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The functionality of Škoda’s voice assistant Laura has been significantly expanded thanks to the integration of Chat Pro from technology partner Cerence Inc.. Alongside previously available sources of information, the Chat Pro function is now directly connected to the advanced AI tool ChatGPT to answer questions beyond the scope of Laura’s original knowledge. The feature is now available in Škoda Enyaq family models with the new 4.0 software version released for the 2024 model year,
the new-generation Škoda Superb and Kodiaq as well as the updated Škoda Octavia. User and car data are secure at all times.

ChatGPT and Chat Pro advance Laura’s capabilities while guarding data security
Škoda’s voice assistant Laura now integrates ChatGPT, improving its functionality while maintaining stringent data protection standards. The upgrade expands Laura’s capabilities beyond the previous voice commands, enabling it to respond to questions spanning various topics. If a question does not relate to the categories ‘Vehicle,’ ‘Data,’ ‘Weather,’ ‘News,’ ‘Sports,’ or ‘Stocks,’ it will be automatically directed to Chat Pro, which is seamlessly connected to ChatGPT. Whenever the chatbot is used as a source, Laura will preface the response with “According to ChatGPT…”. User control over the voice assistant remains unchanged, and the feature can be deactivated via the privacy settings in the vehicle’s infotainment system. However, in the Enyaq models that support this functionality, it is always active. Importantly, ChatGPT does not access vehicle data or personal information; all requests are processed anonymously and the interactions are deleted immediately afterwards to ensure the highest level of data protection.

Chat Pro function currently supports four languages

By introducing this new connectivity feature, Škoda is reinforcing its commitment to customer centricity. Users only need an active Infotainment Online Package. The feature is available in models that are built on the MEB GP and MQB EVO platforms and equipped with the latest generation of infotainment systems, including
the new-generation Škoda Superb and Kodiaq, the updated Škoda Octavia and the Škoda Enyaq family with the new software version released for the 2024 model year. The currently supported languages are English, Spanish, Czech, and German.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Škoda Auto has taken part in European Diversity Month for the fourth consecutive year. This initiative, promoted by the European Commission each May, underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in both the workplace and society generally, especially in light of evolving work environments and the need to protect employee rights. Under the motto ‘Škoda Auto – A Place for Everyone’, the Czech carmaker has rolled out various initiatives focusing on fostering respect across generations and genders, and through international collaboration. In its most recent Diversity Report 2023, Škoda Auto shares the most important milestones achieved last year, such as successfully increasing the proportion of women in management to 18.3% (up from 14.6% in 2021) and raising the share of international staff in leadership roles to 31%.

“Respect and consideration for each individual are cornerstones of our company culture, which is why we take part in European Diversity Month for the fourth year in a row. I am delighted with how diversity and inclusion have developed at our company. It is very clear that promoting an open corporate culture not only enhances the work environment for our employees but also supports Škoda Auto in meeting its ambitious objectives and establishing a creative and equitable workplace for everyone.”

Maren Gräf, Škoda Auto Board Member for People and Culture

‘Škoda Auto – A Place for Everyone’
This year’s motto for Škoda Auto’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, ‘Škoda Auto: A Place for Everyone’, reflects the company’s commitment to respecting each individual’s uniqueness and its openness as an organisation. Reinforcing the motto, the carmaker also created a video where employees share their insights and perspectives. Special attention this year was given to intergenerational interaction and sensitivity towards the differences among various age groups.

One highlight of the European Diversity Month activities at Škoda Auto was the Diversity Community Meetup. During this event, participants took part in interactive workshops covering topics such as neurodiversity, Gen Z (individuals born in the ‘Internet era’, typically post-2000), and domestic violence. The Internationals@Škoda meeting included a group trip, presentations and discussions specifically catered to employees from abroad. Other projects focused on women’s career development, the new Employee Resource group Women@Work, embracing new technologies, supporting LGBT+ employees through Škoda Proud’s streamed event LGBTQ+ Allyship in the Workplace, and promoting inclusive language in the workplace. Additionally, Škoda Auto employees participated in the Fun & Run charity race against homophobia and other forms of discrimination.
These events were held throughout May and are part of an ongoing series of activities, including the upcoming Pride Business Forum Conference and the Prague Pride parade later this year.

Mutual respect, acceptance and understanding are cornerstones of Škoda’s corporate culture
For three years, the employee group Škoda Proud has been active within the company and is open to all who are interested in supporting and further promoting the topics of diversity and inclusion. In collaboration with the KOVO trade union, Škoda Auto has long been committed to developing and implementing a corporate culture and working conditions that consider the various individual needs and expectations of its workforce. Since 2006, among other initiatives, the car manufacturer has operated a protected centre offering employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. In 2019, Škoda Auto signed the European Diversity Charter, actively advocating for acceptance, equitable opportunities, and cultural diversity. In 2023, it became a premium member of the Pride Business Forum and joined the D&I Shapers community, two leading platforms for diversity and inclusion.

2023 Diversity Report: A host of positive outcomes
Released at the beginning of May, the latest edition of the Annual Diversity Report summarises Škoda Auto’s activities to foster human rights and mutual understanding, proving its commitment to these topics. The report provides comprehensive information on numerous projects in diversity and inclusion. Last year, Škoda Auto successfully increased the proportion of women in management to 18.3% (up from 14.6% in 2021), and the share of international staff in leadership roles rose to 31%.

Key targets of Škoda Auto’s Diversity Strategy 2030 include achieving a 25% female representation in management by 2030, fostering intergenerational collaboration and support for families with children, actively backing employee groups and LGBT+ staff, and implementing measures to accommodate colleagues with disabilities.

As one of the largest private-sector employers in the Czech Republic, Škoda Auto has been a signatory to the Czech Diversity Charter since 2019. Moreover, the company works closely with CSR Europe’s largest partner, Business for Society, and collaborates with the national coordinator of the Czech version of the Diversity Charter.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Effective from 3 June 2024, Chan Park has assumed the role of Head of Interior Design at Škoda Auto. The alumnus of the Royal College of Art joins the Czech carmaker with a wealth of experience from several major automotive brands. In the future, the interior of Škoda’s production and concept vehicles will bear his signature. In addition to a minimalist design approach, Park will focus on enhancing the synergy between driver and vehicle. His predecessor, Peter Olah, is taking on a new role at Škoda Design and will be responsible for the Art Direction – One Design Identity in the future.

Škoda Auto has inaugurated new facilities for the Emissions Centre and a brand-new Simulation Centre in Mladá Boleslav. Following investments of almost €22 million, the laboratory will bolster the car manufacturer’s in-house development capabilities within the Technical Development department. The state-of-the-art technologies allow for the precise and accurate simulation of a wide range of climatic conditions, enabling comprehensive tests that mimic real-world operations. The new Simulation Centre houses a laboratory unique in the Czech Republic and the Volkswagen Group and is among the most modern facilities of its kind in Europe.

“Opening the new Simulation Centre represents a significant step forward in automotive development and reaffirms Škoda Auto’s leading position in the evolution and testing of drive and thermal management systems. The importance of the new Simulation Centre and the Emissions Centre will continue to grow, both in terms of ensuring the quality of our production vehicles and in creating highly efficient powertrains and systems for the future.”

Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development

Unique combination of cutting-edge technologies
The new Simulation Centre allows vehicle functionality to be tested under extreme load and virtual calculations to be validated across diverse driving conditions, providing a high degree of test variability in various climatic environments. The facility can sustain temperatures from -7 to +50°C while testing. Moreover, the facility can simulate conditions ranging from 10 to 95% relative humidity (crucial for regions like India), sunlight exposure, and mountain driving at altitudes of up to 5500 metres above sea level. The laboratory also features a modern roller dynamometer for vehicles with outputs up to 300 kW, capable of simulating driving resistances at speeds of up to 265 km/h. Additionally, it is equipped with sophisticated air ducting with two fans for airflow simulation, an emissions analysis system, and a high-speed charging station for electric vehicles with outputs up to 400 kW. The ability to combine these technologies allows for complex tests that closely replicate real-world operations with high accuracy and precision in results, while the analysis and evaluation of the data are conducted on-site. Performing up to 850 tests annually, the Simulation Centre significantly expands the possibilities for developing new technical solutions.