The Heart of the Brand

ŠKODA OCTAVIA THE HEART OF THE BRAND 2 THE HEART AND ENGINE OF THE BRAND 6 A CLASS OF ITS OWN 8 GLOBALLY SUCCESSFUL GENERATION 10 THE BRAND’S NEW PILLAR 12 ROADSHOW

OCTAVIA REJUVENATED THE HEART OF THE ŠKODA BRAND OCTAVIA has been the brand’s most successful model for a long time. In 2016, it was the seventh-best-selling vehicle in Europe overall, which was one spot better than in 2015. Its sibling from the Group, Volkswagen Golf, was placed first. It is also popular outside of Europe. In terms of worldwide sales of the lower middle class, OCTAVIA is the ninth-best-selling model.

5 REASONS WHY THE OCTAVIA IS SO POPULAR

MODEL PRODUCTION STARTS Production started at the Body Shop on Thursday, 2 February.

The first modernised ŠKODA OCTAVIA left the line in the main production plant in Mladá Boleslav on 8 February. The new OCTAVIA replaced the model that had been manufactured on the same lines and plants since 2012. The replacement took place in a record-short period of time during which production of the old model ceased and the new one began. The replacement did not cause any losses in manufactured cars from the planned production capacity of the OCTAVIA model.

5 000 000 +

OCTAVIA IS THE 20-YEAR-OLD BESTSELLER OF THE ŠKODA BRAND. SINCE THE MODEL’S LAUNCH ON THE MARKET IN 1996, THE CZECH CAR COMPANY HAS MANUFACTURED MORE THAN 5 MILLION ŠKODA OCTAVIA CARS ACROSS THREE GENERATIONS.

OCTAVIA is labelled as the heart of our brand. Even for me, this car is a matter of the heart.

As project coordinator in the Product Management Department, I have taken part in both the second and third generations of the car.

OCTAVIA has been a very successful and popular car since its first generation, which is more than 20 years. Every generation of the car has always drawn attention thanks to an elegant, timeless design and a practical, spacious interior. Now it comes with a facelift that raises passionate emotions and discussions. The reason is the optical separation of the headlamps, which has significantly changed the face of the car; and like with every novelty, even this one has its fans and critics, but I like the new OCTAVIA very much.

LENKA KERDOVÁ G1X – PL PROJECT AND PROC ESS MANAGEMENT – SMALL

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TIMELESS DESIGN

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LEVEL OF EQUIPMENT

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EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY

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GENEROUS SPACE

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PRACTICAL CAR FULL OF SMART SOLUTIONS

AVAILABLE FOR ORDER The modernised ŠKODA OCTAVIA is the heart and engine of the ŠKODA brand, the embodiment of its strengths and the basic element of its success. This representative of the compact car class offers one of the biggest interiors within the segment and brings the equipment and technologies of mid-size cars. It has a distinctive design, quality at the highest level, and to top it all off, it brings unique value for money. The OCTAVIA model has been available for order on the domestic market since late November 2016 and the ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT and OCTAVIA RS since 10 January 2017.

The new OCTAVIA is wider, more confident and better-made. It has its own identity and indicates a new radical beginning that looks good.

AUTOBILD 2017

WHO BUYS THE ŠKODA OCTAVIA The brand’s bestseller is popular mainly among men who are middleaged or older, have a higher education and are from Western Europe. You can often find older men behind the wheel of an OCTAVIA; they value the car’s reliability and longevity. Then there are conservative managers who expect the car to make their lives easier. And ultimately, it is the heads of families who want a stylish and practical car.

WHAT SURVEYS SAY The OCTAVIA COMBI wins in the surveys of attractiveness among current and potential customers who want to buy an estate in the same class. Over a long period of time, the OCTAVIA COMBI has ranked among the top five in its class in overall satisfaction with the purchased model. It is currently going for the top spot.

HOW THE OCTAVIA SOLD IN 2016 LIMOUSINE

ESTATE

NUMBER OF SOLD CARS

89 561

173 321

COUNTRIES WITH THE HIGHEST SALES

12 782 TURKEY

50 397 GERMANY

COUNTRIES WITH THE LARGEST MARKET SHARES

6,5 % BOSNIA

6,9 %

CZECH REPUBLIC

THE STRONGEST ENGINE

The Road to OCTAVIA platform is designed for importers and partners of the ŠKODA brand, and its form is based on the Road to KODIAQ project, which is already operational.

It contains detailed information about the facelift of the OCTAVIA model and explains new topics regarding connectivity, assistance systems and equipment in the remade car. It is available online to individual dealers and provides them with tools to gain new business opportunities.

JOSEF NASTOUPIL VBQ – INTERNATIONAL SALES TRAINING & QUALITY IN SALES

Along with the thirdgeneration facelift, the RS version has the strongest engine to date: 2.0 TSI with 180 kW (245 k). Its output is 11 kW (15 k) higher than the RS 230, which had previously been the strongest. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h; the liftback accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 s, the estate in 6.7 s. The aggregate reaches a maximum torque of 370 Nm in the revolution range from 1,600 to 4,300/min.

The customer can choose between the six-speed manual transmission and the new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Part of the standard equipment is the ESC stability programme with sport mode and – exclusively for the RS 245 version – the electro-hydraulically regulated VAQ limited-slip differential. It reduces the slip on one of the front wheels and optimises the transmission of drive torque to the road.

RS INTOXICATED WITH SPEED The fastest series model OCTAVIA RS has also lived to see its modernisation. Both the liftback and the estate will attract with their more distinctive designs. The headlamps, fog lights and rear lights are equipped with LED technology.

Details such as the black front grille, distinctive air inlets, spoilers and large exhaust tailpipes emphasise the car’s dynamic character. The power output of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 2.0 TSI increased to 169 kW (230 k) with a maximum speed of 250 km/h. The car with the 2.0 TDI 135 kW (184 k) engine is excellent at being economical – on average, it consumes only 4.5 litres of diesel per 100 km (119 g CO2/km). The RS models are equipped with the six-speed manual transmission or the six-speed DSG transmission. The body is lower by 15 mm thanks to its sport chassis, and the rear track is 30 mm wider than before. The wheel size ranges from 17" to 19".

SCOUT A UNIVERSAL ADVENTURER The significantly remade OCTAVIA SCOUT has the same front as the newest generation OCTAVIA. Furthermore, the RoughRoad package is part of the standard equipment with plastic covering for the undercarriage, including the brake and fuel lines. Besides the increased ground clearance, the joy of driving off-road is also ensured with the serial all-wheel drive and the electronically regulated lamellar clutch. When driving off-road, the larger ramp angles will show their benefits with the departure angle of 16.6 and the approach angle of 14.5.

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OCTAVIA IN 2017 SHOWING OFF The reworked OCTAVIA has a more distinctive design, new equipment features and the latest assistance systems, infotainment and connectivity technology.

The new front with the wide grille is followed by headlamps with a crystalline design. The redesigned bumper has received a wider vent for air intake with honeycomb-structure panelling.

Full LED headlamps are available on request.

CONNECTIVITY AND INFOTAINMENT ŠKODA Connect offers a wide range of new mobile services divided into two categories: Infotainment Online offers information and entertainment, and Care Connect offers assistance services and support. For the first time, Remote Access – a service that will enable the driver not to lose sight of the car, no matter where they are – will also be available.

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The dashboard and A/C control have been slightly modified.

The new display screens respond to a light touch.

Apart from the standard Swing system, all versions on request have a glass design. Columbus, the top navigation infotainment system, comes with a display of 9.2”, a Wi-Fi hotspot and an LTE module for high-speed data transfer.

ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS You can choose from a wide range of assistants. Trailer Assist, Predictive Pedestrian Protection, Blind Spot Detect and Rear Traffic Alert are newly on offer. The same applies to Crew Protect Assist, which cooperates with the Front Assist system, equipped with City Emergency Braking. Parking Assistant presents itself at a new development stage. A brand-new feature is Trailer Assist: With a revolving switch for interior rearview mirror control, the driver can set the angle for reversing with a trailer. Then it is only about opening the throttle gently, and the system automatically turns the steering wheel into the appropriate position. By contrast, Manoeuvre Assist can help when reversing without a trailer. Manoeuvre Assist automatically brakes the vehicle as soon as it has recognised an obstacle behind the car.

Discreet light bars in the doors (on request) provide ambient lighting, which can be adjusted in 10 colours.

The crew can charge their smart phones via wireless connection, with Phonebox induction available.

The customer can choose between two options of rear lights with the LED technology. The C-shaped rear light now shines in equal measure across the entire surface.

The OCTAVIA has grown by several millimetres in length, and the rear track has increased by 20 or 30 mm (depending on the engine and the rear axle).

FEATURED INNOVATIONS SIMPLY CLEVER

Folding tables on the backs of the front seats

Two USB connectors for passengers in the rear

Removable LED flashlight in the boot of the OCTAVIA COMBI

New bottle holder enables opening a bottle with one hand

Heated steering wheel rim

PET bottle holder and at the same time a place for a removable waste bin

SPACE Both the liftback and the estate offer an interior 1,782 mm long with 73 mm of knee space in the rear. The luggage compartment has a volume of 590 or 610 l, with folded back seats 1,580 or 1,740 l.

The estate model is available with an electrically controlled fifth door upon request.

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MANUFACTURED CARS

OF THE THIRD GENERATION A CLASS OF ITS OWN The third-generation ŠKODA OCTAVIA, which premiered on 11 December 2012 at the ŠKODA Museum in Mladá Boleslav, set benchmarks for competing cars. It was available in two body styles with three drive types (petrol, diesel and CNG), as well as the RS sports model.

AWARDS

FIVE-STAR SAFETY In 2013, the third-generation OCTAVIA was awarded the best possible rating of five stars for its top-class safety in the Euro NCAP crash dummy test. Since then, ŠKODA cars have regularly received five stars every year.

SIMPLY CLEVER Smart solutions are the hallmark of all contemporary ŠKODA cars. Other innovations in the third model version include a reversible boot mat with one side made of textile and the other one rubberised, the so-called Cargo elements to fasten a load, and a mobile phone holder in the centre console.

2016 MARCH The millionth OCTAVIA car of the third generation is manufactured

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2015 25 SEPTEMBER ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS 4x4 is available for order

USEFUL ASSISTANTS This generation was the first ŠKODA vehicle to be equipped with a multi-collision brake, which, in case of an accident, can automatically stop the car even if the driver cannot step on the brake pedal. Another useful assistant that premiered in the third generation was the Front Assist system, which monitors the space in front of the vehicle. When an emergency occurs, Front Assist activates the braking system to mitigate the consequences of a possible accident.

2014 15 DECEMBER The 500,000th ŠKODA OCTAVIA of the third generation is manufactured

NOVEMBER The sales of this model on the Chinese market increase by 112.4 percent

ADDITIONAL SPACE OCTAVIA has always offered its customers a record volume of luggage compartment within its class. The third generation of the estate version, which premiered at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013, offered a record-breaking boot volume of 610 l, and after folding the back seats even 1,740 l.

21 JULY The first ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUTs leave the production plant in Mladá Boleslav

MID-YEAR ŠKODA OCTAVIA is launched on the Chinese market

RECORD-BREAKING TRIUMPH Since the third-generation ŠKODA OCTAVIA was launched in early 2013, it has received over 50 national and international car awards. The most prestigious awards can be found in the Best Cars surveys of the magazine Auto Motor und Sport, the Car of the Year of the magazine What Car?, Fleet News Awards and many others.

20 APRIL The third-generation ŠKODA OCTAVIA premieres at Auto China 2014

20 JANUARY OCTAVIA is the Car of the Year in the Czech Republic

VIPS BEHIND THE WHEEL ŠKODA cars have been used by an array of ministries, politicians and ambassadors – not only in the Czech Republic but abroad as well. You may have seen many celebrities (athletes, in particular) behind the OCTAVIA’s steering wheel.

One of the most visible partnerships between ŠKODA AUTO and the world of sport is the Tour de France (in which many teams use these cars), the Ice Hockey World Championship (the cars are used by members of the organising committee) or the partnership with the Czech Olympic Committee, thanks to which Olympic medallists Lucie Hradecká, Ondřej Synek and Zuzana Hejnová drive the OCTAVIA cars.

CZECH POLICE ŠKODA cars have been an important part of the car fleet of the Police of the Czech Republic since 1993.

OCTAVIA is the most represented model, which the Czech police use in several hundred cars. Last time, the police received 35 OCTAVIA 1.8 TSI/132 kW cars in combination with all-wheel drive and DSG dual-clutch transmission.

OCTAVIA is used by the police in many other European countries, e.g. in Slovakia, Russia, Belarus, Switzerland, Slovenia, Belgium, Lithuania and Great Britain.

Nižnij Novgorod Mladá Boleslav

Usť-Kamenogorsk

Solomonovo

TOWNS WITH ŠKODA OCTAVIA PRODUCTION PLANTS

Ning-po

Aurangábád

Since April 2012, I have been working on the OCTAVIA as the project manager in Product Marketing. My job is to define, based on various inputs (e.g. customers’ comments or market trends), the new OCTAVIA’s features and functions, as well as the optional extras or the kind of engines and transmissions it should have. I consider it the most important car from ŠKODA AUTO. I think it is mainly its versatility that lies behind the car’s success.

It can be a great car at a reasonable price, a sports car with 180 kW, as well as an off-roader with hardline performance. Of course, this is only possible thanks to the huge commitment and enthusiasm of all the people who have something to do with this model. Right now, I am personally very satisfied with the facelift, which is being launched on the market after three years of preparations. We have managed to prepare a wide range of innovations for it, which make it once again one of the best cars on the market in the segment. And the greatest success I consider in recent years is the fact that the OCTAVIA COMBI is the best-selling estate in Europe – and across all segments.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ON CNG

Besides the traditional GREENLINE versions, the OCTAVIA in 2014 was presented for the first time in the G-TEC version, which runs on natural gas. One tank of CNG was enough for 410 km, then petrol for an additional 920 km, so in total a record high of 1,330 kilometres without stopping at a petrol station.

JIŘÍ SOJÁK VMP-3 – PRODUCT MARKETING – A, B

40 %

IN 2016 ALONE, THIS MODEL REPRESENTED 40 PERCENT OF ŠKODA’S TOTAL SALES WITH 436,000 CARS SOLD WORLDWIDE. ALMOST 255,000 CARS FOUND THEIR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE, WHICH IS 4.2 PERCENT MORE THAN IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

OCTAVIA is this year’s No. 1 event for both Czech drivers and those who are not very interested in cars.

NEW DIRECTION OF INFOTAINMENT OCTAVIA was one of the first ŠKODA cars to set a new direction in infotainment, which includes radio, navigation and the connection of mobile devices. The third generation of the car is equipped with a mobile-phone Bluetooth connection, innovative solutions for connecting the car with a smart phone or tablet, using the SmartLink and SmartGate functions, controlling mobile phone functions right from the central display or the socalled Phonebox, a storage compartment for a mobile phone in the centre console.

MLADÁ FRONTA DNES 2013

2013 26 AUGUST The prominent 4 millionth car (since 1996), shaded Race Blue, leaves the production line in Mladá Boleslav

9 AUGUST The newest generation of ŠKODA’s bestseller leaves the line in Aurangabad, India

11 JULY The RS version premieres at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

4 JULY Car production of the third generation starts in Ukraine and Kazakhstan

6 MARCH The ŠKODA OCTAVIA receives five stars in the Euro NCAP test

5 MARCH Combi premieres at the Geneva Motor Show

2012 11 DECEMBER Presentation of the third-generation ŠKODA OCTAVIA, designed by Jozef Kabaň

NOVEMBER Start of production in Mladá Boleslav, the second generation is simultaneously manufactured under the name ŠKODA OCTAVIA TOUR II 7

SECOND GENERATION EVOLUTION WITH GLOBAL SUCCESS This generation’s ŠKODA OCTAVIA managed to follow up on the success of its predecessor. Having made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 2004, the model continued production up until 2013.

2 500 000 A GLOBAL BRAND ŠKODA AUTO currently sells its cars in more than 100 markets around the world. The jubilee market no. 100 was Australia in 2007, as the brand’s sale on the fifth continent opened with the ROOMSTER and OCTAVIA.

OCTAVIA is not just big but also dependable and good to drive.

THE FIRST SCOUT The OCTAVIA SCOUT became another attractive version of the model. Intended for people who enjoy spending their free time actively, the Scout was launched at the Paris Motor Show in the autumn of 2006. Similarly to the 4x4, the hot news brought four-wheel drive as a standard, ground clearance higher by 16 mm and bottom parts of the car protected by plastic covers.

2011 DECEMBER 1.5 millionth OCTAVIA of the second generation – a white GREENLINE ESTATE – is produced

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MANUFACTURED CARS

AWARDS

WHAT CAR? 2004

After the FABIA and the FABIA ESTATE, the secondgeneration OCTAVIA became the third ŠKODA to receive the Car of the Year award in the Czech Republic in 2005.

The model picked up the same prize in national surveys in Bulgaria and Finland, too.

ŠKODA OCTAVIA PRESENTS AN ESTATE FOR THE SMART ONES.

CAR OF THE YEAR

FIRST WITH A DSG GEARBOX This generation of the model was the first to be offered with the DSG automatic gearbox. At first, the double-clutch transmission was customisable with 1.9 TDI and 2.0 TDI engines. At the time, all DSGs were supplied, while today its version DQ 200 is produced in Vrchlabí for ŠKODA, as well as other VW brands.

AUGUST The very first OCTAVIA GREEN E LINE rolls down the assembly line

2010 FEBRUARY 2.5 millionth ŠKODA OCTAVIA is produced

2009 APRIL ŠKODA AUTO makes its 12 millionth car since 1905

AUTO ZEITUNG 2005

JUNE Production starts in Kaluga, Russia

2008 OCTOBER Facelift of the second generation is introduced at the Paris Motor Show

INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION

ŠKODA OCTAVIA was the first model I worked on after starting out at the ŠKODA AUTO Paint Shop 21 years ago. It was this model that demonstrated the great progress in the technologies used, as manual painting was replaced with a robotic one. I was there for the birth as well as the phasing out of the various generations of the model.

Coincidentally, it was also my first company car.

All in all, it is a model that has been following me throughout my whole career.

JIŘÍ DRBOUT PS – HEAD OF BRAND MANAGEMENT

The second generation of the OCTAVIA took production beyond Czech borders for the first time. In November 2005, the LAURA model started production in Aurangabad, India. From 2006, the OCTAVIA MING RUI was produced in Shanghai. Two years later, the model started rolling off the assembly line in Bratislava, too, and a year later, production began in the Russian city of Kaluga.

Today, alongside Mladá Boleslav, the car is produced in China, India, Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. This year will see the completion of a production shop for the OCTAVIA in Algeria.

AT HOME IN SLOVAKIA For some time, the OCTAVIA was produced in the Bratislava plant in Slovakia, where the CITIGO is manufactured today.

Production was discontinued in May 2010 after a total of 46,944 cars had left the factory.

OCTAVIA ON THE ROAD The OCTAVIA SCOUT underwent one of the most extreme and often-cited tests in the summer of 2007. Ten three-member crews drove the cars from Moscow across Russia to Vladivostok. The cars completed the 10,000-km stretch over Siberia and on the motorways of the Far East with only a few punctured tyres, without even the smallest technical issue.

1,6 mil.

BETWEEN 2004 AND 2013, A TOTAL OF 1.6 MILLION HATCHBACK AND 900,000 ESTATE BODIES OF THE SECOND-GENERATION ŠKODA OCTAVIA WERE PRODUCED. THE CARS WERE ALSO AVAILABLE WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART DIRECT INJECTION ENGINES OR A DSQ AUTOMATIC GEARBOX.

I have been working at the OCTAVIA Assembly as an HR specialist since 2001.

I saw not only the model innovations but also the M13 hall being expanded. With the launch of each new generation, there has always been a higher demand for the staff, and together with my colleague we would process tens of new hires in one month. Along with that, the total number of employees that we take care of was increasing as well. During my work in this shop, I was lucky enough to meet many VIPs not only from ŠKODA AUTO and the VW Group but also from public life. I like to recall the visits from actor Ondřej Vetchý and presidents Václav Klaus and Miloš Zeman.

LENKA STARÁ SBP/1 – PERSONNEL CARE – CAR PRODUCTION MB I 8

MARCH A silver SCOUT 2.0 TDI produced in Vrchlabí becomes car number ’2,000,000’

ELECTRIC FUTURE In 2010, ŠKODA AUTO launched the brand’s first non-petrol/non-diesel concept at the Paris Motor Show. The electrified OCTAVIA was called the GREEN E LINE. A number of the carmaker’s employees took part in the testing.

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ECO-FRIENDLY ATTITUDE In 2009, the market saw the launch of the OCTAVIA GREENLINE with reduced consumption. Among other things, the model’s equipment included the start-stop system and low rolling resistance tyres. The hatch version boasted a then-amazing consumption of merely 3.8 l/100 km.

IN THE SUMMER OF 2005, AS MANY AS 32 PEOPLE MANAGED TO CRAM INTO AN OCTAVIA ESTATE. THE RECORD WAS ACHIEVED ON SVOBODA SQUARE IN BRNO ON THE OCCASION OF THE CELEBRATIONS MARKING THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. HOCKEY PLAYERS FROM THE GEPARDS TEAM, ALONG WITH THEIR GIRLFRIENDS, SUCCESSFULLY GOT INTO THE CAR IN LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES.

2007 JUNE Start of production and sale of the second-generation OCTAVIA in China

2006 SEPTEMBER Premiere of the OCTAVIA SCOUT

JULY A 2.0 TDI OCTAVIA ESTATE, Elegance trim, is the 10 millionth car produced since 1905

2005 NOVEMBER A 1.6 MPI OCTAVIA Ambiente is the jubilee 5 millionth ŠKODA since 1991

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2004 MARCH The second-generation OCTAVIA is launched at the Geneva Motor Show; the first generation is now produced under the name ’ŠKODA OCTAVIA TOUR’ 9

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MANUFACTURED CARS

FIRST GENERATION THE BRAND’S NEW PILLAR

This OCTAVIA holds a unique position in the history of the ŠKODA brand as the most successful model to succeed in the tough global market. At the same time, the model started the trend of the PQ34 all-group platform design.

FUTURE IN NEW DIMENSIONS Representatives of importers from 57 countries came to the first large-scale dealer conference with the motto “ŠKODA is future in new dimensions”, organised at the ŠKODA Museum in 1996. The participants were welcomed

by Detlef Wittig, then the Board Member for Sales and Marketing and later the CEO, in the newly built Laurin & Klement auditorium. The OCTAVIA made its public debut on Old Town Square at the ‘Dálnice do nebe’ (‘Motorway to heaven’) event.

NEW PRODUCTION SHOP OPENED BY VÁCLAV HAVEL A brand-new model required a brand-new production site. On 14 February 1995, the foundation stone was laid by the former President Václav Havel, who would later also attend the gala opening ceremony on 3 September 1996. The selection procedure for the architectural design was won by Günter Henn’s studio based in Munich. The concept features car bodies running on a conveyor belt on which modules that were previously completed outside of the line (incl. doors, wheels, seats and engines) are assembled. The system brought higher efficiency and cost effectiveness. As a result, assembly of one car does not take hours but only tens of minutes.

2010 10 NOVEMBER Production of the first generation (known as ŠKODA OCTAVIA TOUR since 2004) comes to an end

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2004 17 FEBRUARY One-millionth ŠKODA OCTAVIA is produced

EXTRAORDINARY SAFETY Front airbags had already been included in the FELICIA, but the OCTAVIA was the first ŠKODA to be equipped with side airbags, which at the time were available in high-end cars. The electronic stabilisation system (ESP) was assembled for the first time in this ŠKODA car. With all generations of the OCTAVIA, safety is always the centre of attention. In September 1996, the car manufacturer opened its own special crash test laboratory in Úhelnice near Mladá Boleslav. The OCTAVIA was tested here on 21 October 1996.

2001 JANUARY OCTAVIA RS officially starts production

MARCH Facelift of the first-generation ŠKODA OCTAVIA makes its debut

In 1996, I was working in the Marketing department, taking part in the preparations and organisation of the big importers conference hosted by the ŠKODA Museum. In the conference programme, as well as the global advertising campaign, we were trying to bring together the launch of the OCTAVIA, construction of the M13 operation shop and the new museum space. In hindsight, the way we went about it back then may sound a little funny.

There was no Internet, no e-mail, and a mobile phone was still a rare thing.

Everything was sorted out on paper and via phone, fax and personal contact.

Only inviting the importers from all over the world to the event involved writing every single invitation with the necessary details, RSVP form, printing it and signing it separately. We had to send them individually by fax, i.e. dial the number and hope the line would not be engaged, so that the invitation could be sent as fast as possible and sending was confirmed. Importers would confirm their participation in the same way.

Some of those who were invited asked to be accommodated somewhere else or to come with their own plane directly to Boleslav. We stayed at work till nighttime. However, we all approached the task with immense excitement, effort, pride and great responsibility.

IRENA HOZÁKOVÁ GKM – ŠKODA MUSEUM

1999 MAY Receives a new 1.4MPI/44kW driving unit

MARCH Product range expanded with the OCTAVIA 4x4

AN ESTATE FROM GENEVA

ŠKODA OCTAVIA has always been a significant model. It was the very first car designed on the Group platform. It was the first car to establish the compact car segment in the Czech Republic, where predominantly small cars had been used until then. In a number of respects, the OCTAVIA had many firsts for ŠKODA AUTO, starting with cooled brake discs, to the first ESP in the Group, assembly of turbo-charged diesel engines, automatic gear-box, five-valve Audi engine, the first 4x4 and the front passenger airbag. The list could go on.

Sadly, in our minds, this OCTAVIA is also connected to the death of our first Chairman of the Board Ludvík Kalma, whose fatal accident on 24 November 1996 probably made him the first driver to have died in this car. However, thanks to VW technology and an exceptional concept, the model meant a great leap forward for the brand.

Dr. MARTIN HRDLIČKA EP – HEAD OF CHASSIS AND ENGINE DEVELOPMENT

Similar to the original OCTAVIA, whose estate version was created at the beginning of the 1960s, its modern-day successor received this version at the Geneva Motor Show in 1998. An interesting fact: The estate was available for 520,900 CZK then, while the current facelifted third generation is on sale from 437,900 CZK.

SPORT AND OFF-ROAD The OCTAVIA was also a breakthrough model for the ŠKODA brand because it was the first product range expanded by two special versions. Firstly, the OCTAVIA ESTATE 4x4 started production in 1999, with the liftback being added in 2001.

Secondly, 2001 also saw the premiere of the OCTAVIA RS, which is intended for more sporty drivers and has been the fastest ŠKODA model ever since.

LONG-LASTING POPULARITY The first-generation OCTAVIA’s popularity is evident from the fact that it remained in the production programme even after its successor was phased in. Between 2004 and November 2010, it was produced as the OCTAVIA TOUR at the Vrchlabí plant, among others.

AWARDS

DESIGN AWARDS

PQ34 PLATFORM The model was the first one to be designed on a Group platform. Since then, the basic design of the chassis has been identical for all Group cars in the segment, which has brought about major savings, as well as the possibility to create cars of several brands not only in the same plant but also on the same production line.

JANUARY First start of the OCTAVIA WRC at the Monte Carlo Rally

ŠKODA AUTO chief designer Dirk Van Braeckel was presented with the National design award on 25 March 1999. An international panel awarded the ŠKODA OCTAVIA ESTATE with the highest recognition in the Dobrý design 99 competition. According to van Braeckel, this was only the second design prize ever to be bestowed upon a car from Mladá Boleslav.

1998 FEBRUARY The OCTAVIA ESTATE is launched on the market

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HOURS IN THE CAR IN 1999, GOING ON TO WIN A NEW OCTAVIA ESTATE IN A COMPETITION.

I have been professionally connected with the OCTAVIA since my very start at ŠKODA AUTO, i.e. 21 August 1995, when I joined the Assembly planning department. At the time, a new production shop exclusively for this model was under construction, and I was assigned my work tasks there. At the time, the planned production volume was 300 cars a day.

None of us believed that it would become the pivotal product of our brand. Let us not forget that we were all used to the FAVORIT or the FELICIA, while the OCTAVIA represented a major advancement in terms of technology, comfort and utility features. Gradually, production capacities were raised. The first generation ended up with a daily production capacity of a little over 500 cars. The second generation had not even been phased in when the planned capacity was increased from 550 to more than 600 cars per day, increasing to over 800 units before the phasing out. In 2011 and 2012, the production shop was greatly expanded to accommodate a daily capacity of over 1,200 units, of which roughly 1,000 are OCTAVIAs. These figures prove how enormous the success of this great car has been, and I am truly happy I could witness the start of its production, making my contribution to all the roll-outs and capacity expansions.

JAN BABÁK PPF-M – ASSEMBLY AND CONVEYOR PLANNING

1996 SEPTEMBER Gala opening of the new production shop constructed for the OCTAVIA model in Mladá Boleslav

What was the result of our comparison of the OCTAVIA and Mercedes-Benz C-Class? Most importantly, let us answer the question of whether a car that is double the price is double the quality. Not at all.

What is more, comparing numerous utility features, the OCTAVIA is even one step further.

THE ONLY THING THAT IS OBSOLETE IS THE PRICE. BILD-ZEITUNG 1996

ALLES AUTO 1997

TRADITION IS BINDING The name OCTAVIA has had a long tradition in ŠKODA’s history, even more than 20 years. The first car bearing this name was manufactured already in 1959 as a successor to the Spartak. At the time, all ŠKODA cars were given a new front axle, in which leak-springs were replaced with suspension coil springs with telescopic shock absorbers – an innovation so significant that it made the former management of the automobile company abandon the numerical labels used for each new model.

Consequently, the ŠKODA 440 became the OCTAVIA. Produced in Mladá Boleslav and Kvasiny until 1971, the model found nearly 300,000 owners. Just like the names of other models, the OCTAVIA is from Latin (‘octo’ means ‘eight’), denoting that it was the carmaker’s eighth post-war model in the product range established by the ŠKODA POPULAR 420.

SEPTEMBER Prague premiere of the new car, which had been in development since as far back as 1992

APRIL Start of production in Mladá Boleslav

1995 FEBRUARY Foundation stone of the new production shop laid in Mladá Boleslav

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STORIES (NOT ONLY) ABOUT ŠKODAS AS TOLD BY ŠKODOVIANS

ŠKODA OCTAVIA WRC

AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, SOME OF YOU SENT US YOUR STORIES WITH A ŠKODA CAR. NOW WE ARE BRINGING YOU ONE OF THEM, IN WHICH THE OCTAVIA IS THE PROTAGONIST. OTHER STORIES ARE AVAILABLE ON THE EMPLOYEE PORTAL. A FULL-BLOODED CAR It must be 20 years ago. Our OCTAVIA, or the ‘first-generation OCTAVIA’, as we call it today, was a new and not very well-known car back then. Coincidentally, it was the very car that I took to go on a business trip to ŠKODA dealers in eastern Bohemia. The by-road around Čáslav had not been built yet, so I had to drive across the city. When entering it, the road was descending slightly, and its lowest section was crossed by the industrial railway sometimes used by the local SETUZA plant to transport loads between its production facilities located both on the right and the left of the road. Since I left Kolín, in my rear-view mirror I could see a Mercedes with four large beautiful headlamps in the car’s mask, and two men talking inside. After I arrived in Čáslav and was going downhill towards the railway crossing, a man in a uniform hat with a stop board suddenly appeared in the middle of the road and halted the traffic in both directions. A train was approaching the railway crossing. Mine was the third car in the line in front of it. A ŠKODA 120 stopped in front of me. Checking out the rear-view mirror, I could see the Mercedes heading towards me at full speed, with the two passengers inside probably still engaged in lively conversation. Apparently, they did not expect an obstacle formed by a line of cars. An impact was unavoidable.

The car’s dynamics moved my OCTAVIA forward into the ŠKODA 120, whose

registration plate fell off. After getting out of the car, there was havoc all around.

Broken glass was lying around on the road. Two of the four headlamps on the Mercedes were broken, the mask cracked, front fender dented and cracked. Some parts of the cooler were deformed. Having examined the rear of my OCTAVIA, I did not find anything that would suggest a Mercedes had just hit the car. Only the painted fender had a scratch that, with sufficient effort, one could make with a common paper clip. Not only myself, but also the men from the Mercedes and other accidental witnesses could not believe their eyes. How come the Mercedes was so damaged but the back of the OCTAVIA escaped almost unharmed?

The gentlemen from the Mercedes called the police, who drew up a protocol after investigating the cause of the accident.

In it, drivers of both cars had to make a statement regarding the expected damage. Going over all of the damaged parts on his car, the driver of the Mercedes said he estimated the damage at 80,000 to 90,000 CZK. “And what about you?” asked the policeman. “What is the estimated damage to your car?” “Also about 80 or 90… crowns”. Hearing what I just said, both the men from the Mercedes turned to me in disbelief, and I replied, “You know, gentlemen, next time you need to get yourself a full-blooded car.”

LUBOŠ HOLAN, VTK

OCTAVIA EXPERIENCE MODERNISED ŠKODA OCTAVIA MLADÁ BOLESLAV, VRCHLABÍ, KVASINY, 6TH–10TH MARCH 2017 6TH–10TH MARCH M15 E6 M13 ČESANA VRCHLABÍ KVASINY

#OCTAVIA2017

12

Monday 13–23 13–23

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 10–23 10–23 10–23 10–23 10–23 10–23 09–16 09–16 10–23 10–23

Friday

10–18 10–23

Not a bad car and certainly a valid and correct alternative in ŠKODA’s product range.

AUTO MOTOR A SPORT 1999 It is a car for motoring fans who are not racers but can take advantage of the possibilities given by traffic regulations in terms of maximum speed limit.

AUTOEXPERT 1999

The development of OCTAVIA’s racing sister began in 1997 after the decision that series-type derived four-by-fours could apply for the World Rally Car competition. Subsequently, ŠKODA OCTAVIA WRC specials first stood on the start in January 1999 at the Monte Carlo Rally with the Armin Schwarz / Manfred Hiemer and Pavel Sibera / Petr Gross crews. At home, the car took part in the 1999 Rally Bohemia, where Emil Triner scored. Biggest success of the first season came at the last world championship events. The new team formed by Bruno Thiry and Stéphane Prévot celebrated fourth place at the RAC Rally in Great Britain. The year 1999 was concluded with a win of the Schwarz/Hiemer crew at the Austrian Semperit Rally. In 2000, OCTAVIA WRC crews would rank around seventh and eighth place in competitions all around the world. The Catalan rally saw the first ŠKODA car to win a special stage of the world championship. The car manufacturer also dominated in domestic competitions. In 2000, Roman Kresta on OCTAVIA WRC became the absolute champion of the Czech championship. The biggest success was recorded by the Schwarz/Hiemer crew at the 2001 Safari Rally, who finished in third place. In the overall ranking, the ŠKODA Motorsport factory team occupied fifth place, repeating the same result one year later. The OCTAVIA WRC said goodbye to the most prestigious competition at the Cyprus Rally in 2003.

90

CROWNS WAS THE DAMAGE CAUSED. IT WAS 1,000 TIMES THIS AMOUNT FOR THE DRIVERS OF THE OTHER CAR.

ŠKODA OCTAVIA WRC (1999) ENGINE:

TURBO-CHARGED, FOUR-STROKE, FOUR-CYLINDER 2X 0HC

DISPLACEMENT: POWER OUTPUT:

1 999 CC GEAR-BOX: 221 KW MAX. SPEED:

6+R 210 KM/H