Škoda Launches Series Production of the New Rapid in Mladá Boleslav
The Škoda Rapid will roll off the assembly line at Mladá Boleslav as the third Škoda model next to the model series Fabia and Octavia. At the current time, Škoda modernizes and expands essential production areas in its main plant for the production of the Rapid and the future new Octavia. Thus, the production capacity of Assembly Line I in Mladá Boleslav will be increased successively from 800 to 1,200 vehicles per day in the future.
In order to launch the production of the Škoda Rapid, various measures will be implemented in 17 production halls in Mladá Boleslav with a total of 173 individual projects to be realized. The measures involve over 141 planners as well as 2,000 employees of external companies. The original assembly line will receive new facilities for the assembly of the Škoda Rapid, for example for the mounting of modules such as the cockpit, front end or chassis, as well as for filling the manufactured vehicles with liquid media such as oils, fuels or coolants; they also include new testing facilities, conveying systems as well as handling technology. After the expansion of the production halls, the assembly line has grown by almost one third.
Due to the upcoming production launch of the new Škoda Octavia, Škoda will continue its construction measures and the expansion of the logistical capacities in Mladá Boleslav during the coming months. In the first half year of 2012, the brand has manufactured approximately 530,000 vehicles worldwide.
Beginning in October 2012, the Škoda Rapid will successively make its debut in the European markets. In 2013, this will be followed by a special version for customers in China to be produced locally there. Also, the production of the Rapid for the Russian market at the Volkswagen plant in Kaluga is planned for beginning of 2014. With the Škoda Rapid, the Czech manufacturer wants to primarily attract families who are looking for a spacious main car at an affordable price with the usual Škoda quality.