ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab and rail and coach operator RegioJet are collaborating as part of an all-embracing partnership. By cleverly cross-linking their services, they are enabling their customers in the Czech Republic to travel from door to door with ease at any time, without needing to own a car. For journeys from their homes to a coach or train station, or from there on to their destination, RegioJet customers can now hire a BeRider eScooter and/or a vehicle from the HoppyGo peer-to-peer car-sharing service.

ŠKODA AUTO is one of the main backers of the Mobility Innovation Hub. An agency of the Czech government is currently preparing this platform, based on the principle of a public-private partnership. The hub aims to encourage large companies, start-ups, universities, other scientific institutions and public authorities to work closely together when implementing innovative mobility projects. The initiative offers the opportunity for great knowledge to be bundled and shared, and thus to further strengthen the competitiveness of the Czech automotive industry through global innovation in the future. The programme is coordinated by Czech government agency CzechInvest.

ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab has played host to the global online ‘COVID Mobility Race’ hackathon. The theme of this year’s ideas competition, which took place from 4 to 7 June 2020, set the tone: the event was dedicated to the current challenges facing the automotive industry as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. How can a vehicle be bought and delivered whilst following stringent social distancing measures? What options are there for car buyers to virtually view their dream car? And what role will digital mobility services play in the future? 52 teams from 19 countries came up with surprising and innovative answers to these questions. The Israeli team from high-tech company Matter beat its competitors with 3D virtual showroom technology and will now be supported by ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab. Furthermore, the team members have the chance of collaboration with the Czech car manufacturer’s innovation lab.