Czech automobile manufacturer SKODA has started series production of its new sedan Rapid at its Mlada Boleslav facility.
The new model is expected to be launched at the Paris Motor Show by the end of September 2012 and will be introduced in European markets in October 2012.
For the production of the Rapid and the future new Octavia, the carmaker has expanded the production areas in its main plant to increase vechile capacity from 800 to 1,200 units per day in the future.
SKODA production and logistics board member Michael Oeljeklaus said, "This expansion, while production continues simultaneously on both lines, is a logistical and engineering masterstroke of our production, planning and logistical teams."
For the production of the SKODA Rapid, the company will implement various measures in 17 production halls in Mlada Boleslav with a total of 173 individual projects to be realised.
The company said that the measures will include over 141 planners as well as 2,000 employees of external companies.
The new SKODA Rapid will be offered in five gas and two diesel engines including the 1.6 liter TDI with 88 HP and 230 Nm of torque or with 103 HP and 250 Nm of torque; the new 1.2 MPI with 74 HP and 112 Nm of torque; the 1.2 TSI turbocharged with 84 HP and 160 Nm of torque or 103 HP and 175 Nm, and the 1.4 TSI with 121 HP and 200 Nm.
