Škoda History and Early Models

Founders

• Emil Škoda (1839-1900) founded the company in 1859 as a small machinery workshop in Plzeň, Bohemia (now Czech Republic)
• Václav Laurin (1865-1939) and Václav Klement (1868-1948) founded Laurin & Klement in 1895, which would later merge with Škoda in 1925

Early Models

• Laurin & Klement's first bicycle, the "Slavia", was produced in 1895
• The company's first motorcycle, the "L&K", was introduced in 1899
• The first car, the "Voiturette A", was produced in 1905

WWII Era

• During World War II, Škoda was forced to produce military vehicles and equipment for the German war effort
• The company's factories were heavily bombed by the Allies, and production was severely disrupted

Modern Era

• In 1991, Škoda was privatized and became a joint-stock company
• In 1996, the company was acquired by the Volkswagen Group
• Today, Škoda is one of the top car manufacturers in Europe, with a focus on producing affordable, reliable vehicles

Post-war Development

• After World War II, Škoda resumed car production, but struggled to recover from the devastation of the war
• In the 1960s and 1970s, the company introduced new models, including the Škoda 1000 MB and the Škoda 120
• The company continued to innovate and expand, introducing new models and technologies throughout the late 20th century

Founders

• Emil Škoda founded the company in 1859 as a small machinery workshop in Plzeň, Bohemia (now Czech Republic)
• Václav Laurin and Václav Klement founded Laurin & Klement in 1895, which merged with Škoda in 1925

Early Models

• Laurin & Klement's first bicycle, "Slavia", was produced in 1895
• The company's first motorcycle, "L&K", was introduced in 1899
• The first car, "Voiturette A", was produced in 1905

WWII Era

• Škoda produced military vehicles and equipment for the German war effort during World War II
• The company's factories were heavily bombed by the Allies, disrupting production

Modern Era

• Škoda was privatized and became a joint-stock company in 1991
• The company was acquired by the Volkswagen Group in 1996
• Today, Škoda is one of the top car manufacturers in Europe, focusing on producing affordable, reliable vehicles

Post-war Development

• Škoda resumed car production after World War II, but struggled to recover from the war's devastation
• The company introduced new models, including the Škoda 1000 MB and the Škoda 120, in the 1960s and 1970s
• Škoda continued to innovate and expand, introducing new models and technologies throughout the late 20th century

SKODA Models

• SKODA's current models include Fabia, Rapid, Scala, Octavia, Superb, Kodiaq, Karoq, and Kamiq
• Fabia and Rapid are available in hatchback and estate body styles
• Scala is available only in hatchback body style
• Octavia and Superb are available in hatchback and estate body styles
• Kodiaq, Karoq, and Kamiq are SKODA's SUV offerings
• Discontinued models include Felicia, Forman, Favorit, and Roomster

SKODA Design

• SKODA's design language emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and elegance
• Characterized by clean lines, crisp shapes, and minimal ornamentation
• Influenced by Czech design traditions
• Grille with horizontal slats is a key design element
• Angular headlights and prominent wheel arches are distinctive features
• Sculpted bodysides and rear spoiler and diffuser add to the overall design

SKODA Engineering

• Petrol engines range from 1.0 to 2.0 liters with 3-4 cylinders
• Diesel engines range from 1.6 to 2.0 liters with 4 cylinders
• Transmissions include 5-7 speed manual and 6-7 speed automatic options
• SKODA uses the MQB (Modularer Querbaukasten) platform, shared with Volkswagen Group
• Modular design allows for flexibility and scalability
• Safety features include up to 9 airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Advanced safety features include Lane Assist and Blind Spot Detection