Thomas Ingenlath, Skoda Auto's chief designer, is keen to discuss the history of the Czech carmaker. He insists it is important in understanding the brand. That history goes back to 1895 when it manufactured bicycles. It made its first car, the Voiurette, as early as 1905, but by the 1970s, the image of Skoda was associated with eastern European design and quality. All was to change in 1991 when Volkswagen took over the brand. "This was a very important step in establishing Skoda as a company that made quality cars," says Ingenlath. It was more like an evolution, he explains. "With the Fabia, Octavia and Superb, we have a good range of cars while the rally car adds spice to the company."
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