Škoda Auto Marks 125 Years of Engine Production with 15 Million Units and New Milestones

Škoda Auto Marks 125 Years of Engine Production with 15 Million Units and New Milestones

(IN BRIEF) Škoda Auto celebrates 125 years of engine production at its Mladá Boleslav facility, highlighting a legacy of innovation with over 15 million engines produced since 1899. The milestone includes the five-millionth EA 211 series engine, which reflects Škoda’s expertise and its responsibility within the Volkswagen Group for developing petrol engines up to 1.6 liters. Škoda’s history spans groundbreaking achievements, from early motorcycles to advanced powertrains, and the company now balances its ICE legacy with electric vehicle advancements, including reaching the milestone of one million battery systems produced.

(PRESS RELEASE) MLADÁ BOLESLAV, 11-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Škoda Auto, one of the world’s longest-standing engine manufacturers, is marking 125 years of engine development and production in Mladá Boleslav. The milestone is highlighted by the production of the five-millionth EA 211 series engine, underscoring Škoda’s enduring role in shaping the automotive industry. Since 1899, the company has produced over 15 million engines, including groundbreaking innovations such as Central Europe’s first inline eight-cylinder engine (1907) and the pioneering use of pressure-cast aluminium engine blocks (1964).

Škoda’s expertise in powertrain manufacturing is further validated by its responsibility within the Volkswagen Group for developing petrol engines of up to 1.6 litres, catering to 50 model ranges across seven brands.

A Legacy of Innovation: From Motorcycles to Modern Automotive Engines
The story of Škoda’s engine production began in 1899 when Laurin & Klement, the company’s founders, introduced their first motorcycle powered by a single-cylinder engine. This innovation laid the foundation for a series of engineering milestones, including the world’s first motorcycle with an inline four-cylinder engine (1904) and the first car, the Voiturette A, featuring a combustion engine (1905).

Over the decades, Škoda continued to break new ground with advancements such as the inline eight-cylinder engine in 1907 and the introduction of large-scale assembly-line production in 1929. In 1964, the debut of pressure-cast aluminium engine blocks in the Škoda 1000MB revolutionized engine manufacturing and cemented the company’s position as an industry pioneer.

The EA 211 Series: A New Chapter in Excellence
Since its introduction in 2012, the EA 211 series has become a cornerstone of Škoda’s contributions to the Volkswagen Group. Initially launched with 1.2 and 1.4 TSI engines, the series has expanded to include cutting-edge MPI and TSI powertrains. Škoda’s precision in large-scale production and focus on efficiency and sustainability have solidified its role as a leader in internal combustion engine development.

In 2023, the Volkswagen Group entrusted Škoda with full responsibility for the EA 211 series, a move reflecting the company’s reputation for innovation and technical excellence. These engines, ranging from the 1.0 MPI to the 1.5 TSI, are used across a wide array of vehicles in Europe, India, and beyond.

Meeting the Demands of a Transforming Industry
As the automotive industry transitions towards electrification, Škoda Auto is balancing traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) technology with cutting-edge electric vehicle solutions. Alongside its renowned engines, Škoda has become a key player in battery system development, celebrating the production of its one-millionth battery system in 2024.

“Škoda Auto’s legacy of engine development and production, spanning 125 years, is a testament to our technical expertise and commitment to innovation,” said Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics. “The production of the five-millionth EA 211 engine is a remarkable achievement, reflecting our dedication to providing efficient and advanced powertrains to our customers worldwide.”

With its rich history and forward-looking approach, Škoda Auto continues to shape the future of mobility by combining its ICE legacy with sustainable electric technologies, ensuring a diverse and dynamic portfolio for years to come.

Media Contact:

Thomas Drechsler
Head of Communications
e: thomas.drechsler@skoda-auto.cz

SOURCE: Škoda Auto a.s