A ?kodA year in review - Skoda Auto

‘Simply Clever’ also applies to our vehicles themselves, and definesour thoughts and actions throughout the entire company.We achieved important milestones in 2012, strengthening our marketposition, especially in growth markets. In December, we launchedproduction of the ŠKODA Yeti at the Nizhny Novgorod plant, in cooperationwith Volkswagen and the Russian manufacturer GAZ Group,to meet the steadily growing demand for this specific model in theRussian market.To secure our future growth, we made substantial investments inmany areas: The ŠKODA Octavia and Rapid production line at ourMladá Boleslav headquarters was expanded from 800 to 1,200 unitsper day. Local production lines for axles were also modernised andproduction retooled for state-of-the-art TSI petrol engines. Our partscentre was expanded to meet constantly growing demands, and anew, high-performance energy-efficient IT centre was also put intooperation. After extensive remodelling, modernisation and expansion,the Vrchlabí plant began production of the advanced DQ200seven-speed dual clutch transmission, while in Česana, constructionof a new engine testing centre got underway. At our new ‘Lean Centre’,we are already training employees from all divisions in importantsubjects, such as ‘lean’ production methods, efficiency and optimisedprocess control.Regular employee training is vital to our global presence. ŠKODAemployees abroad must not only possess the necessary professionalskills, but also the will and capability to adapt to new and oftenunexpected challenges. For this reason, we launched a number ofdifferent programmes in 2012 to prepare our employees for workingabroad and to support them while they are away and when theyreturn. These initiatives enable our employees to serve as capableambassadors of our brand abroad.Although ŠKODA AUTO has its eyes firmly fixed on the future, theCompany is understandably proud of its over 117-year history. In recognitionof this, and to provide a fitting setting in which to tell thefascinating story of our Company, we have completely redesignedand remodelled the ŠKODA Muzeum in Mladá Boleslav. Visitors to thenew museum not only have the opportunity to admire magnificentŠKODA cars from the past, but also to appreciate the power of theŠKODA brand.The strength that comes from being part of a long tradition is notonly evident at the new ŠKODA Muzeum. The successful track recordof our motorsports team is also rooted in our Company’s more than111-year motorsports tradition and its wealth of experience.2012 was the most successful year to date in our motorsports history:The team continued its winning streak with victories in the EuropeanRally Championship and the Asia Pacific Rally Championship aswell as six national rally competitions. ŠKODA Motorsport’ exceptionalachievements were exemplified by its hat-trick in the prestigiousIntercontinental Rally Challenge: In 2012, ŠKODA Motorsport broughthome both the driver and manufacturer championships for the thirdyear in a row.In the crucial area of sustainability, we are open to new ideas – settingambitious goals and finding new ways to reach them. Responsibilitytowards people and the environment defines the actions ofŠKODA AUTO, from vehicle development through production to recycling.We have therefore established the ambitious ‘GreenFuture’environmental project to entrench sustainability even more firmlythroughout the Company.We aim to make individual mobility as sustainable as possible. We alreadyhave more than 50 models in our line-up with emissions of lessthan 120g CO 2/km – including almost a dozen with less than 100gCO 2/km. We are currently testing a fleet of electric cars in everydaydriving conditions, which will provide us with important insights forelectric driving.One thing is clear: 2012 would never have been such a successfulyear without a team that is prepared to do everything in its power tosupport the goals of our Company. The sales records, the strength ofour brand, the exceptional quality of our vehicles, our strong reputationat home and abroad: All of these achievements are thanks to thehard work and dedication of our colleagues – and we are extremelygrateful to all of them.We have ambitious plans for 2013. We will do everything to ensurethat the ŠKODA AUTO success story continues! This fascinating companywith its fine history is worth every effort.YoursProf. Dr. h.c. Winfried VahlandChairman of the Board of Management2012 – A Škoda year in review5