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The Skoda cars are becoming popular once again. Therefore, every auto enthusiast wishes to know where and how these magnificent cars were manufactured. Skoda Autos was started in 1857, and interestingly their first business was not making cars but weapon production. This prolific vehicle manufacturing concern has seen great changes during its life. Here is a brief account of Skoda history.

After its inception in 1857, Skoda changed quickly into the bicycle makers. The start of this bicycle venture was interesting as well. The founder Vaclav Klement, wanted to get his German bicycle repaired, but there were no parts in his country. He wrote to the German firm and was snubbed for not writing in their language. Being in Czech Republic this proud and innovative person decided to make his own bicycle. Soon everyone was asking for the repair of their bicycles, and his hobby took over as new business venture. The success of his first shop in 1895 was the stepping stone. From Mlada Voeslav a quite town in the Czech country side, he soon started making most parts too. In 1898 in matter of four years, he started making the bicycles, and motorcycles with help of French makers, Werner Brothers.

Skoda Logo

Skoda Logo

Skoda Logo

Skoda Logo

Skoda Logo

Skoda Logo

Skoda Logo

The motorcycle business thrived, and in 1899 he started making the famous Salvia Motorcycles too. His climate was totally different from the favorable economic times of today; most big companies were not too keen to help him in starting his venture. Most of his designs in those times were created after experimenting. In one famous incident, he lost his front tooth during one road test of his motorcycle. It was the famous German scientist Robert Bosch, who guided him in the end to perfect his ignition system.

After the perfection in design, Lauren Klement made 150 machines in the first batch and sent them to London. He was not only very innovative but good communicator as well. He collaborated with Hewtson firm, the makers of first motorcycles also during this time. The Automobile business came as the next natural extension in 1905.

During the two world wars this company changed hands, and recession of 30s nearly caused to collapse Skoda. After the Second World War, the reproduction of the Skoda cars started again in 1945. During the 60s this was the most innovative car makers. The car did enjoy the racing tracks also with more than 17 consecutive winnings on RAC rally too. The famous Skoda cars include Estelle, and Favorite.