ŠKODA KODIAQ is currently in intense preparations for its appearance in the last stage of the Tour de France from Chantilly to Paris. Sporting a new image, the car is going to lead the pack along the legendary Champs-Elysées boulevard to the finish. And it will be carrying a truly prominent driver behind the steering wheel: the Irish former professional road racing cyclist Stephen Roche, winner of the Tour from 1987 and ŠKODA brand ambassador.
First photos of the new ŠKODA KODIAQ published by the Mladá Boleslav car manufacturer present the new SUV covered in white, grey and black camouflage. The red, grey and black edges of the new camouflage style inspired by ŠKODA‘s new design language and introduced together with three-dimensional elements had been designed and manufactured exclusively for the special appearance. Around 14.000 facets featured on the vehicle in total hint at the contours and character of the ŠKODA SUV boasting typical all-rounder qualities. It took four specialists 120 hours to apply close to 21 m2 of foil on the new ŠKODA KODIAQ, adjusting it visually to the Tour‘s Red Car, the ŠKODA SUPERB in the shade Corrida Red. The Red Car serves as a mobile control centre of the Tour de France and is used by the race Director Christian Prudhomme.
ŠKODA KODIAQ will make its run at the Tour de France still in disguise only to show itself to the world for the first time during its Berlin premiere on 1 September. A few weeks later it will be introduced at the Paris Motor Show. ŠKODA KODIAQ launches the Czech car maker‘s model offensive in the SUV segment. The KODIAQ is an embodiment of all the virtues typical of the brand, including a distinct design full of character as well as exceptional spaciousness of the interior, high degree of functionality and Simply Clever solutions.
With 4.7 metres in length the all-round SUV offers the largest boot space in its class and a customizable third row of seats. Extensive connectivity options, modern driver assist systems and future oriented infotainment are among the many highlights of the new ŠKODA KODIAQ, which will go on sale in early 2017.
The name ŠKODA KODIAQ originates from the species of Kodiak bears living on the eponymous island on the south coast of Alaska. Size, strength, sense of family and outdoor skills are character qualities shared by both the bears and the SUV by ŠKODA.
ŠKODA is supporting the Tour de France for thirteenth consecutive time as official partner. In addition, the brand is once again the sponsor of the Green Jersey worn by the leader of the point classification. At the same time, ŠKODA is the official vehicle partner of the race, providing a total of 250 cars as organizational and support vehicles as well as more than 50 team cars this year. During its almost three-week service the ŠKODA fleet will cover around 2.8 million kilometres. The 103rd Tour de France will take the riders over 3,519 kilometres in 21 stages.
Cycling holds special significance for ŠKODA, as it literally runs in the company’s blood. 121 years ago in Mladá Boleslav the company‘s founding fathers Václav Laurin and Václav Klement started with the construction of bicycles. At present Tour de France forms the peak of ŠKODA‘s extensive sponsorship activities.
