Výročí / 130-let-prosinec-2
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People in the company’s management
Ludvík Kalma
(1991–1996)
An engineer and manager who played a major role in the successful integration of the Mladá Boleslav car manufacturer into the VW Group. Unfortunately, he died tragically in an accident in November 1996 that was not his fault.
Vratislav Kulhánek
(1997–2004)
He replaced Ludvík Kalma as Chairman of the Board of Directors and in October 2004 became Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the car manufacturer. From 1997 to 2007, he served as President of the Automotive Industry Association.
Detlef Wittig
(2004–2007)
He came to Mladá Boleslav in July 1995. Under his leadership, cooperation between Škoda Auto and the city of Mladá Boleslav developed significantly, as evidenced by the establishment of the Karmel Education Centre.
Reinhard Jung
(2007–2010)
When he took over, the Czech carmaker was the most profitable division of the VW Group. During his tenure, the company experienced not only record growth but also a later decline in demand as a result of the economic crisis.
Winfried Vahland
(2010-2015)
His period in office saw the Škoda brand undergo its largest growth and model offensive. In 2014, Škoda’s production exceeded 1 million vehicles per year.
Bernhard Maier
(2015–2020)
He oversaw the launch of the Kodiaq, Karoq and Kamiq SUV models and strengthened the company’s focus on electromobility, digitalisation and connectivity.
Thomas Schäfer
(2020–2022)
A strong advocate for the Škoda brand, he worked to secure a VW Group investment in the Czech Republic for the construction of a battery gigafactory. He left the company at a time when decisions were being made about whether Škoda Auto would transform into an EV manufacturer.
Klaus Zellmer
(od roku 2022 dosud)
Under his leadership, the Czech brand has delivered strong results. In 2024, the company achieved a record turnover of EUR 27.8 billion, its operating profit increased by 30%, and its return on sales reached approximately 8%.
What happened in December
1895
In December, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement start their joint venture.
1903
Motorcycle production begins to outweigh bicycle production at the company.
1907
Designer and racer Otto Hieronimus joins L&K.
1908
Otto Hieronimus sets a speed record at Brooklands.
1918
President T. G. Masaryk returns from exile and travels from the train station in an L&K car surrounded by loyal legionnaires.
1923
The Škoda factory in Pilsen registers the Škoda trademark.
1939
The prototype of the Škoda Rapid 2000 leaves the factory.
1946
The post-war Škoda Rapid 2200 is created using parts from 1941 and 1942.
1971
The last Škoda Octavia Combi leaves the production line in Kvasiny.
1974
The editors of Svět motorů (World of Motors) attempt a legendary experiment: to sink a Škoda 100 car in a swimming pool in Prague‑Podolí.
1980
The last Škoda 110 R leaves the Kvasiny plant.
1984
The first Škoda 781 car is completed with its bodywork almost in its final form.
2001
Škoda cars are assembled from SKD kits at the Chop plant in Ukraine.
2008
A new Technology Centre costing more than CZK 1 billion is established in Česana.
2013
The Mladá Boleslav plant begins production of the Škoda Octavia III.
2018
The Škoda Scala is unveiled in Tel Aviv, Israel.