Exploring Skoda’s 130-Year Journey Through Automotive History

Discover Skoda’s 130-year automotive story, with key milestones presented by Skoda Auto. Explore historic models, major transitions and the brand’s evolution today.

Skoda Auto marks its 130th anniversary by reflecting on a journey that began with a bicycle and eventually led to modern electric vehicles. In 1895, Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement introduced Slavia bicycles, which gained popularity across Austria-Hungary and abroad. A few years later, they began experimenting with motorized two-wheelers, and this experience became the foundation for the brand’s first automobile. In 1905, the Voiturette A appeared on the roads, launching a new chapter in Mlada Boleslav.

After Laurin & Klement merged with Skoda Works in 1925, the company gradually transitioned to the winged arrow emblem, which became its sole symbol by the late 1920s. In the 1930s, Skoda shaped its model lineup with the Popular, Rapid and Superb, strengthening its position and expanding into new markets.

Despite strict state planning in the post-war years, production continued. Models such as the Skoda 1200, the 440 Spartak and the Octavia found success, while the 1959 Felicia Roadster became one of the brand’s most recognisable vehicles. Another turning point came with the Skoda 1000 MB, produced between 1964 and 1969. The company reached true mass-production capability: around 443,000 units were built, a substantial share of them for export, and by the end of 1965 the factory was capable of producing more than 150 cars per day.

A new era began in 1987 with the launch of the front-wheel-drive Favorit, whose body was designed by Nuccio Bertone’s studio. After political changes in 1989, Skoda sought a strategic partner, and in 1991 the company became part of the Volkswagen Group. The first jointly developed model was the Felicia, followed in 1996 by the modern Octavia, which would grow into one of Skoda’s most significant vehicles.

The late 1990s saw the debut of the Fabia, which later surpassed several million units produced. In 2009, Skoda entered the SUV segment with the Yeti and expanded its crossover lineup in the years that followed. In 2012, the brand celebrated 14 million vehicles produced, and by early 2025 the figure had exceeded 27 million.

The shift toward electric mobility has become a central part of Skoda’s strategy. After the CITIGOe iV, the company introduced the Enyaq based on the MEB platform. According to Skoda Auto, by February 2024 the production of the Enyaq and Enyaq Coupe had reached 200,000 units, including a milestone white Enyaq Coupe Sportline. The growing electric lineup shows that even after 130 years, the company remains focused on technological progress and long-term sustainability.

To explore the geographic context of the brand’s development, readers can also refer to a dedicated map prepared by Skoda Auto as part of the anniversary project.