skoda

A brief history about skoda: Based in the Czech Republic, Škoda Auto traces its origins back to 1895, when Václav Laurin, a mechanic, and Václav Klement, a bookseller, decided to start their own bicycle repair business. Frustrated by the lack of spare parts for their German bicycles, they began manufacturing their own, naming the company Slavia as a symbol of national pride. The business soon evolved into Laurin & Klement Co., and by the turn of the century, they were producing motorcycles, which quickly gained popularity through local and international racing victories.

Encouraged by this success, Laurin and Klement transitioned into automobile manufacturing in 1905, introducing their first car, the Voiturette A, which was met with strong demand both domestically and abroad. The company’s rapid growth positioned it as one of the leading automotive pioneers in Central Europe.

After World War I, Laurin & Klement merged with the industrial conglomerate Škoda Works in 1924, marking the beginning of the Škoda brand as it is known today. The merger provided financial stability and access to industrial-scale production, allowing the company to expand into manufacturing trucks and passenger vehicles.

During World War II, the German occupation transformed Škoda into a supplier for the Nazi war effort, halting civilian production. When the war ended, Czechoslovakia’s new communist government nationalized the company in 1946, renaming it AZNP (Automobilové závody, národní podnik). Although innovation slowed due to state control, Škoda held a monopoly on passenger car production in the country and continued to produce models like the 1101 series, Octavia, Felicia, and 1000 MB.

By the 1970s and 1980s, Škoda’s designs had fallen behind Western standards, but the introduction of the Škoda Favorit in 1987 marked a turning point. Designed by Bertone and featuring Western engine technology, the Favorit became a major success in Eastern Europe and even found popularity in the United Kingdom, known for its simplicity and reliability.

With the fall of communism and the shift to a market economy, the Czechoslovak government sought a strategic foreign partner for Škoda. In 1990, an agreement was reached with the Volkswagen Group, which took effect on April 16, 1991. The partnership brought German engineering expertise, improved manufacturing standards, and access to global markets, propelling Škoda into a new era of competitiveness.

Today, Škoda has established itself as a major force in Europe’s automotive industry. Its lineup, which includes models like the Octavia, Superb, and Kodiaq, combines affordability with refined design and advanced technology. The company has also expanded into new segments with vehicles such as the Roomster MPV and the Yeti crossover, continuing its evolution from a small bicycle workshop into one of Europe’s most respected automakers.

Current Models

Browse through this skoda’s current models below and explore their specifications