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Engines have been developed and manufactured in Mladá Boleslav for 125 years, making Škoda one of the world’s longest-standing powertrain producers. The company is celebrating this significant milestone with the five-millionth engine in the EA 211 series. Since 1899, more than 15 million engines have been produced, including technically outstanding units like the first inline eight-cylinder engine in Central Europe (1907), pressure-cast aluminium block engines in the one-litre class (1964), and modern MPI and TSI powertrains. Škoda’s expertise in engine production is further underscored by the Volkswagen Group’s decision to entrust the brand with the development of petrol engines up to 1.6 litres for the entire Group.

“Škoda Auto’s tradition of engine development and production began 125 years ago and is demonstrated by the impressive milestone of 15 million engines manufactured in Mladá Boleslav to date. We are marking this achievement with the production of the five-millionth EA211 engine, used in various Volkswagen Group vehicles across Europe and in the dynamic growth market of India. I am grateful to the entire team for this remarkable accomplishment, which highlights Škoda’s expertise in powertrain production within the Volkswagen Group.”

Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics

Historical milestones: from motorcycles and aircraft engines to automotive V8s
Just four years after the founding of Laurin & Klement in 1895, the Slavia bicycle range was expanded to include an auxiliary petrol engine, followed shortly by the first Slavia Type A motorcycle in 1899. This motorcycle featured an in-house designed single-cylinder engine delivering 1.25 hp, marking the beginning of the 125-year tradition of engine production in Mladá Boleslav.

In 1904, the L&K Type CCCC became the world’s first motorcycle powered by an inline four-cylinder engine. The following year, a combustion engine—a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, one-litre V-twin—was installed in Laurin & Klement’s first car, the Voiturette A. In 1907, Laurin & Klement introduced the FF, the first inline eight-cylinder engine of its kind in Central Europe, followed by the production of the L&K Type EL aircraft engine in 1910.

In 1929, under the Škoda brand, large-scale assembly-line production started in Mladá Boleslav. The engine portfolio at that time included reliable one-litre four-cylinder engines as well as inline six- and eight-cylinder units and diesel engines. Particularly significant for engine development and production in Mladá Boleslav was the introduction of pressure-cast aluminium engine blocks for the Škoda 1000MB in 1964. This original Czech patent was pioneering for its time. Today, the method of pressure-cast aluminium continues to be used in the latest EA 211 series engines.

Five million EA 211 engines: Škoda’s vital role within the Volkswagen Group
In 1991, Škoda joined the Volkswagen Group and began supplying engines to other Group brands just six years later. The company’s ability to develop powerful, efficient, state-of-the-art engines, coupled with high precision in large-scale production was underlined in 2012 with the start of production of the EA 211 engine series, beginning with then-new 1.2 and 1.4 TSI. Škoda subsequently assumed full responsibility for developing MPI engines for the entire Volkswagen Group and, in 2014, opened an ultra-modern engine centre, which includes advanced testing facilities capable of handling engines with outputs of up to 400 kW.

In March 2023, the Volkswagen Group decided to gradually transfer responsibility for the entire EA211 engine series to Škoda. Focusing on efficiency, economy, and compliance with new emissions standards through innovative technical solutions, the company now develops combustion engines for 50 model ranges across seven Volkswagen Group brands. These include the 1.0 MPI, 1.6 MPI, 1.0 TSI, 1.4 TSI (PHEV), and 1.5 TSI engines.

Amid the ongoing transformation of the automotive industry, Škoda Auto is offering customers the best of both worlds, with a portfolio featuring ICE and electric models to provide greater choice. The company is also leveraging its technical expertise to develop battery systems for electric vehicles based on the Modular Electrification Toolkit used across the entire Group. Recently, the Czech carmaker celebrated the production of its 1,000,000^th battery system.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Two of Škoda’s newest arrivals have been honoured in the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards. The all-new Superb and Kodiaq, which arrived in the UK earlier this year, were both recognised as exceptional offerings in their respective classes with the Superb topping its category and the Kodiaq winning a ‘Highly Commended’ accolade. In selecting its winners, the Carwow jury considered more than 100 new models before awarding just 13 category winners.

Leading the way for Škoda was the all-new, fourth-generation Suberb, which was named as Car of the Year in Carwow’s Comfortable Cruiser category. The judging panel praised the new model for its exceptional practicality and long-distance comfort.

The new, second-generation Kodiaq also impressed the Carwow judges and was awarded a coveted Highly Commended honour in the Adventurers’ Choice Award category. The panel recognised the new Kodiaq’s remarkably broad skillset, all-wheel drive ability and comfort. The reviewing team also praised the performance and efficiency of the new Plug-in Hybrid model, commenting: “Family SUVs didn't get any better than the last Kodiaq - and this new model looks like it'll be even better. The plug-in hybrid model will be the best bet for company car drivers and could well prove to be a real money-saver if you regularly charge it up. It’ll do more than 60 miles on battery power alone, and can even fast-charge, making it a really useful proposition for those who want a taste of the EV life but can’t or don’t want to go full electric.”

Despite having only arrived in the UK this summer, Škoda’s new Superb and Kodiaq models have already won some of the biggest accolades in the industry. Both models have taken category wins in the prestigious Carbuyer Awards and Auto Express New Car Awards, continuing the winning streaks of their predecessors. 

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Škoda Auto produced its one-millionth battery system at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav. The carmaker has been manufacturing high-voltage traction batteries since 2019, when it launched battery production for the Superb iV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Currently, the company is focused exclusively on producing larger batteries for fully electric vehicles based on the MEB platform; two assembly lines achieve a combined daily output of 1,500 units. These batteries, with capacities ranging from 55 to 91 kWh (net capacity 52 to 86 kWh), are installed in the Škoda Enyaq and Škoda Elroq as well as other Volkswagen Group brands, such as Volkswagen, SEAT/CUPRA and Audi.

“Reaching the milestone of one million battery systems made by Škoda Auto for Volkswagen Group vehicles testifies to the dedication of our team and the close collaboration among the different brands. This achievement also highlights our commitment to sustainable mobility and our contribution to driving the industry’s transformation towards a greener future. With determination, we are now taking the next steps: Construction of an additional battery system facility in Mladá Boleslav is already underway.”

Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics

One million battery systems from Mladá Boleslav for Volkswagen Group models
Škoda Auto has been producing high-voltage battery systems since September 2019, when the assembly of traction batteries was launched for the plug-in hybrid Superb iV model. In May 2022, the Mladá Boleslav plant started manufacturing battery systems for all-electric vehicles based on the MEB platform. These systems are used in the Škoda Enyaq and the new SUV Elroq, as well as in Volkswagen, Audi, and SEAT/CUPRA models. The production milestone coincided with the launch of the Group’s e-mobility info hub, ‘Enter Electric!’, offering technical details and providing customers with deeper insights into the benefits of electromobility. Currently, Škoda Auto focuses exclusively on producing MEB systems in Mladá Boleslav.

In 2023, the production facilities in Mladá Boleslav were expanded with a second assembly line, increasing the total daily capacity to 1,500 battery systems. Škoda Auto is also investing significantly in the necessary transformation of its operations, including digitalising its organisational processes and further employee training, for example. To date, the company has successfully upskilled over 28,000 employees to meet the demands of electromobility.

Each shift involves approximately 90 employees working in a production area of around 10,500 m². In addition, 82 fully automated robots handle tasks such as managing particularly heavy components. One battery for
MEB-based models is completed every 60 seconds. When unloaded from the production line, each battery weighs approximately 490 kilograms (82 kWh).

The lithium-ion batteries manufactured in Mladá Boleslav feature a modular design, enabling the production of a wide range of high-voltage batteries. These consist of 8 to 13 modules with 16 to 26 cells, providing a capacity of 55 to 91 kWh (net capacity: 52 to 86 kWh).

Unique production technology: tomographic centre
This June, Škoda Auto opened a state-of-the-art facility to optimise the quality control process of the final assembled batteries. The unique system uses computed tomography (CT) technology, capable of capturing intricate internal details as small as 4 microns (four-thousandths of a millimetre).

This technology provides highly detailed imaging of internal battery components, allowing potential irregularities in individual parts to be identified without dismantling the entire battery system. Moreover, the system can be used to examine cells that have already been in operation.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

 125 years ago, on 18 November 1899, the Laurin & Klement Slavia motorcycles types A and B were showcased in a riding presentation in Prague. Just under four years since its founding, the Mladá Boleslav-based bicycle manufacturer introduced these modern, technically refined motorcycles, which greatly diversified its product range. Positioning the engine within the frame rather than above the front wheel lowered the centre of gravity, which both improved the handling and protected the engine components. Other features included innovative electric ignition and a carburettor designed in-house. Commercial and sporting successes with motorcycles paved the way for the Mladá Boleslav brand’s first automobile, the L&K Voiturette A, in 1905.

A bold beginning
Mechanic Václav Laurin and bookseller Václav Klement founded the ‘Slavia’ bicycle workshop in Mladá Boleslav just before Christmas 1895. The success of their modern, high-quality products allowed them to transition to more efficient factory production, which accelerated the expansion of their range. In the autumn of 1898, Václav Klement set his sights on the emerging motorcycle segment. By spring 1899, L&K was offering bicycle owners an auxiliary petrol engine, but it soon became clear that the future lay in fully-fledged motorcycles – and Laurin & Klement dedicated themselves to developing them.

Unique technical solutions
The intuitive technician Václav Laurin rejected the prevailing concept of positioning the petrol engine directly above the powered front wheel for his motorcycle, as it did not meet his standards for handling and reliability. He addressed these issues by placing the engine centrally within the frame, closer to the motorcycle’s centre. This not only improved the weight distribution but also protected the single-cylinder engine, fuel tank with an evaporative carburettor, and ignition system from mechanical damage with a tubular frame structure. This design later became the global standard. Additionally, Laurin replaced the previously used platinum tube heated by an external flame with his own electromagnetically based ignition system.

On Saturday, 18 November 1899, the first two single-cylinder L&K Slavia motorcycles were officially unveiled at the cycling track in Prague-Bubny: the Type A with a 184 cc engine producing 1.25 hp (0.9 kW), priced at 460 guldens, and the more powerful Type B with 240 cc and 1.75 hp (1.3 kW) for 500 guldens. The rear wheel was driven by a leather belt, with speeds reaching 30 km/h and 40 km/h, respectively. The new models were a great success in foreign markets, including the United Kingdom and Germany. The motorcycles earned such a strong reputation that from 1904, Slavia single- and twin-cylinder models were manufactured under license in Dresden as ‘Germania’. That same year, L&K introduced the Type CCCC, one of the world’s first four-cylinder motorcycles. This series of achievements culminated in victory at the unofficial motorcycle world championship in Dourdan, Paris (1905).

The shift to automobiles
At the height of their motorcycle era, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement were already setting their sights on automobile development. In April 1905, a new one-litre two-cylinder engine was unveiled in Prague, making its debut under the bonnet of the first L&K automobile, the Voiturette A, later that autumn. Motorcycle production in Mladá Boleslav ceased in 1910, with an estimated 3,500 to 4,500 units built. Models such as the 1902 Type B, the 1904 Type L, and the 1906 twin-cylinder motorcycle CCD are on display at the Škoda Museum in Mladá Boleslav.

In 1907, the company presented the luxurious open-top L&K FF (1907) – the first inline eight-cylinder in Central Europe. Around the same time, in collaboration with electrical engineering pioneer František Křižík, it developed a hybrid vehicle based on the Laurin & Klement E four-cylinder, equipped with two DC electric motors. The impressive 125-year tradition of engine development and manufacturing in Mladá Boleslav, which began with the Type A and B motorcycle models in 1899, continues to this day.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com