Skoda Launches Production of Third-Generation Octavia

VIENNA – Volume production of the new-generation Skoda Octavia begins at Skoda’s main plant in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic.

The new model is the third generation of what is Skoda’s best-selling model by a wide margin. Octavia accounted for 43% of the total of 891,357 units manufactured worldwide this year through November.

Like no other car, the Octavia symbolizes the brand’s success story in the past two decades.

The launch of the first-generation Octavia in 1996 gave the Volkswagen subsidiary an international presence in more than 100 markets globally. More than 3.7 million Octavias have been delivered to customers since its debut.

“The Octavia is the heart of Skoda brand,” Chairman Winfried Vahland says in a statement.

Skoda started production of the Octavia liftback version first. The new model will be launched in the first European markets in late January, followed in the spring by manufacture of the new Octavia wagon.

In preparation for the third Octavia generation, Skoda initiated a significant modernization and expansion project at its main plant at Mlada Boleslav, where the Octavia shares its production line with Skoda Rapid and SEAT Toledo models.

At the core of this is an upgrade increasing the three models’ production line’s daily capacity from 800 to 1,200 cars. The measures include installation of a new body shop and a fully automated interior-painting line.

In addition, a new press line is to come online at Skoda’s Mlada Boleslav plant in early 2013.

“The start of the Skoda Octavia after that of the Skoda Rapid in August is the second major production ramp-up within the shortest time in our main plant,” Michael Oeljeklaus, Skoda board member responsible for production and logistics, says in a statement.

The new Octavia, Skoda’s first model based on VW Group’s new MQB platform, has grown significantly from its predecessor. It is 3.5 in. (8.9 cm) longer and 1.3 in. (3.3 cm) wider than the second-generation. The wheelbase is extended by has grown by 4.3 in. (10.9 cm). Even so, the car weighs up to 224 lbs. (102 kg) less than the previous model.

The car will be available with four gasoline and four diesel engines. The powerplants will range from the 1.2L TSI gasoline engine with 84 hp to the 1.8L TSI gasoline engine with 177 hp.

The new Octavia in the future will be available with all-wheel drive, a feature offered on the current version.

In addition to Czech Republic, the new model is to be manufactured or assembled in Russia, Ukraine, India and China.