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ŠKODA AUTO has assessed and evaluated a potential strategic collaboration with Tata Motors Ltd over recent weeks and months.

In doing so, both companies have concluded that at present, neither the technical nor the economic synergies are achievable to the extent desired by both parties. As a result, a planned strategic alliance will no longer be pursued for the time being. Both companies would like to emphasise that following the intensive and constructive discussions of the last few months, they are not ruling out possible future collaborations.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

With the current sustainability report, ŠKODA AUTO has presented a record of its adherence to sustainability in 2015 and 2016.

As in previous years, the car manufacturer was able to significantly improve its environmental footprint as part of the GreenFuture strategy. This applies to the brand’s model range as well as vehicle production, logistics and dealership sites. Besides minimising CO2 emissions, ŠKODA AUTO’s groundbreaking successes also included a reduction in energy and water consumption as well as an exemplary degree of recycling. Furthermore, the car manufacturer is involved in a large number of other projects, thereby actively embracing its social responsibility.

The foundation for this success in environmental protection is ŠKODA’s 2025 Strategy, with which the brand has set a course for long-term sustainable growth. It is based on four pillars. Besides electromobility, these also include the digitalisation of the company, its products and production itself as well as new mobility services. Added to this are substantial investments in the development of innovative technologies and solutions, which not only benefit customers and employees of the car manufacturer, but also the environment. With this future strategy, ŠKODA AUTO recognises its responsibility to society as a whole throughout the entire value chain. This also includes numerous social projects in the areas of training, sport and social affairs, which the company actively supports.

In 2015 and 2016, ŠKODA AUTO achieved successes with its GreenFuture strategy in particular. This concentrates all of the company’s environmental activities under one umbrella, thus ensuring smooth management and efficient monitoring of all measures and processes relevant to the environment – from the development of environmentally friendly drive systems to vehicle production and logistics, right through to the dealerships.

Comprehensive measures for reducing energy consumption and emissions launched
In concrete terms, ŠKODA AUTO was able to reduce the environmental burden due to production activities by 45.8% between 2010 and 2016; the company wants to halve the impact of production-related factors by 2018. To that end, ŠKODA AUTO has invested around 49 million euros in the last two years. For example, a variety of individual measures reduced the energy consumption per vehicle produced by 8.7% between 2014 and 2016 alone; the corresponding water consumption was reduced by more than 7%.

In the Logistics department, ŠKODA AUTO launched a campaign to utilise CNG and electric drives, and is now using emission-free, battery-powered transporters for the first time at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav. In addition, natural gas-powered lorries were tested, which emit up to 30% less CO2 than their diesel counterparts. The company also looked into increasing the use of ‘Gigaliners’, which could save up to 200 tonnes of CO2 each year.

ŠKODA was able to reduce the CO2 emissions of its model range by around 12% between 2014 and 2016. By 2020, the brand wants to bring down the carbon dioxide emissions of its products by a further 18%. ŠKODA’s efficient and environmentally friendly CNG vehicles play an important role in this. In addition to this, ŠKODA is pressing ahead with the electrification of its model range. The ŠKODA SUPERB with plug-in hybrid drive has been announced for 2019. The brand’s first production vehicle with purely electric drive will follow in 2020, with five models equipped with electric drive expected to be available as soon as 2025.

In the reporting period, there was a particular focus on implementing the new corporate design in the network of dealers, which consists of 3,000 sites around the world. Where this involved renovation work and the construction of new buildings, energy-saving materials were used, the foundations were laid for the use of solar technology and heat pump systems, and particular emphasis was placed on using the best possible insulation. By the end of 2016, as many as 80% of all dealerships had been remodelled accordingly.

An attractive employer and ‘a good neighbour’
For many years the company has been regarded as one of the best employers in the Czech Republic. That is why in 2016 it was awarded the prize of ‘Czech 100 Best’ for the 16th consecutive time – more times than any other company. A wealth of initiatives in training and development, continual improvements in the workplace, and the offering of preventative healthcare available for all employees provide ample justification for these positive ratings.

In addition, ŠKODA AUTO goes to great lengths to be ‘a good neighbour’ as attested by its commitment to social and cultural endeavours. Employees are supported and encouraged to engage in social projects. The CSR strategy’s motto is ‘Simply Clever, Simply Human’. It covers four areas: road safety, technical training, helping children and supporting people with limited mobility. On top of its strong local involvement, ŠKODA AUTO also strives to improve the infrastructure in the areas surrounding its production facilities.

ŠKODA AUTO has also continued its existing involvement within the sphere of arts and culture in 2015 and 2016: besides supporting prominent cultural institutions such as the Czech Philharmonic, the Prague National Theatre, the National Museum and the National Technical Museum, ŠKODA AUTO was also heavily involved in various activities and initiatives such as the Arnošt Lustig Award or the 20th anniversary of the Forum 2000 Foundation in Prague.

More than 640,000 trees planted
ŠKODA AUTO is a long-term supporter of the ‘ŠKODA Trees’ project. For every vehicle the brand sells in the Czech Republic, it donates a tree. Between 2007 and 2015, the car manufacturer planted over 640,000 trees in over 50 locations. The number of trees that have been given a new home is now in excess of 640,000. A large number of ŠKODA AUTO employees volunteer as planters each year and in doing so contribute to the long-term conservation of biodiversity and to climate protection – 2015 and 2016 were no exception.

Setting the course for continued growth
With ŠKODA’s 2025 Strategy, in the last year the brand has set a course for long-term, sustainable growth in the future too. The future strategy’s key topics include electromobility, the digitalisation of the company, products and production itself, as well as new mobility services and connectivity solutions. With this, ŠKODA AUTO aims to grow in two dimensions: on the one hand, vehicle sales are to be increased further and on the other hand, new business areas, such as digital mobility services, are to create a broader base for growth. With the formation of the DigiLab in Prague, ŠKODA AUTO has already taken an important step: the DigiLab provides creative teams with the opportunity and freedom to devise new, future-proof business models.

Since 2005, the company has informed stakeholders about its activities for ensuring that the business is on a sustainable footing every two years. The sixth sustainability report consistently follows the internationally recognised G4 guidelines from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and is in accordance with the ‘Core’ option. The report summarises ŠKODA AUTO’s successes in environmental protection, conserving resources and social engagement across more than 100 pages.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

ŠKODA SUV wins with the highest score out of 500 import vehicles tested. ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI completes double success taking second place.

The ŠKODA KODIAQ is ‘AUTO TEST Winner 2017’. With 676 points, the brand’s large SUV achieved the best result out of all the import vehicles tested by the German trade magazine ‘AUTO TEST’ over the past twelve months. ŠKODA has won the award for the fourth time in a row. Overall, this is the 29th award the ŠKODA KODIAQ has won since its market launch at the beginning of this year. The ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI completes the Czech manufacturer’s double success taking second place in the ‘AUTO TEST’ ranking.

“Only rarely does a new model rise to victory after just being released in this highly competitive environment. The ŠKODA KODIAQ is a real winner,” AUTO TEST makes the exceptional position of ŠKODA’s SUV clear. In the trade journal’s comparative tests, the top version of the ŠKODA KODIAQ with 140 kW (190 hp) 2.0 TDI, direct shift transmission and all-wheel drive went up against similarly equipped competitors. With 676 points, the brand’s first large SUV scored the best result out of all the import vehicles tested over the past twelve months. The ŠKODA KODIAQ won over the professionals at AUTO TEST in particular with its spaciousness, “Along with high variability, excellent value for money and exceptional handling,” the testers agreed.

The ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI, last year’s winner in the 'AUTO TEST' ranking, finished second with 646 points, just behind the ŠKODA KODIAQ. The brand’s flagship thus completes this double success for ŠKODA. In addition, ŠKODA is celebrating its fourth consecutive victory; in 2015 and 2014, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA triumphed in the import rankings.

Since 2008, AUTO TEST has awarded prizes to the best vehicles of the past twelve months in several categories. Every year, the experts test around 500 cars from all classes, driving more than one million test kilometres to evaluate the models in the categories of vehicle quality, safety, purchase pricing, premiums, operating costs, performance and consumption.

29th award for the ŠKODA KODIAQ
For the ŠKODA KODIAQ, 'AUTO TEST Winner 2017' is already the 29th award since its market launch at the beginning of the year. Among others, ŠKODA’s SUV has won 'Best Cars 2017' from What Car? in Great Britain; was named 'Car of the Year 2017' in the Czech Republic, Poland and Bulgaria, 'SUV of the Year' in China and France, 'All-wheel drive of the year' in Germany; and received two Red Dot awards for its design.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

ŠKODA has continued to grow in the first half of the year. The long-established Czech brand recorded 585,000 deliveries to customers worldwide in the first six months – thus surpassing last year’s record result by 2.8 per cent (January to June 2016: 569,400 vehicles). 105,200 deliveries in June are also an all-time peak in sales (June 2016: 98,800 vehicles). Positive development in the core market, Europe, and a two-digit rise in deliveries in Russia contribute to the record result, as do the significant increases in deliveries for the ŠKODA FABIA and SUPERB model ranges. With 27,100 deliveries since February, the new ŠKODA KODIAQ SUV is having a successful start in markets worldwide.

Mladá Boleslav, 19 July 2017: "Having delivered well over half a million cars, we have achieved the strongest half-year in ŠKODA's history," says ŠKODA CEO Bernhard Maier, adding: "Our SUV campaign is proving effective. The high demand for the ŠKODA KODIAQ has exceeded our expectations and confirms that we are on the right path. We will continue to strengthen our position in this crucial segment with the new ŠKODA KAROQ compact SUV."

With 45,900 deliveries to customers in June, ŠKODA recorded an increase of 2.1 per cent in Western Europe (June 2016: 45,000 vehicles). In the first half of the year, the brand improved deliveries by 4.1 per cent to 252,300 vehicles (January to June 2016: 242,500 vehicles). In Germany, ŠKODA’s strongest individual European market, deliveries increased in June by 0.7 per cent to 17,300 vehicles (June 2016: 17,200 vehicles). In the first six months, deliveries in Germany rose by 1.8 per cent to 88,000 units (2016: 86,500 vehicles). ŠKODA achieved double-digit growth from January to June in Italy (13,600 vehicles; +18.4%) and Austria (12,900 vehicles; +13.7%). Deliveries also increased in the United Kingdom (43,500 vehicles; +3.1%), Spain (13,500 vehicles; +2.5%), France (13,400 vehicles; +8.9%), Belgium (11,400 vehicles; +6.7%), Sweden (8,900 vehicles; +8.4%), and the Netherlands (7,700 vehicles; +1.7%).

In Central Europe, ŠKODA delivered 19,200 vehicles in June, an increase of 11.4 per cent (June 2016: 17,200 vehicles). In the first half of the year ŠKODA recorded double-digit growth of 14.0 per cent to 109,800 vehicles (2016: 96,300 vehicles). In its home market of the Czech Republic, the manufacturer increased deliveries in June by 8.3 per cent to 8,900 vehicles (June 2016: 8,200 vehicles) and in the first six months of the year by 10.9 per cent to 51,200 vehicles (2016: 46,200 vehicles). From January to June, deliveries also grew in Poland (34,600 vehicles; +17.2%), Hungary (6,200 vehicles; +10.0%), Slovenia (3,900 vehicles; +16.2%), Croatia (3,200 vehicles; +59.9%) and Slovakia (10,700 vehicles; +11.1%).

With 3,800 vehicles in Eastern Europe, excluding Russia, ŠKODA surpasses last year’s level by 14.9 per cent (June 2016: 3,300 vehicles). In the entire first half of the year, growth is similarly strong with 13.0 per cent. ŠKODA delivered 19,300 vehicles in this period (2016: 17,000 vehicles). Contributing to this positive result were the developments in Romania (5,200 vehicles; +8.0%), Serbia (3,200 vehicles; +6.3%), Ukraine (2,600 vehicles; +65.9%) and the Baltics (3,900 vehicles; +23.0%).

In Russia, ŠKODA recorded a two-digit increase of 17.9 per cent (5,700 vehicles) compared to the same month last year (June 2016: 4,800 vehicles). In the first half of the year the manufacturer achieved growth of 6.7 per cent to 28,700 vehicles (2016: 26,900 vehicles).

In China, the biggest individual market worldwide, the long-established Czech brand was able to improve deliveries in June by 5.3 per cent to 23,500 vehicles (June 2016: 22,400 vehicles). This rise meets the manufacturer’s expectations. Tax increases at the beginning of the year for various vehicle segments that ŠKODA is represented in had led to a decrease in deliveries. In the first half of the year, ŠKODA delivered 134,000 vehicles (January to June 2016: 145,800 vehicles; -8.1%).

ŠKODA was able to record a positive result in India, where the manufacturer increased deliveries in June by 42.7 per cent to 1,400 vehicles (June 2016: 1,000 vehicles). In the first half of the year ŠKODA saw double-digit growth of 21.7 per cent to 7,900 vehicles (2016: 6,500 vehicles).

In Israel, ŠKODA made significant gains. 2,200 delivered vehicles stand for an increase of 41.8 per cent compared to the same month last year (June 2016: 1,500 vehicles). In the first half of the year, the manufacturer recorded a growth of 11.6 per cent to 14,000 vehicles (January to June 2016: 12,500 vehicles). In Australia, the traditional Czech brand performed well in June with growth of 23.8 per cent to 600 vehicles (June 2016: 500 vehicles). The deliveries increased from January to June by 5.8 per cent to 9,700 units (January to June 2016: 9,200 vehicles). With 400 deliveries to customers in June, ŠKODA recorded a growth of 4.0 per cent in Taiwan (June 2016: 400 vehicles). In the first half of the year, the brand improved its turnover by 8.2 per cent to 2,400 vehicles (January to June 2016: 2,300 vehicles)

Deliveries of the ŠKODA brand to customers in the first half of 2017 (in units, rounded, by model; +/- in per cent compared to last year):

ŠKODA OCTAVIA (205,300; -6.5%)

ŠKODA RAPID (103,000; +0.4%)

ŠKODA FABIA (111,100; +6.1%)

ŠKODA SUPERB (75,900; +8.3%)

ŠKODA YETI (43,000; -18.0%)

ŠKODA CITIGO (only sold in Europe: 19,700; -1.6%)

ŠKODA KODIAQ (27,100; –)

Deliveries of the ŠKODA brand to customers in June 2017 (in units, rounded, by model; +/- in per cent compared to same month last year):

ŠKODA OCTAVIA (35,000; -2.6%)

ŠKODA RAPID (17,600; -0.8%)

ŠKODA FABIA (19,700; 0.7%)

ŠKODA SUPERB (13,000; +3.7%)

ŠKODA YETI (6,700; -24.9%)

ŠKODA CITIGO (only sold in Europe: 3,200; -20.4%)

ŠKODA KODIAQ (9,900; –)

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

The ŠKODA Citigo has been named the UK’s Safest Used First Car 2017 by Co-op Insurance, in partnership with UK safety organisation Thatcham Research. Created to highlight the safest and most protective used car options for first time buyers, the award is the first of its kind in the UK.

Milton Keynes, 29 June 2017: ŠKODA’s city car saw off tough competition to finish at the top of the pack, confirming it as the perfect first car for newly qualified drivers. While the Citigo is well known in the new car market for its high levels of safety equipment and strong design, this is the first time its protective qualities have been recognised in the used sector.

To qualify for the 2017 award shortlist, all cars needed by classed as city cars or superminis, have a five-star Euro NCAP rating and CO2 emissions of 120g/km or lower. In addition, examples had be widely available on the used car market for under £5,000 and come with a low insurance group rating. When all these key factors were taken into account, the Citigo emerged as the clear winner.

Announcing the Citigo’s award, James Hillon, Director of Products at Co-op Insurance commented: “The fact that almost a third of young drivers have been involved in a road traffic incident in the first six months of driving highlights just how important it is to have a safe vehicle. You cannot put a price on safety. We want to intercept and engage young drivers on the importance of putting safety over price when purchasing a first car."

Launched in 2012, Citigo has won numerous industry awards – including Auto Express Car of the Year – and offers new and used car buyers a high number of passive and active safety features. In addition to a robust shell, all models feature front, head and side airbags as standard, while SE models and above are equipped with ESC stability control as standard. For even greater levels of protection, ŠKODA also offers a Safety Pack that includes ŠKODA’s City Safe system. This senses vehicles, pedestrians and other hazards in front of the car when travelling at town speeds and automatically applies the brakes if the driver doesn’t.

Used examples of the Citigo are available through ŠKODA’s Approved Used network, where all models come with 12 months roadside assistance, 12 months warranty and a 30 day / 1,000 mile exchange offer.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

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