In 2019, in its 124th year of history, Škoda is joining the electric vehicle revolution. Over the next four years, the Czech carmaker, one of the most successful brands to form part of the Volkswagen group, will be investing around two billion euros in alternative drive systems and new mobility services, representing the largest investment programme in the company’s history.
By the end of 2022, Škoda will have introduced ten electrified models. First among them will be the plug-in hybrid version of the Superb, one of the most popular mid-sized cars in Europe.
Buzz caught up with Jiří Černý, the head of the Kvasiny plant which will produce the new vehicle, to discuss how the company and its workers are preparing for the era of e-mobility.
Why was the Kvasiny plant chosen for production of the Superb plug-in?
The Kvasiny plant is a modern factory with high-tech equipment, high efficiency and well-educated employees. It was the first plant to produce the new SUV line up by Škoda and now it starts entering the electro-mobility era. Moreover, in the Kvasiny plant the Škoda Superb is made and that makes it more obvious that its electric version will be assembled on the same line.
How is production of the Superb PHEV different from production of standard models?
The Škoda Superb iV is a vehicle with a plug-in hybrid drive, the first one in the brand’s portfolio.
When you look at this car, you will find out that in the architecture of the car body there is an essential change in comparison with the standard car – there are batteries placed on the underbody structure. For the production, this also meant major changes in the body shop. Even the battery itself is a new part that needs many adjustments on the assembly line. There had to be implemented new security measures because the battery has its own specifics in the terms of security. The assembly line had to be equipped with new technology that will help with implementation of the battery.
What changes to the plant have been made in order to prepare for the production of the vehicle?
We aim to constantly increase the efficiency of the plant and to optimize the capacity and processes. Within the SUV offensive, which was initiated with the production of Škoda Kodiaq, the Kvasiny plant invested CZK11 billion (EUR430 million) into the modernization of production processes.
“The global automotive industry is experiencing profound structural changes due to e-mobility. We are actively driving the transformation and at the same time creating long-term prospects for employees in the Czech Republic.”
Jiří Černý, Head of the Kvasiny plant, Škoda
In 2018, a multifunctional competence centre was put into operation and is now being used for testing and analyzing the vehicles (including plug-in hybrids). For instance, there is equipment for testing the high voltage structure, a dark chamber for lighting technology and a water chamber where vehicles are tested against heavy rain.
How are you investing in electricity distribution and charging points?
During the upcoming months, we will invest in charging points in the Kvasiny plant. The number of charging points will be optimized according to the needs of the factory. The first charging points have already been installed.
What impact will e-mobility and automation have on employees at Kvasiny?
The global automotive industry is experiencing profound structural changes due to e-mobility. We are actively driving the transformation and at the same time creating long-term prospects for employees in the Czech Republic.
To date we have trained around 11,000 employees in e-mobility, including 1,000 with in-depth expertise.
Automation of our production processes is a part of the company’s Strategy 2025. However, our employees are very important to us, especially on the assembly lines, which would be difficult to automatize. There are working places where automation helps the employees to reduce repetitive and demanding tasks.
In order to increase the qualification and skills of our employees, the Kvasiny plant opened a new ŠKODA Academy in 2018, which resides directly in Kvasiny. This centre offers employees specialized courses, language lessons or training in order to improve their working conditions and support their personal development
