What was the reason for the discontinuation of the 2017 Skoda Octavia?
2 Answers
The 2017 Octavia was discontinued due to complaints regarding brake noise, unpleasant odors inside the car, and transmission jerking. Below is more related information: Introduction to the Skoda Octavia: 1. As the first sedan under the SAIC Skoda brand, the Skoda Octavia is an advanced model synchronized with Europe, incorporating extensive localization improvements tailored to the Chinese market. It was successfully launched in China on June 6, 2007. Inheriting Skoda's century-long automobile manufacturing history and Volkswagen Group's leading automotive technology, the Octavia integrates numerous domestically advanced automotive technologies and equipment, making it one of the most competitive sedans in its class in China. 2. Meticulous and precise German manufacturing craftsmanship is Skoda's most notable hallmark. Each Octavia body is equipped with 22 pieces of hot-formed steel plates, five times stronger than ordinary steel plates, providing armor-level protection for occupants. After undergoing six heavy stamping processes totaling 2,100 tons, the Octavia's body is precisely assembled by 530 fully automated robots using 4,891 welding points and over 6 meters of laser welding. It is then painted by 96 painting robots, increasing paint utilization to 80% while reducing energy consumption and wastewater by 30%. At the final assembly station, 85 chassis positioning guns perform fully automated assembly, ensuring utmost precision. Finally, the Octavia undergoes 330 rigorous quality inspections across 19 categories to ensure that no harsh weather or rough road conditions can hinder its smooth journey.
The discontinuation of the 2017 Skoda Octavia was primarily due to its product lifecycle reaching the replacement phase. Most vehicle models undergo updates every 5 to 7 years, and that period marked the end of the third-generation Octavia's lifecycle. I recall that the fourth generation was unveiled overseas in 2019, while domestic production required adjustments to the assembly lines. A model refresh isn't just about changing the exterior; it involved upgrading from the PQ35 platform to the MQB platform, with comprehensive changes to the chassis, infotainment system, and electrical architecture. Additionally, the implementation of the China 6 emission standards in 2019 necessitated modifications to the older engine calibrations, making it more cost-effective to launch a new model directly. For automakers, clearing old inventory and pre-launching new models both require precise timing, so discontinuing production is a standard operational procedure.
