The newest member of the expanding ŠKODA family, the Rapid Spaceback, has officially joined the line-up. The first customer cars have left the production line at the brand’s main factory in Mladá Boleslav in the Czech Republic.

The Rapid Spaceback will receive its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show on Tuesday 10 September 2013, and launch at retailers across Europe from October. The car will be on-sale in the UK early 2014.

The start of manufacturing marks ŠKODA’s eighth production launch this year. “Our whole team, from purchasing, technical development, to production and logistics as well as quality assurance, has once again done a great job to ensure that this launch of an extremely important model was carried out reliably, to the highest quality and on time,” said Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA Board Member for Production.

In order to accommodate the Rapid Spaceback, ŠKODA has adapted its operations and expanded facilities at the Mladá Boleslav plant. The car is produced alongside the current Fabia model on one production line. The Spaceback’s sibling, the ŠKODA Rapid, is also assembled on site, plus the all-new third-generation Octavia Hatch and Estate.

Upgrades to accommodate this year’s new models have included new equipment for car body production, a fully-automated paint shop and a new ultra-modern press line. Since April, a new logistics warehouse has been in operation, ensuring the supply of parts to vehicle and powertrain production is faster, more flexible and more efficient than ever before.

The Rapid Spaceback is a ŠKODA through and through, offering owners generous interior space, the highest safety standards, low fuel consumption and great value for money. It’s also an engaging car to drive, packed with ‘Simply Clever’ solutions for modern drivers’ needs.

Source: Skoda