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The Škoda Sport, built on the reliable ‘Tudor’ platform, took part in the renowned 24-hour Le Mans race in 1950. This year, the meticulously restored original model is returning to the famous circuit at the vintage Le Mans Classic 2023, where the ‘Pancake’ – a nickname inspired by its low, aluminium body – will once again bear its original starting number 44.

24-hour Le Mans 1950: Impressive performance from the ‘Pancake’
In September 1949, the two-seater Škoda Sport made its grand debut at the Czechoslovak Grand Prix in Brno. It combined the proven technology of the ‘Tudor’ with a sleek, all-aluminium, pontoon-shaped body, earning it the affectionate nickname ‘Pancake’. Powered by a four-cylinder 1089 cm³ engine, this unique racer produced 42 hp (31 kW) at 5100 rpm, leading it to success in the up-to-1100 cm³ class.

To boost Škoda’s standing in the French and Benelux markets, where the ‘Tudor’ was already very popular, the brand decided to enter the 18^th staging of the famed endurance race, the 24-hour Le Mans in 1950. To comply with the 24-hour race regulations, the ‘Pancake’ was fine-tuned; additional headlights were added for night stages, and openings were incorporated into the front grille to enhance drum brake cooling. Even with a wheelbase extended to 2150 mm for enhanced stability, the vehicle’s weight, complete with tools and spare parts, never exceeded 700 kg. The performance of the water-cooled four-cylinder 1089 cm³ engine, originally 32 hp (23.5 kW) at 4200 rpm, was boosted thanks to a higher compression ratio and a racing fuel mix of petrol, ethanol, and acetone, allowing it to reach up to 50 hp (37 kW) at 5200 rpm. Equipped with 15-inch Barum diagonal tyres, a PAL 12V electrical installation, and other components, the Škoda Sport achieved speeds of up to 140 km/h. Its low fuel consumption of around 12 litres per 100 km was a major advantage, minimising time spent refuelling during the race.

Factory crew Václav Bobek and Jaroslav Netušil embarked on the traditional Circuit de la Sarthe on 24 June 1950. Racing in the under-1100 cm³ category, they claimed 2^nd position and climbed their way up to 5^th place overall based on the performance coefficient. However, after 13 of the 24 hours, their hope for a spectacular finish was dashed by a trivial technical failure: a cracked piston pin circlip. Little did anyone know that this would be the last start for a Czech car with a Czech crew in the 24-hour Le Mans for many years. The tense political climate of the ‘Cold War’ thwarted plans to deploy a pair of modernised Škoda Sports in the 1951 race.

Le Mans Classic 2023: Up to 7000 rpm
The Škoda Sport is making a comeback to the Circuit de la Sarthe for the vintage race, Le Mans Classic, first held in the summer of 2002. Only models that competed in the original 24-hour race are eligible. This event includes a series of races featuring models from 1923 to 1981, divided into six basic and several special categories. Each category is allotted 2 hours and 9 minutes, split into three 43-minute races. Halfway through each race, there is a pit stop for a driver change. The final race starts in the traditional ‘Le Mans’ style, with drivers running from a designated spot to their cars on the starter’s signal, before starting their engines and hitting the track.

The 2022 Le Mans Classic saw the debut of one of the two ‘Pancakes’ that had originally participated in the 24-hour Le Mans 1950. The meticulously restored car was manned by the team of Stanislav Kafka and Michal Velebný. The vehicle finished 47^th and ranked 43^rd out of 74 starting crews in its class based on a coefficient that takes power and engine capacity into account.

The Škoda Sport remains true to its original design, relying on original lever shock absorbers and worm steering. In brake testing, the four-cylinder engine clocked up to 7000 rpm. On Friday, 30 June 2023, the class 2 qualifying will begin at 14:00, featuring cars manufactured between 1949 and 1956. The Škoda Sport, manned by the Kafka/Velebný team, will once again bear its original starting number 44.

Host of festivities
The appeal of the Le Mans Classic vintage race is enhanced by the 100th-anniversary celebrations of the legendary 24-hour race. A grand display awaits spectators, with over 800 historic cars, representatives from all 17 inaugural brands, and a collection of nearly 90 cars – including 65 victorious models from past Le Mans races – marking the Le Mans Classic centenary.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the close collaboration between Škoda Auto as the official main partner and the Tour de France, the world’s most famous cycling race. Fans will see the Czech support cars along the route and on TV worldwide. The fleet of 209 vehicles is almost completely electrified; 207 cars have hybrid or all-electric drives. Race director Christian Prudhomme will be leading the peloton in an all-electric Enyaq for the third consecutive year.

“We’re delighted to be celebrating two decades of partnership with the prestigious Tour de France. We’ve created lots of exciting content for our We Love Cycling platform, and we’ll be giving fans the chance to win professional bicycles and original Green Jerseys autographed by the racers. At the same time, we’ll be showcasing our modern model portfolio, ideal for our active contemporary explorers and underscoring our commitment to a green electric future.”

Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing

209-Vehicle support fleet gears up for 21 stages and five mountain range crossings
The 110th Tour de France will start in the Basque city of Bilbao on 1 July. The competitors can look forward to 21 stages, taking them over all five French mountain ranges. To mark the 20th anniversary of the partnership, Škoda Auto has some surprises in store for the racers and spectators for the final stage, arriving on the Champs Élysées on 23 July. The details will be disclosed soon. As the official main partner, the Czech car manufacturer is providing the organisers of the Tour de France with 209 support vehicles, 207 of which have hybrid or all-electric drivetrains. The Race Director will head the peloton in the Red Car – a specially modified all-electric Enyaq Sportline iV: It has six aerials, a flag holder, a special horn, advertising banners, five radio circuits and a sunroof. VIP guests will be able to enjoy the action on the track in a Superb L&K. Additionally, Škoda Auto will be sponsoring the Green Jersey again, awarded to the race’s top sprinter. Trophies designed by Škoda will be presented to the overall and points classification winners.

Stories on social media and in the online magazine We Love Cycling
To mark the 20th anniversary of Škoda Auto’s partnership, cycling race fans around the world can delve into the history of the Tour de France and its evolution and can relive significant moments in the online magazine We Love Cycling. The magazine is also hosting a four-round competition, giving fans the chance to win professional bicycles and original Green Jerseys autographed by the racers. Additionally, Škoda Auto is collaborating with the British cyclist Cameron Jeffers. Enthusiasts can follow him on social media for an exclusive look behind-the-scenes.

Škoda Auto returns as the main partner of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift
Once the Škoda support vehicles have accompanied the Tour de France peloton to the finish line, the baton will be passed to the women competing in the second year of Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. From 23 to 30 July, they will cover 956 kilometres across eight stages. Having supported last year’s inaugural race, Škoda Auto is returning as the event’s main partner this year.

Supporting cycling takes Škoda Auto back to its roots
Besides the Tour de France, Škoda Auto also supports other significant cycling events like Vuelta a España and the amateur competition L’Etape. Škoda Auto is symbolically pedalling full circle in a fitting tribute to its founders, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, who started out manufacturing bicycles in 1895 and launched their first car a decade later.

Q&A with Christian Prudhomme, Director of the Tour de France

How important is the role of the lead car to ensure the race runs smoothly?
Each car has a vital role in the smooth running of the race. Whether it be a Director or a Commissaire car, everyone plays their role to ensure the safe running of the Tour de France for all the parties involved. Car number 1 is a sort of control tower that receives all the information of what is happening on the race route before the arrival of the riders.

How do you work with Škoda to adjust the cars to support you in the specific roles?
Škoda is an important partner and plays a key and obvious role in the organisation of the Tour de France due to the fact that it is an event where we are almost constantly on the move. We ensure to collect our feedback and share it with Škoda so they can best adapt (if needed) their vehicles for the very specific usage that we have on the Tour de France.

Q&A with Gilles Maignan, Driver of Race Direction Car Number 1

Background information: The Race Direction Car Number 1 is driven by two-time French time trial champion, Gilles Maignan. Maignan retired from the sport in 2001 and was asked by Christian Prudhomme to be his driver after he had previously driven him in a VIP car during Christian Prudhomme’s days working for French TV.

Professional cyclists are often recruited to drive inside the race as they know how to anticipate and react according to the movements of the cyclists and peloton.

What are the best car developments over the years that have benefited you?
The switch to automatic gearboxes has really simplified the driving from inside a cycling race, especially for uphill portions. Also, the dashboard on the Superb shows exactly how many kilometres you have driven to the first decimal, which is very important in a cycling race to know how far you are from the finish. We have recently switched to hybrid vehicles which allows me to be in electric mode between the Fictive Start and Real Start of each stage, which is appreciated by the riders who have to stay right behind me on this section.

How does it feel to lead the peloton?
It changes a bit from back when I was a rider. I have an important responsibility to lead out the best drivers in the biggest professional cycling race in the world and my job is to help Christian Prudhomme ensure a safe race for everyone, including the spectators.

How do the cars communicate with each other and how has it changed?
This is done through radio communication as it has proven to be the most effective and direct way to communicate, especially when you reach some very remote areas of France where telephone signal can be scarce.

Are there any speed limits that need to be adhered to?
Yes, we cannot go over 50 mph (80 km/h) except for the downhills if a rider is catching up to me. However, the main rule imposed by the UCI is that we cannot go over 12mph (20km/h) faster than the speed of riders.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The 9th edition Škoda Apprentice Car is called Škoda Roadiaq. The name underlines the adventurous spirit of modern explorers, in line with Škoda’s current “Let´s Explore” slogan. In this year’s project, 29 students of the Škoda Apprenticeship Centre in Mladá Boleslav are transforming a battery-electric Škoda Enyaq SUV into a multifunctional camper van and mobile-office vehicle packed with sustainable interior materials. The 9th Apprentice Car will therefore offer plenty of space and smart ideas for work and relaxation – along with all-wheel drive ready to take today’s digital nomads wherever they want to go.

“This project makes it possible for our students to apply their newly gained expertise in practice while systematically developing their skills. Moreover, the students dive deep into the entire process of designing and producing a new vehicle – from the first paper sketches to planning, organisation and the final assembly. Unique in terms of scope and sophistication, this annual project offers students a chance to come up with creative proposals and smart ideas.”

Martin Slabihoudek, Head of the Škoda Auto Vocational School

New roof design for plenty of space
The 29 students working on the 9th edition of the Apprentice Car project at the Škoda Auto Vocational School in Mladá Boleslav are transforming an all-electric Škoda Enyaq into a multifunctional mobile-office camper. Throughout the process, they are supported by their teachers and specialists from numerous Škoda departments such as Design, Technical Development, Production and IT, as well as by third-party camper van conversion specialists. The official presentation of the new Škoda Roadiaq is scheduled to take place in June 2023. The base vehicle’s length, width and wheelbase remain almost unchanged. However, with 1,966 millimetres, the Škoda Roadiaq is a full 35 centimetres taller than the standard Enyaq – this is mainly thanks to the new roof that is designed to offer plenty of space for work and relaxation. Solar cells generate additional energy for the vehicle’s living compartment, and the Roadiaq can also be connected to an external power supply at campsites or motorhome parks.

Sustainable interior materials and fully functional IT equipment
To be able to actually use the newly developed roof, the students had to completely redesign the tailgate, and this component now provides access to a small kitchen integrated into what used to be the luggage compartment. Moreover, the tailgate can be fitted with a tent to provide even more living space behind the vehicle. A permanent internet connection allows occupants to work and stream videos from anywhere. Besides its fully functional IT equipment, the Škoda Roadiaq also boasts an interior and seat covers made of sustainable materials.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Škoda Auto has launched a dedicated microsite compiling comprehensive information on the carmaker’s varied sustainability initiatives. The new hub will offer the latest insights into the company’s Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) topics and measures, fostering transparent dialogue and promoting engagement on these crucial subjects.

„Sustainability is an integral part of our strategy. We take our responsibility seriously to reduce the impact of our operations along the entire value chain. This includes continually scrutinising all aspects of how we do business to find new ways to achieve that goal. As a corporate citizen we aim to foster a constructive dialogue with all our stakeholders on key issues such as sustainability, so the more active the exchange with our stakeholders about our actions in this field, the better.“

Klaus Zellmer, Škoda Auto CEO

„At Škoda, we focus on creating the best for the planet, communities and our customers, along with our employees, partners and the complete supply chain. For us, sustainability is a journey: we have come a long way, but a big part is still ahead of us. That’s why it’s important for us to have a place where we can transparently communicate our progress and goals with all stakeholders.“

Karsten Schnake, Škoda Auto Board Member for Procurement

New sustainability-focused microsite
The new microsite provides comprehensive information on the development of sustainable products and processes. The hub encapsulates all three aspects of ESG: The environmental section outlines the measures the Czech automaker is implementing to minimise the impact of its business activities and to reduce its CO2 footprint. The social section highlights Škoda’s role within its community – aiming to lead by example and create value through community involvement both at its sites and beyond. Additionally, the microsite outlines the car manufacturer’s drive to be a strong and reliable long-term partner for employees, customers, dealers, and society. The new microsite is part of the Škoda Storyboard, the company’s communication platform for sharing information with the media and public.

Škoda Auto is implementing a holistic action plan to consistently decarbonise the company: The car manufacturer is accelerating the ramp-up of electromobility with six new all-electric models in the coming years. Yet the focus is also on sustainably producing and operating these vehicles, including supply chains. Škoda Auto is also committed to using recyclable materials in its cars and consistently recycling the high-voltage batteries from e-vehicles. Depending on market developments, the goal is to increase the share of all-electric models in the brand’s European sales to 70% by 2030. Moreover the company aims to reduce its fleet emissions by more than 50% compared to 2020.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

As one of the new Škoda models to debut this year, the second-generation Kodiaq is already in the starting blocks. As Škoda will continue to manufacture its successful SUV in Kvasiny, the Czech car manufacturer has already begun the comprehensive adaptation of the production line. The first pilot production vehicles are already being produced, while series production will commence next year.

“The preparations for the production of our upcoming second-generation Kodiaq are already in full swing. As is typical for Škoda, we are once again using existing infrastructure while cleverly integrating new technologies. However, comprehensively adapting and further future-proofing an assembly line that remains in operation is a highly demanding task both technically and logistically. At the same time, we have also successfully redistributed and optimised our model production and were thus able to free up additional capacity.”

Michael Oeljeklaus, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics

The new Kodiaq will also be available as a plug-in hybrid – preparations are already in full swing
As with its predecessor, the new model will be manufactured at the Kvasiny plant on the same production line as the Karoq, Superb and Superb iV. The new-generation Superb will start rolling off the production line in Bratislava in early 2024, thus freeing up capacity for some 150,000 additional units of the popular Kodiaq and Karoq SUVs annually.

The car manufacturer is investing around 12 million euros in converting the production line to also take account of future requirements, with the line already being prepared to produce the Kodiaq iV with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The investments involve the integration of existing technologies such as manipulators, chassis assembly and conveyors, and the modification of robots for window-glue application. Up to 410 second-generation Kodiaqs should then roll off the assembly line every day.

Kodiaq as a trailblazer for the Škoda SUV campaign
Škoda Auto will present the second generation of its largest SUV, the Kodiaq, this autumn, with the market launch set to follow in 2024. The model will be available with modern and efficient petrol and diesel engines and also, for the first time, as a plug-in and a mild hybrid. In terms of safety, technology and versatility, the car manufacturer is taking its largest SUV to a new level. The new Kodiaq will have all the prerequisites to build on its predecessor’s success story.

Since its global premiere on 1 September 2016, Škoda has produced over 800 000 Kodiaqs at its plants in the Czech Republic, Ukraine, China, India and – until early 2022 – also in Russia. The large SUV was the trailblazer for the Czech car manufacturer’s successful SUV campaign. Optionally available as a seven-seater and offering a spacious interior, the Kodiaq introduced Škoda’s fascinating crystalline design language to the segment. The large SUV has impressed both customers and journalists from international trade magazines – more than 40 international awards testify to its outstanding qualities and extraordinary popularity across global markets.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

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