Mladá Boleslav, 16 January 2026 – Škoda Auto is kicking off 2026 with a series of landmark anniversaries that highlight its rich motorsport heritage, iconic model lines, and transformative milestones. Following last year’s 130th-anniversary celebrations, the Czech carmaker will mark 125 years of Škoda Motorsport, 35 years as part of the Volkswagen Group, and 30 years of the modern-era Octavia, alongside a host of other notable milestones in its history.
125 Years of Škoda Motorsport
Škoda’s motorsport journey began in June 1901, when Narcis Podsedníček claimed a ‘moral victory’ on a Laurin & Klement Slavia B motorcycle in the Paris–Berlin race. While the triumph was not officially recognised at the finish line, it laid the foundation for Škoda’s motorsport DNA. Over the past 125 years, the brand has enjoyed a continuous presence in competitive racing, culminating today in global success with the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 rally car. Motorsport remains a vital pillar of Škoda’s identity, showcasing performance, engineering innovation, and resilience.
35 Years with the Volkswagen Group
Since joining the Volkswagen Group in March 1991, Škoda Auto has transformed from a regional market leader into a globally recognised automotive brand. Access to Group technology, engineering expertise, and purchasing scale has driven comprehensive plant modernisation, expanded model portfolios, and elevated standards in safety, connectivity, and quality. Today, Škoda offers its broadest-ever range of vehicles, from efficient combustion engines to hybrid and all-electric models, providing customers with unprecedented freedom of choice.
30 Years of the Škoda Octavia
The Škoda Octavia, launched on 1 September 1996, represents the first model fully developed under Volkswagen Group oversight. Over four generations, the Octavia has consistently raised the benchmark for space, practicality, safety, connectivity, and value. Today’s fourth-generation model continues this legacy, combining modern design with versatile interior space, efficiency, and exceptional value, cementing its position as Škoda’s bestselling model for three decades.
Other Milestones in 2026
Škoda also celebrates several other anniversaries in 2026:
- 90 years of the Škoda Favorit – Launched in 1936, the Favorit impressed with its generous interior and modern design; only 227 units were produced before 1941.
- 80 years of the Škoda 1101 ‘Tudor’ – Škoda’s first post-war series model, renowned for robustness, versatility, and availability in over 70 countries.
- 50 years of the Škoda 120 – Debuting at the 1976 Brno Engineering Fair, the rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive 120 sold over two million units, including derivatives such as the Garde coupé.
- 50 years since the rally debut of the Škoda 130 RS – Entering the July 1976 Rallye Škoda, the 130 RS established a distinguished motorsport career and enduring status as a brand icon.
These anniversaries reflect Škoda’s enduring commitment to innovation, performance, and customer-focused engineering, celebrating both its storied past and its dynamic future.
