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