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For over 45 years, ŠKODA has enjoyed success on rally routes and race tracks courtesy of its RS family, which over the past couple of decades has also been adding a touch of sensible sportiness to the road via the RS production models. The history of the RS letter combination goes back to 1974, when the manufacturer first used it as a shorthand for “Rally Sport” in the model designations of the ŠKODA 180 RS and 200 RS rally prototypes built at the time. Since then, and in no small part due to the considerable achievements of the ŠKODA 130 RS in the 70s and 80s, this dynamic acronym has achieved legendary status and become synonymous with motor racing. Since the year 2000, RS production models – consistently designed for outstanding performance – have added to this success story, with a model range that has comprised OCTAVIA RS, FABIA RS and KODIAQ RS variants.

Milestone: ŠKODA 130 RS
After successful tests with the 180 RS and 200 RS rally prototypes, 1975 sees ŠKODA present a car designed for regular use on the race track, in the shape of the ŠKODA 130 RS. Its consistent lightweight construction, with aluminium body components (roof and door outer panels) and glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) parts (wings and bonnet), ensures that the successful two-door coupé based on the ŠKODA 110 R production model weighs only 720 kilos. The rear-wheel-drive race car has a 1.3-litre engine delivering 140 PS and garners numerous victories on the international rally circuit and on the race track until 1983. In 1977 the 130 RS wins the first two places in its class at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally and also takes top place at the Acropolis Rally. On the race track, it becomes the overall winner at the 1981 European Touring Car Championship.

Star production model: the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS
In the year 2000, ŠKODA enters the World Rally Championship with its OCTAVIA WRC, while simultaneously introducing the RS letter combination for a production model. From then on, the RS moniker identifies a model series’ performance variant, a car that perfectly combines driving pleasure with the traditional pragmatic benefits of a ŠKODA. Launched twenty years ago, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS is the first model of a product family destined for success, with a 1.8-litre turbo engine delivering an exhilarating 132 kW (180 PS) of power. Offered first as a saloon and a year later also as a COMBI estate, this model is manufactured until 2005, reaching a production total of over 17,600 units. The second-generation OCTAVIA RS can be ordered with a 2.0 TFSI petrol engine providing 147 kW (200 PS) as well as, for the first time, a diesel engine: the 2.0 TDI has an output of 125 kW (170 PS), and all model variants are once again available in saloon and COMBI estate format. And with over 87,800 vehicles rolling off the production line, the OCTAVIA RS hits the overall production mark of 100,000 vehicles before its second generation comes to a close.

The third-generation OCTAVIA launched in 2013 is even more successful and introduces the continuous reflective red strip at the rear that has since become a hallmark of all RS models. The 2.0 TSI is launched with an output of 162 kW (220 PS), while the 2.0 TDI now delivers 135 kW (184 PS) and can for the first time also be ordered with all-wheel drive. Later on, the petrol engine produces 169 kW (230 PS) and a remarkable 180 kW (245 PS) in the OCTAVIA RS 245. As usual, the third generation is available both as a saloon and a COMBI estate and becomes a big hit with the brand’s fans. In Germany, Britain and Switzerland, the RS models achieve a share of over 20 per cent of sales within the OCTAVIA model series. Overall production figures for the third-generation ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS clock in at 172,000 units.

A new addition to the family: the ŠKODA FABIA RS
The year 2003 sees ŠKODA expand the RS family with the new FABIA RS. It is introduced at the Geneva Motor Show and serves as the basis for the new FABIA WRC rally car presented at the same time. The FABIA RS is the only FABIA to use the 1.9 TDI engine, which delivers 96 kW (130 PS) and combines excellent performance with a fuel consumption of just 5.6 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. This car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and has a top speed of 204 km/h. 2010 welcomes the arrival of the second-generation FABIA’s RS variant, powered by a 132-kW (180-PS) 1.4-litre petrol engine featuring both a turbocharger and a supercharger as well as a seven-speed DSG. For the first time, the FABIA RS is also available as a COMBI estate.

Record holder: the ŠKODA KODIAQ RS
The KODIAQ RS launched in 2018 is the first SUV to join the RS family, establishing its sporty credentials with a 9:29.84-minute lap record for seven-seater SUVs on the Nürburgring race track’s legendary 20.832-kilometre North Loop. This car’s 2.0 TDI has an output of 176 kW (240 PS) and delivers a winning combination of performance and sustainability. The Dynamic Sound Boost provides the exhilarating acoustic backdrop for the most powerful KODIAQ.

To be continued: the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS iV
It won’t be long now before the fourth-generation ŠKODA OCTAVIA will add the next chapter to the successful history of the RS family. The OCTAVIA RS iV will be the first ŠKODA performance model to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It will have its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, which runs from 3 to 15 March 2020.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The first design sketch shows the dynamic front of the visually compelling SUV concept study. In addition to a wide bonnet, a large ŠKODA grille with solid ribs shapes the visual impression. The upper, very flat units of the split headlights progress directly to the grille. Beneath is a robustly designed front apron with large side air intakes and a massive front spoiler made of aluminium.

The second sketch illustrates a clearly structured, distinctive rear with sharply contoured, three-dimensional rear lights; an additional horizontal light strip connects the reflectors. Illuminated ŠKODA lettering is prominently positioned in the centre of the rear; an aluminium diffuser is integrated into the rear apron underneath.

As part of the INDIA 2.0 project, ŠKODA AUTO is leading the activities of the Volkswagen Group brands on the Indian sub-continent. Several cross-brand ŠKODA and Volkswagen models will be created based on the MQB A0 IN variant of the Modular Transverse Matrix, which the Czech car manufacturer is developing with a focus on India and Indian customers. The new localised sub-compact platform is being showcased for the first time in the ŠKODA VISION IN.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

ŠKODA AUTO CEO Bernhard Maier emphasises: “ŠKODA AUTO is one of the world’s five oldest automobile manufacturers still active today. The courage and ingenuity of the two founders, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, are the cornerstone of this unique success story and at the same time an obligation and incentive to lead the company towards a prosperous future. This is precisely what we are doing through our Strategy 2025, transforming ŠKODA AUTO from a car manufacturer into a ‘Simply Clever Company for the best mobility solutions’.”

In pursuing this goal, ŠKODA AUTO is continuing along its path towards electromobility in 2020, presenting the series-production version of the VISION iV in the first half of the year. The 125th anniversary of the company’s founding thus also marks the beginning of a new era for the manufacturer: the all-electric SUV is the brand’s first vehicle to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Platform (MEB). As part of its ongoing product campaign, ŠKODA will be launching 30 new models from 2019 to the end of 2022, more than ten of which will be partially or fully electric.

The company founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement laid the foundations for ŠKODA’s rise to become an internationally successful car manufacturer in December 1895: the repair and production of bicycles began in the central Bohemian town of Mladá Boleslav. The company named after them,

Laurin & Klement (L&K), would soon offer numerous two and three-wheelers in several dozen versions, and the production of motorcycles started in 1899. The technically innovative models soon gained in popularity for example in England, one of the most demanding export markets.

The first Laurin & Klement automobile, the Voiturette A, made its debut as early as 1905. It quickly proved to be a high-quality everyday vehicle with an excellent price-performance ratio. L&K comprehensively expanded its model range and soon also offered high-performance sports and commercial vehicles that would win over drivers around the world. One hundred fifteen years later, the automobile manufacturer is active in more than 100 markets, delivering 1.24 million vehicles to customers worldwide every year.

The basis for the further development of this success story was the 1925 merger of Laurin & Klement and the mechanical engineering group Škoda, which secured the necessary capital for expansion. Since then, the winged arrow has been featured in the brand logo of the vehicles from Mladá Boleslav.

ŠKODA AUTO is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2020 with numerous activities, campaigns and events for the company’s employees, fans of the brand and automotive enthusiasts. For example, historically significant models will be taking part in driving events in China and India as well as other international markets. A special concert by the world-renowned Czech Philharmonic will be a highlight in the year of festivities. Also, for this anniversary year, ŠKODA is launching an extensive marketing and communication campaign on all the brand’s social networks and the company’s website, ŠKODA Storyboard, under the slogan ‘Driving inventivenes since 1895’.

Throughout the company’s history, the Czech and international production sites have built many historically significant ŠKODA models, some of which will be celebrating the anniversary of their world premieres or market launches in 2020: for example, 85 years ago, in 1935, ŠKODA showcased the fascinating ŠKODA 935 Dynamic with its streamlined body.

Sixty years ago, in September 1960, ŠKODA presented the first ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI at the International Engineering Fair in Brno, and the elegant 2+2 coupé ŠKODA 110 R made its debut in 1970. The 70th anniversary of factory crew´s 1950 participation in the 24-hour Le Mans in a ŠKODA Sport commemorates ŠKODA AUTO’s long tradition in motorsport.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Andre Wehner, ŠKODA CDO, and Sebastian Lasek, Head of Connectivity, talk in a joint interview about the advantages of Laura, the digital voice assistant, and her ability to learn.

Okay, Mr Wehner! Why is ŠKODA using a digital voice assistant?

Andre Wehner: We know from our customers that accessing functions using natural language is becoming increasingly important. That is why we introduced the digital assistant, Laura, who supports our customers in their everyday lives. Laura is a perfect addition to the Simply Clever features that we have been offering in our vehicles since the 1920s and also complements the digital features.

What is the advantage of the Laura voice assistant?

Wehner: Laura offers more comfort. As a true mobility companion, she supports ŠKODA drivers on the go, and when planning journeys at home and visiting the ŠKODA website. In the vehicle, drivers can operate call, navigation and infotainment functions using voice control, enabling them to always keep their hands on the steering wheel and communicate with the vehicle in a natural way. At home, customers can get information about the vehicle’s status, including the fuel or battery charge level and the current parking location, from their smart home assistants such as Alexa or Google Home. At the same time, information can also be sent directly to the vehicle; for example, a restaurant address can be sent directly to the navigation system from home.

Okay, Mr Lasek, what are the advantages of a voice assistant for the vehicles’ interior design?

Lasek: Anyone driving a new ŠKODA has the choice of using voice control or conventional haptic controls. We take customers’ wishes into account when designing our vehicles, and we observe how voice control is used. In many instances, the feature also allows us to reduce the number of buttons and switches and makes operation easier.

Is Laura capable of learning?

Wehner: Laura is still young and offers basic functions, but she is continually developing. In the new OCTAVIA, she understands natural speech much better than before. Laura offers Alexa or Google Home users a growing number of functions.

What languages does Laura understand?

Lasek: Laura is a real polyglot. She understands Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish and Turkish. She even understands natural speech in Czech, English, German, French, Italian and Spanish: You no longer have to say: “Increase the temperature by 1 degree”, but can simply say, “Laura, I’m cold.” Laura recognises passengers’ wishes from their previous user behaviour.

Which vehicles already come with Laura?

Lasek: ŠKODA drivers can speak to Laura in the SCALA, KAMIQ, SUPERB iV and the new OCTAVIA. She will be available in all future ŠKODA models.

Which languages can Laura use to communicate with other voice assistants?

Wehner: Laura can communicate with the widely used voice assistants Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Via Alexa, Laura understands English, German and French – Spanish and Italian will be launched soon. Google Home is available in English; French, German, Spanish and Italian will follow in 2020.

What can we expect from Laura in the future? How is she evolving and where will we see her in the future?

Wehner: We are continuously developing, improving and expanding the capabilities of the Laura voice assistant. The system will be available in upcoming models. In the future, for example, Laura will be able to adjust the first vehicle functions and react even more flexibly to complete spoken sentences and even engage in digital small talk. In the future, extended voice control applications are also conceivable outside the vehicle in other areas related to ŠKODA, such as in mobile or web apps and in the online configurator. For example, customers in Spain can already speak to Laura on local ŠKODA importers’ websites. Laura will soon be available on importers’ websites in other countries.

How do you teach dialects to a voice assistant?

Wehner: As far as dialects are concerned, we define synonyms for specific words in the respective language model. This is how we ensure Laura understands our customers as they speak in everyday language. Laura already understands some dialects and she learns quickly.

Mr Wehner, Mr Lasek, thank you for taking part in this interview.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com