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Skoda History

The origins of Škoda go back to the early 1890s where, like many long-established car manufacturers, the company started out with the manufacture of bicycles. It was 1894, and 26-year old Václav Klement, who was a bookseller by trade in Mladá Boleslav, in today's >Czech Republic (which was then part of Austria-Hungary) was unable to obtain the right spare parts to repair his German bicycle. Klement returned his bicycle to the manufacturers, Seidel and Naumann, with a letter, in Czech, asking for them to carry out repairs, only to receive a reply, in German, stating: "If you would like an answer to your inquiry, you should try writing in a language we can understand." A disgusted Klement, despite not having any previous technical experience, then decided to start his own bicycle repair shop, which he and Václav Laurin opened in 1895 in Mladá Boleslav. Before going into business partnership with Klement, Laurin was an already established bicycle manufacturer from the nearby town of Turnov. In 1898, after moving to their newly-built factory, the pair bought a Werner "motorcyclette", which was produced by French manufacturer Werner Brothers. Laurin & Klement's first motorcyclette (which was powered by an engine mounted on the handlebars driving the front wheels) proved dangerous and unreliable - an early incident on it cost Laurin a front tooth. In order to design a safer machine with its structure around the engine, the pair wrote to German ignition specialist Robert Bosch for advice on a different electromagnetic system. The pair's new Slavia motorcycle made its debut in 1899. By 1900, when the company now had a workforce of 32, exports for the Slavia started, with 150 machines being shipped to London for the English firm Hewtson. Shortly afterwards, the press of the day credited them with being makers of the first motorcycle.

The first model, Voiturette A, was a success and the company was established both within Austria-Hungary and internationally. By 1905 cars were being produced by the firm. During the First World War Škoda was engaged in war production.

After WWI it began producing trucks, but in 1924, after running into problems and being hit by a fire, the company sought a partner. As a result it merged with Škoda Works, the biggest industrial enterprise in Czechoslovakia. Most later production was under the Škoda name. After a decline during the economic depression, Škoda was again successful with models such as the Popular in the late 1930s.

During the World War II Occupation of Czechoslovakia, the Škoda works was turned into part of Hermann Göring Werke serving the GermanWorld War II effort.

By July 1945, when at this time the Mladá Boleslav factory had been reconstructed, production of Škoda's first post-WWII car, the 1101 series began. It was essentially an updated version of the pre-WWII Škoda Popular, which it was heavily based on. In the autumn of 1945, Škoda (along with all large manufacturers) became part of the economy, which meant it was separated from the parent Škoda company. In spite of unfavourable political conditions and losing contact with technical development in non communist countries, Škoda retained a good reputation until the 1960s, producing models such as the Škoda 440 Spartak, 445 Octavia, Felicia and Škoda 1000 MB. Škoda has always been known internationally for building very tough and reliable cars.[1]

In the late 1980s Škoda (then named Automobilové závody, národní podnik, Mladá Boleslav) was still manufacturing cars conceptually from the 1960s. Rear engined models such as the Škoda 105/120, Estelle and Rapid sold steadily and performed well against more modern makes in races such as the RAC Rally in the 70s and 80s. They won their class in the RAC rally for 17 years running. They were powered by a 130 bhp, 1289 cc engine. In spite of its dated image and being the subject of jokes, the Škoda remained a common sight on the roads of UK and Western Europe throughout the 1970s and 80s.

Sport versions were available for the Estelle and earlier models using "Rapid" as the version name. Soft top cabriolet versions were also available. The Rapid was once described as the 'poor man's Porsche' and had significant sales success in the UK during the 1980s.[2]

"Of course, that the Škoda became such a figure of fun was in part due to its ubiquity on Britain's roads. The company must have been doing something right." extract from BBC report on Škoda sales in 1980s

The turning point came in 1987 with the Favorit model. The Favorit's appearance was designed by Italian design company Bertone. With some motor technology licensed from western European companies, but still using the Škoda designed 1289 cc engine, Škoda engineers succeeded in designing a car comparable to western production. The technological gap was still there, but began closing rapidly. While still the target of jokes in the West, the Favorits were very popular in Czechoslovakia and other Eastern Bloc countries. They also sold fairly well in Western Europe, especially in the UK, being regarded as solid and reliable, as well as a good value. Their trim levels continued to improve and they were sold right up to the introduction of the Felicia in 1996.


Skoda India Models:

  Škoda Fabia

No small car can make you feel special the way Škoda Fabia does. The sleek looking Fabia is the first Super Hatch in India with its integrated passenger and cargo space designed with premium looks. It has all the comforts and roominess of a  big luxury car and at the same time it is so compact that you can drive it and park it with utmost ease in the most congested areas.

Škoda Laura

Choosing the right car for yourself that combines beauty with power and economy can take a very long time. Škoda Laura, acknowledged across continents for its stunning looks and advanced technology, has been created with just these needs in mind. The Laura has the looks and power to make you swoon. What’s clinching is that it is also an ideal family car.

Škoda Superb

Superb offers more than just enough space. The generously designed interior guarantees exceptional comfort to all travellers. You do not have to curve or hunch up your shoulders and you will be able to stretch out your legs comfortably. In addition you will find a lot of imaginative details inside. 

The car’s excellent handling as well as safety and reliability contribute to a remarkable experience behind the wheel. The Superb is ready to offer you lifestyle as well as a new look on life.

Škoda Octavia

The journey continues. The Octavia does not lack self-confidence and no wonder. Thanks to the extraordinary practicality of the car, it has become popular with customers throughout the world. And, thanks to its timeless design, it is winning even more...

A blend of elegance with practicality and quality - that are the characteristic elements of the Octavia design. Whether you look at the vehicle as whole or individual details, the Octavia makes an impression of spaciousness and reliability.