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In 1966, construction of the ŠKODA TREKKA lightweight off-road vehicle began in New Zealand. Its chassis was based on the ŠKODA OCTAVIA.

The ancestor of the ŠKODA SUV models is celebrating a major birthday: exactly 50 years ago, on 2 December 1966, production of the TREKKA model began in the town of Otahuhu, New Zealand. By 1972, almost three thousand of the lightweight off-road cars had been manufactured.

“ŠKODA has always striven for solutions that are tailored for individual markets,” said Andrea Frydlová, Manager of the ŠKODA Museum in Mladá Boleslav. “The all-terrain TREKKA, which was produced in collaboration with the New Zealand importer and local businesses, is a prime example of this philosophy.”

The vehicle manufacturer from Mladá Boleslav had developed the New Zealand market early on: over 100 years ago, Laurin & Klement cars were already being exported to New Zealand.

The ŠKODA cars delivered from Czechoslovakia in a disassembled state (CKD – completely knocked down) for customs and tax reasons were imported by the company Motor Industries International based in Otahuhu since 1956. The ŠKODA TREKKA was developed in a collaboration between several dozen local businesses and representatives of the plant in Mladá Boleslav to be a robust, compact, everyday car for the local farmers, tradespeople and merchants.

In 1965 and 1966, several designs and prototypes were created, which bore the hallmarks of Josef Velebný, ŠKODA’s former Head of Bodywork Development, and New Zealand designer George Taylor. The chassis, which was based on the ŠKODA OCTAVIA, came from Mladá Boleslav along with the rigid central tubular frame and independent suspension. Its special features were the wheelbase, which was shortened from 2,389 mm to 2,165 mm, and the axle ratio, which was changed from 4.78 to 5.25. Tyres with dimensions of 5.90 x 15” contributed to the 190-mm ground clearance; there was also an optional differential lock that improved the off-road capability of the rear-wheel-drive TREKKA.

The front, longitudinally mounted OHV four-cylinder engine with a cylinder capacity of 1,221 cm3 achieved 34 kW (47 PS) at 4,500 rpm and its torque reached 87 Nm at 3,000 rpm. With its synchronised four-speed gearbox, the ŠKODA TREKKA had a top speed of 105 to 110 km/h. Its consumption of approximately 11 l per 100 km formed the basis of its relatively low running cost.

Customers could choose from several variants: a three-door pickup with between two and eight seats, a canvas soft-top, a fixed plastic hardtop, an estate model (STW) and a beach variant. The TREKKA was 3,590 mm long, 1,600 mm wide and between 1,785 and 2,040 mm high. It weighed between 920 and 980 kg, and could carry loads of up to 450-500 kg.

From 1966 to 1972, nearly 3,000 TREKKAs were made, probably the first car designed and built in New Zealand. Export markets included Australia, Fiji, Samoa and Vietnam. ŠKODA also applied a similar concept in Pakistan, where production of the SKOPAK (ŠKODA Pakistan) lightweight off-road car commenced in May 1970. The Czech car manufacturer still successfully sells its models in New Zealand today, just as in Australia and over 100 other international markets.

Do you know that ŠKODA AUTO...
› is one of the longest-established vehicle manufacturers in the world. The company was founded in the Czech town of Mladá Boleslav in 1895 – during the pioneering days of the automobile. Today, the company’s headquarters remain in Mladá Boleslav.
› currently offers the following model series: CITIGO, FABIA, RAPID, OCTAVIA, YETI as well as the KODIAQ and SUPERB.
› in 2015, delivered more than 1 million vehicles to customers worldwide.
› has been part of Volkswagen Group, one of the most globally successful automotive groups since 1991. ŠKODA, in association with the Group, independently manufactures and develops vehicles as well as components such as engines and gear transmissions.
› operates at three locations in the Czech Republic; produces in China, Russia, Slovakia and India mainly through Group partnerships, as well as in Ukraine and Kazakhstan with local partners.
› employs over 26,600 people globally and is active in more than 100 markets.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

ŠKODA’s new SUV voted best car for big families by British Top Gear Magazine.

Top rating from Top Gear: The British auto magazine awards the ŠKODA KODIAQ best car for big families. The Czech carmaker’s first large SUV impressed the panel with its high flexibility in everyday life, excellent price-performance ratio and as well as with its emotional design. The ŠKODA KODIAQ will be heading to customers in February 2017.

“Minimising stress is at the heart of the KODIAQ’s mission,” is the experts’ verdict. “That’s what its versatility is all about, because you never fear it won’t ably put its shoulder to any task family life throws at it: fetching of stuff and carrying of people, hauling or going mildly off-road or defeating slippery roads. It’s reassuring and safe, but it manages to avoid tedium.”

With up to seven seats, 24 driver assistance systems, more than 30 ‘Simply Clever’ solutions, a maximum trailer load of 2.5 tonnes and the largest boot in its class, the ŠKODA KODIAQ was a clear choice for the ‘best car for large families’ award. In addition to its high flexibility in everyday life, the Czech automaker’s latest model also stood out due to its excellent price-performance ratio. An additional plus point in the jury’s evaluation: the emotional design of the SUV. With the ŠKODA KODIAQ, the brand has transferred their expressive design language to the SUV segment for the first time. The distinctive interplay of elegant lines, sporty contours and a robust build symbolize protection and strength.

The latest model will be heading to the dealerships with all the brand’s strengths in early 2017. The amount of room is characteristic of ŠKODA: with a length of 4.70 meters, a width of 1.88 meters and a wheelbase of 2.79 meters, the brand’s engineers have maximized the interior space. This enables the vehicle to respond flexibly to various seating and cargo requirements – thanks also to the longitudinal and tilt-adjustable seats. In addition, the SUV scores with practical intelligence through numerous useful ‘Simply Clever’ solutions and innovative technologies, which would usually only be found in higher vehicle classes. ŠKODA is launching their broad SUV campaign with the brand’s first large SUV.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk

ŠKODA works duo Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm clinch the drivers' and co-drivers' title in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) with victory at the Rally Australia.

The "Flying Finns" Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm are crowned World Champions. With their commanding victory at the Rally Australia, the ŠKODA works duo clinched the drivers' and co-drivers' title in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) for the first time and were over the moon as they climbed onto the roof of the winning FABIA R5 after crossing the finish line. ŠKODA Motorsport was also victorious in the team standings of the WRC 2 and with this triple title celebrates one of the greatest successes in its 115-year history.

"It is a day of celebration for the ŠKODA brand! I am proud of the entire ŠKODA Motorsport team. Naturally of Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm first and foremost, who rewarded the entire team for their fantastic performances this season here in the Australian heat. A big thank you also goes to the engineers and mechanics, without whom this success would not have been possible," said Michal Hrabánek. The ŠKODA Motorsport Director also views the success as confirmation of the development department of the Czech car manufacturer: "10 of the 13 races in the WRC 2 were won in the ŠKODA FABIA R5 this year. That says everything about the quality and speed of our rally car."

And the FABIA R5 was victorious again Down Under: With his victory at the season finale of the world championship in Australia, Esapekka Lappi catapulted himself to the top of the overall standings of the WRC 2 with 130 points and as champion becomes the successor of Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q). Second place in the drivers' standings went to Lappi's fellow Finn Teemu Suninen (120), who contested the season in a privateer ŠKODA FABIA R5. The championship victory is another milestone for ŠKODA: Juho Hänninen (FIN) was victorious in the S-WRC, the predecessor series of the WRC 2, in the ŠKODA FABIA SUPER 2000 in 2011.

Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm's victory was never in doubt on the approximate 280 classified kilometres of the Rally Australia on difficult gravel tracks. With the best time on the first special stage on Friday, the Finns took the lead in the WRC 2 and extended it steadily with further top times. Despite the dust and the heat, Lappi maintained a clear view at the wheel, won a total of 22 of the 23 stages, and finished with an impressive advantage of 4:35.8 minutes over brand colleague Nicolás Fuchs (PE) in a privateer ŠKODA FABIA R5. Esapekka Lappi set further milestones with his fourth win in a row. He gifted the ŠKODA works team its tenth victory and 25th podium for the FABIA R5 in the WRC 2 since the new rally car made its debut at the Rally Portugal in May last year.

25-year-old Esapekka Lappi celebrates the greatest success of his career with the championship victory in the WRC 2. He clinched the European championship title in 2014, but this year's victory over the best drivers and cars in the WRC 2 class is to be rated even more highly. "I am over the moon. This is one of the biggest days in my life as a rally driver! The nervous tension ahead of the Rally Australia was high, but fortunately Janne and I kept a cool head throughout and clinched the deserved victory for the entire team. Thanks to the entire team at ŠKODA Motorsport, who always provided us with a perfect car. Now we can celebrate together," said Lappi.

Final standings at the Rally Australia (WRC 2):
1. Lappi/Ferm (FIN/FIN)  ŠKODA FABIA R5  2:53:38.0 hrs
2. Fuchs/Mussano (PE/ARG)  ŠKODA FABIA R5  + 4:35.8 min.
3. Ptaszek/Szczepaniak (PL/PL) Ford Fiesta R5   + 6:42.9 min.

The number of the Rally Australia: 4
Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm celebrated their fourth win in a row in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2) at the Rally Australia, thereby clinching the drivers' and co-drivers' title. The spectacular winning streak began at home on gravel in Finland at the end of July, then came a victory on asphalt at the Rally Germany. At the Rally Great Britain, Lappi and Ferm were also unbeatable on muddy tracks, before they were crowned champions in Australia. But the season didn't get off to a perfect start. Third place at the Rally Sweden was followed by ninth place at the Rally Italy on Sardinia and another third place at the Rally Poland. However, after that Lappi/Ferm were in a class of their own.

FIA World Rally Championship (WRC 2):
Rally Monte Carlo   21.01.–24.01.2016
Rally Sweden    11.02.–14.02.2016
Rally Mexico    03.03.–06.03.2016
Rally Argentina    21.04.–24.04.2016
Rally Portugal    19.05.–22.05.2016
Rally Italy    09.06.–12.06.2016
Rally Poland    30.06.–03.07.2016
Rally Finland    28.07.–31.07.2016
Rally Germany    18.08.–21.08.2016
Rally China    08.09.–11.09.2016 (cancelled)
Rally France    29.09.–02.10.2016
Rally Spain    13.10.–16.10.2016
Rally Great Britain   27.10.–30.10.2016
Rally Australia   17.11.–20.11.2016

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

The primary goal of EnMS is to fulfil the commitments stated in the company policy; to adopt the measures required to decrease the energy demands of buildings, machines, and equipment. Introducing this international standard has led to a reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions and other environmental impacts. Other benefits include cutting energy costs.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

The energy provider ŠKO-ENERGO, in which ŠKODA AUTO holds a 44.5% stake, has today commissioned a new electrode boiler in Mladá Boleslav.

The innovative Power-to-Heat system produces environmentally friendly district heating, and at the same time serves as a buffer during peak loads in the public power grid. This once again makes ŠKO-ENERGO a pioneer in efficient and resource-efficient energy production. In addition, the company is making an important contribution to the environmental targets defined in ŠKODA AUTO’s ‘GreenFuture’ environmental strategy. Among other things, ŠKODA AUTO and the company, which has been operating for more than 20 years, have been able to halve the energy consumed in manufacturing each vehicle.

“ŠKO-ENERGO as an energy provider and supplier of energy services for ŠKODA AUTO constantly strives for innovation in the field of energy production,” says Michael Oeljeklaus, who serves as both ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Production and Logistics and Chairman of the Supervisory Board at ŠKO-ENERGO. “ŠKO-ENERGO works closely with ŠKODA AUTO to continuously reduce the consumption of resources. By implementing the ‘Power-to-Heat’ project, ŠKO-ENERGO has achieved another significant milestone in innovation.”

The electrode boiler, designed jointly by ŠKO-ENERGO and the energy supplier E.ON Czech Republic - also a shareholder in the company, is connected to ŠKO-ENERGO’s modern thermal power station in Mladá Boleslav. The new system converts electrical energy into heat. The core is a cylindrical tank in which electrodes heat the water at a voltage of 6.3 kV. In ŠKO-ENERGO’s power-to-heat project, the electrode boiler is coupled to a heat exchanger that feeds the heat generated into the existing district heating system.

In addition to generating district heating, the capacity of the public electricity network can be regulated via the electrode boiler. If critical load peaks occur during periods of low consumption, the excess current is used to heat the boiler. In this way, the new system reduces the risk of blackouts and increases the security of the power supply in the Czech Republic and Europe.

Miroslav Žďánský, who initiated the project of the electrode boiler at ŠKO-ENERGO, explains: “With the power-to-heat project, we have once again expanded our portfolio and created a new important service for the network operator ČEPS - in an innovative and highly efficient way.” As an exclusive service provider, ČEPS operates the electricity network in the Czech Republic, which is also closely linked to the European-wide networks.

In addition to ŠKODA AUTO Board Member Michael Oeljeklaus, the leading representatives of E.ON Czech Republic, ŠKO-ENERGO and the other shareholders of ČEZ and VW Kraftwerk took part in the commissioning of the electrode boiler.

ŠKODA AUTO combines all environmental activities under the umbrella of the 'GreenFuture' strategy that rests on three pillars: ‘Green Product’ deals with the development of environmentally friendly vehicles – both in terms of fuel consumption as well as materials and recycling capabilities. With ‘GreenRetail’, the brand supports dealerships and workshops through environmentally friendly management. ‘GreenFactory’ summarizes all activities supporting production operations that are as resource-efficient as possible. ŠKO-ENERGO has been making an important contribution to these measures since the company was founded in mid-1995.

ŠKO-ENERGO has been ŠKODA AUTO’s energy supplier for over 20 years. The main task of the company located in Mladá Boleslav is to supply ŠKODA AUTO’s three Czech plants in Mladá Boleslav, Kvasiny and Vrchlabí with electricity, water, heat, natural gas and compressed air. In addition, residents, businesses and institutions around Mladá Boleslav are supplied with district heating. ŠKO-ENERGO’s shareholders are, in addition to ŠKODA AUTO a.s. (44.5%), VW Kraftwerk GmbH (22.5%), E.ON Czech Holding AG (21.0 %) and the energy company ČEZ a.s. (12.0%).

Working in partnership with the energy supplier, ŠKODA AUTO achieved significant improvements in CO2 emissions per vehicle produced. Between 1995 and 2014, the automotive manufacturer more than halved this figure: the energy consumption per vehicle produced decreased from 3.9 to 1.75 MWh.

The increased use of biomass for generating electricity at the ŠKO-ENERGO heating power station in Mladá Boleslav has made a major contribution to the reduction of CO2 emissions. The heat and power plant generates one third of its energy from wood pellets, i.e. renewable biomass. Compared with the former use of coal and gas, this measure alone saves up to 130,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

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