Is ŠKODA going to offer autonomous driving?
This is clearly the direction development is heading in, and not just at ŠKODA, but it will take some time. The advantages of autonomous driving are clear, especially for people with a disability or in terms of accident prevention.
The statues of Laurin & Klement in my office inspire me every day
What key qualities does a good engineer need, in your opinion?
I’d say creativity, curiosity and the desire to actively shape the future. Anyone who is curious and asks questions is automatically creative. If they also want to change things, then they have all the qualities necessary. They also need specialist knowledge, obviously, but that’s what the right education provides.
Your remit takes in a very broad area: design, engine development, chassis development, connectivity... How do you manage to keep up with all the developments in a time of transformation?
Of course, I can’t read three books and do online research every day. But: What is much more important is surrounding yourself with competent colleagues and being close to the customer, which is particularly vital for me. In other words: you can only keep up if you discuss ideally in detail with your colleagues and you’re close to the centre of events. ŠKODA’s employees are absolute experts who keep me informed about all the latest developments.
Christian Strube, The member of the ŠKODA board in charge of Technical Development
ŠKODA is celebrating 125 years since its founding this year, which makes it one of the oldest carmakers in the world. Does this instil in you a sense of responsibility towards the firm’s tradition?
You bet it does! The statues of Laurin & Klement are visibly placed in my office and inspire me every day. The ŠKODA brand and the people who achieved such incredible success for it over the decades are extremely important to me. They are - why the company’s tradition fills me with a strong sense of responsibility. We are facing lots of challenges and even today our work is very demanding, but ŠKODA experienced very difficult times in the past as well. I constantly come across lots of “old warriors”, for example when my colleagues were working on the book “Die Geschichte der Getriebe Laurin & Klement und ŠKODA”. When I see the enthusiasm they devoted to this brand all their lives, I feel responsible for the legacy that stretches all the way back to the company’s two founders. To work in the spirit of all those who brought the company where it is today and those who will continue in the future.