Technical development
Building on the success of one million ŠKODA brand cars de- livered in one year, the Company continues to improve its products worldwide. Technical development is focused on the introduction of new information technologies for safety, com- fort and infotainment, taking into account the varied needs of its customers. From 2015, all models will meet the EU6 emis- sions standard and ŠKODA AUTO will continue to introduce additional measures to reduce CO2 emissions.
The Company will unveil a completely new model of its flag- ship − the ŠKODA Superb – in 2015. The third generation of this model will be surprising in its self-assured, completely re- vised appearance. The new generation will offer the brand’s typical spaciousness, and an exceptionally high level of com- fort and modern engine technology, safety and support- and multimedia systems.
In the first half of 2015, the ŠKODA Motorsport factory team will focus on completing the main development phase and approval of the new ŠKODA Fabia R5 competition car, which will become the new representative of the ŠKODA brand in the rally world. Following approval, the car looks set to build on the successes of the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 both in rally championships as well as in the customer programme for sale to private teams.
Production and logistics
The ŠKODA growth strategy is on a successful course for 2015 and has set ambitious targets for the coming years. In the next few years, ŠKODA AUTO will concentrate on expand- ing its production capacity at the Kvasiny plant in the Czech Republic. Production of the successor to the ŠKODA Superb will start in 2015 and the Kvasiny plant will prepare to start production of an SUV model for SEAT. A new welding plant was built in 2014 at Kvasiny for this purpose. Expansion of the plant will not stop there, as annual production volumes con- tinue to rise. ŠKODA AUTO will therefore be ready to face the challenges associated with the launch of new models in the years to come.
Outlook
Logistics also continues to support the ŠKODA growth strate- gy by optimising logistic processes and costs, and introducing innovative solutions and measures to protect the environ- ment.
Environmental protection
In 2015, ŠKODA AUTO will continue to develop its GreenFuture strategy, which is part of the ŠKODA growth strategy. Under the GreenFuture strategy, the Company plans to continually improve sustainability. In addition to economical vehicles with low fuel consumption, the focus is mainly on careful use of resources throughout the Company.
Markets, sales and marketing
In 2015, ŠKODA AUTO will strive to increase its market share and deliveries in key markets.
The ŠKODA AUTO model offensive will continue at a high pace in 2015. The new ŠKODA Fabia, and from mid-January the ŠKODA Fabia Combi, will be gradually introduced to global markets. Another highlight this year will undoubtedly be the world premiere of the new ŠKODA Superb and its sales launch from mid-2015. The current ŠKODA models are also awaiting exciting innovations and technical improvements.
Employees
In 2015, ŠKODA AUTO will focus on several fundamental issues in the area of human resources. In particular, these will include speeding up the Company’s response to new trends, ensuring the necessary skills by developing existing employees, meet- ing requirements arising from “Industry 4.0” and maintaining its position as the most attractive employer in the Czech Re- public. All of these themes are to some extent inter-related. Under the High Performance Organisation project, bureau- cracy will be further reduced and the introduction of smart IT support will continue.
The Company plans to develop three production sites in the Czech Republic in the near future. New technologies, continu- ing digitalisation and demands associated with Industry 4.0
create the need to further develop existing employees and recruit the best specialists for the direct and indirect areas. The Company is particularly interested in highly qualified can- didates with excellent language skills, who can work in the worldwide network of various Group companies. ŠKODA AUTO will also seek technically trained, high-quality employees for various positions in the direct area. New forms of learning will play an increasingly important role in the area of staff devel- opment. Employees will be able to make use of the expert and project career paths for their professional development. The Company closely cooperates on all issues with the KOVO Trade Union Works Council of ŠKODA AUTO a.s. ŠKODA AUTO welcomes 2015 being declared the year of industry and tech- nical education in the field of technical training support. Coop- eration with the towns and regions where it operates is also important to the Company. This cooperation is especially nec- essary with regard to the development of individual plants. It is essential for the Company to be attractive as an employer, in addition to its other activities in the field of personnel mar- keting and social services.
Finance
In 2015, ŠKODA AUTO will continue the modernisation of its model range. 2015 will be impacted by expenditures re- lated to the launch of the new ŠKODA Superb generation and roll-out preparations for an SUV model. However, in- vestment in new products is essential for the future of ŠKODA AUTO.
In 2015, ŠKODA AUTO will strive to achieve solid results and maintain financial stability. Optimisation of processes and pro- duction expenditures, while maintaining a high level of pro- ductivity, are the main measures designed to ensure the Com- pany meets its financial targets. The Company also plans to focus on targeted management of expenditures and liquidity, which will be achieved through careful planning of expendi- ture targets, optimised use of working capital and consistent monitoring of investment objectives.