Tag Archives: Škoda

News

New Škoda cars will be equipped with ChatGPT

Since its appearance, artificial intelligence is expanding its use especially in the automotive industry. Thus, more and more car manufacturers are integrating artificial intelligence into their multimedia system. One of them, Škoda, announced that starting this year all their new models will have the integration of a digital assistant with artificial intelligence ChatGPT.

Digital assistant Laura will be equipped with artificial intelligence and will be able to talk to users. This new feature is powered by Cerence Chat Pro from technology partner Cerence Inc., offering a unique automotive integration of ChatGPT. Of course, ChatGPT will also have certain restrictions when it comes to car data or user personal data. All interaction with the digital assistant will be deleted immediately after processing, and if the system cannot answer the question, it will be forwarded to AI ChatGPT.

The first models to be equipped with this option will be the Enyaq, the new Kodiaq and Superb, as well as the Octavia facelift that was announced a few days ago.

The car was announced with a short video that doesn’t reveal much, but some changes can be seen compared to the current model, such as the new design of the front daytime running lights, a slightly redesigned grille and a new bumper design. A small redesign of the rear part is also expected, which was announced in the previously published spy photos.

There will be changes in the car’s interior as well, and this primarily refers to the new infotainment screen that will be integrated in all Volkswagen Group cars.

Source: Škoda

News

2024 Škoda Octavia

As previously announced, a refreshed edition of Škoda Octavia will arrive on the market next month. The arrival was announced with a short video showing the covered car.

The video doesn’t reveal much, but some changes can be seen compared to the current model, such as the new design of the front daytime running lights, a slightly redesigned grille and a new bumper design. The rear part should also experience changes, but less compared to the front part. This is confirmed by previously published spy photos.

There will also be a change in the interior of the vehicle. The Volkswagen Group strives to have its screens in use in all their cars, which can be expected in the case of the Octavia, which will receive a new infotainment screen.

Although there is no confirmation of the powertrain that will be used by the new version of the Octavia, some predictions say that it could be a 1.0L three-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 114 hp (85 kW), but also a 1.5L four-cylinder engine with 148 hp (110 kW). and the 2.0L engine from the RS model.

Some information suggests that the Czech car manufacturer could introduce a fully electric version of the Octavia in the next few years.

Source: Škoda / Carscoops

News

Škoda achieved an operating profit of 47.2 percent in 2023

After Porsche announced an increase in car sales in the first nine months of 2023, another European manufacturer is recording positive results. According to data for this year, the Czech car manufacturer Škoda achieved a production growth of 14.6 percent (777,500 cars), but also an operating profit of 47.2 percent to 1.26 billion euros.

“The solid trend in the first nine months of 2023 is the result of dedicated and persistent work by our team at Škoda, including our dealer organization that is the face of our brand to customers. Thanks to this performance and our robust business model, Škoda Auto continues to steer a successful course,” said Škoda Auto CEO Klaus Zellmer.

Škoda also increased sales of electric cars by 29.5 percent to 19.6 billion euros, and the highest demand was for Škoda Enyaq (+47.6%). Škoda’s expectations were much higher, but the result was significantly affected by the suspension of operations in Russia. It was primarily necessary for the company to stabilize its supply chain, after which return on sales rose 0.8 percent each year to 6.4 percent.

“By investing over 500 million euros in tangible assets like periodic IT infrastructure upgrades, we have laid the groundwork for our upcoming digital offerings. Additionally, our focus has been on enhancing our BEV portfolio to meet customer needs and intensify our sustainability initiatives. Nevertheless, as we approach the year-end, we anticipate challenges and remain committed to ensuring 2023 concludes successfully,” said Škoda Auto member of the Board of Management for Finance, IT and Legal Affairs Holger Peters.

Since January, Škoda has delivered 642,200 cars worldwide, which is 17.9 percent more than in the same period last year. The best-selling model was Škoda Octavia with 145,000 vehicles (+35.8%). “Sales of the Kodiaq and Superb also increased, and the upcoming generation of these models will add yet another chapter to their success story. With dynamic design, modern technology and even more interior space, they are sure to impress existing and new customers alike, ” said Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing.

Currently, Škoda is working on expanding to other markets around the world, and in September it expanded its presence in the Vietnamese market, which is strategically important for the company to enter the market of the ASEAN region.

Source: Škoda