Skoda has launched the production of the new Skoda Rapid in Mladá Boleslav. At the end of September, the Skoda Rapid will celebrate its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show. The newest model series is of central importance for Skoda’s growth strategy and will be introduced in European markets in October this year.

“The launch of the series production of the ŠKODA Rapid is a special moment for us,” emphasised Skoda’s chairman of the board, Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. “Today, we give the green light for the series production of the new class of Skoda. The car sets new standards in the compact class and is an important pillar of our growth strategy. The entire Skoda team has worked with great commitment toward this day – starting today, the new Rapid will roll off the assembly line. This car will appeal highly to our customers and strengthen the position of Skoda in international markets even further,” said Dr. Vahland.

The Skoda Rapid is the third model to be built at Mladá Boleslav as well as the Fabia and Octavia. At the current time, Skoda is modernising and expanding essential production areas in its main plant for the production of the Rapid and the next generation Octavia. The production capacity of assembly line one in Mladá Boleslav will be increased from 800 to 1,200 vehicles per day in the future. “This expansion, while production continues simultaneously on both lines, is a logistical and engineering masterstroke of our production, planning and logistical teams,” said Michael Oeljeklaus, the Skoda board member for production and logistics. “We will successfully realise a fundamental expansion of capacities in our main plant with this.”

Beginning in October 2012, the Skoda Rapid will successively make its debut in European markets. In 2013, this will be followed by a special version for customers in China, which is to be to be produced locally.