This year, Škoda Auto is commemorating anniversaries at its Kvasiny and Vrchlabí plants: The Kvasiny site has been producing cars for 90 years and was integrated into Škoda’s production network in 1947. The history of the Vrchlabí plant spans 160 years, yet the first Škoda models did not roll off its production line until 1946. In 1945, both facilities were nationalised and incorporated as part of Škoda, then known as AZNP (Automobilové závody, národní podnik). In recent years, these plants have undergone a radical transformation, extensively incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies. At Kvasiny, Škoda currently produces the Karoq, Kodiaq, and Octavia series, while the Vrchlabí plant focuses on manufacturing DQ200 automatic direct-shift transmissions. Both sites play a crucial role in advancing the company’s sustainability strategy, having achieved significant milestones in recent years.
“The long-standing industrial tradition in Kvasiny and Vrchlabí reflects the skill and ingenuity of engineers who have been tackling challenging tasks for generations. This legacy influences these plants even today. Our workforce’s creativity has driven the successful transformation and development of these sites, securing their role as cornerstones of our international production network. I congratulate all colleagues on these milestones and thank the team for their dedication and effort.”
Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics
Kvasiny plant: from sports models to the Favorit
On the site of today’s Kvasiny plant, František Karel Janeček established a factory to produce bodies for small Jawa 700 cars from 1934 onwards. In 1945, Škoda took over the plant and iconic vehicles like the 1101 ‘Tudor’, Felicia Roadster, 110 R Coupé, Garde, and Rapid models rolled off the production line. In 1947, the Kvasiny plant began building the Superb OHV. Between 1959 and 1964, the Škoda Felicia was produced there, and from 1961 to 1971, the Kvasiny plant manufactured the Octavia Combi. Additionally, the site was instrumental in building racing cars such as the 200 RS and the 130 RS. During the 1980s, the plant saw various versions of the Škoda 105/120/130 series with rear engines and rear-wheel drive brought to life, culminating in the launch of the front-wheel drive Favorit model.
Kvasiny today: in-demand SUVs and the updated Octavia
In 2002, the production of the first modern-generation Superb commenced in Kvasiny. Since then, the plant has continuously evolved, marked by milestones such as the opening of an automatic warehouse for small components, the establishment of a multifunctional competence centre and an educational centre, as well as the expansion of the body shop. In 2019, Škoda launched the production of its first plug-in hybrid model, the Superb iV. The current line-up manufactured at Kvasiny includes the Karoq and Kodiaq SUVs, as well as the Octavia. By June 2024, the Kvasiny plant had produced over 4,000,000 Škoda vehicles across various model series since joining the Volkswagen group in 1991.
The Kvasiny site is also committed to advancing Škoda Auto’s sustainability initiatives. Currently, up to 90% of the electricity used at the plant comes from renewable sources. In 2023, the site enhanced its painting process, improving technical parameters to yield annual savings of 6,000 MWh of natural gas.
Vrchlabí plant: from carriage to vehicle production
The tradition of industrial manufacturing in Vrchlabí dates back to 1864 when a local entrepreneur founded the company Ig. Th. Petera & Sons, specialising in carriage manufacturing and English saddlery. The workshop expanded into a factory in 1904, and by 1908, the first automobile body had been produced there. Between 1908 and 1946, the site operated as a private company producing custom-made automobile bodies.
In 1946, the Vrchlabí factory became part of AZNP, heralding the launch of Škoda car production. The most iconic vehicle from Vrchlabí was the legendary Škoda 1203, a versatile truck and flatbed, the first units of which were produced in 1968. The plant later focused on higher equipment versions of the model series 150/120, and eventually on limited editions based on the Favorit, Forman, and Felicia.
Vrchlabí today: carbon-neutral production 7 days a week
In 2012, Škoda Auto converted the plant into a state-of-the-art component manufacturing site within 18 months, built a new factory hall and began producing DQ200 direct-shift automatic transmissions. The plant was also modernised, incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies such as a digital twin and smart handling robots. Around half of the transmissions produced at the Vrchlabí plant are used in Škoda models, with the remaining units installed in other Volkswagen Group vehicles. The plant operates seven days a week, with an annual production capacity of 690,000 transmissions. In October 2023, the plant produced its five-millionth transmission.
Since late 2020, the Vrchlabí plant has been carbon-neutral after switching to renewable energies and offsetting the remaining emissions through compensation measures and CO2 certificates.
Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com