New ŠKODA press line inaugurated in Mladá Boleslav

› Trial operation of state-of-the-art servo press line PXL II underway; full operation commences in March 2017

› Every day up to 23,000 press parts will be produced for several models

› ŠKODA creates 140 new jobs and invests €86.4 million into construction, infrastructure and technology

› Integral part of ‘GreenFuture’ environmental strategy: up to 15% more efficient than conventional systems

Mladá Boleslav, 6 January 2017 – ŠKODA has officially opened their new PXL II servo press line at the company’s main plant in Mladá Boleslav. The full operation of ŠKODA’s first press line for aluminium body parts will commence in March, when up to 23,000 press parts will be produced daily for several models. The construction work on the 11,600 square meter hall 4 began in 2015, with investments amounting to €86.4 million. For the first time, it will now be possible to press large aluminium car body parts on the state-of-the-art stamping press.

"The new press line is an important investment in the growth of the ŠKODA brand and the future of Mladá Boleslav plant.," says Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA Board Member for Production and Logistics, adding, "The new press line is another important part of our ‘GreenFuture’ environmental strategy, which focuses on resource-saving and production as well as energy-efficient vehicles. The press is one of the most modern of its kind in Central Europe. In addition to its exemplary energy efficiency, thanks to decentralized servomotors, it also enables a particularly flexible production process and significantly shorter changeover times."

"All workers' representatives, including those from Kvasiny and Vrchlabí took part in the opening of the turbo press line PXL II. Where an empty hall once stood, attractive work places with extraordinary working conditions have now been created. The local employees enjoy the full support of our trade union," says Jaroslav Povšík, Chairman of the trade union KOVO MB.

The new PXL II press line at ŠKODA’s main plant in Mladá Boleslav was officially opened yesterday, in the presence of Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA Board Member for Production and Logistics, as well as Jaroslav Povšík, Chairman of the trade union KOVO MB. The trial and optimization phase is now in full swing.

The new PXL II press line is based on innovative servo technology. The energy needed to produce the press parts is generated directly in the press line’s 14 servomotors. Conventional mechanical press drives instead use the energy accumulated in a flywheel. Unlike other systems, the conversion energy from the PXL II press line can be flexibly

adjusted and regulated as required. Another advantage is that the energy released during pressing can be partially recovered. Compared to conventional systems, the new press line consumes up to 15% less energy in continuous operation and is also characterized by its ease of use. Changeover times have been reduced to just 3 minutes.

In March, 2017, ŠKODA’s press line will be in full operation – where up to 23,000 press parts will be produced for several models every day. In this project, ŠKODA has invested a total of €86.4 million, creating 140 new jobs. ŠKODA will be operating the new press shop in twelve-hour shifts around the clock, seven days a week, with more than 1,000 employees.