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Motorsport has been part of Škoda’s DNA for more than 120 years. This heritage is traditionally reflected in the Škoda RS range. And the new Škoda Octavia RS is no exception, as Oliver Solberg confirms. The young rally driver from Sweden took the sportiest Octavia model for an extensive test drive.

Oliver Solberg usually competes in the FIA World Rally Championship at the wheel of a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. Lately, the 22-year-old Swede youngster took the opportunity to test drive the new generation Škoda Octavia RS. He was delighted, how the Škoda engineers combined handling, practicality and comfort with sportiness, power and fun.

One key factor is the new engine delivering 195 kW (265 PS), an increase of 15 kW (20 PS) compared to the predecessor model.

“The immediately available power is great. You don’t have to think about the gear; all you have to do is touch the accelerator at any speed and the Octavia will shoot forward,”

Oliver Solberg

The four cylinder turbo-charged engine of the new Škoda Octavia RS comes from the same family (EA 888) as the engine of Solberg’s Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 he uses in competition. “The engine of the Škoda Octavia RS has a quick response and reacts immediately to throttle commands,” he sums up.

New to the latest Škoda Octavia RS, an electronically controlled differential takes care of the perfect torque distribution between the driven front wheels. “This differential helps a lot in transferring power to the wheels. Even when exiting sharper corners with lower gears engaged, the inside wheel won’t spin and you won’t lose traction,” describes Solberg. “The front end also rolls very naturally into the corner under throttle. The car is stable and easily predictable.”

The new Škoda Octavia RS has also taken a step towards a sportier driving experience. The chassis sits 15 millimetres closer to the road, which significantly lowers the car’s centre of gravity. “This is crucial for better handling and responsiveness to steering, because when driving more dynamically, you need a car that goes exactly where you want it to go without unnecessary tilts,” emphasises Solberg. “The new Škoda Octavia RS is a little more spiced up with motorsport DNA.”

According to Solberg the new Škoda Octavia RS has retained what has adorned the model since its first generation: The driving comfort on long journeys. “The main strength of the Octavia RS is the combination of a reasonable speed and comfort on the road. The car is firm and precise, but the shock absorber settings are not too hard,” underlines Solberg.

The re-designed sharper front of the Škoda Octavia RS with a sportier look and new graphics of the standard LED Matrix headlights also pleases the young rally driver from Sweden. After the test ride, Oliver Solberg would have loved to keep the keys to the Škoda Octavia RS. Smiling, he expressed one wish: “Can I have it as a company car, please?”

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Škoda Auto marks its 21^st consecutive year as the official main partner of the Tour de France. The 111^th iteration of the world’s most famous cycling race begins on 29 June with the Grand Départ in Florence, Italy. For the first time, the event will not finish in Paris this year, due to the Olympic Games starting in the French capital just a few days later. On most stages, the all-electric Škoda Enyaq will be serving Tour director Christian Prudhomme as the ‘Red Car’, leading the peloton throughout the race. The route will take the 176 riders and 205 Škoda support vehicles across 21 stages and nearly 3,500 kilometres to reach Nice on 21 July. Through the carmaker’s social media channels and the WeLoveCycling website, fans can access exclusive background information and compete for exciting prizes. In February this year, Škoda Auto underlined its commitment to cycling, extending its partnership with the cycling event’s organiser, A.S.O., until 2028. The Czech carmaker is also supporting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift for the third consecutive year.

“For over 20 years, Škoda has been closely associated with professional cycling. By extending our agreement until 2028 earlier this year, we demonstrate our firm commitment to A.S.O. and the global cycling community. In the coming weeks, our focus will be on the Tour de France and the athletes’ impressive performances. We will engage fans in the racing action through our WeLoveCycling platform under the motto ‘What’s your Tour?’ – offering behind-the-scenes insights, contests, live impressions from the route, and interviews with fans conducted by former British professional cyclist Cameron Jeffers on our official social media channels.”

Martin Jahn, Škoda Board Member for Sales and Marketing

Comprehensive vehicle fleet for the race organisers
The race director Christiane Prudhomme will lead the peloton in the Red Car equipped with special features such as a panoramic sunroof and state-of-the-art communication technology. This year, the all-electric Enyaq and the brand’s flagship Škoda Superb will serve as his mobile command centre. The official fleet of the Tour comprises 205 Škoda vehicles, which will accompany the peloton of 176 cyclists in 22 teams over the entire 3,492 kilometres across four countries: Italy, San Marino, Monaco, and France. The 21 stages include eight flat sections, four hilly stages, seven mountain stages, and two time trials, passing through the Italian Apennines, the Italian and French Alps, the Massif Central, and the Pyrenees.

Škoda and the Tour de France – a 21-year partnership
Since 2004, Škoda Auto has continuously supported the world’s largest cycling event as the official main and vehicle partner. Additionally, for the 14^th time, the Škoda Design Team is responsible for crafting the crystal glass trophies for the overall winner and the leaders of the points, mountain and young rider classifications in the Tour de France. For ten years, the Czech car manufacturer has also sponsored the green jersey for the leader of the points classification.

Chance to win a trip to the Tour de France 2024
On the WeLoveCycling website, fans can take part in contests to win exciting prizes, such as premium bicycles, original signed green jerseys, cycling gear and much more. The grand prize is a Škoda-organised three-day trip to this year’s Tour de France. This incredible experience includes accompanying the peloton in a Škoda vehicle, flying in a helicopter over the route and riding with cycling legend and Tour de France winner Andy Schleck.
As part of the ‘What’s Your Tour’ campaign, former British professional racer Cameron Jeffers will provide exclusive background information, atmosphere and interviews directly from the race. Fans can access this content under the #whatsyourtourde hashtag on social media channels. Additionally, through the Tour de France Mobile App powered by Škoda, supporters can follow the live action on the track, receive the latest updates, and enjoy captivating behind-the-scenes stories.

Škoda’s commitment to cycling rooted in the company’s history
The history of the Czech automaker is closely linked to bicycles: In 1895, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement founded a bicycle factory in Mladá Boleslav, and bicycles and cycling accessories have been part of the company’s extended product range for many years.

Škoda Auto has recently renewed its partnership with A.S.O. and supports a total of 20 international professional and amateur sports events. Additionally, the carmaker sponsors the Czech stage of the national amateur race L’Étape du Tour de France. Since 2022, Škoda Auto has also supported the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, which this year starts on 12 August in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and concludes after eight stages on 18 August in Alpe d’Huez.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Effective from 3 June 2024, Chan Park has assumed the role of Head of Interior Design at Škoda Auto. The alumnus of the Royal College of Art joins the Czech carmaker with a wealth of experience from several major automotive brands. In the future, the interior of Škoda’s production and concept vehicles will bear his signature. In addition to a minimalist design approach, Park will focus on enhancing the synergy between driver and vehicle. His predecessor, Peter Olah, is taking on a new role at Škoda Design and will be responsible for the Art Direction – One Design Identity in the future.

“I am delighted to welcome Chan Park to the Škoda Design team. His proven track record with major carmakers makes him the ideal candidate for the Head of Interior Design. I’m excited to see him implement his ‘less is more’ design philosophy, perfectly aligning aesthetics and functionality in our vehicles. I’m looking forward to working with him and wish him every success. Peter Olah has made a significant contribution to establishing a distinctive, holistic design DNA in the interior of our vehicles. I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new position and wish him joy and a lot of success.”

Oliver Stefani, Head of Škoda Auto Design

Until recently, Chan Park has been the chief interior designer of automobile manufacturer Nio. Park completed his Master’s degree in Vehicle Design from the Royal College of Art in London in 2007. He began his professional career at Pininfarina in Italy, before moving to Kia Europe in Germany in January 2009, where he was in charge of the interior design of several projects. He advanced his career at Mercedes-Benz AG as a Senior Interior Designer and from 2013 to 2021, he progressed to the role of Senior Designer at Audi AG.

His predecessor Peter Olah will remain a member of the Škoda Design team as the responsible for Art Direction – One Design Identity. In his new position, he will be in charge of defining and overseeing a holistic 360° Design strategy including philosophy, style and Future Trend Research.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The functionality of Škoda’s voice assistant Laura has been significantly expanded thanks to the integration of Chat Pro from technology partner Cerence Inc.. Alongside previously available sources of information, the Chat Pro function is now directly connected to the advanced AI tool ChatGPT to answer questions beyond the scope of Laura’s original knowledge. The feature is now available in Škoda Enyaq family models with the new 4.0 software version released for the 2024 model year,
the new-generation Škoda Superb and Kodiaq as well as the updated Škoda Octavia. User and car data are secure at all times.

ChatGPT and Chat Pro advance Laura’s capabilities while guarding data security
Škoda’s voice assistant Laura now integrates ChatGPT, improving its functionality while maintaining stringent data protection standards. The upgrade expands Laura’s capabilities beyond the previous voice commands, enabling it to respond to questions spanning various topics. If a question does not relate to the categories ‘Vehicle,’ ‘Data,’ ‘Weather,’ ‘News,’ ‘Sports,’ or ‘Stocks,’ it will be automatically directed to Chat Pro, which is seamlessly connected to ChatGPT. Whenever the chatbot is used as a source, Laura will preface the response with “According to ChatGPT…”. User control over the voice assistant remains unchanged, and the feature can be deactivated via the privacy settings in the vehicle’s infotainment system. However, in the Enyaq models that support this functionality, it is always active. Importantly, ChatGPT does not access vehicle data or personal information; all requests are processed anonymously and the interactions are deleted immediately afterwards to ensure the highest level of data protection.

Chat Pro function currently supports four languages

By introducing this new connectivity feature, Škoda is reinforcing its commitment to customer centricity. Users only need an active Infotainment Online Package. The feature is available in models that are built on the MEB GP and MQB EVO platforms and equipped with the latest generation of infotainment systems, including
the new-generation Škoda Superb and Kodiaq, the updated Škoda Octavia and the Škoda Enyaq family with the new software version released for the 2024 model year. The currently supported languages are English, Spanish, Czech, and German.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Škoda Auto has taken part in European Diversity Month for the fourth consecutive year. This initiative, promoted by the European Commission each May, underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in both the workplace and society generally, especially in light of evolving work environments and the need to protect employee rights. Under the motto ‘Škoda Auto – A Place for Everyone’, the Czech carmaker has rolled out various initiatives focusing on fostering respect across generations and genders, and through international collaboration. In its most recent Diversity Report 2023, Škoda Auto shares the most important milestones achieved last year, such as successfully increasing the proportion of women in management to 18.3% (up from 14.6% in 2021) and raising the share of international staff in leadership roles to 31%.

“Respect and consideration for each individual are cornerstones of our company culture, which is why we take part in European Diversity Month for the fourth year in a row. I am delighted with how diversity and inclusion have developed at our company. It is very clear that promoting an open corporate culture not only enhances the work environment for our employees but also supports Škoda Auto in meeting its ambitious objectives and establishing a creative and equitable workplace for everyone.”

Maren Gräf, Škoda Auto Board Member for People and Culture

‘Škoda Auto – A Place for Everyone’
This year’s motto for Škoda Auto’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, ‘Škoda Auto: A Place for Everyone’, reflects the company’s commitment to respecting each individual’s uniqueness and its openness as an organisation. Reinforcing the motto, the carmaker also created a video where employees share their insights and perspectives. Special attention this year was given to intergenerational interaction and sensitivity towards the differences among various age groups.

One highlight of the European Diversity Month activities at Škoda Auto was the Diversity Community Meetup. During this event, participants took part in interactive workshops covering topics such as neurodiversity, Gen Z (individuals born in the ‘Internet era’, typically post-2000), and domestic violence. The Internationals@Škoda meeting included a group trip, presentations and discussions specifically catered to employees from abroad. Other projects focused on women’s career development, the new Employee Resource group Women@Work, embracing new technologies, supporting LGBT+ employees through Škoda Proud’s streamed event LGBTQ+ Allyship in the Workplace, and promoting inclusive language in the workplace. Additionally, Škoda Auto employees participated in the Fun & Run charity race against homophobia and other forms of discrimination.
These events were held throughout May and are part of an ongoing series of activities, including the upcoming Pride Business Forum Conference and the Prague Pride parade later this year.

Mutual respect, acceptance and understanding are cornerstones of Škoda’s corporate culture
For three years, the employee group Škoda Proud has been active within the company and is open to all who are interested in supporting and further promoting the topics of diversity and inclusion. In collaboration with the KOVO trade union, Škoda Auto has long been committed to developing and implementing a corporate culture and working conditions that consider the various individual needs and expectations of its workforce. Since 2006, among other initiatives, the car manufacturer has operated a protected centre offering employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. In 2019, Škoda Auto signed the European Diversity Charter, actively advocating for acceptance, equitable opportunities, and cultural diversity. In 2023, it became a premium member of the Pride Business Forum and joined the D&I Shapers community, two leading platforms for diversity and inclusion.

2023 Diversity Report: A host of positive outcomes
Released at the beginning of May, the latest edition of the Annual Diversity Report summarises Škoda Auto’s activities to foster human rights and mutual understanding, proving its commitment to these topics. The report provides comprehensive information on numerous projects in diversity and inclusion. Last year, Škoda Auto successfully increased the proportion of women in management to 18.3% (up from 14.6% in 2021), and the share of international staff in leadership roles rose to 31%.

Key targets of Škoda Auto’s Diversity Strategy 2030 include achieving a 25% female representation in management by 2030, fostering intergenerational collaboration and support for families with children, actively backing employee groups and LGBT+ staff, and implementing measures to accommodate colleagues with disabilities.

As one of the largest private-sector employers in the Czech Republic, Škoda Auto has been a signatory to the Czech Diversity Charter since 2019. Moreover, the company works closely with CSR Europe’s largest partner, Business for Society, and collaborates with the national coordinator of the Czech version of the Diversity Charter.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

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