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ŠKODA presents brand’s first electric study at Shanghai Auto Show (19 - 28 April) and ŠKODA fans can discover VISION E with new smartphone app “ŠKODA VR”.

ŠKODA is embarking on the mobility of the future with the new VISION E concept vehicle, allowing fans, friends and customers to participate all over the world. Thanks to virtual reality, smartphone users can experience the presentation of the brand’s first electric study on 19 April, 2017, in Shanghai and explore the details of the ŠKODA VISION E. For this, they only need the new ŠKODA VR app, which is available for free download from Google Play and the App Store.

“We are delighted to present the ŠKODA VISION E in Shanghai and at the same time all over the world,” says Stefan Büscher, Head of ŠKODA Marketing. “Alongside our partners Google and HTC, we are entering the virtual world and inviting friends and fans of the brand to join us. Thanks to new technologies and the ŠKODA Virtual Reality app, everyone can explore our concept vehicle VISION E from home and experience the mobility of the future.”

ŠKODA is opening three doors to the virtual world. Firstly, the manufacturer invited guests to take part in worldwide events in selected cities in parallel to the VISION E presentation at the Auto Shanghai. The highlight: visitors couldfollow the live presentation using the advanced virtual reality goggles VIVE and corresponding headphones from HTC. This enabled them to take a walk through as if they were at the actual event and experience the new VISION E up close. Another advantage of virtual reality is that anyone interested could find out more about the innovative electric drive, discover the futuristic design of the emotive coupé and even take a digital test drive.

ŠKODA offered this Premiere 2.0 in partnership with HTC in the following cities:

• Berlin
• Bratislava
• Madrid
• Mladá Boleslav
• Oslo
• Prague
• Shanghai
• Tel Aviv

The second door wasopen to 100 selected opinion leaders who could immerse themselves in the digital world with Daydream virtual reality glasses created by ŠKODA’s partner Google. The data weretransferred to a Motorola MotoZ smartphone, allowing the guests to experience the VISION E presentation from home, work or any other location anywhere in the world. The guests received their Google Daydream headsets on 10 April, 2017.

Customers, friends and fans of the brand can also enjoy the intense world premiere. ŠKODA’s new smartphone app VR enables a virtual 360-degree tour around the pioneering concept car. In addition, smartphone users can playfully explore the new technologies behind the ŠKODA VISION E at their fingertips. The free app is available for download from Google Play or the App Store.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

The international jury awards the new ŠKODA KODIAQ SUV and the extensively upgraded ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI with the coveted Design Award for 2017.

The international jury of experts for the ‘Red Dot Award’ declared the ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI and the ŠKODA KODIAQ the winners. The extensively upgraded compact car and the brand’s new large SUV therefore win one of the most well-known and prestigious design competitions in the world. The ŠKODA models continue their winning streak; these two trophies are, incredibly, ŠKODA’s tenth and eleventh at the Red Dot Awards since 2006.

“These awards make us very proud,” said Karl Neuhold, Head of Exterior Design at ŠKODA. “We are searching for beauty in simplicity, and combine functionality with aesthetics. Our lines are clean and clear-cut, and are inspired by Bohemian crystal glass art. We call it crystalline design. These details can be found in the exterior and in the interior. It makes our models unique,” added Neuhold.

In the new ŠKODA KODIAQ and the upgraded ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI, the crystalline design can be seen in the structure of the headlights, for example. Traditional Czech crystal glass art provided the inspiration for this refined design.

In typical ŠKODA style, the new large SUV as well as the compact bestseller also impress with an extraordinary amount of interior space, innovative connectivity solutions and numerous driver assistance systems, which are normally only found in higher segments. With these qualities, the two models won over the highly distinguished expert panel.

To receive the coveted Design Award, products have to impress the jury in criteria such as the degree of innovation, design quality, functionality and environmental compatibility. The independent jury for the Red Dot Awards discusses and judges each individual submission live and on-site. The ‘Red Dot’ is regarded worldwide as a seal of high-quality product design and was awarded this year for the 62nd time. Every year, around 5,000 products are entered – this time from 54 countries, making it one of the most well-known design competitions in the world. The jury of roughly 40 people is made up of independent designers, design professors and specialised journalists.

Eleven ‘Red Dot Awards’ now adorn the trophy cabinets in Mladá Boleslav. The ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI was the first to win the prestigious award in 2006. In 2007, the prize went to the ŠKODA ROOMSTER and the second generation of the ŠKODA FABIA; the third generation was also awarded the prize in 2015. ŠKODA also claimed a double victory in 2010 – with the ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI and the ŠKODA YETI. In 2013, the ŠKODA RAPID won, presenting the brand’s new design language for the first time. In 2014, the hatchback variant, the ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK, also brought home the award. The flagship, the ŠKODA SUPERB, triumphed in 2016.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

The brand-typical design language is constantly developing and evolving. Precision and clarity are the fundamental principles of car design at ŠKODA.

ŠKODA DESIGN emphasises its commitment to a distinct design identity with continuous development of its design language. Harmonious proportions, clean-cut lines, bold contours and crystalline features are combined to create a design that places a focus on precision and clarity. One of the sources of inspiration for ŠKODA’s designers is Czech crystal glass art, which is characterised by outstanding craftsmanship. This yields an expressive, emotionally charged design which harmoniously combines aesthetics and functionality.

“Within just a few years, ŠKODA’s new design language has already yielded a number of sensational design studies which point towards the future of our brand,” said Karl Neuhold, Head of Exterior Design at ŠKODA. “Our objectives are clearly defined and we are now ready to present the next step.”

With harmonious proportions, clear contours, precise lines and clean-cut edges in both the exterior and interior, the ŠKODA DESIGN DNA demonstrates a strikingly clear and particularly distinct style. This DNA is an expression of the timeless elegance and modern functionality that is typical for ŠKODA cars. Equally characteristic are the powerful contours, which set the stage for a sensational interplay between light and shade that conveys dynamism and emotiveness. Crystalline structures can also be seen in headlights, tail lights and other features. Their crystalline, three-dimensional design gives them a high-quality character defined by modern technology and particular finesse.

Czech crystal glass art is internationally renowned and steeped in tradition. It combines classic manufacturing processes with modern aesthetics. Thus ŠKODA DESIGN pays respect to the cultural heritage of the brand’s homeland and pays tribute to the artists who create sculptures of timeless beauty through precision craftsmanship and attention to detail. To a large extent, their ability to produce high-quality, emotive works of art from simple, clear shapes chimes with the fundamental values of the Czech car brand, whose vehicles harmoniously combine aesthetics and functionality.

With this awareness of tradition and heritage, ŠKODA has developed a design language that distinguishes the brand and has already been applied to numerous concept studies. Charting its progress from the ŠKODA VISION D design study in 2011 through to the ŠKODA VISION C (2014) and ŠKODA VISION S (2016) concepts reveals a continuous development that is also reflected in the appearance of the brand’s most recent models and which will also decisively shape design at ŠKODA in future.

In the near future, another concept study will enable ŠKODA to underline the constant evolution of the ŠKODA DESIGN.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

Andreas Mikkelsen and Jan Kopecký head into battle in the FIA WRC2 tarmac classic with their ŠKODA R5. Around 320 km of special stages through a veritable labyrinth of corners are a true test of man and machine.

After the icy mountain passes of the Rallye Monte Carlo, high-speed snow-covered tracks in Sweden and gravel trails through the mountains of Mexico, the world’s toughest tarmac rally, the Tour de Corse (6-9 April 2017), awaits the ŠKODA teams. The organisers call it the rally of the 10.000 corners – although nobody so far has actually counted them. In Corsica, the fight against the clock faces virtually no straights longer than 50 metres.

There are only ten timed special stages up for grabs in Corsica – but they’re all the tougher for their length. On Sunday, the penultimate test between Antisanti and Poggio di Nazza will put the drivers through their paces on a gruelling, non-stop sequence of corners over almost 54 kilometres. “This is where total concentration counts. Even the slightest error will be mercilessly punished,” says ŠKODA Motorsport boss Michal Hrabánek, adding: “For the drivers, priority number one is to watch the tyres. If you attack it too aggressively, you pay the price with a dramatic loss of grip.”

Calendar changes mean that the Tour de Corse is once more taking place in spring, with temperamental April always likely to throw a few weather tantrums on Corsica. Rally veterans recall well that this time of year can bring sudden rain or hail showers that immediately transform the passes into treacherous ice rinks – yet another factor that makes sure the Tour de Corse is packed with thrills and excitement.

While the ŠKODA works teams of Andreas Mikkelsen/Anders Jaeger and Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler have prepared for the special challenges of the Corsica rally with an extensive fitness programme, their racing machine, the ŠKODA FABIA R5, has also undergone a dedicated asphalt preparation. Shock absorbers and suspension have been modified to tarmac specifications and vehicle ride height was lowered as well.

Andreas Mikkelsen, who drove for the first time as a guest driver at the Rallye Monte Carlo and scored an impressive victory, is looking forward to his second appearance as a works driver on the French Mediterranean island: “I’m happy that ŠKODA is putting its faith in me again and allowing me to drive the ŠKODA FABIA R5 once more in Corsica.” Mikkelsen has demonstrated repeatedly in the past that he is one of the world’s fastest rally drivers on asphalt. In 2015 and 2016 he came in third overall at the Tour de Corse. The Norwegian celebrated his first overall win at the WRC in 2015 at the Rally de España, most of which is run on asphalt.

Jan Kopecký is likewise eager to get going on the Mediterranean island: I was second in the WRC in Corsica last year. And in 2013 and 2012, when the rally was part of the European Rally Championship, I came in second overall both times. I certainly wouldn’t object to moving up one place,” says the Czech driver with a grin. Ahead of Corsica, Kopecký treated himself to a special asphalt warm-up, scoring a dominant win at the first race in the Czech Rally Championship 2017, the Rallye Valaská.

The ŠKODA works team travels to the island with an immaculate hat-trick. With victories by Andreas Mikkelsen (Rallye Monte Carlo) and Pontus Tidemand (who won in Sweden and Mexico, but is taking a break from the Tour de Corse), every single winner so far has driven a ŠKODA FABIA R5. In Corsica, four ambitious ŠKODA private teams are competing alongside the two works teams. With a total of 22 entrants, the WRC2 field is strong in both quality and quantity.

Did you already know that...
...from 1973 until 2008, the Tour de Corse was the French round of the World Rally Championship?
...the Tour de Corse took place from 2009 until 2014 despite not having the WRC predicate?
...in 2015, the Tour de Corse regained its ERC title and, alongside rally legends like the Rallye Monte Carlo, is one of the absolute classics in the WRC calendar?
...countless stretches through villages and continuously changing asphalt surface conditions demand full driver concentration?
...the longest stage of around 54 kilometres and the shortest special stage, the closing power stage over approx. 10 kilometres, both take place on the final day?
...ŠKODA works driver, Pontus Tidemand, is leading the WRC2 classification after three races?
...if he wins in Corsica, ŠKODA works driver Andreas Mikkelsen can draw level with his teammate?

The 2017 calendar for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2):
Rally Monte Carlo   19.01.–22.01.2017
Rally Sweden    09.02.–12.02.2017
Rally Mexico    09.03.–12.03.2017
Rally France    06.04.–09.04.2017
Rally Argentina    27.04.–30.04.2017
Rally Portugal    18.05.–21.05.2017
Rally Italy    08.06.–11.06.2017
Rally Poland    29.06.–02.07.2017
Rally Finland    27.07.–30.07.2017
Rally Germany    17.08.–20.08.2017
Rally Spain    05.10.–08.10.2017
Rally Great Britain   26.10.–29.10.2017
Rally Australia    16.11.–19.11.2017

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

ŠKODA has been involved in sustainable production for many years and is pressing ahead with numerous projects to conserve natural resources as part of its ‘GreenFuture’ strategy.

To mark World Water Day, which is being promoted today by the United Nations on the topic of ‘wastewater’, the Czech car manufacturer is introducing several initiatives.

Water is essential component in vehicle production where is used during washing and filtering processes as well as in numerous cooling systems. ŠKODA has been developing innovative technologies and concepts for sustainable water management for many years.

During vehicle production, the manufacturer uses special measures which prevent disproportionate increases in water usage and warn of possible leaks and unusual flows. In the paint shops, modern filtration systems recycle wastewater and recirculate it. In the future, a more sophisticated purification system that uses particularly thin membrane filters is expected to reduce the requirement for fresh water further still. ŠKODA intends to save an additional 60,000 cubic metres of water, which corresponds to four per cent of the entire annual consumption.

Employees are also contributing to sustainability at ŠKODA. On the internal portal ‘Green Z.E.B.R.A’, suggestions are regularly put forward concerning environmentally friendly activities. These measures improve the ecological balance for the company: since 2013, resources, materials or energies valued 1.6 million euros are being saved every year.

At present, ŠKODA’s water consumption of 1.5 million cubic metres is at 2010 levels, whilst production figures during this period have increased by around 25 per cent. 590,000 cubic metres of water are recycled annually – this equates to 40 per cent of the company’s overall consumption. The water consumption per vehicle built has reduced by 32 per cent compared to 2010. In the coming year, ŠKODA intends to further improve this figure and save 35 per cent.

Every two years, ŠKODA discloses its objectives and actions relating to environmental protection in a sustainability report. It discusses all three pillars of ŠKODA’s ‘GreenFuture’ strategy: for example, ‘GreenProduct’ deals with the development of vehicles that are as environmentally friendly as possible – in terms of fuel requirements as well as materials and recycling capabilities. With ‘GreenRetail’, the brand is promoting eco-friendly operations in their dealerships and workshops. ‘GreenFactory’ brings together all of the activities that help to conserve resources during production.

Since 1993, the United Nations has called for the support of World Water Day, which takes place annually on 22 March. This year, the topic is ‘wastewater’. Alongside considerate handling of this vital resource, the organisation is reminding us of opportunities for the treatment of drinking water, as well as its safe use in agricultural irrigation or in industrial processes.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

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