The traditions of enterprising education are not lost at Skoda HQ

For the sixth year in succession, Skoda has turned over its design studios, in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, to 35 of its willing apprentices, reports Iain Robertson, to see what they can create, showcasing simultaneously their innate technical talents.

Following eight months of intense work, they have presented a spectacular pickup based on the Skoda Kodiaq, in the shape of the one-off Skoda Mountiaq. Finished in a striking Sunset Orange paint finish, the concept car features numerous visual highlights, such as a light bar on the roof and a distinctive front-end fitted with a winch, bull-bar and special lighting effects. 




Year after year, the apprentices’ work demonstrates the high-end quality of the professional training at Skoda’s vocational school. The Mountiaq conveys a spirit of adventure and off-road flair and work commenced on the model last autumn, with a deadline set for May 2019. A lot of metal refettling was required but the Mountiaq also demonstrates several innovative details. One of the project’s greatest challenges for the students was the integration of a fully functional tailgate.



Mountiaq is 4.999m long, 2.005m wide and 1.710m tall. Its wheelbase is 2.788m, it weighs in at 2,450kgs and its ground clearance is a full and purposeful 29cm. Mountiaq is powered by a 2.0TSI petrol-turbo engine developing 187bhp. In addition to the illuminated load bed, the pickup’s radiator grille, brand logo on the bonnet and engine bay all feature lighting effects, with the front doors projecting a Skoda logo onto the road. 



As with previous years’ Student Concept Cars, the apprentices incorporated many novelties, such as a glowing Skoda logo in the cabin roof-lining, along with an integrated refrigerator, 3D-printed wheel hub ornaments and two walkie-talkies that are part of the vehicle. As a genuine Skoda, this one-off is like every production model made by the brand and is epitomised with signature ‘Simply Clever’ ideas like the new integrated funnel for the windscreen washer bottle. A very special sound system was also added to the Kodiaq’s Columbus infotainment system; the 320-watt speakers being complemented by a 2,000-watt amplifier and a 2,000-watt subwoofer.



Both students and Skoda benefit equally from the Student Concept Car project. This year marks the sixth time in succession that particularly talented students from the firm’s Vocational School have been given the opportunity to participate in the project. As part of it, the youngsters are able to design and then build their own vehicle, which presents an unique opportunity to apply and hone the skills that they have learned. 



Of particular excitement for the budding professionals is the close collaboration with experts from different departments such as Technical Development, Production and Design. Yet, the apprentices are not the only beneficiaries as Skoda also profits from their feedback and ideas during the course of the project. Once their apprenticeships are completed, the company gains from superbly trained employees, as every successful student at the Skoda Vocational School is offered a job with the company, at the end of their training.

FCD Summary

It is a pity that Skoda buyers will not be able to acquire a Mountiaq pickup. However, as the last pickup in its range was the Skoda Felicia Fun, perhaps the company ought to consider a small production run?

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