Å kodaAuto ANNUAL REPORT 2006 - Skoda Auto

1930
ASAP (“Akciová Společnost pro
Automobilový Průmysl” – the Automotive
Industry Joint-stock Company) is founded
and begins using assembly-line
production methods, which are
revolutionary for their time.
Whence We Come
“Only the best we can do is good
enough for our customers.”
(Laurin & Klement, 1914)
Only a very small number of the
world’s automobile manufacturers can
boast an unbroken tradition of motor
vehicle production spanning a period of
one hundred years. The road to
today’s prosperity began in 1895, when
Václav Laurin and Václav Klement began
manufacturing Slavia-brand bicycles. Just
four years later, Laurin & Klement began
manufacturing motorcycles.
1905
The first car, called the “Voiturette A”,
leaves the factory gates and thanks to its
quality and attractive appearance soon
gains a stable position in the emerging
international automobile markets.
1907
Laurin & Klement set up a joint-stock
company that goes on to export cars to
markets the world over.
1925
The Laurin & Klement automobile factory
merges with the Škoda machinery
manufacturing company in Plzeň.
1939–1945
During the war years, the factory focuses
on producing materials for the military.
Just a few days before the war ends, the
factory is bombed and sustains
considerable damage. The enterprise is
nationalised in the autumn of 1945.
1946
The enterprise’s reconstruction begins
under a new name, AZNP (“Automobilové
Závody, národní podnik” – Automotive
Plants, National Enterprise).
1964
The enterprise, now with production area
of 800,000 square metres and over 13,000
people on the payroll, begins producing
the popular car Š 1000 MB.
1991
April 16 marks the beginning of a new
chapter in the Company’s history, when it
is acquired by the strategic partner
Volkswagen. Škoda becomes the
Volkswagen Group’s fourth brand.
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