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With the all-new Škoda Kylaq, Škoda is set to unveil the next phase of its product campaign in the Indian market on 6 November 2024. The compact SUV will expand Škoda’s SUV
line-up in India, joining the Kodiaq and Kushaq models. With the Kylaq, Škoda will be entering the popular sub-4-metre segment, which accounts for nearly 30% of the Indian car market and is among the fastest-growing segments in the country. The Kylaq features elements of the new, global Modern Solid design language. It boasts a modern, bold, and robust look, proven Škoda driving dynamics, and uncompromising safety features. After the Kushaq and Slavia models, the Kylaq is the third Škoda model locally developed and produced in India, the brand’s largest market outside Europe.

“It’s a very special moment for our team as the Kylaq nears its world premiere in India. Known for its versatility, the MQB-A0-IN platform was designed to accommodate both larger models like the Kushaq and Slavia, as well as the sub-4-metre Kylaq. We have maintained outstanding driving dynamics, top-level safety, and proven quality. Additionally, the Kylaq features hot-formed steel in the front crash module for class-leading passive safety. With a spacious, comfortable interior and first-in-class six-way adjustable, ventilated seats, the Kylaq will be at the forefront of our presence in India’s most competitive and fastest-growing segment.”

Jiří Dytrych, Head of Product Management at Škoda Auto

Kylaq’s bold design to attract a new generation of customers
Škoda Auto India has shared glimpses of the all-new Kylaq ahead of its debut on 6 November 2024. The Kylaq features elements of the new, global Modern Solid design language. Modern Solid combines robustness, functionality and authenticity while conveying a sense of safety and strength.

The Kylaq boasts the high ground clearance and ample wheel space typical of an SUV, ensuring effortless handling on rough roads. The model’s bold fenders give it a commanding presence on the road, while signature Škoda design elements like refined daytime running lights and a hexagon pattern on the sides and rear add to the vehicle’s distinctive look. At the Covered Drive event, the compact SUV showcased a special camouflage designed by Harun Robert in collaboration with Škoda fans and in celebration of Škoda’s 24 years on the Indian market. The design reflects Indian cultural motifs and colours, just like the car’s name, which is inspired by Mount Kailash and the Sanskrit word for crystal.

Meeting regional needs: A compact SUV engineered for versatility and safety
Measuring 3,995 mm in length with a 2,566 mm wheelbase and 189 mm ground clearance, the Kylaq is equally suited for city streets and exploration off the beaten track. It is powered by a 1.0 TSI engine delivering 85 kW (115 hp) and 178 Nm of torque and offers the choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Equipped with numerous assistance systems, including a multi-collision brake and six airbags as standard, the Kylaq provides comprehensive active and passive safety. It has undergone extensive testing over 800,000 km across various Indian terrains – from urban environments and highways to hilly and rough roads. This testing spanned temperatures from -10°C to +85°C and 3,000-metre elevations, ensuring the Kylaq is reliable and durable under diverse driving conditions.

Developed and produced in India: Third model based on the MQB-A0-IN platform
Built on the robust MQB-A0-IN platform shared with the Kushaq and Slavia, the Kylaq benefits from a base that has achieved five stars in Global NCAP tests for both adult and child occupant protection. The MQB-A0-IN platform, introduced in 2021, is central to Škoda Auto India’s strategy. Developed collaboratively by teams in India and the Czech Republic, it focuses on high localisation, low ownership costs, and short lead times. This is the first platform developed by the company outside of Europe and is tailored to the Indian market.

Sustainability: Solar-powered production and greater use of natural materials for the interior
The Kylaq embodies the brand’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Manufactured at the 18.5 MW solar- powered plant in Pune, the compact SUV features eco-friendly materials, including bamboo fabric for several components and cabin upholstery.
The Czech carmaker had its best sales year in India in 2022. Over 100,000 cars were sold across 2022 and 2023, underscoring the company’s success in the Indian market. The Kylaq’s launch marks another step forward for Škoda Auto’s in India, combining sustainability, innovative design, and a strong connection to Indian customers.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Škoda Motorsport presents a new all-electric racing car concept: the Enyaq RS Race. Rooted in the Czech brand’s racing DNA, this concept supports the development of innovative technologies and sustainable materials, serving as a pilot project for future production models. The lower and wider concept car incorporates innovative, sustainable biocomposite parts that provide the same rigidity and weight advantages as carbon fibre, contributing to an overall weight reduction of 316 kg compared to the Škoda Enyaq Coupé RS on which it is based.

“The Škoda Enyaq RS Race was developed completely in-house by Škoda Motorsport. Based on the Enyaq Coupé RS production model, the car features a distinctive design with strong racing DNA, enhanced aerodynamics and excellent acceleration. In terms of sustainable solutions, the new concept car also serves as a pilot project for future innovations in series production. The biocomposite parts have led to a significant weight reduction, and we are trialling them in motorsport, including in the current Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, with a view to future implementation.”

Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

For the past 25 years, the Škoda Fabia has played an indispensable role in the history of the Škoda brand and the small car segment. The first generation made its debut on 14 September 1999 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, quickly winning over customers with its advanced technology. The subsequent three generations built on that foundation, with nearly five million units sold to date. The Fabia has also left a lasting mark on motorsport, entering the scene in 2003 with the Škoda Fabia WRC, a legacy that the current Fabia RS Rally2 continues with considerable success.

When the all-new Škoda Fabia took centre stage at the Frankfurt Motor Show on Tuesday, 14 September 1999, it marked the beginning of a remarkable success story for the Mladá Boleslav-based carmaker in the small car segment. Even after a quarter of a century, this legacy lives on in the fourth-generation Fabia, which continues to enjoy high demand internationally thanks to its proven strengths, such as spaciousness, agility and excellent value for money.

First-generation Škoda Fabia (1999 – 2008)
The Škoda Fabia was among the main premieres at the 58th Frankfurt Motor Show. It debuted as a five-door hatchback, measuring 3,960 mm in length, and was positioned as the successor to the Škoda Felicia. Less than a year after its launch, an estate version followed, and in 2001, a saloon went into production. The design of the first-generation Fabia was created by a team of around twenty designers, led by Škoda’s then-head of design, Dirk van Braeckel. The first-generation Fabia was built on the advanced small car platform PQ24, and offered a wide range of powertrains. In March 2003, the sporty RS variant made its debut – with a powerful 1.9 TDI turbo diesel engine producing 96 kW, combining dynamic performance and fuel efficiency.

Second-generation Škoda Fabia (2007 – 2014)
In March 2007, the second-generation Škoda Fabia premiered at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the same platform as the first generation, the new model was slightly longer (+22 mm) and taller (+47 mm). In September 2007, the practical estate version was unveiled. In 2009, the Scout variant and the RS version with a 1.4 TSI petrol turbocharged engine (132 kW) joined the line-up. This Fabia generation featured the popular Monte Carlo version for the first time.

Third-generation Škoda Fabia (2014 – 2022)
The third-generation Škoda Fabia was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 2014. Technologically, it benefited from the modern PQ26 platform, while the design took on sharper and more dynamic lines, aided by a change in proportions; the car was 90 mm wider and 30 mm lower than its predecessor. Significant improvements were made to the safety and comfort features, as well. For the first time, the Škoda Fabia was equipped with Front Assist, adaptive cruise control, and a driver fatigue monitoring system. The 2018 facelift further expanded the model’s features, introducing full LED headlights and blind-spot monitoring.

Fourth-generation Škoda Fabia (2021 – present)
The most recent generation of the Škoda Fabia was introduced in the spring of 2021 as a five-door hatchback, built on the MQB A0 platform. Its design is the work of a team led by Head of Škoda Design, Oliver Stefani. The fourth generation exceeds 4.1 metres in length, and its boot space has increased to 380 litres, 50 litres more than the previous generation. The vehicle is equipped with state-of-the-art features such as Travel Assist 2.0, Automatic Parking, Lane Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Side Assist for lane changes, and Front Assist with predictive pedestrian and cyclist protection.

Dominance in motorsport
Across all generations, the Škoda Fabia has made a remarkable impact on the international rally world. After Škoda entered this motorsport segment with the first-generation Fabia WRC (2003), the Czech car manufacturer shifted its focus with the second generation towards a more affordable competition category. In 2009, the Škoda Fabia Super 2000 hit the rally scene, achieving a host of successes for both the Škoda Motorsport factory team and customer teams worldwide. However, the true milestone that solidified the Mladá Boleslav brand’s expertise in motorsport came with the third generation Fabia in 2015, when the car entered the WRC2 category. Racing teams around the world purchased over 470 Rally2 and Rally2 evo cars, making them the best-selling and most successful rally specials to date. The current fourth-generation Fabia serves as the basis for the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, which continues its road to success with victories in national and international championships.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Škoda Auto is offering a sneak preview of the all-new Elroq, releasing a video teaser that highlights key exterior details of the uncovered compact SUV. The Elroq, which is the first Škoda model to feature the brand’s new Modern Solid design language, will celebrate its world premiere on 1 October at 19:30 CEST, broadcasted live on Škoda’s Instagram channel. The unveiling will take place on a media cube in Prague city centre. Afterwards, a recording of the event will be available on the Škoda Storyboard and Škoda’s YouTube channel.

The teaser showcases the Elroq’s new Tech-Deck Face, which features fresh LED Matrix beam headlights and new bonnet lettering. The new Modern Solid design language combines robustness, functionality, and authenticity, conveying a sense of safety and strength. Fully electric, the Elroq is the perfect companion for both outdoor adventures and urban driving, thanks to its compact shape and particularly tight turning radius.

The world premiere of the all-new Elroq will be held in Prague on 1 October at 19:30 CEST, broadcasted live on Škoda’s Instagram channel. The event will feature a special media cube situated in the centre of the Czech capital, where the public can get their first close-up look at the vehicle. The recording of the premiere will be available in English and Czech on the Škoda Storyboard and Škoda’s YouTube channel. A comprehensive press kit will be published in the Media Room section of the Škoda Storyboard.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The life story of Petr Hrdlička, who celebrates his 90th birthday today, is closely tied to the Czech automotive industry and the Škoda brand. Thanks to his expertise in modern car design, he became the Director of Technical Development, where his main task was to develop the Škoda Favorit model. He also left his mark on the Škoda 1000 MB and the evolution of rear-engine Škoda cars in the 1980s.

A successful career despite the odds
Petr Hrdlička was born on 12 September 1934 in Prague. Due to his father’s wartime engagement as the Director of the car company, personnel assessments initially prevented him from being admitted to higher education, prompting him to join the Institute for Motor Vehicle Research (ÚVMV). However, thanks to his skill and determination, along with a favourable turn of events, he was finally accepted into the Czech Technical University in Prague (ČVUT) in 1954. After graduating, Petr Hrdlička joined Škoda Auto in 1959, starting in the Tooling Design department.

A broad impact on the Škoda 743 and Škoda 1000 MB
Specialising in hypoid gears, Petr Hrdlička was tasked in 1959 with calculating the parameters for the rear axle gears of the upcoming Škoda 1000 MB model. His work also influenced the modification of other vehicle components to ensure their durability. In the latter half of the 1970s, Petr Hrdlička led the Scientific and Technical Development unit at ÚVMV, where he established an Innovations department focused on modernising the Škoda 742 and 743 models. In particular, he contributed to the development of the trailing rear axle, as well as the implementation of rack-and-pinion steering, a more powerful braking system, and the modification of the four-speed transmission to five-speed, aimed at reducing noise and fuel consumption.

Petr Hrdlička’s most notable project: Developing the Škoda Favorit
Petr Hrdlička is most closely associated with the Škoda Favorit model, whose success was crucial for the company. It marked the long-awaited transition to a modern design with a front-engine and front-wheel drive. As Director of Technical Development, Petr Hrdlička worked in Mladá Boleslav for seven years, from March 1983 to March 1990. At the outset, he was instrumental in securing a contract with designer Giuseppe “Nuccio” Bertone, and through his technical expertise, he influenced the development, design, and potential supplier decisions for all vehicle components, advocating for the introduction of numerous modern technologies by subcontractors. Petr Hrdlička’s team completed the Škoda Favorit project in record time; the all-new car made its public debut as early as September 1987. With its modern design and new technologies, the model significantly contributed to the modernisation of the entire automotive industry in then-Czechoslovakia and laid the foundation for Volkswagen Group’s decision to acquire the Czech car manufacturer in 1991. After his departure from Škoda Auto in 1990, Petr Hrdlička reconnected with it professionally in the mid-1990s as an external consultant, maintaining close ties primarily with the Development department.

The technical legacy of the Hrdlička family
The Hrdlička family’s association with the Mladá Boleslav-based car manufacturer began in January 1929, when Petr Hrdlička’s father Karel Hrdlička (1 March 1888 – 7 December 1979,) became Deputy Plant Manager, and shortly after, the Director of the car company, then officially named the Joint-Stock Company for the Automotive Industry (ASAP). He held this position until 1942 when his involvement ended due to wartime pressures. During his tenure, Škoda advanced to first place among strong domestic competitors. Moreover, Škoda established model series such as the Popular, Rapid, Favorit, and Superb thanks to the introduction of mass production in Czechoslovakia in a newly-built modern factory.

The family tradition continues with Petr Hrdlička’s son, Martin (*1969), who began his professional career with the Škoda brand in January 1993. A distinguished technician in his own right, he currently holds the position of the Head of Chassis and Powertrain Development.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

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