Skoda has produced the six millionth Octavia. The jubilee vehicle ran off the production line at the company’s headquarters in Mladá Boleslav.
Since its launch in 1996, the Skoda Octavia has become a global sales hit and is the Czech company’s bestseller. The beginnings of the popular series date back to 1959.
“No other model has run off Skoda’s production lines more often than the Octavia," says Michael Oeljeklaus, Skoda Board Member for Production and Logistics. “It is the heart of our brand and represents the high performance of Skoda production and logistics. The Octavia has made a significant contribution to Skoda’s rise on the global markets."
In searching for a name for the new model, Skoda looked back to its model history. Between 1959 and 1971, the manufacturer built a vehicle called Octavia, which mobilised the masses, offering lots of space and modern technology for the time. The name Octavia comes from the Latin word for the number eight: 'Octo'.
The Octavia was the Czech brand’s eighth model after the Second World War, following the ‘Popular’ variants 420, 995, 995 OHV and 110 OHV, as well as the Skoda 1101, 1200 and 400. In 1961 an estate version was launched on the market. In 22 years of production, Skoda built 365,400 vehicles in the popular series.
In 1997 Skoda produced 61,000 Octavias, one year later the production number had almost doubled to over 117,500 units. The Skoda Octavia COMBI, which also stimulated demand, followed in 1998. In 2010, the last of 1,442,100 Octavias of the first generation rolled off the line at the Vrchlabí plant. Skoda launched global production with the Octavia II
The successor, first introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2004, continued the triumphant success of its predecessor. The Octavia II had a fresh design, more space in the interior and boot, as well as state-of-the-art technology. Also, petrol engines with direct injection celebrated their premiere in the new generation. Added to this there were new six-speed manual gearboxes and automatic gearboxes - including the DSG transmission. Driving comfort increased thanks to a new multi-link rear axle. The safety features included ABS with braking assistant as series standard in Europe, four airbags and new active headrests.
With the second-generation Octavia, the Czech manufacturer also stepped up its internationalisation strategy. The production of the Octavia began at the Indian plant Aurangabad in 2005. The Shanghai Volkswagen plant has been building the Octavia for China since 2007. And since 2009, the Octavia has been produced at the Russian Volkswagen plant in Kaluga. The third Octavia generation celebrated its premiere in 2012. Just one year later, production of the brand's bestseller also commenced in Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
The current Skoda Octavia, launched globally in February 2017. looks more dynamic than ever thanks to the newly designed front and rear sections, harmonious lines and wider track. The new version of the compact model convinces with proven strengths and sets standards in terms of space, functionality, safety and comfort technology, as well as value for money in its segment. In addition, the new generation is the first Octavia to feature Skoda Connect mobile online services. Skoda Octavia production figures:
Octavia (1959 – 1971): 365,400
Octavia I (1996 – 2010): 1,442,100
Octavia II (2004 – 2013): 2,604,100
Octavia III (2012 – today): 1,588,400
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