On Monday, Skoda initiated series production of its brand new, third generation Octavia saloon at its Czech car plant in Mladá Boleslav, ahead of its European market launch that will take place at the end of January 2013.
Skoda said that in order to prepare its factory for the MQB-platform based model, it introduced “one of the most comprehensive modernization and expansion projects” in the history of its main plant at Mladá Boleslav, boosting the Octavia/Rapid production line’s capacity from 800 to 1,200 cars per day.
The Octavia is Skoda’s bestselling model accounting for 44 per cent of its worldwide deliveries in the first eleven months of 2012. Since the nameplate was first introduced in 1996, Skoda has delivered more than 3.7 million Octavia sedans and estates in more than 100 markets around the globe.
“The Octavia is the heart of Skoda brand,” says the company’s CEO Winfried Vahland. “Our people have employed competence and passion to create the best Octavia ever. This car is a class of its own in every respect. It is a great moment to give the starting shot for the third generation here at our main plant today.”
The 2013 Octavia is bigger and more spacious yet weighs up to 102 kg (225 pounds) less than its predecessor. It offers a wide choice of turbocharged petrol and diesel units ranging from a thrifty 1.6-liter TDI returning 3.4lt/100km (69.2mpg US or 83.1mpg UK) to a 1.8-liter TSI rated at 177hp (180PS). Next year, Skoda plans to enhance the range with all-wheel drive versions, a sporty Octavia RS and an estate body style.
During the launch ceremony, the Czech carmaker stated that with the new Octavia begins the next stage of the “greatest model offensive in its company history” as it plans to launch a new or revised model every six months on average from today to 2015. The VW Group-owned company aims to increase the number of cars sold worldwide to a minimum of 1.5 million per year by 2018.
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