Skoda starts Superb iV production at Kvasiny

Czech Republic - Skoda has started making the Superb iV at its Kvasiny plant. The model made its world premiere at an event in Bratislava, Slovakia back in May 2019, and is set for market launch at the beginning of 2020. 

”The beginning of serial production of the Skoda Superb iV is a major step towards the future,” noted Michael Oeljeklaus, Skoda board member for production and logistics. “Over the past few months, we have rigorously made the provisions required to begin manufacturing our first plug-in hybrid at the Kvasiny plant. Today is therefore also the result of a great team effort.”

Around €12m (US$13.28m) was spent on the factory, much of which was used to prepare for the introduction of the plug-in hybrid variant of the Superb iV. This is the first electrified Skoda production model. It is made on the same line as the variants that only use combustion engines, despite having a different floorpan. 

Some of the equipment in the welding shop was adapted in order to allow the OEM to make the floor of the plug-in variant of the Superb iV. The assembly line was fitted with a feeder for chassis frames, as well as 12-volt and high voltage battery handling machines. Finally, high voltage system checks, battery cooling checks and hybrid drivetrain functionality checks are now carried out in the quality centre. 

AMS recently visited the Kvasiny plant and gained an exclusive insight into operations. As well as making the new Superb iV, it is home to production of the Karoq and Kodiaq SUVs. Over 300,000 units rolled off the line in 2018. 

Skoda has also been busy at its Mladá Boleslav plant, which is located around two hours east of the Kvasiny plant. Here it recently started making batteries for the entire Volkswagen Group.