Skoda L&K 130 hybrid pickup honors brand’s bicycle heritage

Students unveiled the Skoda L&K 130, a Superb-based hybrid cycling support car marking 130 years of the brand and its deep ties to bicycle history.

In 2014, students of the Skoda Auto Vocational School unveiled a car that marked the beginning of a unique tradition. The Citijet — a compact roadster based on the Skoda Citigo — was built by 16 apprentices over six months and debuted at the legendary GTI-Treffen by Lake Worthersee. Its white-and-blue paintwork, roofless body, sporty 16-inch wheels, handcrafted spoiler, dual exhaust, and underbody lighting made it stand out even among dozens of striking show cars.

The idea came from the Volkswagen Academy, whose students created custom Golf GTIs each year. In Mlada Boleslav, the approach went further — students were entrusted not only with the design but also with the complete engineering process. For the participants, it became a hands-on education that no textbook could match. David Bankowski spent hours reworking components over and over. Lukas Novotny took charge of a complete electrical overhaul. Jana Siudova overcame communication barriers to present the car, while Radovan Juras produced most of the design sketches and showcased the Citijet at exhibitions.

The project proved to be more than a student exercise — it was a powerful career springboard. Gained independence, teamwork skills, and exposure at prestigious events opened doors into the professional world. Many participants later joined various departments at Skoda, keeping ties with student car initiatives.

Twelve years later, the idea has grown into an entire series. After the Citijet came the Funstar, Atero, Element, Sunroq, Mountiaq, Slavia, Afriq, Roadiaq, and in 2025 the anniversary L&K 130. This latest project became the first student car built on a Superb Combi platform with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. More than 2,000 hours of work by 28 apprentices transformed the estate into a specialized cycling support vehicle, featuring a retractable platform for bikes, a sliding side door, and an interior tailored to team needs.

The Citijet’s story shows how one bold experiment can grow into a long-standing tradition, connecting generations of students. The reunion of the first and latest project creators proves that this tradition is not only alive but continues to inspire those taking their first steps in the automotive profession.