Skoda octavia history

Model history

Octavia 2 model history page informs You of every important event related to this model in time-order. Browse through all the years or jump to a particular year by clicking the links below.

2004:

30.01.2004.
Introduction of model to the jury of Car Of The Year, first official photo of Octavia.

03.02.2004.
Start of production in Vrchlabi, Czech Republic.
02.03.2004.
At 3:30 pm World Premiere at Geneva International Motor Show, Switzerland.
03.2004.
Introduction of Octavia to international press in Athens, Greece.
11.05.2004.
Start of sales, production capacity improvement based on customers' initial response, that made Škoda Auto company revalue the originally planned capacity of 40,000 units for this year. Škoda Auto is also forced to find possibilities of increasing production number.
28.05.2004.
Start of sales in the Czech market.
05.06.2004.
Start of sales in the German market.
08.2004.
The Octavia assembly hall (built in 1996) at Mlada Boleslav plant, Czech Republic, ends production of previous Octavia model (renamed then to Octavia Tour) and starts production of new Octavia.
11.08.2004.
First official photographs of Combi (estate) version.

 

20.08.2004.
The hungarian importer starts a game. Black and white checked cars are on the road nationwide. Players must have a photograph of themselves with one of these new Octavias and send the photograph until 26th September to the importer. The prize is one of the cars.

07.09.2004.
Introduction to Hungary with the following gasoline engines: 1.4 MPI (75 PS), 1.6 MPI (102 PS), 1.6 FSI (115 PS), 2.0 FSI (150 PS) and with two diesels: 1.9 PD TDI (105 PS) and 2.0 PD TDI (140 PS). As a novelty, DSG (automatized, dual shift) gearbox is also available! Entry level Octavia (1.4 MPI - 75 PS) price is HUF 3.699.000,- (less than EUR 15.000).
22.09.2004.
World Premiere of Combi and Combi 4x4 versions at Paris Motor Show, Paris, France.
31.10.2004.
By this time Octavia is available at all key markets in the World.
11.2004.
International press premiere of Combi and Combi 4x4 versions in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic.
12.2004.
Factory order of Combi version is possible from middle of December.

2005:

25.02.2005.
Introducing the "Edition 100" limited series of Fabia, Superb and new Octavia models at Geneva International Motor Show, Switzerland. Škoda Auto celebrates the 100th anniversary of manufacturing its first car (in 1905 the company's name was Laurin & Klement, after the surnames of the funders. Fusion with Emil Škoda's industrial company was 20 years later).

  

10.03.2005.
New body kit introduced. Cars equipped with this kit are named Octavia Wing. The package includes front and rear bumper spoilers, a fifth door spoiler, and a fishtail trim. By contrast with the production version, the front of the modified Octavia has a bulkier air intake aperture at the bottom part of the bumper. There are special self-adhesive reflective foils, the so-called cat's eyes, placed on the rear bumper spoiler (later can be found on RS model). Optimization of aerodynamic properties resulted in an increase in coefficient of aerodynamic drag (Cx) to a value of 0.291 (Cx for the production car is 0.3). The offer for the optical tuning package is completed with new 17" "SPUTNIK" light-alloy wheels designed for 225/45 R17 tyres.

 

23.03.2005.
My brand new Octavia 2 is finally handed over to me! :-)

03.2005.
First Combi Octavias arrive to Hungary (premier takes place on 20th and 21st, April, 2005.)
11.04.2005.
Decision is made: in the year of 2007 production of Octavia starts in China. The contract is signed in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, by Detlef Wittig, chairman of the Board of Directors, Wilfried Vahland, vice-chairman of the Board of Directors, Chen Zhixin, chairman of the Board of Directors of Shanghai Volkswagen and his deputy, Dieter Seemann.
05.05.2005.
The new Škoda Octavia powered by a 2.0 FSI petrol engine has reached an average consumption level of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres during a 24-hour consumption test performed by Škoda Auto in association with the Autosalon TV Prima TV motor show and company Shell.
01.06.2005.
Brno Motor Show, Czech Republic. Two brand new metallic tints ready for all of the three model ranges: Highland green and Storm blue.

 

07.2005.
Assembly of Octavia starts at assembly plant in Solomonovo, Ukraine.
12.07.2005.
Škoda Auto is launching on the market a limited "Edition 100" car series made ready on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the manufacture of the first automobile in Mlada Boleslav. The "Edition 100" cars made their debut at 2005 Geneva International Motor Show and made their first appearance in the local public at the 2005 Brno Motor Show. The "Edition 100" model series is based upon the cars offered by Škoda Auto at that time: Škoda Fabia, Škoda Octavia; and Škoda Superb - in Elegance trim augmented with above-standard equipment: specially silver-painted light-alloy wheels, leather interior with an exclusive leather seat design in light grey; and a Piano glossy black decoration (Octavia and Superb).
The limited "Edition 100" series cars are exclusively painted in black magic colour with pearl effect and an "Edition 100" sign on the sides. They are offered only equipped with selected engines: a 1.4 16V 74 kW petrol four-cylinder engine or a 1.9 TDI PD 74 kW turbodiesel for the Fabia model, and 1.6 FSI 85 kW and 2.0 FSI 110 kW petrol engines or 1.9 TDI PD 77 kW and 2.0 TDI PD 103 kW diesel engines for the Octavia model, and 1.8 T 110 kW (petrol) and 1.9 TDI PD 96 kW (diesel) four-cylinders or powerful V6 2.5 TDI 120 kW and V6 2.8 30V 142 kW six-cylinders for the Superb version. The basic price of the Fabia "Edition 100" exclusive model starts at 472,900 crowns, of the Octavia "Edition 100" version at 729,900 crowns and the Superb "Edition 100" model at 879,900 crowns.

26.07.2005.
First official photographs of the sports version of Octavia called Octavia RS. Introduction of the car takes place at Frankfurt Motor Show, Frankfurt, Germany.

 

09.2005.
Assembly of Octavia starts in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
22.09.2005.
Škoda Auto to manufacture 3.000 more cars. Because of the growing demand for the Octavia model family, Škoda Auto increases its manufacturing programme by 3.000 cars in this year's fourth quarter. The company has come to an agreement with the OS KOVO trade union on six extra night overtime shifts that will be run by the end of this year.
10.2005.
Beginning of series production of Octavia RS.
01.11.2005.
On this day at 1:00 pm the 5.000.000. car is produced since the takeover by the Volkswagen Group in 1991. The car is a Sahara beige metallic Octavia 1.6 MPI (102 PS) Ambiente, produced in Mlada Boleslav plant, Czech Republic. This Octavia was donated by the Škoda Auto company to the health-visitor service in the town of Mlada Boleslav, which provides assistance to senior citizens and disabled persons.

    

12.11.2005.
Assembly of Octavia starts in Aurangabad, India. The model is re-named to Laura. Václav Klaus, President of Czech Republic attends the opening ceremony of the new assembly hall.

2006:

13.07.2006.
The 10.000.000. Škoda car since 1905 rolls off the assembly line. It's a Silver metallic Octavia Combi Elegance 2.0 PD-TDI. The car was donated to "Czech Centres", an organisation under the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

  

21.08.2006.
Introducing Octavia Scout 4x4, designed for even more rough roads than Octavia 4x4. Its ground clearance is 40 millimetres higher than Octavia Combi and 16 mm greater than Octavia Combi 4x4. The Octavia Scout, at 4581 millimetres in length, is one centimetre longer, 1.5 centimetres wider and 1.3 centimetres higher than Octavia 4x4. Newly designed bumpers at the front and rear, side mouldings and profiled door sills, protective strips on the wheel housings, front door sills with "Scout" engraved on them, sumpguard protection front and rear, 17" "PROTEUS" alloy wheels, exclusive logo and polished steel dual exhaust pipes are the marks of difference on the exterior.
Interior extras: comfortable front central armrest with "Jumbo Box" compartment, exclusive upholstery and a front passenger handgrip on the dashboard.
The Škoda Octavia Scout is supplied with the most powerful diesel and petrol engines - the 2.0 TDI PD diesel DPF engine with 103 kW (140 PS) and the 2.0 FSI petrol engine with 110 kW (150 PS), both of which are four cylinder engines. Engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission. The core of the drive train is the Haldex multi-plate clutch installed in front of the rear axle. The Octavia Scout will make its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September 2006. Its market introduction is planned for the first quarter of 2007.

 

22.08.2006.
A year after the premiere of the Škoda Octavia RS at the Frankfurt car show, the range of drive units for the model has been expanded to include a 2.0 PD-TDI engine with adjustable geometry of the turbocharger blades and a maximum power output of 125 kW (170 PS) at 4200 revs/min-1. The engine achieves its greatest torque of 350 Nm at 1800 revs/min-1. The Škoda Octavia RS can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, its maximum speed is 225 km/h (Combi: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 s, max. speed is 224 km/h).
Combined consumption is 5.7 l/100 km (Combi: 5.8 l/100 km). The new Škoda Octavia RS 2.0 TDI PD is fitted as standard with a maintenance free diesel particulate filter and also an oxidising catalytic convertor, which means it significantly exceeds the EU4 emission standard. The new 2.0 TDI PD drive unit in the Octavia RS and Octavia Combi RS comes in combination with a six-gear mechanical gearbox.
27.09.2006.
Premiere of Octavia Scout 4x4 and Laurin & Klement models at Paris Auto Salon, Paris, France.

24.11.2006.
Škoda Auto officially introduces the Octavia model (Ming Rui) designed for chinese market at Beijing International Car Show, China.

2007:

01.2007.
Start of Octavia Scout series production.
28.02.2007.
A turbo-charged 1.8 litre 118 kW petrol engine (160 PS) replaces the four-cylinder 2.0 FSI 110 kW (150 PS).
Octavia Scout goes on market.
03.2007.
Start of Octavia MingRui production in China.
05.03.2007.
Geneva Car Show, Switzerland. Introduction of new 1.8 TFSI engine (160 PS) which replaces the 2.0 FSI 110 kW (150 PS) unit.
20.04.2007.
The 500.000. new Octavia is made in Mlada Boleslav plant. This car is a 2.0 litre, 147 kW (200 PS) TFSI engine powered, Silver metallic Octavia RS.

  

23.04.2007.
Shanghai International Motor Show, China. Introduction of chinese Octavia model, re-named to "Ming Rui".

  

06.06.2007.
Shanghai gala show on the occasion of launch of Shanghai manufactured Octavias (Ming Rui) in China.

 

09.2007.
Start of Octavia Scout sales in Hungary.
11-21.10.2007.
Sydney Internation Car Show - premiere in Australia.
12.2007.
Octavia production number rises from 804 to 900 units/day (Mlada Boleslav and Vrchlabi plants altogether).

2008:

04.03.2008.
At Geneva Motor Show, Switzerland the Octavia MultiFuel 1.6 75 kW (102 PS) running on E85 fuel is introduced as well as the new 2.0 CR TDI DPF 125 kW (170 PS) diesel driven Octavia RS.
10.03.2008.
The 2 millionth Octavia (since 1996, when manufacturing of the ancestor, now referred as Octavia Tour, started) rolls off the assembly line in Vrchlabi, Czech Republic. The car is a Brilliant Silver metallic Octavia Scout 2.0 PD-TDI.

 

18.06.2008.
Ivan Gašparovič, President of the Slovak Republic drove off the assembly line the 5000. Škoda Octavia manufactured in Volkswagen Bratislava plant. The car was a Škoda Octavia Elegance with 103 kW 2.0 PD-TDI engine and 6-gear transmission, in "Capuccino beige" colour. The car was donated to project "Modrý Anjel" (Blue Angel) working on saving infants with having congenital heart problems. Car's keys were handed to Juraj Miklušica by Matěj Bugár and Marek Balon, CEOs of ŠKODA Slovensko, s.r.o.

 

15.09.2008.
The millionth Škoda vehicle was manufactured today in the Vrchlabi plant of the largest Czech car manufacturer since 1991, when the company was merged with the Volkswagen concern. The vehicle was the Škoda Octavia Combi in the Elegance version with a 2.0 TDI DPF engine for a German customer.

30.09.2008.
Official photographs of facelifted Octavia show up on internet. This is the last day when factory order can be placed on original Octavia 2.
01.10.2008.
From this day factory order of Octavia is not possible until 6th October.
02.10.2008.
Official photographs of facelifted Octavia are introduced.

 

27.10.2008.
Official hungarian price list.
18.12.2008.
Finally arrives the firs facelifted Octavia 2 to one of the local dealers and I can examine it in real.
19.12.2008.
Škoda stops the Mlada Boleslav plant until 13. January, 2009. In the first half of 2009 Škoda will have 4-workday weeks. Polish, slovakian and ukrainian workers are sacked because of the world-wide financial crisis.

2009:

01.2009.
50th anniversary of Octavia!
The first car named 'Octavia' was manufactured in January, 1959.
01.2009.
Octavia vRS UK Limited Edition
British importer sells a limited series of 500 cars with special options. Beside the standard RS equipment it has: 18-inch "Limited Edition" alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 92Y tyres, bespoke design black and grey premium grade Italian leather sports seats, "Limited Edition" logo with the unique production number of the car on the front seats, red and black "Limited Edition" badging on the rear, MaxiDOT display.
The car is only in Anthracite grey colour which normally not available with Octavia RS.

 
 

12.02.2009.
Škoda announces, that at Geneva International Motor Show (starting with press conference on 3rd March, 2009.) Octavia GreenLine model will be introduced.
The new member of the family of environmentally-oriented cars has the fuel consumption of 4,4l/100 km and CO2 emission values of 116g/km while retaining great riding qualities. A brand-new 1.6 TDI CR engine is installed, delivering 105 PS (77 kW), provides a maximum torque of 250 Nm at 1900 rpm and employs a standard-equipped diesel particulate filter (DPF).
25.02.2009.
Press premier of facelifted version in Hungary.
03.03.2009.
Introduction of Octavia GreenLine 1.6 CR TDI at Geneva Motor Show. This new common rail diesel engine is fitted with diesel particle filter (DPF) and produces 105 PS (77 kW) and 250 Nm at 1900 rev.

 

31.03.2009.
Due to Annual Report 2008 of Škoda Auto in the year of 2009 the Company plans the facelift of Octavia RS and Octavia Scout models. These cars are currently manufactured with the same body as the first Octavia 2 was launched in 2004, the facelift of the standard Octavia 2 in 2008 did not involve these variants.
21.04.2009.
Introduction of Octavia RS and Octavia Scout facelifted versions.

Technological changes: air quality sensor for Climatronic air conditioning system and new illumination system (LED daytime lighting). New metallic paint, the Anhtracite grey and new 18" Neptune wheels.
The chassis is lowered to 127 mm, the weight is reduced by 20 kg in the petrol version and by 15 kg in the diesel version. Air resistance is also reduced, top speed is increased.
Both RS engines comply with EU-5 standard.

 

New Octavia Scout comes with EU-5 standard 1.8 TSI 118 kW (160 PS) petrol and EU-4 standard 2.0 PD TDI 103 kW (140 PS) diesel engines. New metallic paint is Rosso Brunello (from Superb 2).

 

22.07.2009.
Audi plant located in Győr, Hungary, started the production of new VW 1.6 CR TDI engine in 66 kW (90 PS) and 77 kW (105 PS) versions.
The 1.6 8V petrol engine for Octavia (engine code: BGU) was also produced in this plant.
10.2009.
Full-cycle production of Škoda Octavia starts in Kaluga, Russia. The car is built in the factory as a full process: from welding through painting to the assembly.
18.11.2009.
Mlada Boleslav plant's engine workshop puts into production the new, 4-cylinder 1.2 litre, turbocharged, 77 kW (105 PS) direct fuel injection engine. The first installation will take place at Škoda Auto. The company will not only assemble the engine but will also cast the engine block and machine some key parts of the engine.
Škoda also starts manufacturing a new transmission with type code MQ100 for the new engine.

 

2010:

18.01.2010.
The new 1.2 litre, 77 kW (105 PS) turbocharged engine is released in Octavia 2! Now it's on the price list, a little bit below the 1.6 MPI 75 kW (102 PS) engine.
14.05.2010.
MY2011 begins on 22nd week of 2010. Škoda Auto has officially introduced the changes of each models. Common-rail diesel engines replace the PD units.
21.06.2010.
Škoda Auto produced its hundred thousandth 1.2 TSI engine only a few months after the launch of its production in the engine and transmission manufacturing plant in Mladá Boleslav. In reaction to a massive demand for this unit that is available in the Fabia, the Roomster, the Octavia and the Yeti plus some other models of the VW Group brands, Škoda has increased its production to 1,250/day. The production of this engine is going to continue even throughout the upcoming company-wide holiday from 5. July, 2010 to 23. July, 2010. Besides assembly, Škoda's main plant also performs the engine block casting and machine-works some of the key components.
09.07.2010.
Hungarian police leases 250 Octavia 2 cars for investigaton-assisting tasks with 1.6 MPI 75 kW (102 PS) petrol engine. 50-50 cars in the following colours: black, white, silver, blue and capuccino beige. Classic equipment level is with the following options: additional engine protecting cover, rubber floor mat set, protection tray in the luggage compartment, 12V electrical outlet in the luggage compartment, front fog lights, central locking with remote control, headlight washer. Door handles and wing mirrors are not painted and side door protection strips are also missing because of the Classic level. The leasing contract lasts for 48 months or 100.000 km (62.000 miles).
01.10.2010.
Škoda Auto introduced the New Octavia Tour, which is a pre-facelift, Classic level Octavia 2 with the original headlamps and tail lights, but with facelifted interior.
Uncoloured door handles, wing mirrors and bumper stripes, missing fog lights and side protection stripes are for the exterior. The car is available with sedan and combi (estate) body.
Trim level consists of two airbags, electrically controlled wing mirrors, ABS, power steering, central locking and height adjustable driver's seat.
Engine choice is poor: for EU countries 1.4 16V 59 kW (80 PS) and 1.6 MPI 75 kW (102 PS) petrol engines, for non-EU countries 1.6 MPI 75 kW (102 PS) petrol and 2.0 CR-TDI 81 kW (110 PS) diesel. All units are EU5 conform. Price is CZK 282.500 (GBP 10.000) for the sedan and CZK 312.500 (GBP 11.000) for the combi version.

2011:

24.01.2011.
Škoda Auto is introducing its complete all-wheel model range within the framework of an international media presentation.
180 journalists from 17 countries participate in the tests in Barcelona from January 24th to February 4th, 2011. Five versions of the models Octavia, Superb, and Yeti will be available for test drives.
The vehicles can be tested on four different road surfaces or road types. In a “Škoda 4x4 Experience Area” provided especially within the framework of the event, the all-wheel characteristics of the vehicles such as climbing performance or cross-country capability are the focus. Furthermore, Škoda will also offer the media representatives simulated development test drives with experienced technicians of the company. These kinds of tests are typical for the development phase of a vehicle and take place under extreme driving conditions that the vehicle would hardly encounter in normal operation.
The current all-wheel offering by Škoda consists of the models Octavia Combi 4×4, Octavia Scout, Yeti 4×4, Superb 4×4, and Superb Combi 4×4. The all-wheel vehicles will be available for all test drives with both manual as well as automatic dual clutch transmission (DSG). The all-wheel drive is realized by means of the fourth generation intermediate axis coupling by Haldex.
The Škoda 4x4 models also make an important contribution to the previous and future growth of the company. 15.5 % of Octavia Combi customers selected the all-wheel version of the respective model in 2010.
25.01.2011.
All current gas engine models by the Škoda brand are able to utilize the new E10 fuel.
The new E10 fuels contain a 10 % bio-ethanol admixture and have been offered at gas stations throughout the EU since the beginning of this year.
The E 10 operability (in accordance with the German standard DIN 51626-1 and the European standard EN 228) applies to all gas engines of the MPI, FSI, TSI, and TFSI types that are used in Škoda vehicles. The only exception is the Škoda engine 1.3l OHV (40 and 50 kW), which was used in the model Felicia during the production years of 1994 to 2001 and before. In case of need, these engines can be retrofitted.
All models by the Škoda brand can be operated without any problems using a fuel that contains a bio admixture of five percent (E5).
22.02.2011.
Škoda will reveal a new corporate design, new logo and a concept car at 2011 Geneva Motor Show, which reflects the brand's new design language.
The car is a nod towards the design language of future products, featuring clearly defined shapes and a new logo which will adorn new Škoda’s models from 2012.
The traditional winged-arrow logo features a new spectrum of colours to look even more distinct and precise than ever before. The new corporate design will be adopted across all Škoda's communications, as well as dealers. To this end, the design and layout of showrooms are going to be substantially modernised, too.
28.02.2011.
Under the slogan “The New Power of Škoda”, Škoda Auto presented its new corporate design at this year's Volkswagen Group Evening at 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The event also saw a design concept car (Vision D) that shows the brand's new direction towards extending its model portfolio and intensifying its activity in Europe, as well as in China, India and Russia.
The most important change affects the main part of the logo, the winged arrow, which in the new design will be much larger and more visible. The hue of the winged arrow has been changed from “natural green” to the new lush “ŠKODA Green”. The outer area is highlighted with a chrome look.
13.04.2011.
Beginning at the end of 2012, Škoda will manufacture the direct shift gearbox DQ200 (7-speed dry clutch DSG gearbox) at its Northern Bohemian plant in Vrchlabí.
The modern direct shift gearbox – called DSG for short – will be used in vehicles of the Škoda brand, but also in models built by Volkswagen, Seat, and Audi. With the new production of components, the Czech manufacturer secures the future of the Vrchlabí plant, where the models Roomster und Octavia are being assembled at this time. The capacity will be 1.000 units per day.
15.04.2011.
Škoda expands capacities at the Mladá Boleslav plant.
Until mid-2012, Škoda will expand it capacities in its parent plant at Mladá Boleslav. It is planned to produce a third model next to the Octavia and Fabia at the parent plant. At the same time, the production capacity for the Octavia is increased from 800 to 1,200 vehicles per day. Also, the maximum production capacity for the Fabia will remain unchanged at the level of 1,200 units per day.
Within the framework of the expansion measures, the car body construction of the Octavia will be broadly expanded. The Octavia assembly line will be lengthened and be able to produce 1,200 vehicles per day after the completion of the construction measures. The main period for the construction work is planned for July 2011 to June 2012.
During the construction work the factory visiting customers are not allowed to enter the Octavia assembly hall, they can visit the Fabia assembly hall instead!
Don't miss it, You can see manufacturing processes that You would not see in the Octavia hall!
16.04.2011.
On April 16th, it will be 20 years since the beginning of the cooperation of the Czech automobile manufacturer Škoda Auto with Europe’s largest automobile group Volkswagen.
18.04.2011.
MY2012 begins on 22nd week of 2011, Škoda Auto has officially introduced the changes of each models.
13.05.2011.
Škoda Octavia Green E Line presented at the International E-Mobility Congress held at the Faculty of Transport, Czech Technical University in Prague was the first-ever Škoda-branded fully-electric vehicle concept to have been showcased in the Czech Republic.
Škoda is planning to commission a test fleet of electric Octavia Combis still this year in order to get some more detailed information concerning the usability, reliability and safety of electric cars.
(description of the car is removed from here to 29.08.2011. news article about the start of Green E Line fleet production)
10.06.2011.
Škoda is increasing the productivity of the assembly of axles in its automobile production.
This week, the manufacturer commissioned a new assembly line for the front axle of the models Superb, Yeti, and Octavia at its plant in Mladá Boleslav. Thanks to new screwing stations, the production cycle time on the new line has been halved from one minute to 30 seconds. In the second half of the year, a new assembly line for the rear axle of the three models will begin serial operation as well.
With a length of 66 meters, the new assembly line is the longest facility of its kind used at Škoda. Besides the new line for the rear axle of the Superb, Yeti, and Octavia, the assembly line for the axle of the Roomster is expanded as well. In the future, axles for two other Škoda models will also be built on it.

For the growth strategy (1.5 million cars per year in 2018) it is essential to continue to increase the productivity in all manufacturing areas, that is what the company is preparing the entire production for.
14.06.2011.
The Volkswagen Group Russia and the Russian automobile manufacturer GAZ Group have signed the contract for the annual production of 110,000 vehicles for the Škoda and Volkswagen brands.
As the first vehicle, the Škoda Yeti is scheduled to roll off the assembly line at the plant in Nizhny Novgorod at the end of 2012. It will be followed by the Octavia as well as the new Volkswagen Jetta. The German-Russian agreement will initially run through the year 2019.
The production of the Škoda and Volkswagen models will take place on the assembly line for passenger cars of GAZ, which will be used exclusively for the Volkswagen Group Russia.
Furthermore, a new car body construction unit will be established at the plant.
18.08.2011.
Octavia vRS Bonneville Special gets past the 325 km/h barrier, achieving the speed of 325.33 km/h (202.15 mph)
Škoda's “salt flats special” cracked the 325 km/h (201 mph) barrier during the Bonneville Speed Week (August 13 – 20). The 500hp vehicle was built to mark the 10th anniversary of the vRS, Škoda's line of the most powerful cars. The Octavia vRS Bonneville Special has thus become the newest member of the legendary “Bonneville 200 MPH” club and also Škoda's fastest car of all time.

Before taking the field test, the car had undergone a thorough dynamometer test supervised by a team of engineers from the UK and a REVO Technik tuning specialist who used special engine power boost software.
The Octavia vRS achieved 313 km/h (195.69 mph) on its first run of the week.
On its sixth official attempt the Octavia vRS Bonneville Special propelled itself to an impressive 325 km/h (201 mph).
At 13:24 on Monday, 15 August the Octavia vRS Bonneville Special past the 325 km/h barrier.

Octavia vRS Bonneville Special is a series-production Octavia RS adapted to further enhance the car's aerodynamic parameters and increase its power.

The adaptations include:

• Reducing the car's clear height by nearly 80 mm and installing a new sub frame that houses a race-prepared intercooler.
• The vehicle is fitted with a series-production four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine, but the standard turbocharger has been replaced with a Garrett unit.
• The engine generates over 500 brake horsepower, with charging pressure over 200 kPa. Instead of unleaded petrol, the Octavia vRS Bonneville Special uses a high-octane race fuel (water-methanol mix).
• This unique racer has been built to comply with stringent Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) safety regulations, which means a reinforced roll cage, a parachute, fire extinguishers and a window cage.

25.08.2011.
Octavia vRS Bonneville Special (with 2.0-litre TFSI engine) breaks 227 mph.
At 365 kilometers per hour or 227.080 miles per hour, the Octavia vRS Bonneville Special model achieved the new record in the course of high-speed drives in the American salt desert at Bonneville in the U.S. state of Utah. Only a few days after the vehicle had exceeded the 200 mile speed threshold on the same track, the 600 hp strong Škoda racer reached the new record on August 19, 2011, at 7:45 a.m. local time. The occasion for the drives was the ten year anniversary of the Škoda vRS models.
The previous speed record in the category “G/PS” had been 347 kilometers per hour or 216 miles per hour and dated back to the year 1998. After 13 years, the Czech brand has now been able to exceed this value by 18 kph or 11 mph. The Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) officially recognized the new record. The car was driven by Briton Richard Meaden as part of the Bonneville Speed Week (August 13 – 20, 2011). In an impressive manner, Meaden was able to accelerate the Octavia a total of six times to more than 200 miles per hour on the five kilometer long track.
29.08.2011.
Škoda Auto has started producing a test fleet of ten Octavia Green E Lines.
In cooperation with contractors, the vehicles will be used to gather information regarding the actual usability, reliability and safety of electromobiles.

The Green E Line is based on the Škoda Octavia Combi. With its modular floor design, this series-production car is considered the ideal option in terms of arranging the battery, the electronic control units and the electric engine with a constant power of 60 kW (82 PS) and max. power of 85 kW (116 PS). In developing this car, Škoda used some of the existing VW Group modules, too. The maximum torque of 270 Nm gives the car enough power for a sharp pull-out and a good amount of agility and responsiveness, which the driver will appreciate mainly when accelerating in busy city traffic (I think some of those pull-outs will reduce the range of one charge). The Octavia Green E Line accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12 seconds, and its maximum speed is limited to 135 km/h (85 mph). The electricity for the Octavia Green E Line is supplied by a modern ion-lithium battery (26.5 kWh) with a range-per-charge of 150 kilometres (94 miles) that is made up of 180 lithium-ion cells, weighs about 315 kilograms and recovers energy as the driver brakes with the engine.

The battery is located under the middle and rear parts of the floor and partly extends also into the luggage compartment. However, it has hardly any impact on the volume of the passenger and luggage compartments. The car is fitted with five comfortable seats, and its passenger compartment is identical with that of the Octavia Combi with a combustion engine. The maximum volume of the luggage compartment is 490 litres.

When the car is running out of charge, the lithium-ion battery can be recharged from a standard socket. The charging takes about 8 hours when using an ordinary 230V network or 4 hours if a 400V source is available.
The environmental-friendliness of the Octavia Green E Line has influenced the designers, too. Pearl-white colour of the exterior and chrome trim on the front and rear and the wheels create an impressive contrast with the car's clearly framed dark-tinted windscreen and its glossy black roof fitted with three integrated energy-generating photovoltaic panels. The contrast game continues in the interior where a combination of light and dark shades makes the cockpit look very fresh and elegant at the same time.
The car's environmental orientation is supported by a number of energy-saving details and solutions, such as the roof with integrated photovoltaic panels, LEDs instead of ordinary bulbs, etc. Moreover, the dashboard display provides the driver with information about the battery's instantaneous performance, consumption and charge levels.

The first Octavia Green E Lines are going to appear on the road this year in autumn. Drivers will recognize it by design marks and new safety feature – sound generator that simulates sound of engine up to the speed of 40 km/h or 25 mph).

The brand's intention to offer vehicles that are as environmentally friendly and as safe as possible. In pursuit of this philosophy, Škoda is going to offer its customers the first plug-in hybrid vehicle in the future.

Škoda Auto BOD Member for Technological Development Dr. Eckhard Scholz says: “Emission-free mobility is one of our key goals for the future, and my opinion is that electromobiles are the right answer to the increasingly stringent emission limits and the need to develop the automotive industry sustainably. ”

Well, Mr. Scholz says in 2011 that future is the electromobile...

Newest:

22.09.2011.
Škoda has its own crash-test facility.
The manufacturer acquired the site in the Czech town of Uhelnice near Husí Lhota from TÜV-Süd.
The test site is used for dynamic crash tests, including both complete vehicles as well as with individual vehicle components. Škoda needs powerful capacities for the model offensive in the coming years, the company will continue to invest in Uhelnice.
The acquired crash-test facility is not an unknown test site for Škoda. The brand has been testing its vehicles here since the eighties, i.e. in collaboration with the TÜV-Süd (the ÚVMV in the history).