Skoda celebrates as they produce the 6 millionth Octavia, from 1951 to today.http://farm1.static.flickr.com/31/50690259_ff66d84dec.jpg

• Jubilee vehicle ran off production line at company headquarters in Mladá Boleslav
• The first OCTAVIAs date back to 1959
• The ŠKODA OCTAVIA has been the Czech brand’s foundation for success since 1996
• Extensively upgraded third generation model available since February 2017

ŠKODA has produced the six millionth OCTAVIA. The jubilee vehicle ran off the production line at the company’s headquarters in Mladá Boleslav today. Since its launch in 1996, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA has become a global sales hit and today is the traditional Czech company’s bestseller. The beginnings of the popular series dates back to 1959.

“No other model has run off ŠKODA’s production lines more often than the OCTAVIA,” says Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA Board Member for Production and Logistics. “It is the heart of our brand and represents the high performance of ŠKODA production and logistics. The OCTAVIA has made a significant contribution to ŠKODA’s rise on the global markets.”

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA exemplifies the brand's success over the past two decades. It was the first newly developed ŠKODA model following the fall of the Iron Curtain and after joining forces with the Volkswagen Group. Its introduction provided the impetus for ŠKODA's rise to becoming a global company, which has now successfully established itself among the large volume brands.

First OCTAVIA and its forebear

The launch of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA took place in autumn 1996 at the 'Mondial de l'Automobile' in Paris. The then new notchback saloon in the upper compact class featured modern technology and was very high quality and excellent value for money. With its ample space, the OCTAVIA set new standards in its segment right from the start. In addition, the car designed by former ŠKODA Chief Designer Dirk van Braeckel impressed buyers with a timeless design. A striking appearance with a large radiator grille enlivened the street scene of the 1990s.

In searching for a name for the new model, ŠKODA looked back to its model history. Between 1959 and 1971, the manufacturer built a vehicle called OCTAVIA, which mobilised the masses, offering lots of space and modern technology for the time. The name OCTAVIA comes from the Latin word for the number eight: 'Octo'.

The historical OCTAVIA was the traditional Czech brand’s eighth model after the Second World War, following the POPULAR variants 420, 995, 995 OHV and 110 OHV, as well as the ŠKODA 1101, 1200 and 400. In 1961 an estate version was launched on the market. In 22 years of production, ŠKODA built 365,400 vehicles in the popular series.

The OCTAVIA of the ‘modern era’ set the bar considerably higher. In 1997 ŠKODA produced 61,000 OCTAVIAs, one year later the production number had almost doubled to over 117,500 units.

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI, which also stimulated demand, followed in 1998. In 2010, the last of 1,442,100 OCTAVIAs of the first generation rolled off the line at the Vrchlabí plant.

ŠKODA launched global production with the OCTAVIA II

The successor, first introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2004, continued the triumphant success of its predecessor. The OCTAVIA II had a fresh design, more space in the interior and boot, as well as state-of-the-art technology. Also, petrol engines with direct injection celebrated their premiere in the new generation. Added to this there were new six-speed manual gearboxes and automatic gearboxes - including the DSG transmission. Driving comfort increased thanks to a new multi-link rear axle. The enhanced safety features included ABS with braking assistant as series standard in Europe, four airbags and new active headrests.

With the second-generation OCTAVIA, the Czech manufacturer also stepped up its internationalisation strategy. The production of the OCTAVIA began at the Indian plant Aurangabad in 2005. The Shanghai Volkswagen plant has been building the OCTAVIA for China since 2007. And since 2009, the OCTAVIA has been produced at the Russian Volkswagen plant in Kaluga. The third OCTAVIA generation celebrated its premiere in 2012. Just one year later, production of the brand's bestseller also commenced in Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

With the extensively revised version of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA released in February 2017, the brand intends to continue the success story of its predecessors and further strengthen ŠKODA's position in the international markets. The current ŠKODA OCTAVIA looks more dynamic than ever thanks to the newly designed front and rear sections, harmonious lines and wider track. The new version of the compact model convinces with proven strengths and sets standards in terms of space, functionality, safety and comfort technology, as well as value for money in its segment. In addition, the new generation is the first OCTAVIA to feature ŠKODA Connect mobile online services. With its advanced connectivity solutions, the brand’s bestseller is also equipped for the digital age.

ŠKODA OCTAVIA production figures

Generation                                           Number produced

OCTAVIA (1951-1971)                         65,400

OCTAVIA I (1996-2010)                       1,442,100

OCTAVIA II (2004-2013)                      2,604,100

OCTAVIA III (2012-today)                    1,588,400

                                                               6,000,000

Volkswagen to showcase two concepts at the UK GTi International Event.

Two top Volkswagen concept cars from Germany will be among the major attractions at this year’s GTI International, Britain’s longest-running and most successful annual event for enthusiasts of the Golf GTI and other related high-performance Volkswagen Group models.

GTI International will this year again be staged at the Shakespeare County Raceway, near Stratford-upon-Avon, from 4-5 July.

Star attractions this year will be the 190 mph Golf R 400, with 400 PS and 450 Nm of torque – plus the looks to match its huge performance – as well as the XL Sport two-seater sports car, which is powered by a 200 PS Ducati Superleggera V2 engine and has a top speed of 168 mph.

Both cars will be on display in the main Show ’n’ Shine and Concours area, sponsored by Dialynx Performance, which also attracts hundreds of the best-kept Volkswagens in Britain and Europe, with entries from original and restored concours classics to highly modified and customised cars.

Another novel attraction that needs to be seen to be believed, is a 70 mph four-wheel-drive Volkswagen V6-powered fully road-legal wooden shed!

The other main focus of attention will be the quarter-mile sprint track, sponsored by Milltek Sport, where visitors to the event can test the acceleration of their cars against the clock on a real drag strip with world-class timing, watched by a crowd from the 3,000-seater grandstand.

The strip will also witness demo runs from many of the country’s top tuning companies, as well as members of the Volkswagen Drag Racing Club. 

Returning this year and planning to break his previous record will be Paul Jordan with his four-wheel-drive Scirocco 20VT that last year covered the quarter-mile track in 9.021 seconds at 148.78 mph.

The club display area will be crammed with all the country’s top Volkswagen clubs and there will also be a wide range of trade stands, cars for sale, an autojumble, Monster truck rides and a funfair, while overnight camping on site – with permanent toilet and shower facilities, catering, clubhouse and bar – provides cost-effective accommodation as well as great camaraderie, with Saturday evening entertainment supplied by a live band – the UB40 Experience.

Volkswagen announces pricing and specifications for the All New Caddy Commercial vehicle.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced pricing for its new Caddy panel van range, ahead of Van Centres taking orders later this month and first UK customer deliveries in September.  Prices start at £13,500 (excl. VAT and OTR charges) for the C20 Startline short wheelbase model with a 2.0-litre TDI 75 PS engine.

The Caddy is the second best-selling model in Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ range after the Transporter, and new state-of-the-art technology, a raft of comfort, convenience and safety innovations as well as new engines will ensure the fourth generation continues the success of previous iterations.

The new Caddy is available in three trim levels – Startline, Trendline and Highline – and with short or Maxi wheelbases.  The Maxi version adds 469 mm to the short wheelbase’s already generous 1,781 mm and a load capacity of 4.2m³ (SWB 3.2m³ ).

Even the entry-level Startline model comes with an impressive array of standard equipment, including electric windows and heated and electrically adjustable wing mirrors, a five-inch touchscreen Composition Colour radio system with DAB+ and Bluetooth capability, a lockable glovebox, plus safety features such as driver and front passenger front, side and curtain airbags, a new post-collision braking system and a seatbelt reminder. 

Moving up the range, Trendline, with prices starting from £15,670 adds (in addition to Startline) full wheel covers, body coloured bumpers, handles and wing mirrors, rear parking sensors, cruise control, multi-function display, driver’s lumbar support, under-seat storage and sun visors with vanity mirrors.

At the top of the range, Highline, from £16,650, gains (in addition to Trendline) alloy wheels, front fog lights and daytime running lights, Climatic air conditioning, heated front windscreen, automatic dimming rear-view mirror, Thatcham category 1 alarm and windscreen wipers with intermittent control and rain sensor.

At launch the Caddy is offered with a range of three 2.0-litre EU5 engines, ranging in power output from 75 through 102 to 150 PS.  An EU6 compliant 2.0-litre unit with 102 PS is also available from launch.  

All models are available in combination with a five- or six-speed manual gearbox, with customers of the higher powered versions can also opt for a DSG automatic gearbox option (with six- or seven-speeds depending on engine power output). 

All Caddy models can be specified as ‘BMT’, meaning BlueMotion Technology modifications (start/stop system and battery regeneration) are fitted to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.  

A standalone BlueMotion variant also joins the range: with a 2.0-litre EU6 102 PS engine and five-speed manual gearbox it can return 65.7 mpg and CO₂ emissions of 114 g/km.

The Caddy sets a new benchmark in the class for its array of safety and convenience systems.  It is offered with Park Assist and a rear-view reversing camera, as well as High Beam Assist and Driver Alert systems, all of which help to enhance safety and reduce damage to vehicles.

Customers will also be able to specify Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and City Emergency Braking.  This system monitors the space to the vehicle ahead and maintains a specified speed and distance to ensure safe stopping.  

This technology has been used in Volkswagen Passenger Cars and is proven to reduce third party injury claims by 45 per cent. 

In the cabin, the Caddy feels comfortable yet robust, and boasts new upholstery and switchgear, as well as enhanced stereo and infotainment systems.  The standard five-inch touchscreen Colour Composition radio can be upgraded to Composition Media, or the Discover Navigation system.

Naturally Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will boost the Caddy range in July with the addition of passenger-carrying models.  Pricing and details for these will be announced in July ahead of deliveries in September.

Volkswagen launches the ONLY factory built Camper van in the world, the All New California.

• New engine range with fuel efficiency improvements of up to 15 per cent
• DSG and 4MOTION options – power outputs from 102PS to 204PS
• New driver assistance features, adaptive suspension and new infotainment system
• New safety systems; Driver Alert, Brake Assist and Automatic Post-Collision Braking
• Acclaimed layout and interior packaging retained and improved

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is set to kick-start the summer holiday season with the official unveiling of the new California. 

Based on the recently revealed Transporter T6, the new California remains the only factory-built camper van on the market, and offers a host of improvements and new features for buyers who want the ultimate home from home.

The new California is the fourth model to bear the name, and builds on the strengths of its highly successful predecessors. 

The range incorporates all the key features introduced on the new Transporter T6, including new, more efficient engines that are up to 15 per cent more economical than the outgoing units. 

The new California also features a range of advanced technologies designed to make life safer and even more enjoyable for occupants. These include driver assistance systems, a completely refreshed infotainment system and the availability of adaptive suspension.

The launch engine range includes both diesel and petrol options, along with DSG and 4MOTION four-wheel-drive derivatives. Power outputs for UK models range from 102 PS for the entry-level 2.0-litre TDI engine (Beach models only) up to 204 PS for the 2.0-litre TSI petrol unit (Ocean models only).

Naturally, the new California retains the legendary practicality and storage ingenuity of its predecessor. Available in two forms; Beach and Ocean (which replaces the current SE model), the California can sleep four occupants courtesy of its acclaimed pop-up roof (electro-hydraulic on Ocean models) that neatly integrates a 1.2m x 2m double bed. 

Ocean models also feature a fully-equipped kitchen, complete with 42-litre refrigerator, twin-burner hob and stainless steel sink unit. 

Ocean models also gain a dimmable LED lighting system for the pop-up roof and tailgate and a clever multi-functional holder for the rear compartment that incorporates a cup, ashtray and towel holder all in one.

Driver and passenger safety is another area where the new California excels. Among the many advanced features introduced on the fourth-generation models are a Driver Alert System, Brake Assist and an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. 

The former is fitted as standard on all models and can detect any deviation from normal steering patterns. If deviation is detected, the system uses visual and acoustic warnings to recommend that the driver takes a break. 

Brake Assist adds another layer of security by registering the speed at which the brake pedal is pressed. During emergency braking, it ensures full brake pressure is applied more quickly. 

Finally, Volkswagen’s acclaimed Automatic Post-Collision Braking System triggers braking after a collision, with the aim of preventing secondary collisions.

After a short delay, the vehicle begins a phased braking action down to 6mph, during which the driver can take control at any time.

UK prices and final specifications for the new California range will be announced shortly.

New Passat Bluemotion saloon and Estate added to expanded Passat range.

Volkswagen is boosting the appeal of its multi-award-winning Passat and Passat Estate ranges with the addition of ultra-efficient BlueMotion variants.  Both saloon and Estate models return 76.3 mpg and emit just 95 g/km of carbon dioxide.

Such efficiency is made possible thanks to the installation of a modified version of the Passat’s entry-level 1.6-litre TDI 120 PS engine with SCR, as well as BlueMotion modifications.  The engine’s maximum power is produced at 3,600 rpm, with torque of 250 Nm developed at 1,750 rpm. 

Standstill to 62 mph takes 10.8 seconds, while top speed is 130 mph – slightly greater than for the standard 1.6-litre engine, meaning there is no compromise in performance for the BlueMotion version.  In Estate guise, the same is true with 0 to 62 mph in 11 seconds and a top speed of 129 mph exceeding those of the standard 1.6-litre car.  

The 1.6-litre TDI BlueMotion is available in combination with a six-speed manual gearbox only.

Based on the entry-level S model, all BlueMotion Passat models feature a Post-Collision Braking System, mis-fuelling prevention and Driver Alert, as well as Volkswagen’s 6.5-inch ‘Composition Media’ infotainment system.  

Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems are also standard on board, while the BlueMotion adds 17-inch ‘Soho’ alloy wheels with super-optimised low rolling resistance tyres, sports suspension (lowered by 15 mm), unique BlueMotion front and rear bumpers and BlueMotion badging and chrome grille highlights.

Prices for the BlueMotion model start at £23,200 RRP OTR for the Passat saloon and rise to £24,750 for the Estate. 

Volkswagen Group saved by other brands, as VW drops, and SEAT, Skoda, Audi and Porsche rise.

• Slight increase of 0.3 per cent in deliveries for first five months
• 858,000 vehicles handed over in May
• Group Board Member for Sales Christian Klingler: “Deliveries so far this year characterised by mixed market trends.”

The Volkswagen Group delivered 4.20 (January-May 2014: 4.19; +0.3 per cent) million vehicles from January to May. “Deliveries so far this year have been characterised by mixed market trends. 

Even with their broad range of young and eco-friendly models, the Volkswagen Group brands are not entirely immune to this situation,” Group Board Member for Sales Christian Klingler said in Wolfsburg on Friday. 

The Company handed over 858,000 (May 2014: 880,900; -2.6 per cent) vehicles to customers in May. 

“The market situation in the South America region and in Russia remains tense. Developments in Europe continue to be positive. In the meantime, the new normality has arrived in China, where the market situation has changed as expected,” Klinger added.

Group brands delivered a total of 1.73 (1.68; +3.3 per cent) million vehicles on the overall European market in the period to May, of which 936,200 (880,900; +6.3 per cent) were handed over in Western Europe (excluding Germany). 545,700 (512,400; +6.5 per cent) customers chose a new vehicle from the Volkswagen Group on the home market of Germany, while the Company delivered 250,700 (284,200; -11.8 per cent) units in Central and Eastern Europe. 

Deliveries in Russia continued to decline, with 69,900 (118,100; -40.8 per cent) vehicles handed over to customers there.

The Group delivered 370,900 (351,200; +5.6 per cent) vehicles in the North America region from January to May, of which 241,800 (237,900; +1.6 per cent) were handed over to customers in the United States. 

The Volkswagen Group delivered 248,300 (323,700; -23.3 per cent) units in the South America region during the same period, of which 177,800 (254,100; -30.0 per cent) were handed over to customers in Brazil.

1.65 (1.66; -0.6 per cent) million vehicles were handed over to customers in the Asia-Pacific region in the period to May. At 1.49 (1.51; -1.1 per cent) million, deliveries in China, the Group’s largest single market, almost matched last year’s high level.

Outline of developments at Group brands

The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand delivered 2.48 (2.55; -3.0 per cent) million vehicles to customers worldwide in the first five months.

The premium brand Audi handed over 744,900 (713,900) vehicles worldwide in the period to May, an increase of 4.3 per cent.

The sports car manufacturer Porsche delivered a total of 93,200 (71,500) vehicles, representing an increase of 30.3 per cent compared with the previous year.

The Czech brand ŠKODA delivered 449,700 (428,000) vehicles in the period to May, a rise of 5.1 per cent.

SEAT handed over 176,400 (162,500; +8.6 per cent) vehicles to customers worldwide in the first five months.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles delivered 184,400 (178,300; +3.4 per cent)vehicles during the same period.

The MAN brand delivered 39,600 (46,700; -15.0 per cent) units from January to May.

The Swedish brand Scania delivered 30,200 (30,900; -2.4 per cent)heavy trucks and buses to customers in the period to May.

Note to editors: All Group figures include heavy commercial vehicles from the MAN and Scania brands.

GENEVA - New SEAT SUV, the 20V20, more details and better pictures.

• The showcar is a preview of the company’s strategic vision
• Stackmann: “SEAT is applying the ‘Leon Formula’ to the entire range”
• Sales of the brand are 7.5% higher at the start of 2015
• SEAT will present the first compact SUV in its history next year in Geneva

SEAT has its eyes firmly set on the year 2020. The Spanish carmaker revealed its strategic vision for the future in Geneva today with the 20V20 showcar (meaning Vision 2020), an SUV that sets the stage for the brand’s future and puts forward the new design language. “The 20V20 shows our ambition”, said SEAT President Jürgen Stackmann today during the company’s presentation at the Geneva Motor Show. “It is our guiding star and the lighthouse for our development for the coming five-year period”.

Stackmann emphasised that “SEAT will be applying the winning Leon product formula to the entire range. We've taken all product decisions to consolidate the successful path started with LEON and we have finalised our product plan for the coming years. SEAT will shift focus from the small car to the compact car category. The centre of gravity shifts upwards entering big, fast growing and more profitable segments”. In addition, Stackmann reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to enhancing connectivity, which is backed by the agreement announced yesterday with SAMSUNG.

The President of SEAT also announced that the brand continues having a positive momentum in the first two months of the year compared to the same period in 2014: “To date, our global sales have grown 7.5%”. Stackmann underscored that in 2014 SEAT sales improved by more than 10% for the second consecutive year and placed emphasis on the big EU markets, including Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and Italy, where the brand displayed double-digit growth.

The success of the Leon family explains the brand’s surge in sales. “For the first time in our history we have sold more Leon than Ibiza. The Leon family is now complete”, summarised Stackmann, who announced the world premiere of SEAT’s first compact SUV at next year’s Geneva Motor Show.

20V20, SEAT’s strategic vision

The SEAT 20V20 combines the dynamic silhouette of a four-door sports coupé with the refinement of an SUV and the versatility and utility of a mid-size estate car. At a length of 4,659 metres and with its 20-inch wheels and the determined expression conveyed by its adaptive full-LED headlamps, this sports utility has a robust stance that is in no way aggressive, while the interior offers a generous amount of space and premium ambience for five. In addition, a comprenhensive package of driver assistance systems raises the levels of comfort and safety even further. The array of drive options is multi-faceted, ranging from the high-performance TSI and TDI motors to plug-in hybrids. The power is delivered to the wheels via the DSG transmission and electronically controlled all-wheel drive.

New Toledo FR Line, sportier and more versatile

The SEAT Toledo FR Line is another attraction presented by the Spanish brand at the Geneva Motor Show. The Toledo is now even sportier with its exclusive FR Line version, which offers an exclusive combination of sporty design and versatility at an exceptional price. Equipped with TSI and TDI engines with displacements ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 litres and full LED headlights that are unique in this segment, the new SEAT Toledo FR Line underscores its dynamic character with additional sills and a newly designed, powerful front end featuring more distinctive air intakes. With its 17-inch wheels painted in titanium grey, the Toledo FR Line has an even more masculine stance. A tinted rear windscreen and rear-side windows add emphasis to its taut lines. Its distinctive appearance is rounded off by exterior mirror casings painted in titanium grey, LED rear lights, fog lamps and FR logos front and back.

The Leon ST CUPRA completes the sportiest line-up

SEAT is also showcasing the new Leon ST CUPRA to the public in Geneva, which joins the three and five-door versions. The family sized estate version of SEAT’s sportiest model is a unique combination of top performance, style and utility. The Leon ST CUPRA 280 accelerates from 0 to100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds and features a maximum load space of 1,470 litres. The new Leon ST CUPRA is a consistent winner in terms of design, road manners and excellent value-for-money, and is the perfect sports car for all aspects of life, from work and family, to sports and hobbies.

In the following link: http://seat-presskit.com/en you can find the SEAT press kit of Geneva Motor Show

SEAT is the only company in its sector with the full-range capacity to design, develop, manufacture and market cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting more than 80% of its vehicles, and is present in 75 countries. In 2014 SEAT achieve worldwide sales of 390,500 units.

SEAT Group employs 14,000 professionals at its three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon, amongst other models. Additionally, the company produces the Alhambra in Palmela (Portugal), the Mii in Bratislava (Slovakia) and the Toledo in Mladá Boleslav (Czech Republic). 

The Spanish multinational also has a Technical Center, a ‘knowledge hub’, bringing together 900 engineers whose goal is to be the driving force behind innovation for the number one industrial investor in R&D in Spain. In line with its declared commitment to environmental protection, SEAT undertakes and bases its core activity on sustainability, namely reduction of CO₂ emissions, energy efficiency, as well as recycling and re-use of resources.