Skoda

Škoda's vehicles are not uncommon in the UK. Historically, Škodas had a poor reputation and no fashionable person would be seen in one, let alone own one. Since being purchased by VAG, the design - both style and engineering - has improved greatly and Škoda now use this historical joke as part of their advertising. In a 2003 advert on UK TV, a new employee on the production line is fitting Škoda badges on the car bonnets. When some 'attractive' cars come along he stands back, not fitting the badge, since they are too good to be Škodas.

Škoda has been successful in rallying.

Skoda Works was the biggest industrial enterprise in Austria-Hungary and then Czechoslovakia and among the biggest in Europe. Founded by Emil Škoda[?] in 1869 in Plzen it soon became the leading arms manufacturer in the country producing heavy guns for navy, mountain guns or mortars as well as locomotives, aircraft, ships, machine tools, steam turbines, power-engineering equipment, etc. Prior to World War II and during the occupation by Nazi Germany Skoda also produced LT-35[?] and LT-38[?] tanks, which are better known under their German labels PzKpfw 35(t) and PzKpfw 38(t).

Mountain guns produced by Skoda:

• Skoda 75mm Model 15
• Skoda 75mm Model 1928
• Skoda 75mm Model 1936
• Skoda 75mm Model 1939
• Skoda 100mm Model 1916
• Skoda 100mm Model 16/19
• Skoda 105mm Model 1939
• Skoda 150mm Model 1918

Present day company is specialized to heavy machinery (such as nuclear reactors or locomotives).

As an interesting aside, Škoda means "pity" in Czech. And "To je škoda" is a common saying meaning, quite literally, "It's a pity." In this way the automobile of the Czech Republic is representitive of the distinctive Czech sense of humor.

External Link

• Škoda Auto (international) http://www.skoda-auto.com/