with both the theoretical and practical knowledge required for modern automotive production techniques. As the Czech automaker gears up to launch Octavia production in summer 2024, this move greatly enhances the plant’s capabilities thanks to cutting-edge production processes. The investment underscores Škoda’s commitment to broadening its technical training offering at its second largest Czech site.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav/ Paris, 31 January 2024 – At the Rétromobile exhibition in Paris, Škoda is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Superb’s production launch. Along with the Superb, the carmaker’s display at Porte de Versailles includes the sporty Škoda 1100 OHC Coupé, the prestigious 1928 Škoda Hispano-Suiza, the innovative Voltavia project combining elements from 1969 and 2023, and the Škoda Vision 7S concept: This study of a large electric family SUV, presented in 2022, previews the Modern Solid design direction for Škoda’s future vehicles.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 31 January 2024 – Škoda Auto is offering a sneak peek at the modernised Škoda Octavia with a short exterior teaser. The updated bestseller, available in both hatchback and Combi estate body styles, will be officially unveiled soon.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 30. January 2024 – Advancing its ongoing internationalisation strategy, Škoda Auto has officially entered the Brunei market. In the Bruneian capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, the carmaker inaugurated its first showroom alongside representatives of its local partner, T.C.Y. Motors. To cater to the specific preferences of Bruneian customers, Škoda Auto has introduced the Octavia RS and Kodiaq Sportline models imported from Europe as well as the Slavia and Kushaq made in India. The carmaker is committed to expanding its regional offer, with plans to roll out the Karoq Sportline and the new-generation Kodiaq later this year.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 29 January 2024 – Škoda Auto has started producing the updated Scala compact car and the Kamiq city SUV at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav. The latest enhancements to these product lines include new equipment features and assistant systems, usually exclusive to higher vehicle classes. Additionally, the carmaker has substantially increased the use of sustainable materials in both models.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 26. January 2024 – Škoda Auto has opened a new Experience Centre in Hanoi. This unique showroom, rolled out in the Czech automaker’s new corporate identity, serves customers during the day and transforms into a cultural centre at night. The opening was attended by Ondřej Černý, Chief Representative of Škoda Auto in Vietnam and Nguyễn Anh Tuấn, Chairman of the TC Group. The showroom displays the Karoq and Kodiaq models and is equipped with various digital elements for interactive customer engagement. The brand anticipates significant growth in the dynamic Vietnamese market, with sales potentially reaching over 40,000 units annually after 2030. The carmaker also plans to introduce the India-made Kushaq and Slavia models to its Vietnam portfolio soon.This article was read by AI generated vocie.

Mladá Boleslav, 23 January 2024 – In 2023, Škoda Auto manufactured over 781,000 vehicles at its Czech plants, and its international facilities contributed an additional 107,000 units. The company’s scope of production was not limited to vehicles; it manufactured key components, including PHEV and MEB battery systems, axles, and engines, which also installed in other Volkswagen Group brands’ vehicles. Additionally, Škoda Auto made strategic advances in its internationalisation strategy in 2023: The brand entered the Vietnamese market in September and began preparations in mid-October for resuming production in Kazakhstan.This article was read by AI-generated voice. 

Mladá Boleslav / Kvasiny, 17. ledna 2024 – Škoda Auto zahajuje ve svém kvasinském závodě sériovou výrobu druhé generace svého vrcholného SUV, modelu Kodiaq. Společnost učinila v souvislosti s přípravou na spuštění výroby významné investice a modernizovala montáž i svařovnu. Díky přesunu výroby nové generace modelu Superb z Kvasin do Bratislavy získala česká automobilka ve svém kvasinském závodě dodatečnou kapacitu na výrobu úspěšných SUV modelů Kodiaq a Karoq. Tato zpráva byla přečtena hlasem generovaným umělou inteligencí.

Mladá Boleslav/ Kvasiny, 17 January 2024 – Škoda Auto announces the launch of series production of the second-generation Kodiaq, its SUV flagship model, at the plant in Kvasiny, Czech Republic. In preparation, the company has made considerable investments into modernising both the production line and welding shop. By transferring the production of the new-generation Superb from Kvasiny to Bratislava, Slovakia, the Czech carmaker has created additional capacity at Kvasiny to manufacture the successful Kodiaq and Karoq SUV models.This article was read by AI-generated voice. 

Mladá Boleslav, 12 January 2024 – In 2023, Škoda Auto achieved a notable increase in its vehicle deliveries, reaching a total of 866,800 units. This represents significant growth of 18.5% over the previous year. Germany continues to be the brand’s largest single market, with 157,800 vehicles delivered (+17.6%). Additionally, Škoda Auto posted a strong result in the Czech domestic market, with 87,800 deliveries (+23.4%). The strongest growth was recorded in Germany, the UK and the Czech Republic. The all-electric Enyaq series, which is among the best-selling EVs in many European markets, set a new record since its launch, with 81,700 vehicles sold (+52.1%). Moreover, by entering the Vietnamese and Kazakhstan markets in H2 2023, Škoda Auto is systematically advancing its internationalisation strategy.This article was read by AI-generated voice. 

Mladá Boleslav, 12. ledna 2024 – Škoda Auto v roce 2023 výrazně zvýšila své dodávky zákazníkům. Celkem se jedná o 866 800 vozů, což odpovídá nárůstu o 18,5 procenta. Největším trhem zůstává Německo se 157 800 vozy (+17,6 %), solidní výsledek však Škoda Auto zaznamenala i na českém trhu: 87 800 dodaných automobilů (+23,4 %). Nejvýraznější meziroční nárůst prodejů vozů Škoda připadl na Německo, Spojené království a Českou republiku. Modelová řada plně elektrického modelu Enyaq dosáhla s 81 700 dodávkami (+52,1 %) absolutního rekordu od svého uvedení na trh a v roce 2023 se Enyaq na mnoha evropských trzích stal jedním z nejprodávanějších elektromobilů. Podzimním vstupem na vietnamský a kazachstánský trh automobilka systematicky pokračuje v rozvoji internacionalizace. Tato zpráva byla přečtena hlasem generovaným umělou inteligencí.

Mladá Boleslav, 10 January 2024 – Škoda Auto announces the integration of the AI-based chatbot ChatGPT into its Laura voice assistant. This important step will enhance the in-vehicle experience of many customers and help to make everyday life easier. Škoda models based on MEB GP and MQB EVO platforms will benefit from this new feature. They will be able to access a vast AI database and have content read out to them while driving. This new function is powered by Cerence Chat Pro from technology partner Cerence Inc., offering a unique, automotive-grade ChatGPT integration. Personal data and vehicle information are protected at all time.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Vrchlabí, 18 December 2023 – Škoda Auto is transforming its logistics processes to a uniform system under a Group-wide project called Project ONE Log. A new, standardised SAP solution will replace a large variety of existing systems. The Company thus consistently uses digitisation and centralisation to leverage potential for cost savings and increased flexibility in production & logistics. The project is the largest system changeover at the Vrchlabí plant over the last 25 years. This message was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 14 December 2023 – The iconic circular Škoda logo with the winged arrow was first registered as a trademark at the patent office in Pilsen on 15 December 1923. Since its initial appearance on vehicles from Mladá Boleslav in 1925, the logo has only undergone a few modifications, with its original visual concept remaining practically unchanged. In August 2022, Škoda Auto introduced a comprehensive update to its corporate identity and also redesigned its picturemark. Aimed at improving visibility on digital platforms, this revamp ensures a more impactful look, especially on mobile devices. Learn more about the evolution of the Škoda logo on the Škoda Storyboard.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 13 December 2023 – As an innovator in the digital arena, Škoda Auto is introducing its brand to younger audiences. The company has developed a unique gaming experience within the well-known online video game Fortnite. Through this initiative, featuring the new Fortnite Creative map ‘Out of Bounds Odyssey’, Škoda aims to engage potential future customers, who are increasingly spending time in the gaming world. The map is now available for players to explore.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 8 December 2023 – Škoda Auto is steadily expanding its previously announced partnership with Allur in Kazakhstan. Martin Jahn, Board Member for Sales and Marketing, along with partner representatives in Astana, signed key documents shaping the future of this collaboration. Beyond sales and production, the companies agree to enhance technical training in Kazakhstan as part of the memorandum of understanding (MoU). The commitments include assembling vehicles from Semi Knocked Down (SKD) kits as well as exploring the feasibility of local production from Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits, potentially starting after 2025. During his visit, Jahn also met with Roman Sklyar, Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, to discuss strategic plans and the automotive industry in both countries.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav/ Bratislava, 1 December 2023 – Four weeks after its world premiere near Prague, Škoda Auto has started producing the fourth modern generation of the Superb at the Volkswagen brand plant in Bratislava. This strategic relocation of its ICE flagship model from Kvasiny opens up production capacity at the Kvasiny site, which will be used to build additional units of the Octavia. The Superb has been the ICE flagship of Škoda’s model range since the first modern generation was introduced in 2001.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 27 November 2023 – Škoda Auto has launched the global rollout of its new corporate identity (CI) across its extensive network of over 4,000 dealerships. The first showrooms featuring the new design are in Vietnam, and in Europe, the first revamped dealership is in Estonia. Additionally, Belgrade, Serbia, welcomed its first City Store completed in the new CI back in October. Meanwhile, a state-of-the-art showroom in Kuwait underlines Škoda Auto’s commitment to delivering a holistic digital customer experience and underscores the brand’s ongoing internationalisation strategy.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 22 November 2023 – In this year’s ‘Auto Trophy’, readers and online users of the German trade magazine Auto Zeitung awarded Škoda four accolades. Now for the tenth consecutive year, Škoda has clinched the title of ‘Best Import Brand’. The Škoda Enyaq was recognised as the ‘Best Electric SUV under €50,000’ in the import ranking, while the Škoda Superb led the ‘Midsize Import’ class. The Škoda Kamiq was named the ‘Best SUV under €30,000’, also topping its respective import category.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 22 November 2023 – Škoda Auto is expanding its digital services to include Pay to Fuel. After refuelling, drivers can pay via credit or debit card from the car’s infotainment screen. This service is now available in six European countries,  and there are plans to include more countries and fuel stations in the future. This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 20 November 2023 – The Škoda 1203, a legendary vehicle of its era, was a modern and robust light commercial vehicle featuring a cab-over body design. Following 12 years of extensive development, the production-ready model was unveiled on 14 September 1968. Series production started on 20 November of the same year at the Vrchlabí plant. Over the next three decades, the vehicle was manufactured in numerous versions and designs, catering to a wide range of customer needs. This article was read by AI-generated voice. 

Mladá Boleslav, 13 October 2023 – The Škoda pavilion at the Autostadt in Wolfsburg, Germany, has been completely redesigned. A host of interactive elements introduce visitors to the rich heritage of Škoda, one of the world’s oldest car manufacturers still active today. The exhibition also offers insights into the Czech carmaker’s evolution, its strides in electromobility, and future aspirations. Initial preparations for the new exhibition concept began in January 2023.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 31 October 2023 – Škoda Auto is paving the way for carbon-neutral production at its Czech plants by the end of the decade. In cooperation with ČEZ ESCO and ŠKO-ENERGO, the car manufacturer has commissioned three rooftop photovoltaic systems at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav and the Škoda Parts Center logistics hub. Covering an area of over 10,000 m2, equivalent to more than 15 tennis courts, the new solar power plant is expected to generate more than 2 GWh of emission-free electricity annually with its more than 5,400 photovoltaic modules. This energy output could fully charge approximately 25,000 Enyaq 85 cars.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 30 October 2023 – With a few clicks, Škoda owners can now create a Digital Certificate with verified details on their vehicle’s condition and service history within warranty time. This file is an official document from the manufacturer, compiling data from various sources, including the vehicle’s electronic service book. Customers consistently have reliable information about their vehicle at their fingertips without needing to visit a dealer or pay additional fees. The service is available for free on all European Škoda cars where Škoda Connect is provided. This website provides an overview of the respective countries for the respective features.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 30 October 2023 – Škoda Auto is teasing the fourth-generation Superb, with a short clip offering a glimpse of both the exterior and interior highlights. The world premiere is slated for 2 November at 19:00 CET and will be broadcast live on the Škoda Storyboard and Škoda’s YouTube, X and LinkedIn channels.This article was read by AI-generated voice.

Mladá Boleslav, 27 October 2023 – Škoda Auto reports consistent growth throughout the first three quarters of the year, recording positive results across all key financial indicators. The automaker’s operating profit stands at 1.26 billion euros, marking a 47.2% increase compared to the same period last year, while the return on sales increased to 6.4% (2022: 5.6%). A key contributor to this positive trend has been the robust sales performance of the all-electric Enyaq series. Globally, Škoda delivered 642,200 vehicles during this period. At the same time, the automaker is advancing its internationalisation plan: As the strategic leader of the Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Core in ASEAN, Škoda Auto took the first major step in September by entering the Vietnamese market – a gateway to the entire region.This article was read by AI-generated voice. Škoda Storyboard

How can we boost sustainability in the automotive industry? This podcast will not be about petrolheads and EV drivers locking horns. Instead, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the materials the cars are made of – both inside and out. In line with circular economy principles, the EKX department at Škoda Auto is looking for new materials – from interior details made of biomaterials, which are still in the early prototype phase, to the bumper-to-bumper project, which is almost production-ready and involves used bumpers being recycled from the scrapyard.The guests on this episode are Lukáš Zuzánek and Dalibor Kopáč from this department. In collaboration with the Prototype Center and Design department, they have built a special show car – a demonstrator. It’s actually a fourth-generation Octavia with some doors and sections cut away – check out the YT version of the podcast to see it. It allows you to see into the car and examine the tested materials close-up. I jumped at the opportunity to take a look and asked Lukáš Zuzánek and Dalibor Kopáč to record this podcast while we were sitting next to the demonstrator. 

Could cars signal to pedestrians at the crosswalk that they are slowing down? So they can cross safely? Listen to today's SIMPLY CLEVER PODCAST!In the last episode, we discussed the IPA2X autonomous robot that stops cars approaching a crossing so people can cross safely. The Škoda car company also took part in the project financed by the European Union. It also developed a special mask for the Enyaq iV car with an HMI interface. Instead of a so-called crystal face, this prototype Enyaq has an LED screen, which can, for example, show pedestrians that they can cross safely. And in today's SIMPLY CLEVER PODCAST, we will focus, among other things, on how similar communication between the car and the environment might work and why the current legislation does not allow it.

The IPA2X robot can be thought of as an intelligent assistant for pedestrians – an autonomous rover aimed at improving safety at crossings, for example, for children, people with mobility issues and all pedestrians. It has two main parts: The base, or if you will, a chassis with wheels driven by electric motors. On the two-meter pole is the second part of the robot, basically its brain, LiDAR, and cameras, thanks to which it can recognize objects in its surroundings, mainly approaching vehicles. This head also has an HMI, i.e., screens that signal to drivers and pedestrians. In addition, the vehicle can communicate with the approaching car, for example, through its infotainment system.Put simply, it’s an intelligent, moving traffic light – you can see it in the video version of this podcast on the Škoda YouTube channel or on skoda-storyboard.com. This rover was developed by two Italian startups, Hipert and Lifetouch. Škoda Auto is also involved: The company even created a special mask for the Enyaq iV that can give signals to pedestrians. Prague’s CTU helped with the communication aspect between the rover and vehicles or unique applications. The entire EU-funded project is managed by the Technical University of Munich – and we’ll be discussing it in more detail in today’s SIMPLY CLEVER PODCAST.The IPA2X project is supported by EIT Urban Mobility an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.EIT Urban Mobility acts to accelerate positive change on mobility to make urbanspaces more liveable. Learn more: eiturbanmobility.eu

Unfortunately, the number of accidents at railway crossings is constantly increasing. Drivers who ignore warning devices or are not careful enough at unprotected intersections are often to blame. But Škoda Auto has developed an application that warns drivers of an approaching train - and should thus increase safety at crossings.In most current Škoda models, you can download the Traffication app directly to theinfotainment system. The software evaluates potential dangers using trains' location data, among other things. During this trial period, Škoda collaborates with the train company Leo Express. How accurate is the app? And what other warnings can it provide? Today’s guest on the Simply Clever podcast is Michal Vondra from the EEH department at Škoda Auto.

Škoda broke the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the ‘longest continuous vehicle drift on ice’. Behind the steering wheel of the Mamba Green Škoda Enyaq RS iV on the frozen lake Stortjärnen, located in Krokom, Sweden, was the experienced racer and motoring journalist Richard Meaden, who, by the way, competed in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2007 and 2008. And, in 2011, he set a new world record for a production sedan at Bonneville Speed Week in a Škoda Octavia vRS – a record he held for ten years. Now, in an Enyaq RS iV, he’s officially broken the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the longest continuous vehicle drift on ice after reaching a distance of 7.351 km while drifting, simultaneously setting a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the ‘longest continuous vehicle drift on ice (electric car)’. And we had the chance to interview Dickie right after one of the attempts. Among other things, he explains how hard it is to make this electric SUV do something its electronic assistance systems usually try to avoid. 

As we enter the new year, you may be considering getting a new car, planning to take a look around a showroom or talking to a dealer. You might even be going through the specifications and looking at photos online. But what if you could explore a car from different angles and even take it for a drive without leaving your home? Škoda has already launched a virtual showroom – a website where you can configure your ideal car and see a 3D model of it. We discussed this with the head of the Customer Journey department at Škoda, Eric Boutin, back in November 2021. Now Škoda has taken another step by entering the ‘metaverse’, a virtual world where you can walk around the car and take it for a drive. There’s also an NFT gallery and a virtual island to wander round called Škodaverse. Today’s guest on the SIMPLY CLEVER PODCAST is Luca Zicconi from the Customer Journey department at Škoda. Luca and his team also partnered with Diego Borgo, a Web3 ambassador, NFT collector, and advisor to Fortune 500 brands regarding the blockchain. And with Luca and Diego, we’ll be finding out what exactly the metaverse is and how it can benefit automotive companies and their customers.

ŠKODA presented a new version of its EV - ENYAQ RS iV. We had the chance to drive it in the south of Spain and test new update of ME3 software. We talked with Jaromír Mendl, product marketing manager of ENYAQ family about the development of new ME3 generation of software and its latest updates.

Nowadays, the cars for crash tests are full of sensors. But in 1972 it looked pretty different - the engineers equipped ŠKODA 100 with a steam rocket engine…To mark fifty years of crash tests, ŠKODA has invited journalists to the otherwise inaccessible crash laboratory in Úhelnice near Mladá Boleslav. Roman Minařík, head of the Škoda Auto test centre in Úhelnice, outlines the fascinating history of crash tests.

Data moves the world - especially in urban mobility. The municipalities, or f.e. service providers, are collecting the data and using them to improve their services and the place we live in. What data to collect? And how to use them for urban projects regarding mobility issues and climate change? That was one of the main topics of this year's Prague City Data Congress. And one of the speakers was Fábio Duarte, the principal research scientist at MIT Senseable City Lab.  Fábio Duarte wants to improve the urban public space with the available data - preferably to eliminate as many cars as possible. With his colleagues, he worked, among other projects, on autonomous robotic boats or the optimization of taxi rides in New York. What data do you need for these solutions? And in what case should you invest in infrastructure that helps you collect the data? That's the topic for today's SIMPLY CLEVER PODCAST, recorded directly on Prague City Data Congress. And the other guest is Jan Charouz, CEO of shared electric scooter platform BeRider. 

Find a parking space, select the zone in the app and pay on your phone. I guess we all know this process pretty well already. But ŠKODA has made it even simpler. In Switzerland, ŠKODA tested the Pay-to-park app in a pilot scheme, allowing you to select and pay for parking using the car’s infotainment system without pulling out your mobile. Plus, thanks to this service, you don’t have to pay for more time than you were actually parked in that zone. After Switzerland, ŠKODA has now launched this app in Germany, Finland, and Belgium, and it’s coming to other countries, including the Czech Republic, soon.How does it work exactly? What data went into developing it? And how did the pilot scheme in Switzerland go? For this interview, we travelled to the city of Zug, near Zurich, with Tomáš Dražil from ŠKODA AUTO Digilab who was in charge of developing the application. And the other guest is Thushan Bala Marketing Coordinator at ŠKODA – AMAG Group. 

When you look at the provisional rankings of the World Rally Championship in the WRC 2 category, there are three drivers with the ŠKODA FABIA Rally2 EVO – the third generation of the rally FABIA – in the top three positions. And ŠKODA AUTO hopes that the next generation will be just as dominant. The FABIA RS Rally2, the fourth generation of this rally version of the popular FABIA, has just finished the homologation process, and we had the opportunity to take a ride as a co-drivers on the rally track near Klatovy in western Bohemia.In this SIMPLY CLEVER PODCAST, we'll be interviewing Michal Hrabánek, head of ŠKODA Motorsport, and other team members. We’ll be discussing the development of the rally FABIA, the important role of computer simulations, and how different it is to design a car for customer teams, as ŠKODA no longer has a factory team.

PRE, the third largest electricity supplier in the Czech Republic, opened a new charging hub in Prague’s eleventh district with ten AC and one fast DC charger. In cooperation with ŠKODA, they also installed this small container – so-called second-life battery energy storage. This device is an answer to common questions like “What happens to the battery once it degrades?” And also, “How can I charge my car if I live in a flat with no garage?” This energy storage contains 48 batteries from ENYAQ iVs and ENYAQ COUPÉ iVs and helps to supply up to ten AC chargers here in Prague 11 or gives a boost to the 150kW DC charger next to them. And in the future, it might also help to maintain the balance in the grid for nearby homes.That’s the topic for Jan Železný from ŠKODA AUTO Digilab and Jan Špatný, ŠKODA AUTO e-mobility team. 

It might be frustrating when your wifi internet speed fluctuates. But in the worst-case scenario, it means your download is taking a bit longer, or the stream is not stable. But the same situation in the production hall would mean the industrial robots are not working properly, which might cause serious damage. ŠKODA IT thus partnered with the Vodafone Czech Republic and installed the first big commercial 5G mobile private network at its manufacturing plant in Mladá Boleslav. This 5G network is faster, more stable, and more robust than the data transfer technologies the company has used so far. Otto Zeman, IoT solution & service Lead at Vodafone and Martin Polák from ŠKODA IT department were in charge of installing the new 5G network in Mladá BoleslavIn this episode of SIMPLY CLEVER PODCAST, we explain why big producers such as ŠKODA might benefit from the 5G networks and what advantages they bring to the automotive industry. 

Do you know that specific smell of a brand-new car? Everything is clean and polished, and all the parts fit together perfectly—every stitch on the seat, every piece of the bodywork. To achieve that, you need a high level of quality control - both during the development of the car and later during the production phase.ŠKODA thus partnered with Swiss company Hexagon and, thanks to this collaboration, uses state-of-the-art laser technology in its production lines. And also, ŠKODA experts work closely with their swiss colleagues and can help further develop this highly accurate and high-speed measurement technology. In this episode of the Simply Clever podcast, I visited the Hexagon R&D facility in Unterentfelden, close to Zurich, Switzerland, to learn more about laser technology and its future in the automotive industry. And my guests are Niklaus Sutter, sales and marketing manager at Hexagon, and Valentin Baumann from Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence.

SIMPLY CLEVER PODCAST 2.0 - coming soon!