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‹Focus›: So ŠKODA’s ethos of innovation
meet market and legislative
requirements all over the world?
‹Dr. Hrdlicka›: Innovation is our
daily bread. In our development departments
even seven years in the future. You
need to think that far ahead with regards
developing innovative technologies
that people won’t touch for several
years. We have always worked like
this. Our grandfathers had to be
innovative in order to compete in
the marketplace. In 1904 Laurin
and Klement built the world’s first
four-cylinder motorcycle engine.
In 1907 they created the World’s
first eight-cylinder engine. You see,
innovation is one of our mottos.
‹Focus›: How will this approach
to innovation shape ŠKODA’s
future?
‹Dr. Hrdlicka›: According to the
most recent study 90 % of future
innovation will be in software development.
therefore not just about the car but
also about the company, for example
our technology and our workplaces.
We must adapt to these changes, and
we must be able to react quickly. A
car is a product for people, and so it
must reflect the latest trends.
‹Focus›: How important is a spirit
of collaboration in automotive
development?
‹Dr. Hrdlicka›: It’s very important
for ŠKODA, especially since we are
part of a multinational group. And
not only does ŠKODA cooperate
with Volkswagen Group, but we
6
is helping VW Group
we are living five, six or
to localization and legislation,
The implications are
the way we organize our work,
2 0 1 9
WE HAVE ALWAYS WORKED
TO PROVIDE SOLUTIONS TO THE NEEDS
OF OUR CUSTOMERS, AND WE
CONTINUE TO DO THIS AROUND
THE WORLD TODAY.
DR. MARTIN HRDLICKA