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.
“Launching a new model generation is always a very special moment for the entire team. This is especially true for the new Superb as part of the Beta+ project, which involved the joint development of the Škoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat under Škoda’s leadership. Along with successfully relocating the Superb’s production to Bratislava, this initiative showcases the high degree of skill and expertise at Škoda. With the next generation of our successful ICE flagship model, we are also leveraging significant synergies for the Volkswagen Group. My sincere thanks to all the colleagues who have contributed to this project with great commitment.”
Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics
Synergies within the Brand Group Core: Production of the fourth-generation Superb in Bratislava
The decision to produce the fourth-generation Superb at the Volkswagen brand plant in Bratislava was announced in November 2020. The move is part of the Beta+ project, aimed at leveraging synergies in the production network and further boosting efficiency. Škoda Auto was responsible for the entire development of the Škoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat, which will both be produced on the same line.
By transferring the production of the Superb to Bratislava, Škoda is creating capacity for additional units of the Octavia at the Kvasiny plant from the summer of 2024 onwards. Additionally, the move will allow more battery-electric vehicles to be built at the Mladá Boleslav plant.
The production of the Škoda Superb in Slovakia begins with the body parts, many of which are pressed in Bratislava and then transported to the new body shop. The hall had been vacant and underwent a complete transformation under the Beta+ project. Moreover, in less than two years, Škoda Auto installed over 500 state-of-the-art robots, control systems and bonding equipment as well as onboarding suppliers. In addition, the assembly hall was comprehensively upgraded: The assembly line, where the new models have been seamlessly integrated into the existing production lines for Volkswagen and Škoda vehicles, had not been previously used for plug-in hybrid models. The assembly hall rebuild included installing automation equipment and handling technologies, industrial camera systems, and further updates across the assembly line. Additionally, the chassis production area was extended to incorporate battery packs for electric vehicles.
The paint shop at the Bratislava plant has also undergone significant changes, bringing tangible environmental benefits: For example, the introduction of new paint booths equipped with advanced air circulation systems and the ability to capture volatile organic compounds marks a further step towards more eco-friendly manufacturing.
Superb’s new design language and diverse powertrains
The production of the fourth-generation Škoda Superb launches with the Combi estate variant, followed by the hatchback set for the first half of 2024. The range of modern and efficient powertrains includes three petrol engines with outputs spanning 110 kW (150 hp) to 195 kW (265 hp) and two diesel engines delivering 110 kW (150 hp) and 142 kW (193 hp). In addition, the line-up includes a new plug-in-hybrid, exclusive to the Combi estate, with a purely electric range of over 100 km, as well as a mild hybrid version – a first for the Superb series.
Superb: Škoda’s standard bearer of design and engineering since 1934
The legacy of the Škoda Superb dates back to 1934, starting with the introduction of the Škoda 640 Superb. The Czech carmaker’s top models bore the illustrious name from then until 1949. In 2001, Škoda revived this historic designation for its first modern generation of the Superb. To date, over 1.6 million units of Škoda’s ICE flagship have been produced.
Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com