SKODA India Builds Shendras Zilla Parishad School

Built by SKODA Auto India, Shendra’s new Zilla Parishad School was inaugurated today. The building was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland, Chairman of the Board of Management, SKODA Auto a.s, Dr. Kalyan Kale, and Mr. Sudhir Rao, Managing Director, SKODA Auto India. In addition to these dignitaries, senior members from the Management from Skoda Auto were present along with key members from the Gram Panchayat and local villagers.

Speaking on the occasion Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland, Chairman of the Board of Management, Skoda Auto a.s said, “Education is imperative to development. We at Skoda AUTO know how important a good education is to be successful. Skoda Auto aims to develop and support education with adequate infrastructure and encouragement, since this will secure the future of student community. Though this is only a small contribution from our side, we consider it the most precious and valuable, as it is in the field of education in India, a country known to be the biggest democracy in the world. In 2018 we aim to become an automotive player with at least 1.5 million deliveries annually. So our workers’ and managers’ expertise has to grow in line with our growth strategy. Lifelong learning and learning on the job is critical.”

Mr. Sudhir Rao, Managing Director, Skoda Auto India, who was also present at the occasion, said, "Skoda in India truly follows the philosophy of social responsibility and we undertake certain initiatives to make a small yet valuable difference in the lives around us. With the inauguration of this school building, we are hoping to see a larger number of students attend school and receive the education that will help them throughout their lives." Jaroslav Povsik, President of OSKOVO Skoda Labour Unions said, “For Skoda's Labour Unions OSKOVO the education of young people always has been a core interest and we welcome the efforts at the school in Shendra. It is important to care for sufficient opportunities at all Skoda facilities around the world."

Under its “2018 Growth Strategy”, Skoda aims to increase its global sales to at least 1.5 million per year. In achieving this, emerging markets in general and India in particular will be pivotal. For Skoda INDIA, 2011 has turned out to be the most successful year in company history, with this traditional Czech brand posting growth in all regions and increasing market shares. In India, Skoda increased sales by 50 percent to 30,005 units. The Rapid is Skoda’s first foray into the Indian market’s largest segment. Globally, the company has more than 26,500 experts and Skoda has successfully delivered 880,000 cars to the customers around the globe in the year 2011

Globally as well, Skoda recognizes the special responsibility it has for its employees and their families, and – as a good neighbour – for people in the communities where its plants are located. The Company pays particular attention to the welfare of its employees, offering a broad range of social benefits, guaranteeing healthy and safe working conditions, and providing a unique system of corporate training and professional development. Skoda Auto India constructed the school building within 7 months, without disrupting the regular school schedule. Each classroom is equipped with desks, benches and computers. In the past, Skoda Auto India also built a compound wall for the school, in order to secure the premises. Skoda Auto India has also helped eradicate the water problem of the school and has provided the best sanitation facilities possible to help the overall development of the village.