Bonus: Autocar meets Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer
About this episode
Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda, discusses the brand's impressive 130-year legacy and its current success in the European market, where it ranks third in new car sales. He highlights Škoda's diverse portfolio, including hybrids and EVs, and the importance of customer preferences in shaping their offerings. Zellmer also addresses the challenges of electrification, the brand's strategic shift away from China towards India and ASEAN, and the future of estate cars in a market dominated by SUVs. His insights reflect Škoda's commitment to innovation while maintaining strong values.
This week Matt Prior meets Skoda's CEO Klaus Zellmer, as both Autocar and Skoda celebrate their 130th anniversaries.
But the pair tend to look forwards rather than backwards, as they talk about the third best-selling brand in Europe, its future in estate cars, how EV sales are progressing, how it makes 8.5% profits when some mass market makers make none, and the personal touch that Zellmer thinks will ensure its desirability for years to come.
For more on Skoda, and Autocar, join us at autocar.co.uk.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Peugeot
"...there are another two above us, which would be Peugeot and Daimler. Daimler Benz. The legacy is really important."
Peugeot is a car brand from France that has been around for a long time, making many different types of cars. They are known for their stylish designs.
Peugeot is a French automotive manufacturer that has been producing vehicles since the 19th century. It is known for its innovative designs and has a wide range of cars, from compact models to larger family vehicles.
Daimler
"...there are another two above us, which would be Peugeot and Daimler. Daimler Benz. The legacy is really important."
Daimler is a big car company from Germany that makes luxury cars, especially known for the Mercedes-Benz brand. They have been in the car business for a very long time.
Daimler AG is a German automotive corporation known for manufacturing luxury vehicles under the Mercedes-Benz brand. It has a long history in the automotive industry and is recognized for its engineering and innovation.
heritage
"...there's such a rich heritage that you can then discover wandering around the museum..."
Heritage in cars means the history and background of a car brand. It includes the old models they made and how they have changed over time, which helps shape how people see the brand today.
In the automotive context, heritage refers to the history and legacy of a car brand, including its past models, innovations, and contributions to the automotive industry. This heritage often influences a brand's identity and customer perception.
new car sales
"...we are actually proud to say that we are number three in terms of new car sales in Europe now, coming from 2022 being number 10."
New car sales are how many brand-new cars are sold in a certain time. It's important for understanding how well car companies are doing.
New car sales refer to the number of brand-new vehicles sold by manufacturers or dealerships within a specific period. This metric is crucial for assessing the health of the automotive market and a manufacturer's performance.
battery electric vehicles
"So, we are not the ones that in an almost ideologic way talk about battery electric vehicles, which has built really good ones."
Battery electric vehicles are cars that run only on electricity and do not use gasoline or diesel. They are better for the environment because they don't produce exhaust fumes.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are cars that are powered entirely by electricity stored in batteries, as opposed to traditional internal combustion engines. They produce zero tailpipe emissions and are considered more environmentally friendly.
Škoda LROC
"if consumers like them, then they buy them with the ENYAQ and the LROC. Actually, in Europe in July this year, they were number one and number two in Europe."
The Škoda LROC is another car made by Škoda, which might be an electric or hybrid model. It is part of their range of vehicles.
The Škoda LROC is a model from Škoda, likely referring to a specific vehicle that may be an electric or hybrid variant. It is part of Škoda's efforts to expand its electric vehicle lineup.
Škoda ENYAQ
"if consumers like them, then they buy them with the ENYAQ and the LROC. Actually, in Europe in July this year, they were number one and number two in Europe."
The Škoda ENYAQ is an electric SUV made by Škoda. It runs on electricity and is designed to be practical and spacious for families.
The Škoda ENYAQ is an all-electric SUV that represents Škoda's entry into the electric vehicle market. It is built on the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform and offers a spacious interior and advanced technology.
simply clever features
"You definitely know a brand claim that has been around for many, many years, the simply clever features that you have in your car that make your life easier and surprise you every day."
'Simply clever features' are smart and useful things in Škoda cars that make life easier for drivers, like having an ice scraper or an umbrella built into the car.
The term 'simply clever features' refers to practical and innovative design elements in Škoda vehicles that enhance user convenience, such as an ice scraper or an umbrella stored in the door.
user experience
"...functionality, functionality, boot space, interior space, but also user experience when using your digital ecosystem in the car..."
User experience is about how easy and pleasant it is to use a car's features, like the controls and screens. A good user experience means that everything feels comfortable and works well when you're driving.
User experience in automotive terms refers to how a driver or passenger interacts with the vehicle's features and technology, including controls, displays, and overall comfort. A good user experience aims to make driving and using car systems intuitive and enjoyable.
Škoda Kodiaq
"...with these Škoda Superb and Škoda Kodiaq, we have the smart dials where we actually combine digital potentials..."
The Škoda Kodiaq is a larger SUV that can fit a lot of people and stuff. It's designed for families and is known for being practical and comfortable.
The Škoda Kodiaq is a mid-size SUV that offers a blend of practicality, comfort, and modern technology. It is designed to accommodate families with its spacious seating and cargo capacity.
Škoda Superb
"...with these Škoda Superb and Škoda Kodiak, we have the smart dials where we actually combine digital potentials..."
The Škoda Superb is a family car that is big and comfortable. It has a lot of space inside and is known for being a good deal for the features it offers.
The Škoda Superb is a mid-size car that offers a spacious interior, advanced technology, and a comfortable ride. It's known for its practicality and value, making it a popular choice among families.
design language
"...the most recent one probably are design language with modern solid. If you look at LRoc, ENYAC, the coming Epic next year..."
Design language is how a car brand makes its cars look similar. It includes things like shapes, colors, and styles that help people recognize the brand.
Design language refers to the visual and stylistic elements that define a brand's vehicles. It encompasses shapes, lines, colors, and materials that create a cohesive identity across models.
Škoda Kailak
"...With Škoda we have introduced the Kailak in India, which is a sub-four meter car, which is actually the most sold car in India. It's that segment, the sub-four meters, which accounts for more than 50% of the overall new car market."
The Škoda Kailak is a small car that is very popular in India. It's designed to be affordable and practical for everyday use.
The Škoda Kailak is a compact car designed for the Indian market, known for its affordability and practicality. It has gained significant popularity, becoming one of the best-selling cars in India.
Škoda Virtus
"...The Kailak, the Slavia, the Virtus is a car that developed for India, built in India, sold in India, but also now exported."
The Škoda Virtus is another small sedan from Škoda that is made for India. It offers a lot of space inside and has modern features that people like.
The Škoda Virtus is a compact sedan that shares its platform with the Slavia, aimed at providing a spacious interior and modern features for the Indian market.
Škoda Slavia
"...The Kailak, the Slavia, the Virtus is a car that developed for India, built in India, sold in India, but also now exported."
The Škoda Slavia is a small sedan car that is designed for people in India. It focuses on being stylish and comfortable for drivers and passengers.
The Škoda Slavia is a compact sedan that is part of Škoda's strategy to cater to the Indian market. It offers a blend of style, comfort, and technology, appealing to a wide range of customers.
Skoda Slavia
"... direction to have the right way. The Kailak, the Slavia, the Virtus is a car that developed for India, b..."
The Skoda Slavia is a smaller car that is made for people living in India, focusing on being stylish and easy to drive. It has a comfortable inside with enough space for passengers and their things, making it a good choice for city driving. It's part of Skoda's plan to offer cars that fit well with what Indian drivers want.
The Skoda Slavia is a compact sedan designed specifically for the Indian market, offering a blend of style, performance, and practicality. It aims to cater to the needs of urban drivers with its efficient engines and spacious interior, making it a strong competitor in its segment. The Slavia is significant as part of Skoda's strategy to strengthen its presence in India with models tailored to local preferences.
CKD kits
"...to have those assembled as CKD kits in Vietnam, to then have a foothold also we want to develop in..."
CKD kits are parts of a car that are shipped to another country to be put together there. This helps car companies save money on taxes and make cars that fit local needs.
CKD stands for Completely Knocked Down, which refers to a method of assembling vehicles in a different country by importing parts and components. This allows manufacturers to reduce tariffs and adapt to local markets.
CO2 compliance
"we need to stay CO2 compliant and we are. The CO2 compliance is a regulation that we will adhere to..."
CO2 compliance means following rules about how much carbon dioxide cars can emit. It's important for reducing pollution and helping the environment.
CO2 compliance refers to regulations that limit the amount of carbon dioxide emissions produced by vehicles. These regulations are designed to reduce the environmental impact of the automotive industry and promote cleaner technologies.
internal combustion engine technology
"to stay with 2035 as the stop for internal combustion engine technology in new cars..."
Internal combustion engine technology is the kind of engine that runs on gasoline or diesel. It's what most cars use now, but there are plans to shift to electric cars to help the environment.
Internal combustion engine technology refers to the traditional engine type that powers most vehicles today, using fuel combustion to create power. The automotive industry is moving towards alternatives like electric vehicles as part of environmental regulations.
Volkswagen Group
"...what we ask for as a car industry and as a Volkswagen Group now, that we need to revisit whether 2035 is an end of..."
Volkswagen Group is a big car company that makes many different brands of cars. They are working on making their cars more environmentally friendly.
Volkswagen Group is a major automotive manufacturer based in Germany, known for producing a wide range of vehicles under various brands, including Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and more. They are actively involved in transitioning to more sustainable vehicle technologies.
Skoda Enyaq
"If you look at our history, or at our more recent sales volume, we're at 23% battery electric vehicle share, which is excellent with just two cars, the Enyaq and the LROC."
The Skoda Enyaq is a new electric SUV made by Skoda. It's designed to be spacious and has the latest technology, making it a good choice for families looking for an electric vehicle.
The Skoda Enyaq is an all-electric SUV from the Czech automaker Skoda, part of the Volkswagen Group. It represents Skoda's entry into the electric vehicle market, offering a spacious interior and modern technology.
Skoda LROC
"If you look at our history, or at our more recent sales volume, we're at 23% battery electric vehicle share, which is excellent with just two cars, the Enyaq and the LROC."
The Skoda LROC is another electric car made by Skoda. It's built to be practical and has modern features, appealing to drivers who want an electric vehicle.
The Skoda LROC is an electric vehicle model from Skoda, designed to offer a combination of practicality and modern features. It is part of Skoda's strategy to expand its electric vehicle lineup.
Skoda Karoq
"we actually sell or offer the LROC at the same price level as its sibling in the Skoda brand, the Karoq."
The Skoda Karoq is a compact SUV made by Skoda. It’s designed to be stylish and comfortable, making it a good option for people who need space and modern features in their car.
The Skoda Karoq is a compact SUV that offers a balance of style, comfort, and practicality. It is designed to compete in the growing SUV market and is known for its spacious interior and advanced technology features.
SUV
"...a lot of companies have moved towards making SUVs because that's where consumers have gone..."
An SUV is a type of car that is larger and often higher off the ground than regular cars. They usually have more space inside for passengers and cargo.
SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle, a type of vehicle designed for both passenger comfort and off-road capability. They have become increasingly popular due to their spacious interiors and higher driving position.
estate car
"...the Vision O concept, which is price being an estate car. How do you view the future of the estate?..."
An estate car is a type of car that has a longer body and more space in the back for carrying things. It's great for families or anyone needing extra room.
An estate car, also known as a station wagon, is a car variant that features an extended body style with a larger cargo area and a rear hatch door. They are designed for practicality and often provide more space than sedans.
Škoda Octavia
"we have sold over 3 million Octavia Combi's..."
The Škoda Octavia is a popular compact car known for being practical and spacious. It's often chosen by families and those needing a reliable vehicle.
The Škoda Octavia is a compact car produced by the Czech automaker Škoda Auto. It is known for its practicality and spacious interior, making it a popular choice in various markets.
Skoda Octavia
"...end, we are on an upward trend with the sales of Octavia, especially Combi's and the superb Combi. Actual..."
Skoda Superb Combi
"... the sales of Octavia, especially Combi's and the superb Combi. Actually, since the most recent generation, we ..."
The Skoda Superb Combi is a larger car that looks like a regular sedan but has a lot more space in the back for luggage and passengers. It's a good option for families or anyone who needs extra room without sacrificing comfort. People like it because it feels nice to drive and has many features that make it easy to use.
The Skoda Superb Combi is a spacious and versatile estate version of the popular Superb sedan. Known for its practicality, comfort, and advanced technology, it has gained a reputation as a family-friendly vehicle that offers a premium feel at a competitive price. Its significance lies in its ability to combine luxury with everyday usability, making it a popular choice in the European market.
MAB platform
"...we're going to go on to the next platform after the MAB platform. And that new platform will then, of course, from our current plans, offer electrified drive trains..."
The MAB platform is a type of structure that car manufacturers use to build electric cars. It helps them create different types of cars using the same basic design, making it easier and cheaper to produce them.
The MAB platform, or Modular Electric Drive Matrix, is a flexible vehicle architecture developed by Volkswagen Group for electric vehicles. It allows for various body styles and sizes to be built on the same platform, enhancing production efficiency and scalability.
plug-in hybrid
"...but it could also be any other shape or form, be it plug-in hybrid range extender, whatever. So, this is the project phase we're in..."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can run on both electricity and gasoline. You can charge it from a wall outlet, and it can drive a certain distance using just electricity before it needs to use gas.
A plug-in hybrid is a type of vehicle that combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system. It can be charged from an external power source and typically offers a limited electric-only driving range before switching to gasoline power.
battery charging times
"...Yes, the battery charging times, they will go down, but they will, of course, for the foreseeable future not be where you are to refill your tank..."
Battery charging times are how long it takes to recharge an electric car's battery. Some chargers are faster than others, so it can take anywhere from a few hours to just minutes depending on the charger used.
Battery charging times refer to the duration it takes to recharge an electric vehicle's battery. This can vary significantly based on the charging method used, such as standard home charging versus fast charging stations.
long range
"...we need to put emphasis on the fact that people require a long range with those cars. And that's why we're looking at the 30s..."
Long range means how far an electric car can go on one charge. It's important because people want to drive long distances without needing to stop and recharge frequently.
Long range in the context of electric vehicles refers to the distance a vehicle can travel on a single charge. This is a critical factor for consumers considering electric vehicles, as it impacts usability for longer trips.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.