The decision to produce the fourth-generation Superb at the Volkswagen plant in Bratislava was announced in November 2020. The move is part of the Beta+ project, aimed at leveraging synergies in the production network and further boosting efficiency. Škoda Auto was responsible for the entire development of the Škoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat, which will both be produced on the same line.
By relocating production of the Superb to Bratislava in Slovakia, Škoda will create capacity for additional units of the Octavia at the Kvasiny plant in the Czech Republic from summer 2024. The move will also enable the Mladá Boleslav plant to build more battery electric vehicles.
The production of the Škoda Superb in Slovakia begins with the body parts, many of which are pressed in Bratislava and then transported to the new body shop. The hall had been vacant and underwent a complete transformation under the Beta+ project. Moreover, in less than two years, Škoda Auto installed over 500 state-of-the-art robots, control systems and bonding equipment as well as onboarding suppliers. In addition, the assembly hall was comprehensively upgraded: The assembly line, where the new models have been seamlessly integrated into the existing production lines for Volkswagen and Škoda vehicles, had not been previously used for plug-in hybrid models. The assembly hall rebuild included installing automation equipment and handling technologies, industrial camera systems, and further updates across the assembly line. Additionally, the chassis production area was extended to incorporate battery packs for electric vehicles.
The paint shop at the Bratislava plant has also undergone significant changes, bringing tangible environmental benefits: For example, the introduction of new paint booths equipped with advanced air circulation systems and the ability to capture volatile organic compounds marks a further step towards more eco-friendly manufacturing.
The fourth generation of the Škoda Superb
The production of the fourth-generation Škoda Superb launches with the Combi estate variant, followed by the hatchback set for the first half of 2024. The range of modern and efficient powertrains includes three petrol engines with outputs spanning 110 kW (150 hp) to 195 kW (265 hp) and two diesel engines delivering 110 kW (150 hp) and 142 kW (193 hp). In addition, the line-up includes a new plug-in-hybrid, exclusive to the Combi estate, with a purely electric range of over 100 km, as well as a mild hybrid version – a first for the Superb series.
Source: Škoda
