ŠKODA CitiJet design concept is presented to the public at the GTI event for the first time- ŠKODA ‘Apprentice Car’: two-seater sports convertible based on the ŠKODA Citigo
- Vehicle project of 16 ŠKODA Vocational School apprentices working closely with ŠKODA Design and ŠKODA production
Mladá Boleslav/Reifnitz, 22 May 2014 – Clear the stage for the dream car of ŠKODA’s apprentices: the sporty city cabriolet ŠKODA CitiJet will be presented for the first time at this year’s GTI event at Wörthersee. The design concept is the result of ŠKODA’s ‘Apprentice Car’ project. Six months in the making, 16 ŠKODA apprentices present the fruits of their labour to the public for the first time.
The budding ŠKODA employees worked on their very personal vehicle project from November 2013 until shortly before the GTI event. During this time, the apprentices were allowed to let their creativity run free. They were supported by ŠKODA Head Designer Jozef Kabaň, his team and ŠKODA production.
The result: an emotional design concept that will attract the attention of visitors at Wörthersee. “The ŠKODA CitiJet is a fantastic achievement from our students and shows the creativity and imagination of the new generation of ŠKODA employees,” says ŠKODA Board Member for HR, Bohdan Wojnar.
The ŠKODA CitiJet is a dynamic and expressively designed city-convertible based on the ŠKODA Citigo. The exterior features distinctive metallic paintwork in blue/white and racy, blue 16-inch alloy wheels. It also features a hand-made rear spoiler as well as a powerful exhaust with two tailpipes. A 1.0 MPI petrol engine with 55 kW (75 PS) can be found under the bonnet of the vehicle.
The sporty interior is based on the interior of the ŠKODA Citigo Sport special model. This includes the red-stitched, leather-lined three-spoke steering wheel as well as the leather coverof the handbrake handle and gear knob. The seat covers and floor mats have a ‘Sport’ material design. The dashboard is painted white/red. A 300 watt sound system is also fitted. The interior has music-reactive LED lighting.
This is the first time that this kind of trainee project has been undertaken at ŠKODA. The aim has been to encourage the apprentices creativity, teamwork and expertise of vocational students.
“Our apprentices have put their hearts and souls into this vehicle. Every little detail, no matter how small, was discussed, agreed upon and put into practice by the team. It was a real team effort. The outcome: a unique and emotional car, of which everybody involved should be very proud of,” says Head of ŠKODA Auto Design Jozef Kabaň.
This trainee project highlights the Czech manufacturer’s commitment to the high quality of vocational training at ŠKODA. At the ŠKODA AUTO Vocational School of Mechanical Engineering, young people go through a three or four-year training programme in technical subjects, graduating with a full apprenticeship or the equivalent of secondary school final exams. There are currently 13 training programmes; the most popular three-year courses being those for auto mechanics, auto electricians and electricians. The most popular among the four-year courses is in industrial logistics. Postgraduate and distance-learning studies are also offered by the vocational school.