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Škoda Auto is transforming its logistics processes to a uniform system under a Group-wide project called Project ONE Log. A new, standardised SAP solution will replace a large variety of existing systems. The Company thus consistently uses digitisation and centralisation to leverage potential for cost savings and increased flexibility in production & logistics. The project is the largest system changeover at the Vrchlabí plant over the last 25 years.

“Until now, we have been launching and using a wide range of applications developed over time in response to operational needs and gradually interconnected. That has resulted in a large number of systems and interfaces, and not only within our Company. An ecosystem such as this is highly complex and accordingly difficult to maintain. With ONE Log in place, we now have a uniform, standardised and harmonised system that forms a solid foundation for our logistics management while also saving costs and increasing both flexibility and efficiency across the entire logistics chain.”

David Strnad, Head of Brand Logistics at Škoda Auto

“The SAP S/4 HANA platform is a well-suited replacement for our currently deployed legacy systems in logistics. It gives us a future-oriented, stable and comprehensive base to build on and to serve our digitisation strategy. Implementing a new IT solution in a running business is always a challenge, and that is why it is a very strong message that we are able to cope with such complex projects in which all stakeholders and project members have to closely cooperate and work towards accomplishing set goals. A big thanks to all who have made this possible.”

Alexander Eisl, Head of IT at Škoda Auto

More efficiency through Group-wide harmonisation
ONE Log streamlines logistics processes within individual Group brands as well as across the entire Volkswagen Group. Merging existing sub-processes into a standardised, state-of-the-art SAP solution reduces the number of interfaces in logistics IT while also increasing the availability of data. Expected outcomes include increased flexibility and thus higher efficiency in production, significant cost savings, as well as consistent and transparent data. Furthermore, ONE Log also offers the opportunity to utilise the latest business intelligence tools for full-fledged data analyses across the entire supply chain.

As part of the project, employees (primarily) in logistics and IT departments at the participating brands, i.e. Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Audi and Škoda Auto, work closely together under the management of Volkswagen Group Logistics. The implementation of this multi-brand project started in early 2023.

Largest system change in Vrchlabí over the last 25 years
Škoda Auto has recently introduced the minimum viable product (MVP) for ONE Log as the “first wave” at its plant in Vrchlabí, and the other Czech sites will gradually follow suit. The main focus of this first version is on automatic gearbox assembly line planning, including stock level monitoring, and therefore on increasing the efficiency of material procurement and stock level monitoring processes. Mechanical machining is one of the areas of system-relevant expertise to be planned in the future.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

The iconic circular Škoda logo with the winged arrow was first registered as a trademark at the patent office in Pilsen on 15 December 1923. Since its initial appearance on vehicles from Mladá Boleslav in 1925, the logo has only undergone a few modifications, with its original visual concept remaining practically unchanged. In August 2022, Škoda Auto introduced a comprehensive update to its corporate identity and also redesigned its picturemark. Aimed at improving visibility on digital platforms, this revamp ensures a more impactful look, especially on mobile devices. Learn more about the evolution of the Škoda logo on the Škoda Storyboard.

The Škoda logo has adorned the Czech automaker’s vehicles worldwide since the 1920s. Today marks the 100th anniversary of its first registration on 15 December 1923 at the Pilsen patent office.

“As is often the case with historical events, it is not easy to find entirely accurate information today. Although there are several versions of the story behind the winged-arrow logo, historical sources contain solid reference points, allowing us to fairly accurately reconstruct the logo’s genesis and its subsequent modifications. The enduring logo design testifies to the remarkable talent and commitment of the graphic designers of that era.”

Andrea Frydlová, Head of the Škoda Museum

Inspired by history, now a global hallmark of quality ‘made in Mladá Boleslav’
The winged arrow is believed to have stemmed from a competition announced by the Škoda brand’s Technical Director, Dr Ing Vladislav Sýkora, while the idea itself is attributed to Tomáš Maglič, the then commercial director of the company. Maglič was reportedly inspired by a relief on the wall of his office depicting a Native American man with a distinctive headdress. However, the final form of the logo is the work of a professional. Historical sources suggest that renowned Czech sculptors Otakar Španiel or Otto Gutfreund may have contributed to its design, though their involvement remains unverified. Ultimately, two versions of the winged arrow were created – one with five feathers and the other with three. Both were registered as trademarks of the Škoda company on 15 December 1923 at the patent office in Pilsen. However, the graphically cleaner and visually simpler design with three feathers above the flying arrow soon became the preferred choice. Initially, the logo appeared on locomotives manufactured in Pilsen; it wasn’t until the 1925 merger with the carmaker Laurin & Klement that this emblem was also featured on vehicles from Mladá Boleslav.

The meaning behind the logo
The Škoda logo embodies the brand’s commitment to high technical and aesthetic standards, and precise manufacturing, as well as symbolising the dynamism of forward motion. Each element of the logo reinforces this message: The large circle represents the global reach and impeccable nature of Škoda’s production, while the wing denotes technological advancement, the range of production, and global distribution. The forward-pointing arrow signifies progressive manufacturing processes and efficiency, while the smaller circle, reminiscent of an eye, symbolises the precision of Škoda’s engineering, expertise, and foresight. The winged arrow has historically been used on cars, genuine parts and Škoda’s information and communication materials. Remarkably, it has only undergone five noticeable modifications and colour variations in 100 years.

Subtle changes over the century
In its original form, the logo had a metallic base, hence the use of silver and blue. In the 1950s and 1960s, the logo also appeared in red, and was frequently paired with the Škoda wordmark. Between 1993 and 1994, the blue colour was replaced by green. At the same time, the surrounding circle was expanded to accommodate the Škoda Auto lettering. However, this iteration was short-lived: in 1994, the logo evolved to a more sculpted look, with the outer green circle becoming black, while the green winged arrow emphasised the brand’s commitment to the environment. The logo on the vehicles incorporated the Škoda wordmark and a laurel wreath at the bottom of the surrounding circle. In 2011, the design was replaced with a modern, lighter variant featuring green, silver, and black elements. In 2022, Škoda introduced a significant update to its corporate identity, the most radical change in 30 years. The refreshed logo enhances the brand’s appearance on digital channels, especially on mobile devices and offers greater flexibility across various formats.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Škoda Auto announces the integration of the AI-based chatbot ChatGPT into its Laura voice assistant. This important step will enhance the in-vehicle experience of many customers and help to make everyday life easier. Škoda models based on MEB GP and MQB EVO platforms will benefit from this new feature. They will be able to access a vast AI database and have content read out to them while driving. This new function is powered by Cerence Chat Pro from technology partner Cerence Inc., offering a unique, automotive-grade ChatGPT integration. Personal data and vehicle information are protected at all time.

“Enriching Škoda voice assistance with artificial intelligence makes our cars an even better everyday companion. Drivers and passengers will have easy, verbal access to worlds of knowledge while on the road. Integrating ChatGPT into our voice assistant Laura is just the latest way that Škoda adapts advanced technology to improve the driving experience. Everything remains hands-free for the driver, and data security remains a priority. I am confident that customers will appreciate this modern new feature.”

Klaus Zellmer, Škoda Auto CEO

New functions for an enhanced in-vehicle experience
The new chatbot will be offered together with the latest generation of infotainment systems from mid-2024. It will be available in the following models based on the MEB GP and MQB EVO platforms: selected versions of the Škoda Enyaq, the new-generation Škoda Superb and Kodiaq and the updated Škoda Octavia. Enabled by Cerence Chat Pro, the integration of ChatGPT into the Laura voice assistant introduces a variety of new capabilities that go far beyond the previous voice commands. The Laura voice assistant can be used, for example, to control the infotainment, navigation and air conditioning and answer general knowledge questions. In the future, AI will provide additional information in response to questions that go beyond this as part of its constantly growing capabilities. This can be helpful during a car journey: Enriching conversations, clearing up questions, interacting in intuitive language, receiving vehicle-specific information, and much more — completely hands-free for even more safety for driver and passengers.

Data protection as a top priority

The operation remains straightforward for the driver: the voice assistant is activated with “Okay, Laura” or the respective steering wheel button. If the request cannot be answered by the Škoda system, it is anonymously forwarded to the AI. ChatGPT does not access vehicle data or personal information. All interactions are immediately deleted after processing to ensure the highest standard of data protection. This new feature will also be available in further models of Volkswagen Group brands.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

As an innovator in the digital arena, Škoda Auto is introducing its brand to younger audiences. The company has developed a unique gaming experience within the well-known online video game Fortnite. Through this initiative, featuring the new Fortnite Creative map ‘Out of Bounds Odyssey’, Škoda aims to engage potential future customers, who are increasingly spending time in the gaming world. The map is now available for players to explore.

Škoda Auto’s ‘Out of Bounds Odyssey’: A quest for discovery
Created by the renowned video game and software developer Epic Games, Fortnite is an online video game popular all around the world. Its ‘Fortnite Creative’ mode allows gamers to design their own maps and experiences, offering a diverse range of creative possibilities. Škoda Auto has entered this realm with the launch of its ‘Out of Bounds Odyssey’, inviting Fortnite players and enthusiasts to explore the Czech carmaker’s newly created custom map.

The all-electric Škoda Enyaq Coupé RS is at the heart of the ‘Out of Bounds Odyssey’ adventure. Players who find this vehicle can take part in three unique mini-challenges. Completing these gives players an in-game advantage, especially in exploring and discovering hard-to-reach areas of the map. Echoing Škoda’s ‘Explore more’ message, gamers who uncover these hidden locations are encouraged to take an in-game selfie, post it on Instagram and tag Škoda Auto’s official account @skodagram to be in for a chance of winning exclusive in-game rewards.

Navigating to Škoda’s ‘Out of Bounds Odyssey’

Players can easily find Škoda’s ‘Out of Bounds Odyssey’ map in Fortnite by searching for it under the Fortnite Discovery tab. Additional information about this unique gaming experience is available here. While part of Fortnite, the ‘Out of Bounds Odyssey’ is an independent creation by Škoda Auto and is not sponsored or endorsed by Epic Games, Inc.

Explore more: Brand identity and concept of the game
Škoda’s presence in Fortnite is a strategic move to inspire potential future customers, particularly among Gen Z who were born between the late 1990s and early 2010s. This demographic, which makes up about one-third of the world’s population, dedicates roughly a quarter of their free time to video games. Crucially, more than one third of this generation will be looking to purchase a car in the next 12 months. By delving into the world of video gaming, Škoda Auto is positioning itself to connect with these promising new target groups.

Škoda’s expansion into Fortnite for immersive exploration
Entering the world of Fortnite represents a continuation of Škoda’s digital gamification journey, which began with the Škodaverse initiative a year ago. Online games such as Fortnite and other formats introduce fresh approaches to storytelling and immersive brand experiences, combining entertainment and community in an engaging way.

Involvement in other popular gaming series in the Czech Republic
Reflecting this strategy, Škoda is also engaged in another video game popular among e-sports fans in the Czech Republic. The Škoda eRally Cup, hosted within the game DIRT Rally 2.0, successfully entered its third season in 2023.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com