For the first time, the Škoda Auto flag limousine will be manufactured outside the Czech Republic. The next generation of superbos will be built near Bratislava from 2023 together with the new Volkswagen Passat. The carmaker confirmed this on Friday after refusing to comment on the move during the week. And also after the initial behind-the-scenes information aroused emotions.
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The relocation of production from Kvasin to Bratislava is criticized by the unions. “The Volkswagen Group stole the most profitable flagship from the Czech Republic,” said union leader Jaroslav Povšík. According to him, the board of directors of Škoda Auto fought little to maintain the production of the superb, and in his opinion also fears about the function. The company was not supported by the government either, said Povšík.
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In a new statement, the carmaker explains this step by fighting for a long time with the capacity of production lines and with growing delivery times. In addition, according to the new strategy of the Volkswagen Group, the Superb should be produced alongside the Volkswagen Passat anyway, and it is always advantageous for the carmaker to produce a car of its own brand than, for example, Volkswagen. It is the development of the next superb and passat that is in charge of Škoda within one project.
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“We welcome the decision regarding the occupancy planning of the group plants. At Škoda Auto, we will acquire additional capacities in the Czech Republic that are urgently needed for our growth plan. This will create the conditions for further expansion of our brand while maintaining high profitability, “explains the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Škoda Auto Thomas Schäfer.
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Škoda wants to use the freed capacity for models in the SUV category, for which the market share is constantly growing. We are mainly talking about karoq and kodiaq. It has also been speculated that the largest SUV brand will move its production elsewhere, but Škoda states that the production of the Kodiaq model will remain in Kvasiny.
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Fabia will also be a great van
Not only the SUV, however, is probably at stake here. Škoda states that thanks to the relocation of superb production, it also finds free capacity for the “next model”. According to a source from Novinek and ČTK, this is the Fabia station wagon model, which will arrive together with the new generation of Fabia.
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Škoda Fabia Combi Scoutline of the current generation.
Photo: Škoda
In today’s market, such a car will be a real anomaly. You can no longer buy traditional B-segment station wagons such as the Peugeot 207, Renault Clio or Seat Ibiza. They were replaced by popular small crossovers. Such is also on offer in Škoda. It will be interesting how the station wagon will perform compared to the kamiq.
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Missions in Russia and Africa
According to the group’s new strategy, Škoda will also take over other foreign “missions”. After India, the Czech brand will now also take responsibility for Russia and the North African region.
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“I consider it an important signal that the Škoda brand will take on even greater responsibility in the Volkswagen Group. In addition to the India region, we will also manage growth markets in Russia and the North African region in the future. The fact that the Group’s management has entrusted us with these tasks emphasizes the great confidence in the ability of Škoda Auto employees, ”says Schäfer.
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