Škoda starts new engine center operations in Czech Republic
Škoda Auto has started operations at the new engine center in Mladá Boleslav. Together with Volkswagen Group, the manufacturer has invested around 45 million euros into the expansion of the existing Škoda Technology and Development Center in Mladá Boleslav. The construction period was just under two years, reported praguepost.com
The Czech car manufacturer is expanding its expertise in engine and power-train development through this new engine center. Over the next few years, Škoda plans to increase deliveries to at least 1.5 million vehicles per year worldwide, reported the company.
“The new engine center is an important investment in the future of the Škoda brand and the Czech Republic as a manufacturing base. Škoda represents 115 years of expertise in engine development. We are strengthening this competency through the new engine center,” says Dr. Frank Welsch, Škoda board member for technical development.
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| Exhaust sytem testing at Skoda |
“The opening of the engine center is an important step for Škoda Auto, further increasing the competitiveness of the manufacturer internationally and ensuring job security,” says Jaroslav Povšík, chairman of the KOVO MB trade union. “With this new facility, I am confident Škoda will increase the appeal of technical careers to young people and Škoda will be even more attractive as an employer. At the same time, with the new engine center, Mladá Boleslav has gained another modern building, perfectly complementing its surroundings.
”Today, the Czech manufacturer carries out significant development work within Volkswagen Group on brakes, gearboxes, engines and components. Together with Volkswagen Group, the company has invested around 45 million euros into the construction of the engine center (more than 34 million euros into the new building and around another 10 million euros into its equipment), making this currently one of the largest development investments of a private company in the Czech Republic.
There are 21 engine test benches at the core of the new engine center. In addition to testing new engine generations prepared for series production, highly dynamic tests are also possible on the powerful 400 kW test benches, such as those necessary for Škoda’s motorsport activities.
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| Engine testing at Skoda's new Engine Development Center |
Another six specialized test benches are used to evaluate the function and durability of individual components and systems of internal combustion engines.In light of the growing demand on the global use of engines, powertrains can be tested for the highly diverse markets worldwide — designed for different fuel types.
During the construction of the new engine center, Škoda placed particular emphasis on ensuring operations were as environmentally friendly as possible. The test benches will be able to feed electricity back into the grid or provide power for direct consumption in the building.
The heat produced from the cooling cycle and exhaust venting when testing the engines will serve the building’s heating system through a heat exchanger. The savings arising from these measures amount to 1140 MWh of heat energy and 400 MWh of electrical energy compared to conventional systems. This corresponds to a reduction of approximately 720 tons of CO2 per year.
Cooling water is sustainably supplied to the cooling towers from the Jizera River close by, saving 16,000 m3 of drinking water per year. Approximately 48,000 m2 of green land is to be created around the new test center and other buildings in the vicinity.Škoda is expanding its expertise in research and development with the new engine center.
The manufacturer’s Česana plant is the fourth-largest in Volkswagen Group, and one of the most modern in the automotive industry. The development and production of engines has always been a focus of the company’s research and development. To date, Škoda has produced around 11.6 million engines.
