Skoda Garage London Blog - Skoda Garage London - London's best independent Skoda Garage London

Škoda Auto is poised to re-enter the Kazakhstan market. The Czech car manufacturer has engaged a new sales and production partner, Allur Company, with both companies recently signing a partnership agreement. Four models will be assembled locally in Kazakhstan starting in early 2024.

“Kazakhstan presents an exciting opportunity for Škoda Auto as our internationalisation accelerates. This marks a return to a market with promising potential, as currently less than one-fifth of the country’s residents own a car. To tap this potential, we have found a strong partner in Allur Company, which will be supporting us with vehicle production and sales.”

Klaus Zellmer, Škoda Auto CEO

“Next year, we plan to open 15 showrooms in major Kazakh cities, such as Astana, Almaty, Shymkent and Kostanay. We will be offering customers not only our bestselling Octavia but also our globally successful Kodiaq, Kamiq and Karoq SUVs. The SUV segment is now the second-largest in the market, and we are presenting a modern and attractive model range that will resonate with customers in the region.”

Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing

Relaunch of Škoda Auto’s operations in Kazakhstan
Škoda Auto operated in Kazakhstan between 2005 and 2021, delivering over 23,000 vehicles to customers in the country. To ensure consistently high standards of customer service, the company has engaged a new production and sales partner for its regional operations. Starting next year, vehicles produced at the factories in Mladá Boleslav and Kvasiny will be assembled for the Kazakh market at a plant operated by Allur Company in Kostanay and distributed to local dealerships. The model series available to customers will include the Kodiaq, Kamiq, and Karoq SUVs alongside the bestselling Octavia.

Contributing to Škoda’s internationalisation strategy: Stable market with high growth potential

In Kazakhstan, where currently only 186 cars are registered per 1,000 residents, Škoda Auto sees considerable growth potential in its automotive market. The overall market sales volume is forecast to surpass 200,000 units in total within the next five years. With these projections, the car manufacturer aims to harness the momentum, targeting a sustained market share of 5% between 2024 and 2028.

The re-entry into the Kazakh market aligns with Škoda Auto’s ongoing internationalisation strategy. In September 2023, the brand celebrated its official launch in Vietnam. Additionally, it is strategically leading the Volkswagen Group’s ‘Brand Group Core’ in the ASEAN region, aiming to leverage growth opportunities for the Group. Moreover, the Czech automaker strategically oversees the Volkswagen Group’s activities in the dynamically growing Indian market.

Production and sales partnership with the Allur Company
Škoda Auto has partnered with the key strategic ally, the Allur Company, to relaunch operations and expand in the Kazakh market. Involved in the production and sale of cars, commercial vehicle components and spare parts, along with providing car servicing in Kazakhstan, Allur Company boasted a market share of 44.4% in 2022, making the established automotive group the largest in the region.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Škoda Auto is offering a sneak peek of the second-generation Kodiaq by releasing a video teaser. Showcasing fresh exterior and interior details, the all-new SUV features the first elements of the brand’s new Modern Solid design language. The world premiere is slated for 4 October at 18:45 CEST and will be broadcast live on the Škoda Storyboard and Škoda’s YouTube and X channels.

The teaser reveals key updates, including new tailgate lettering consistent with Škoda’s updated CI, a completely redesigned interior with Smart Dials controls and a steering column-mounted selector lever. These updates are complemented by the addition of fresh Modern Solid design elements. Recently celebrated as Škoda’s 3 millionth SUV, the Kodiaq offers a host of efficient drivetrains, now including a plug-in hybrid variant with an electric range of over 100 kilometres.

The livestream will be broadcast in English and Czech on the Škoda Storyboard and Škoda’s YouTube and X channels on 4 October at 18:45 CEST. During the evening, a comprehensive press kit will be published in the Media Room section of the Škoda Storyboard.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Škoda Auto is celebrating the production of its three-millionth SUV, a black Škoda Kodiaq Sportline, which rolled off the production line at the Kvasiny plant. After Škoda first entered the SUV segment with the Škoda Yeti in 2009, the vehicles have quickly become an integral part of the Czech carmaker’s portfolio. Over the course of its successful SUV campaign, Škoda has introduced the Kodiaq, Karoq and Kamiq series as well as its first all-electric MEB-based SUV model, the Enyaq. Boosted by the Kushaq’s success in India, SUVs now represent nearly half of Škoda’s global deliveries.

“Producing three million SUVs since 2009 is a fantastic achievement for our entire team. This milestone highlights the evolution of our customers’ preferences and our flexibility in meeting their needs. Today, almost 50% of the vehicles we deliver are SUVs. Our mission is clear: We are wholly committed to electrifying our SUV lineup and adapting our production facilities. Challenge accepted!”

Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics

In the Czech Republic, Škoda manufactures the Kamiq, Enyaq, and Enyaq Coupé at the Mladá Boleslav facility, while the Karoq and Kodiaq roll off the production line in Kvasiny. Additionally, the automaker builds its SUV models in China, India, Ukraine, and Slovakia.

The Yeti: Škoda’s first SUV model
In 2009, Škoda Auto launched what was then its fifth model series – the Yeti. The Czech car manufacturer’s first SUV was compact and boasted typical SUV characteristics like a raised seating position and spaciousness, complemented by Simply Clever features like VarioFlex rear seats. With more than 684,000 units produced, the Yeti’s production concluded in 2018. Its success laid the foundation for Škoda’s comprehensive SUV campaign.

The Kodiaq: Pioneering the SUV campaign and anticipating the next generation
The Kodiaq made its global debut in September 2016. The Kodiaq RS, introduced in autumn 2018, was the first SUV in the sporty Škoda RS family. To date, more than 841,000 units of the brand’s largest SUV have been produced. In the coming weeks, Škoda is set to unveil the second-generation Kodiaq, which will feature a plug-in hybrid variant with an electric range exceeding 100 kilometres.

Škoda Karoq: accelerating the SUV campaign
In 2017, Škoda presented the Karoq as the second model in its SUV line-up. This compact model quickly became a cornerstone of Škoda’s current portfolio, with over 705,000 units produced. By 2021, the Karoq was available in 60 countries and ranked third in terms of total deliveries after the best-selling Octavia and the Kamiq city SUV. The 2022 update introduced a more refined design language and incorporated sustainable materials.

Škoda Kamiq: Entering the city SUV segment
With the Kamiq, Škoda added an SUV series in the rapidly growing city SUV segment to its line-up. Since its 2019 launch, over 537,000 units of the Kamiq, including the Kamiq GT in China, have rolled off the production line. This success positioned it as Škoda’s best-selling SUV in both 2021 and 2022. In August, Škoda showcased updated versions of the Kamiq, featuring improvements in design, safety, and connectivity.

The Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé: Entering the electric era with an SUV
In September 2020, Škoda Auto marked a pivotal moment in its e-mobility strategy by launching the Enyaq, its first production model based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB). In January 2022, the Enyaq Coupé was introduced, boasting an emotive design, sporty aesthetics, and a roomy interior. To date, over 166,000 units of the Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé have been produced at the Mladá Boleslav plant.

The Kushaq: Made in India for India
Introduced in 2021, the Škoda Kushaq is the brand’s first locally manufactured model in India. With close to 64,000 units produced since its launch, the Kushaq underscores Škoda’s commitment to the Indian market. Leveraging existing synergies for dynamic growth markets, the first Kushaq vehicles from the Pune plant will be exported to Vietnam as CKD (Completely Knocked Down) units, set for final assembly there from the second half of 2024 onwards.

Trekka: Škoda’s trailblazing forerunner
The all-rounder Trekka, introduced in 1966, is the forerunner of today’s Škoda SUV models. Developed in collaboration with a local Škoda importer and other New Zealand-based companies, it is distinguished as the first vehicle fully designed and manufactured in New Zealand. Technical kits from Mladá Boleslav, comprising engines and transmissions among other components, were shipped to New Zealand for assembly. By 1972, the Ōtāhuhu factory had produced nearly 3,000 units of the Trekka.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

One week ahead of its world premiere, Škoda Auto has released exterior sketches of the new-generation Škoda Kodiaq, revealing a powerful and emotive design. Among the highlights are a sculptural front end, distinctive squared-off wheel arches, wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches, a solid rear bumper, and second-generation TOP LED Matrix headlights featuring crystalline design elements.

“The all-new Kodiaq is both modern and dynamic, with a strikingly distinctive look. In line with the ‘form follows function’ principle, we have incorporated the first elements of our future Modern Solid design language. The design not only emphasises practicality but also enhances the aerodynamics with its dynamic shape.”

Oliver Stefani, Head of Škoda Design

The upcoming Kodiaq features a distinctive look with larger dimensions, promising even more interior space. It boasts a sculpted bonnet, squared-off wheel arches, and wheel options from 17 to 20 inches. Another visual highlight is the optional D-pillar trim in a unique Dark Chrome finish.

Second-generation TOP LED Matrix headlights are making their debut on the Kodiaq while at the rear, a distinctive wide C-shaped light signature extends towards the centre. Beneath this, a red bar connects the two rear lights, with a solid rear bumper enhancing the appearance. Centrally positioned on the tailgate, new Škoda lettering completes the powerful look.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The new generations of Škoda’s Superb and Kodiaq model series have successfully completed an intensive international test programme. The Czech carmaker put both models through their paces ahead of their upcoming world premieres. Over a period of two years, they covered more than a million kilometres. The test drives exposed the cars to temperatures of -30 °C north of the Arctic Circle as well as almost 50 °C in the Arizona desert. Moreover, Škoda Auto had them towing trailers on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road and tested various charging infrastructures for the variants with plug-in-hybrid drivetrains. With numerous additional endurance and material assessments on test rigs and in the laboratory, Škoda simulates 40 years of real-world vehicle use prior to the model’s launch.

“We live by the words of our founders Laurin and Klement from 1895: Only the best is good enough for our customers. For that reason, we push our cars to the limit, simulating and testing everything our customers might face during their journeys. Our vehicles complete well over a million kilometres in urban traffic, on country roads and on motorways within a few months – a distance an average customer would need 40 years to cover.”

Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development

“Before the start of series production, we assess all of the roughly 7,000 components. Our rigorous test programmes yield precise data on each part’s resilience, durability, and overall quality. From these extreme tests, we gain insights into factors like thermal endurance and even the durability of paints and finishes. We are committed to identifying and implementing any necessary adjustments.”

Florian Weymar, Head of Škoda Auto Quality Assurance

Extensive tests to examine all components of a new model generation
While the first virtual tests for a new model start roughly four years before its debut, real-world drives begin around two years after. These sessions thoroughly examine the vehicle’s overall quality and durability – from its chassis and body to its powertrain and electrical systems, ensuring performance even under the harshest conditions. In addition, many individual components and entire assemblies, such as the new DCC Pro system and the new TOP LED Matrix headlights, are tested on special test rigs and in the laboratory.

Confronting the extremes: Arctic cold to desert heat
Ahead of their upcoming world premieres, the new generations of the Superb and Kodiaq endured tests under the most severe weather conditions. The vehicles were exposed to temperatures as low as -30 °C north of the Arctic Circle as well as tests in the searing heat of Spain, Africa and the Arizona desert at temperatures of up to 50 °C. The assessments also revealed details on the thermal behaviour of the new plug-in-hybrid drivetrain.

Additional focus areas: towing and charging evaluations
On the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in the Austrian Alps, the all-new Superb and Kodiaq successfully proved their worth as towing vehicles. These mountain road tests, with inclines reaching 13%, offered valuable insights into brake efficiency and thermal regulation. As both models series will be also available as PHEV versions with an electric range of over 100 kilometres, Škoda took the initiative to also assess varied charging options and infrastructure.

Having successfully completed the intense testing programme, both model series are now ready for their world premieres in the coming weeks. The new vehicle generations round off the upper end of Škoda’s comprehensive product portfolio that caters the diverse preferences its global customers.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

More Articles...

Skoda Blog