The second half of 2023 is shaping up to be a busy period for Skoda, the Czech carmaker that sits within the Volkswagen group. The company is gearing up to roll out a slate of updates and fresh models, aiming to strengthen its product lineup across key segments in Europe and beyond. The plan includes updates to the Kamiq crossover and the Scala compact hatchback, with enhancements designed to keep these popular models competitive in a fast-changing market. The electric Enyaq iV gains a new top-tier package from Laurin & Klement, reflecting Skoda’s push to expand its electric offerings with more premium features from the brand’s historic tuning arm.
Elroq, the younger sibling to the Enyaq, is also expected to appear, according to company chairman Klaus Zellmer. While these details are framed as forecasts extending to 2025, they signal Skoda’s intent to broaden its C-segment and compact SUV family with updated technology and a refreshed design language.
In the latter half of 2023, Skoda is set to introduce a new generation of the Superb and the Kodiaq, both adopting hybrid powertrains. A notable change is the Superb, which will shift its production away from the Czech Republic to Bratislava, where it will be assembled alongside the next generation VW Passat at the same facility. This move reflects broader manufacturing realignments within the Volkswagen Group as it centralizes platforms and assembly in strategically located plants to optimize efficiency and supply chains.
The Kodiaq, meanwhile, will continue to offer gasoline engines, a choice that ensures the model remains attractive in markets where full electrification faces adoption hurdles. This includes regions where cold climates and high build-out costs influence buyer preferences and infrastructure readiness. For Russia, where electric vehicle uptake has been historically slower due to climate and infrastructure, the gasoline-powered Kodiaq retains a key role in Skoda’s regional strategy.
From a North American perspective, these updates are part of Skoda’s broader effort to expand its footprint in Canada and the United States. The brand’s electrification push aligns with U.S. and Canadian consumer interest in practical hybrids and EVs, while the continued availability of traditional gasoline variants helps address the diverse needs of North American buyers who are balancing range, charging accessibility, and price. Industry observers see these moves as essential for Skoda to compete with other volume brands in a market that values efficiency, technology, and aftersales support as much as outright novelty. [Attribution: Skoda corporate communications and market reports]