Skoda Celebrates 110-year Anniversary

Skoda is marking 110 years of automobile production by going back to where it all began - the original Laurin & Klement Voiturette A. The European carmaker first unveiled the Voiturette on October 29, 1905 and has sold more than 17 million cars worldwide since then.

The Voiturette - which means "little cart" or "small car" in French - was equipped with a 1.0-liter 2-cylinder engine that produced 7 PS (5 kW) and was mated to a 3-speed transmission. The car could hit a top speed of around 40 kmph (24 mph).

In a statement, Skoda board member Bohdan Wojnar said, "We are proud of 110 years of car manufacturing in Mlada Boleslav. With expertise, courage and energy, (Vaclav) Laurin and (Vaclav) Klement laid the foundation for Skoda's future success story. The cars made in the Czech Republic by Skoda enjoy an excellent reputation around the world."

Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement started off the Skoda business in Mlada Boleslav in 1895.

Volkswagen-owned Skoda has been embroiled in the car emissions controversy and recently said that 1.2 million of its cars had been affected by diesel-engine manipulations that have rocked the German automaker.

VW, meanwhile, said 11 million cars from the multi-brand group have been affected in total.