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Škoda Auto now uses sustainable HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fuel as the initial fill for newly manufactured diesel models produced at its Czech factories and for refuelling its logistics fleet. This synthetic diesel is produced from waste materials and differs from biodiesel, which is derived from agricultural crops. HVO fuel is made from used fats and oils through a chemical hydrogenation process and therefore does not require any farmland, making it even more sustainable. The advanced-generation biofuel is supplied by the Czech state-owned company ČEPRO. This initiative is part of the joint decarbonisation measures being implemented across the company and is designed to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of Škoda Auto’s corporate activities. In production and logistics, the Czech carmaker aims to achieve carbon-neutral operation at all its plants in the Czech Republic and India by the end of the decade.

“HVO fuel offers up to 90% lower net carbon emissions compared to fossil diesel. As the first Volkswagen Group brand to adopt this innovative solution, we are utilizing HVO not only in our passenger vehicles but also for refuelling trucks that manage internal logistics at our Czech plants. From August to December 2024, these internal vehicles consumed approximately 46,000 litres of HVO fuel – corresponding to an annual saving of around 300 tonnes of CO₂. This initiative marks a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of our operations and achieving CO₂-neutral production at our manufacturing sites.”

Karsten Schnake, Škoda Auto Board Member for Procurement and Sustainability Representative of the Board

HVO: A sustainable fuel with a host of benefits
HVO fuel is an advanced biofuel classified as a synthetic diesel substitute. It is produced through a hydrogenation process, primarily using waste oils, including used cooking oil and plant- and animal-based fats. Unlike biodiesel, HVO fuel does not rely on agricultural crops for its production.

HVO fuel is clear in appearance, practically odourless and has a significantly higher cetane number than fossil diesel (70 compared to 51). This improves combustion efficiency and helps lower pollutant emissions, particularly particulate matter. HVO fuel is also free from sulphur, aromatic hydrocarbons, and high-boiling-point hydrocarbons. As a result, it reduces emissions of harmful substances and leads to less frequent regeneration cycles of diesel particulate filters (DPF). In older diesel engines, HVO fuel may also contribute to quieter and smoother running. The fuel can be freely blended with conventional diesel.

Škoda vehicles approved for HVO fuel
All Škoda diesel models from model year 2022 onwards (produced from calendar week 25 of 2021) are approved to use HVO fuel. HVO-approved vehicles are marked with an XTL symbol on the fuel filler cap, while older models can have their compatibility confirmed by authorised Škoda dealers. HVO fuel and HVO-diesel blends are now widely available across European markets.

Škoda Auto’s path to decarbonisation
Škoda Auto has been working to reduce its environmental footprint and remains committed to achieving carbon neutrality across all production sites in the Czech Republic and India by 2030, with its Vrchlabí plant having already reached carbon neutrality in 2020. A key milestone is the conversion of the heating plant in Mladá Boleslav, carried out in partnership with ŠKO-ENERGO. Once the plant switches fully to biomass, it will reduce net CO₂ emissions by up to 290,000 tonnes per year.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The new Škoda Elroq has been honoured with the prestigious Red Dot Award – one of the world’s largest design competitions – for its outstanding product design. The electric compact SUV is the brand’s first production model to fully implement the new Modern Solid design language, which is characterised by robustness, functionality and authenticity. The Elroq follows in the footsteps of numerous previous Škoda winners – its win marks the brand’s 18th Red Dot Award overall.

“With the new Elroq, our Škoda design team has successfully managed to retain important hallmarks of Škoda design and combine them with new ideas and visual accents – such as the high-gloss black Tech-Deck Face. The Red Dot Award validates the outstanding work of our team, and I sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the Elroq’s great looks.”

Oliver Stefani, Head of Škoda Auto Design

Striking design features: Tech-Deck Face, four-eyed headlights, Unique Dark Chrome
A key feature of the new Modern Solid design language that defines the front of the Elroq is the high-gloss black Tech-Deck Face, which replaces the classic radiator grille. It is topped by a Škoda wordmark on the sculpted bonnet, finished in Unique Dark Chrome – another element of the new design language. The narrow headlights with their minimalist, functional design reinterpret the typical four-eyed look of the Škoda SUV models. Depending on the trim level, a new Light Band establishes a visual link between the main headlights, which are equipped with LED technology as standard. Škoda fits the top versions with LED Matrix beam headlights. The rear lights, with their fine lines and minimalist 2D design, again follow Modern Solid principles. The new design language also achieves outstanding aerodynamics. The excellent c_d drag coefficient of 0.26 owes much to numerous clever design tweaks.

43 experts from 21 countries judge products in over 50 categories
The Red Dot jury for the competition’s 70th edition was made up of 43 design experts from 21 nations, among them academics, designers, journalists and consultants. The jury discussed and assessed each individual submission, considering criteria such as degree of innovation, functionality, ergonomics, durability and environmental compatibility. The official awards ceremony will take place on 8 July in Essen, Germany.

Enthusiastic customer response
The Elroq and its design also resonate well with customers. By the end of March, around 30 markets had launched the new all-electric vehicle and received more than 45,000 orders. With demand for more affordable electric vehicles increasing, the Elroq is entering the important compact SUV segment at just the right time.

The Škoda Elroq marks another chapter in Škoda’s Red Dot success story
With the Red Dot Award for the new Elroq, Škoda models have now received a total of 18 Red Dot Awards. Most recently, the prestigious honour went to the fourth-generation Škoda Fabia in 2022 and the Škoda Enyaq in 2021. Both won the Red Dot Award for their excellent product design.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Škoda Auto has released a teaser clip of the all-new Elroq RS, offering a first glimpse of both its exterior and interior. The world premiere of the most dynamic Elroq model will take place on 3 April at 10:00 CET, streamed live on Škoda’s official YouTube channel. The Elroq RS will then make its public exhibition debut at Milan Design Week 2025, running from 8 to 13 April.

The teaser showcases key exterior and interior highlights, including a range of black design elements that are characteristic of Škoda’s RS models. Like all Elroq variants, the RS features the new high-gloss black Tech-Deck Face. The Elroq RS will also be available in the RS-specific Mamba Green finish.

The world premiere will be streamed live on Škoda’s YouTube channel on 3 April at 10:00 CET, with the full press kit available in the Media Room section of the Škoda Storyboard at the same time.

Following its digital unveiling, the sportiest version of the all-electric compact SUV will make its public exhibition debut in Italy at Milan Design Week 2025 in the Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea gallery in the Porta Venezia Design District. The exhibition, open to visitors from 8 to 13 April, will feature the Elroq RS as the centrepiece of an immersive pathway, aligning with Škoda’s Be More Elroq campaign. To mark the 130th anniversary of the founding of the Mladá Boleslav car manufacturer, the official unveiling of Botas sneakers based on Škoda Modern Solid design principles will also take place during the exhibition. These sneakers were created in collaboration with the Škoda Auto design team. One of the three planned models will be worn by members of the Škoda organizational team during the event.

Article source: www.vwpress.co.uk

The end of the school year at Škoda Auto educational facilities is traditionally marked by the unveiling of the latest Student Car. This year, 28 current students from the Škoda Auto Secondary Vocational School of Engineering were inspired by the company’s 130th anniversary when building the 10th Škoda Student Car. With the bodywork and construction now complete, the project is heading to the paint shop. The name of the newest addition Škoda’s Student Car line-up will be revealed in the upcoming weeks.

Initial stages complete
With every Student Car, students aim to develop a fun and innovative concept that brings something fresh to Škoda’s vehicle line-up. Once the initial sketches are finalised, the car moves on to the bodywork stage. Ensuring structural integrity while staying true to the design sketches requires an ingenious approach, creativity and hands-on expertise. Throughout the process, the students are supported by Škoda Auto experts from Technical Development, Design, and other departments.

After investing many hours of work and effort, the students have now completed this phase of the project. The next stage begins as the car enters the paint shop, where it will receive its custom finish.

Investment in training and new facilities
Since 2013, Škoda Auto, with support from the KOVO Trade Union, has invested more than 457 million CZK (approx. €18.2m) in modernising the training and technical equipment at the Škoda Academy. The reconstruction of these premises is also the reason why the tenth Student Car was postponed to 2025. As part of this, a dedicated Student Car workshop was created within newly refurbished teaching facilities focused on electromobility and digitalisation. These investments have expanded training opportunities at the Škoda Auto Secondary Vocational School of Engineering while also enhancing employees’ skills – an essential step given the automotive industry’s ongoing transformation.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Ninety years ago, Škoda Auto began production of the Superb at its Mladá Boleslav plant. The model quickly became synonymous with a comfortable, refined, and dynamic driving experience, even on poor road surfaces. It impressed with its spacious interior – offering seating for up to seven passengers – generous equipment, and outstanding craftsmanship. Production continued until 1949. In 2001, the legendary name returned with the first modern-generation Škoda Superb. Now in its fourth generation, the Superb is available as a Hatch or Combi estate, featuring a choice of petrol and diesel engines, as well as mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The plug-in hybrid variants, the Superb Combi iV and Superb Hatch iV, offer an electric range of up to 120 km. Customers can also opt for front- or all-wheel drive.

Technical innovation and progress: 1934–1949
In the spring of 1934, Škoda introduced a new generation of vehicles featuring a backbone chassis frame and independent wheel suspension. By the October of that year, the company had decided to name its flagship model ‘Superb’, catering to the most demanding customers. Series production commenced in Mladá Boleslav in March 1935. The first model, the Škoda 640 Superb, was powered by a six-cylinder engine producing 40.5 kW (55 hp). Right from the start, the Superb featured hydraulic brakes and a state-of-the-art 12V electrical system. The highlight of the range was a 96 hp (70.7 kW) 4.0-litre V8 engine. Offering generous space for up to seven passengers and their luggage, the Superb was available with various wheelbase lengths and body styles, including open-top and bespoke designs. By the time production ended in 1949, approximately 890 passenger cars and 1,630 military derivatives had been built – including a unique 4×4 version.

The Superb legacy: Four generations of innovation
The Superb reflects Škoda’s ongoing transformation over its 130-year history. After a 50-year hiatus, the name was revived in September 2001 with the introduction of the first modern-generation Škoda Superb. This saloon offered exceptional interior space and came with a range of engines producing between 85 kW and 142 kW (193 hp), including a range-topping 2.8-litre V6 with Tiptronic automatic transmission and bi-xenon headlights for enhanced comfort and safety.

Subsequent generations, launched in 2008, 2015, and most recently in 2023, further developed the Superb’s legacy. The second generation introduced a more practical Hatch and, for the first time, a Combi estate version, offering more powerful yet efficient powertrains and extensive standard equipment. The third generation continued this trajectory, integrating advanced technologies and innovative design.

The Superb’s popularity has grown significantly across generations. The first modern generation, produced from 2001 to 2008, saw 137,000 units sold. Its successor, introduced in 2008 and available for the first time as both a saloon and a Combi estate, achieved 618,000 sales, with 65% of customers opting for the saloon. The third generation, launched in 2015, continued this strong growth course, with 805,000 units sold – 56% of which were Combi models.

Now in its fourth modern generation, the Superb continues to set new benchmarks. Customers can choose between Hatch and Combi estate body styles, with petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains and more than 65,000 have been sold at this time. The latest plug-in hybrid models offer an electric range of up to 120 km. Equipped with cutting-edge technologies, sustainable materials, and smart solutions like Smart Dials, the new Superb is designed for modern mobility.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

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