Skoda names its new SUV and the name refers to the Kodiak bear that lives on a remote island near Alaska.

• Name refers to the Kodiak bear that lives on a remote island near Alaska
• Skoda's Kodiaq debuts in the second half of 2016, heralding the Czech brand's global SUV campaign

ŠKODA’s new large SUV is to be called Kodiaq. The name refers to the Kodiak bear that lives on a remote island off the southern coast of Alaska.  Its spelling is derived from the language of the indigenous people – the Alutiiq.  

ŠKODA will usher in a new SUV campaign with the introduction of the Kodiak when it makes its public debut in the second half of 2016.

Living alongside c.14,000 people on Kodiak Island – a harsh yet fascinating landscape located off the southern coast of Alaska (57°N 153°W) – are almost 3,500 Kodiak bears. The Alutiiq, the natives, call the bear Taq uka 'aq – the letter ‘q’ at the end is a characteristic of animal names. ŠKODA’s use of the letter ‘q’ creates a distinctive name for a very distinctive new ŠKODA.

At 4.70 metres long, ŠKODA’s new SUV can comfortably seat seven people and offers remarkable performance both on and off the beaten track.  The hidden power of the Kodiaq can also be seen in its design – distinctive, muscular lines representing a dynamic, robust and strong appearence.

‘Discover new ground’ is the claim under which the Czech carmaker will be launching the ŠKODA Kodiaq. The model marks the beginning of the brand’s new SUV campaign, and will attract new consumer groups in the fast-growing SUV segment. The ŠKODA Kodiaq celebrates its public debut in the second half of 2016, with launch planned for early 2017