Václav Laurin, a mechanic, and Václav Klement, a bookseller – both of whom were enthusiastic cyclists, began making their own bicycles in December 1895.
Due to a tense political era and a strong sense of patriotism at the end of the 19th century, they named their company Slavia. Beginning in 1899, they began producing motorcycles under the name Laurin & Klement.
At the turn of the century, Laurin and Klement moved to manufacturing cars. The first mass produced car– the L&K Voiturette A - was made in 1905.
1895
1905
The first logo of the L&K Company with lime tree elements symbolizing Slavic nations.
It was used on bicycles and motorcycles of the Slavia brand.
1905
1911
This logo was used on the side of Slavia motorcycles‘fuel tanks.
1905
1925
This round logo with the L&K initials surrounded by a laurel wreath was inspired by art nouveau.
It decorated the top of the Laurin & Klement automobile radiators.
1925
1995
The famous winged arrow has adorned the cars made in Mladá Boleslav for almost a century.
Its origin is veiled in mystery and is a source of many legends.
1995
2011
The ŠKODA AUTO logo is perceived as one of the most original and stylistically pure in the world.
2011
2015
The winged arrow is much larger and more prominent in the latest version.
2016
NOW
One significant change concerns the wordmark, which moves underneath the picturemark with the winged arrow in a chrome ring.
The ŠKODA story began not on four wheels, but two: a bicycle called the ‘Slavia’. Our founders, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, built it in 1895. Besides their first names and a love for cycling, they had another thing in common: a strong inventive spirit...
The firm Laurin & Klement was founded during a period of global industrial development.
Early in the 20th century, new transport modes began shaping people’s everyday lives and expanding their horizons as the first airplanes proved their worth and the first automobiles took to the road. It is this sort of pioneer era that saw two young men founding their own company. In this period of innovation, two young men – cyclists enthusiastic about the idea of individual mobility – establish their own company.
They start out with bicycle manufacture in Bohemia, a European country with a long standing industrial tradition.
Václav Klement and Václav Laurin open a bicycle manufacture and repair workshop in Mladá Boleslav.
The bicycles called Slavia sell successfully both at home and abroad.
L&K improves on the motorized bicycles designed by the Werner brothers and starts producing motorized two wheelers. These are the first motorcycles manufactured in Austria-Hungary.
Laurin invents a new motorcycle-design principle by building the frame around the engine and positioning all control elements on the handle bars, within the driver’s reach.symbio
After introducing the first prototypes at the turn of the century, L&K starts producing automobiles under the name Voiturette.
Václav Vondřich triumphs in the renowned Coupe Internationale in Dourdan, France, on an L&K motorcycle.
Series production of the Voiturette starts, along with the first true production campaign
Laurin & Klement Shareholding Company is founded.
The successful L&K type F four-cylinder is launched on the market
The company’s range now consists of nine models, from a small two-cylinder passenger car and a four-cylinder racing car to transporters and omnibuses.
An FF-type engine constructed from two four-cylinder F-model drivetrains is one of the first eight-cylinders to have ever been built.
The L&K Type-F racing version wins big in all of its categories at Semmering.
The first small four-cylinder type G is launched on the market.
The Type S – a simple, reliable large-series car was sold in countless bodywork and engine versions until 1925.
L&K takes over the RAF automobile plant (Reichenberger Automobil Fabrik) in Liberec.
After acquiring a concession, L&K starts producing Knight sleeve-valve engines for luxury models.
In the aftermath of the First World War, automobiles are considered an unnecessary luxury. L&K’s most successful product is the motorized plough Excelsior.
Post-war production is based on two model series of passenger cars labelled ‘M’ and ‘S’, which directly follow up on the pre war production.
The compact car Type-1000 is developed.
L&K begins producing aircraft engines for the Czech government.
In order to solidify theirposition on the market, Laurin & Klement merges with the Škoda Works in Pilsen, a company founded by the engineer Emil Škoda. Laurin & Klement vehicles now feature the winged-arrow logo.
The Mladá Boleslav car manufacturer is introduced under the new trade name ‘ŠKODA’ at the international motor show in Prague. One of the first cars to bear the name is the roadster type 150.
ŠKODA implements the revolutionary flow production, which enables making 85 cars per day.
ŠKODA car production is concentrated at the independent company ‘ASAP’ (Akciová společnost pro automobilový průmysl - ‘Shareholding company for automotive industry’), a subsidiary owned by the Škoda Works Pilsen.
The ŠKODA 633 model becomes the most successful six-cylinder of the period.
Developing the central-tube frame for the 420 STANDARD marks a milestone in chassis construction, laying the foundation for lower weight and, as a result, higher fuel efficiency of future models.
With the POPULAR, RAPID and SUPERB ŠKODA introduces a new successful generation of vehicles with the modern central-tube frame and OHV engine.
The POPULAR evolves to become a Czech people‘s car, breaking the record of 5,000 cars produced in one model series.
ŠKODA ranks second in the Monte Carlo Rally with the POPULAR SPORT, a model later known as Monte Carlo. The POPULAR continues to win rallies in Africa, the Balkans and Uruguay.
The model range is extended to include the mid-size model ŠKODA FAVORIT.
The ŠKODA POPULAR 995 is launched. This ‘ŠKODA for the people’ (‘ŠKODA pro lid’ in Czech) is nicknamed ‘Liduška’, a girl’s name reflecting the word ‘lidový’ (‘people’s’).
Civil production is side-lined as the Second World War breaks out. The whole group is now controlled by Reichswerke Hermann Göring AG.
The automotive industry shifts to war production. In addition to weapon components, mainly various types of delivery carts, all-wheel drive vehicles and the RSO heavy tractor.
The first modernized ŠKODA POPULAR cars leave the extensively damaged Mladá Boleslav plant.
The state economy is controlled by the socialist regime – the spring of 1945 sees the nationalization of large companies, including the Škoda Works in Pilsen and ASAP in Mladá Boleslav.
The automobile works is restructured under the new name AZNP (Automobilové závody národní podnik – ‘Automobile Works National Enterprise’).
Production of the ŠKODA 1101 was launched. The model was more commonly known as the ‘TUDOR’ due to its bodywork.
ŠKODA wins the President’s cup in the 1000-km race Montevideo - Melo Montevideo.
The armour-plated government special (‘VOS’) marks the end of production of mid-size and entry-level luxury cars in Mladá Boleslav for a long time to come.
ŠKODA introduces the sedan 1200. One noteworthy innovation is the all-metal bodywork replacing the formerly used wood and metal combination. In Europe, the all-metal body only begins to be widely used at the end of the 1950s.
The ŠKODA 440 SPARTAK is launched on the market.
ŠKODA modernizes the 440, 445 and 450 model series. The models are given new names – the OCTAVIA, OCTAVIA SUPER and FELICIA.
Using a Czech patent from 1922, ŠKODA builds an aluminium pressure casting line for their latest model. This means that the company then had the most modern foundry in Europe at their disposal. The ŠKODA 1000 drivetrain is the first series-produced engine to utilize aluminium pressure casting. With numerous modernizations, the engine was produced for almost 40 years.
One of the best 1.0l cars at the time, the ŠKODA 1000 MB with rear-axle engine, is launched on the market. A successor to the POPULAR, the model offers an ideal package of price, utility value and running costs.
ŠKODA off-roaders like the TREKKA and SKOPAK are produced in New Zealand, Pakistan and Turkey. Parts are also supplied from Mladá Boleslav, with the assembly conducted by the importer on location with assistance from ŠKODA technicians.
ŠKODA wins the Eastern European Formula 3 Championship.
ŠKODA 100 – a ŠKODA 1000 MB facelift – is launched
The ŠKODA 110 R COUPÉ sports car is introduced and, like the FELICIA, is produced at the Kvasiny plant.
ŠKODA launches the legendary 130 RS, which received numerous trophies in subsequent years. This model brought ŠKODA their greatest post-war success at the time: in the 1977 Monte Carlo Rally, where the 130 RS achieved a double win in its category.
ŠKODA builds the 105/120, a solid and affordable family car with rear engine. The customers were impressed by the good driving features and unmatched price.
ŠKODA participates in the cir cuit racing European championship. The 130 RS scores full points in six races, taking home the title in the factory rankings.
Production of the FAVORIT model series is launched. The transition to the modern concept of front-axle engine, front-wheel drive and compact bodywork with large fifth door takes place in record time. The elegant bodywork was designed by Italian designer Nuccio Bertone.
ŠKODA FAVORIT is launched on the market, recording sales success both in Czechoslovakia and abroad.
Following the political regime change in 1989, the company seeks a strong foreign partner to transfer ŠKODA based on market economic conditions to an internationally competitive company. In December 1990, the Czech Republic chooses Volkswagen.
ŠKODA, automobilová a. s. com mences its activities and joins with VW, Audi and Seat as the fourth brand of the Volkswagen concern.
There is an ongoing process of improving the quality of production, and all ŠKODA vehicles receive monopoint fuel injection systems and controlled catalytic converters.
The ŠKODA FAVORIT model after more than a million produced vehicles is replaced by the FELICIA, the first jointly developed vehicle since the merger with VW. By 2001 the company had produced more than 1.4 million FELICIA models.
In Mladá Boleslav, the foundation stone is laid for the production plant for the future new model of the middle-class OCTAVIA.
In Mladá Boleslav, the production of the millionth ŠKODA vehicle since the founding of the joint venture with VW is produced.
The ŠKODA OCTAVIA is introduced. This second production series of the brand paves the way for the company’s success in later years.
For the first time, ŠKODA produces more than 400,000 vehicles per year, which are exported to 70 countries.
ŠKODA enters the category of motor sport World Rally Car (WRC).
At Frankfurt Motor Show, the absolutely new ŠKODA FABIA is presented, and a year later it is supplemented by the FABIA COMBI.
ŠKODA founds in Mladá Boleslav the first company operated university in the Czech Republic: ŠKODA AUTO University.
ŠKODA OCTAVIA RS is so far the fastest series vehicle of the brand.
Under the traditional name SUPERB, ŠKODA presents a new luxury model and corresponds to the historic production series of higher classes from 1934 to 1949.
In Aurangabad, India ŠKODA opens its first factory of Europe.
The FABIA WRC has its première at Geneva Motor Show.
ŠKODA establishes the fourth design series, the compact ROOMSTER.
As the fifth model series, the ŠKODA YETI enters the market.
In Paris, the first ŠKODA electric vehicle is introduced: concept OCTAVIA Green E Line.
With the VisionD and MissionL studios ŠKODA launches the new design language and the most extensive model offensive in the company’s history.
ŠKODA presents the sixth model series, the urban vehicle CITIGO.
ŠKODA celebrates 14 million vehicles produced since 1905, of which 9 million were produced since the merger with Volkswagen in 1991.
The new compact ŠKODA RAPID enters the market as the seventh model series.
Following extensive reconstruction, the ŠKODA Museum in Mladá Boleslav reopens.
The 15-millionth ŠKODA vehicle is produced, and the 11-millionth engine since early 1899.
Series production is launched of the new model ŠKODA RAPID SPACEBACK.
ŠKODA AUTO launches the operation of a new Engine Centre in Mladá Boleslav.
ŠKODA AUTO produced and sold for the first time in its history 1 million vehicles in a single calendar year.
The sale is launched of the third generation of the models ŠKODA SUPERB and ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI.
ŠKODA AUTO celebrated the 120th anniversary of its establishment and 110 years since the production of the first car
The Mladá Boleslav plant celerates the 25th anniversary of the partnership of the ŠKODA brand and the VW group.
The new model ŠKODA KODIAQ was introduced, which kicked off an extensive offensive of sport utility vehicles of the ŠKODA brand.
At Shanghai Motor Show, a study was presented of a vehicle with purely electric drive, ŠKODA VISION E.
Production was launched of the new SUV ŠKODA KAROQ.
ŠKODA AUTO produced its millionth SUV!
The world premiere of a new model – the ŠKODA SCALA – took place.
ŠKODA Motorsport seized control of the WRC 2 category in the World Rally Championship series.
World premiere of the ŠKODA KAMIQ, a city SUV.
ŠKODA AUTO produced its 22 millionth car (since 1905).
The brand introduced its first electrified models, the ŠKODA CITIGOe iV and ŠKODA SUPERB
ŠKODA AUTO delivered 1.24 million vehicles to customers around the world.
The inspiration
The commercial director of ŠKODA at the time, Tomáš Maglič, is considered the author of the idea.
A picture portraying a Native American decorating the ŠKODA Plzeň management office around the years 1918–1919 was likely his inspiration.
The visual trademarks
Two variants of the trademark were registered with the Office of Trademark and Design in Plzeň on December 15th, 1923.
The first variant, used in 1924 and 1925, was a winged arrow with a five-feathered stylized wing in a circle with the word ŠKODA.
The second variant showed a three-feathered winged arrow in a circle. The arrow in both variants pointed to the right. This stylistically perfect variant won and has not been significantly changed since.
The author
While it is clear that the design was not the work of an amateur, the author of the ŠKODA logo is not known. First class Czech sculptors Otto Gutfreund or Otakar Spaniel are rumoured to have been the authors.
Much of the historical evidence suggests, however, that the logo was probably the outcome of a competition called by the technical director of the ŠKODA headquarters in Prague, Dr. Ing. Sýkora, who also initiated the registration of the trademark.
The logo with the famous winged arrow first appeared on automobiles from Mladá Boleslav in 1926.
Automobiles have been made in Mladá Boleslav under the brand ŠKODA since 1926.
Even though the company name changed completely, the new logo shares many similarities with the older one.
1905
1925
The round logo is firmly connected with the Laurin & Klement brand. It decorated the top of the radiator.
1913
1929
The word trademark Laurin & Klement first appeared in 1913.
A round L&K logo appeared on the radiators and from 1925 the ŠKODA oval was used.
1925
1934
This logo was used only on car radiators.
Cars produced during the L&K era bore the trademark Laurin & Klement on the radiator until 1929.
1925
1995
This logo was created in ŠKODA Plzeň and the Mladá Boleslav factory adopted it in 1925.
It was used on automobiles until 1995 and on printed materials until 1992/93.
Even today, it is used on individual components such as the windshield or engine parts.
The wing
Technical advancement, manufacturing scope, worldwide sale of products.
The large circle
Manufacturing versatility, perfection of production, the world, the Earth.
The circle, eye
Manufacturing precision, high level of technical development, innovation.
The arrow
Progressive production methods, high productivity.
The forward-aiming arrow
On fenders, hubcaps, hoods – wherever it was possible for the arrow to point forward.
The laurel wreath
The design of the original Laurin & Klement logo with the founders‘ initials was influenced by art nouveau at the beginning of the 20th century.
The logo is decorated by a laurel wreath, which has always been connected with fame and victory. It was likely used due to the similarity between the name Václav Laurin and the Latin name for laurel, Laurus Nobilis.
1925
1995
Blue, metallic, silver
The basis of the logo was metal, and so silver (metallic) and blue were used.
As required by circumstances, inverted colours were used.
50s AND 60s
Red
The logo was sometimes used in red in the 50s and 60s, also inverted if needed.
1993
1994
Green
The first modification of the ŠKODA logo. The blue was replaced with green and a new circle with the company name was added.
1994
2011
Black and green
The black and green logo gave ŠKODA a large measure of originality – black symbolizes the century-long tradition of the company and green indicates ecological friendliness.
2011
present
Different logos for cars and for printed materials were used in the past. There were no exact rules for using the logo until 1994 and, therefore, there were many variants. The first corporate identity manual was created in 1994 along with the FELICIA model.
Company Historical Materials
1930–1945 ASAP (Joint-stock company for the automotive industry)
Company Historical Materials
1930–1945 ASAP (Joint-stock company for the automotive industry)
Company Historical Materials
1930–1945 ASAP (Joint-stock company for the automotive industry)
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