A very strong year followed by a crucial one
Behind every success lies a story, and Škoda’s story in 2025 was shaped not only by the celebration of its 130th anniversary but above all by innovation, courage and a well-considered strategy. The carmaker recorded one of its most successful years of the past decade. Chronicle 2025 presents a selection of milestones, along with an overview of new models, infrastructure expansion and anniversaries.
Strong Year Paves the Way for a Pivotal One
Every success has a story, and Škoda’s story in 2025 was shaped not only by the 130th anniversary celebrations but above all by innovation, courage and a well-developed strategy. Thanks to these features, the carmaker is closing one of the most successful years of the past decade. While customers are just discovering the results of last year’s work, Škoda Auto is already presenting its vision for 2026.
Kodiaq: second best-selling model
The new generation of this SUV was so popular that it became Škoda’s second best-selling model last year. As a result, the carmaker has expanded production in Kvasiny with an additional line.
▶ Since its introduction in 2016, the Kodiaq has been of enormous importance to the Škoda brand, playing a key role in its growth and consistently impressing customers.
5
In April 2025, the Škoda Space employee portal celebrated its fifth anniversary.
7
Last year, the Škoda Auto Foundation celebrated seven years of existence.
10
Students at the Secondary Vocational School of Engineering created the 10th Škoda L&K 130 student car.
25
Škoda Auto University marked its 25th anniversary celebrations with a visual transformation, heading into 2026.
30
ŠKO-ENERGO celebrated 30 years since its founding.
Launch of the Elroq model
In January 2025, another fully electric model rolled off the production line in Mladá Boleslav, featuring both a new Modern Solid design and numerous technological innovations. Preparations for the start of production were unique in that the Elroq pilot development project worked exclusively with virtual prototypes.
▶ In November, Škoda Auto produced its 100,000th Elroq, and in April and October, the model was the most sought-after electric car in Europe.
Respectline as a celebration of diversity
As part of European Diversity Month, Škoda Auto unveiled a special concept car called the Elroq Respectline. The new car was first shown to the public in May at the Best Cars awards ceremony in Hamburg, and the very next day, it was part of the Music Festival in Mladá Boleslav. It was also present at Prague Pride and the Tour de France cycling race.
▶ The first Respectline was created in 2023 based on the Enyaq Coupé.
The fastest Fabia
The fastest Fabia 130 ever, with an engine fine-tuned by Škoda’s development team in Česana, is now available at authorised Czech dealers. The car celebrates 130 years of the carmaker and references its rich history in motorsport.
▶ The first Fabia 130 cars will be delivered to customers in early 2026.
Enyaq series in Modern Solid design
At the start of 2025, Škoda Auto staged a major premiere. One of the best-selling electric model ranges in Europe, namely the Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé, received a new look. Besides the use of the Modern Solid design language, they feature new sustainable materials, more advanced digital functions and assistance systems. Shortly after their presentation at the Ice Hockey World Championship in May, the Enyaq RS and Enyaq Coupé RS versions also went on sale in the Czech market. Škoda then unveiled the Enyaq RS Race concept.
▶ The Enyaq model repeated its success from 2021 and retained its Euro NCAP rating last year.
Production launch
Škoda Auto began assembling the new fully electric Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé models at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav in March. In addition, they are produced on the same line as the Elroq and Octavia models.
▶ Manufacturing several models on the same line allows the carmaker to respond more flexibly to changing market demands.
100
The merger of Laurin & Klement and the Pilsen-based industrial group Škoda took place 100 years ago.
130
The carmaker celebrated its 130th anniversary throughout the year. This year marks 125 years of motorsport.
100,000
The HR Advisory Centre has handled this many employee requests since its launch two years ago.
500,000
By the beginning of July, the plants in India had already produced half a million Škoda cars.
1,000,000
At the beginning of December, after a five-year hiatus, the carmaker surpassed an important milestone and produced its millionth car in the same year.
A future called Vision O
In early September, the carmaker unveiled the Vision O, a spacious electric station wagon concept, in Munich. It takes the Modern Solid design language to the next level, focusing even more on the use of sustainable materials. In October and November, employees were able to view the car as part of a roadshow.
▶ This year, the company also plans to start production of the Škoda Epiq urban electric SUV, which it presented as a show car in Munich.
Significant strategic step
Last year, the carmaker significantly expanded the area of its main production plant. At the end of April, it opened a new logistics centre and the M8 hall, which were built east of the D10 motorway and are linked to the plant via the Laurin & Klement Bridge. Participants in last year’s Škoda Classic Tour were the first to drive across it.
Quality under one roof
The new Multifunctional Quality Centre was established on the premises of the main production plant at the end of May. This facility brings together employees from the GQD, GQG and GQF departments in one place. They moved here from seven previous locations.
▶ This centre strengthens testing capacities, digital transformation and environmental goals in the area of quality.
New paint shop already under construction
On 24 June, the management of the carmaker and the KOVO Trade Union laid the foundation stone for a new paint shop, which is being built at the main production plant near the press shop. The plant will be highly automated and will serve both combustion engine and electric vehicles.
▶ The modern paint shop will start operating in 2029 and will have a capacity of 1,600 painted car bodies per day.
New exhibition at Škoda Museum
The V4 hall, which used to be used for training vocational school students, was transformed into an exhibition space within a few months. The Škoda Museum exhibits 23 unique items manufactured in this hall at the time of its creation.
▶ The Škoda Museum intends to gradually change the cars exhibited in garage style.
UX team united
Designers, engineers and programmers involved in the user experience and interface of Škoda cars have been working as one team since October. UX Product House has found its home in the Technology Centre building in Česana.
▶ UX Product House brings a customer perspective to the development of the Škoda user environment, with an emphasis on simplicity and usability.
Modern and solid Botas sneakers
On the occasion of the 130th anniversary of its founding, the carmaker joined forces with the traditional Czech brand, Botas. A limited edition of 130 pairs of Modern Solid sneakers debuted at Milan Design Week.
First Time at Milan Design Week
The Škoda brand participated in Milan Design Week for the first time, presenting a new sports version of the Elroq RS electric SUV. In addition, it teamed up with Italian designer Marcantonio to prepare a unique exhibition in the form of an experiential trail with giant sculptures.
▶ At the end of 2025, the Škoda brand won third place for its installation at Milan Design Week.
Škoda and ice hockey belong together
The carmaker has left an indelible mark on the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. The Enyaq RS model made its debut on the ice rink, and the organisers were loaned 45 electric cars, most of which were Enyaq and Elroq models.
▶ This coming May, the Ice Hockey World Championship will take place in Switzerland.
Accompanying a thrilling show
Škoda was brilliantly represented at the 112th Tour de France. Modified Superb iV and new Enyaq models took turns as the red car for the race director. The peloton was accompanied by the new Elroq Respectline and the L&K 130 student car. A special logo also found its place on the glass trophies for the winners.
The number of awards won by the carmaker in the area of employee care. Among the most prestigious were Pluxee Employer of the Year and Most Attractive Employer in the Czech Republic.
Local assembly of Škoda cars in Vietnam
The carmaker reached another milestone in its internationalisation on 26 March when it opened a plant for the assembly of Kushaq and Slavia cars together with its local partner and investor, Thanh Cong Group. The plant in Quang Ninh includes final assembly, a welding shop and a paint shop and is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
▶ The carmaker began selling Kushaq cars in Vietnam last June and Slavia cars in September.
Engines for conventional and hybrid drives
The launch of production of the 1.5 TSI evo2 engine in July marked a significant milestone, making Škoda Auto a key centre for the production of advanced powertrains within the entire VW Group.
▶ The engines will be used in the Fabia, Scala, Kamiq, Karoq, Octavia and Kodiaq models.
Cars for the Health Clowns
Last year, children once again designed cars for the Health Clowns organisation. Its fleet, which includes the Enyaq and Superb models from the previous three years, was supplemented by the electrified Kodiaq.
▶ The carmaker has supported Health Clowns for 15 years. Which painted car will be added to its fleet this year?
Employee Giving
Last year, employees added over CZK 5 million to Employee Giving. Škoda Auto increased this amount to a grand total of over CZK 10 million. This sum was used to support non-profit organisations chosen by the employees in the fourth round of contributions.
▶ Do not hesitate to get involved because there is never enough help. The Employee Giving project will run until 2028.
Volunteering leads the way
Volunteering has a firm place at Škoda Auto, and 2025 was an exceptionally busy year. In the spring, a new volunteer platform, dobrovolnici.skoda-auto.cz, was launched, offering employees dozens of opportunities throughout the year to help in the regions where the carmaker operates.
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