Skoda starts series production of Epiq in Navarra
The Volkswagen plant in Navarra on the outskirts of Pamplona ranks among the Group’s most important production sites. Since Volkswagen integrated the factory into the Group in 1984, the plant has produced more than ten million vehicles. Nearly 5,000 employees currently build over 1,400 cars per day.
Until now, only models with internal combustion engines have been produced at the Navarra site, most recently the VW Taigo and the VW T-Cross. Like the Škoda plant in Mladá Boleslav, the Navarra facility is designed for high flexibility: internal combustion engine vehicles and electric cars can be assembled on the same production line.
With the battery-electric SUV Epiq, unveiled in May, Škoda is now using this flexibility for the first time. At the same time, the Volkswagen Group is integrating the Navarra plant into its production network for electric urban cars, following the example of Martorell. “Launching production of the new Škoda Epiq is a historic moment. With the momentum of Brand Group Core behind it, we’re making fully electric driving more reachable than ever – great value for money, designed for real life, and ready to welcome new customers, including those who want something a step above,” says Škoda CEO Klaus Zellmer.
For Škoda, the production launch is significant in several ways: the Epiq is the brand’s first model to be built in Spain. It is also the second model in Škoda’s European portfolio, after the current Superb, to be manufactured outside the Czech plants. This move is intended to free up capacity for other highly sought-after models.
“The Epiq is the first Škoda model ever to be produced in Spain. This step highlights the strength and adaptability of our production network. By efficiently balancing capacity across the Volkswagen Group, we can support the ramp-up of key electric models while maintaining high production quality and competitive costs – all of which directly benefit our customers,” said Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics.
The Epiq is part of the Volkswagen Group’s ‘Electric Urban Car Family.’ In addition to the Škoda model, this family includes the Cupra Raval (read our test drive review here), the VW ID. Polo, and the upcoming VW ID. Cross. The first two models have been in production since last week at the Seat/Cupra plant in Martorell. The ID. Cross is set to follow later this year, also in Navarra. Once this happens, all four models of the Group’s electric urban car family will be manufactured in Spain.
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