Skoda has started production of the new large Kodiaq SUV model at its plant in Kvasiny in the Czech Republic.

“We are pleased that it’s now underway. The series production launch of the Skoda Kodiaq is an emotional moment for the entire company and especially for our colleagues in Kvasiny“, says Skoda Board Member for Production Michael Oeljeklaus. “Over the last few months, the whole team has been preparing for the start of production of our new SUV model.”

The manufacturing facilities in Kvasiny have been extensively modernised and expanded for the production of the manufacturer’s latest models. In addition to the newly commissioned car body construction and the conversion of the assembly line, the paint shop and logistics areas have also been expanded.

Kvasiny is one of Skoda’s three production sites in the Czech Republic. Approximately 5900 people are currently employed there, making the plant one of the largest industrial employers in the Hradec Králové region. The plant is currently undergoing the most extensive modernisation and expansion in its history. Over the next few years, the production capacity of the East Bohemian site will increase to 280,000 vehicles annually. In this context, ŠKODA will be creating jobs for around 2000 specialists and investing some 7.2 billion Czech crowns into the expansion of the Kvasiny plant by 2018.

Besides the Skoda Kodiaq, the Skoda models Superb and Yeti currently run off the production lines at the Kvasiny site. In 2015, around 142,000 Skoda vehicles were produced here. The automobile plant was founded 82 years ago.