October 26, 1994: Škoda Felicia premieres as first model under VW group
When Škoda merged with the German Volkswagen Group in March 1991, it marked the start of a rapid modernization for the Mladá Boleslav-based car manufacturer. One of the most significant symbols of this transformation was the Škoda Felicia, the first car designed by the Mladá Boleslav engineers in collaboration with their German colleagues. Its world premiere took place exactly 30 years ago, on 26 October 1994.
The name "Felicia" was a nod to the sporty open-top model from the 1960s, the most iconic Czech convertible to date. It also echoed the Latin word "felicitas," meaning happiness and well-being. Although the new Felicia shared its design roots with the older Favorit model, it underwent significant upgrades with many new components.
The Felicia not only featured a more powerful engine but also embraced the design trends of the 1990s, moving away from the boxy shapes of the 1980s in favor of smoother, rounded lines. It was also the first Škoda to offer modern features like ABS, airbags, air conditioning, power steering, and height-adjustable front seats. In terms of comfort, safety, and quality, the Felicia was on par with its Western European competitors.
Serial production of the Felicia kicked off in Mladá Boleslav on October 17, and just days later, on October 26, the car was officially presented on Prague's Charles Bridge, where it was christened with water from the Vltava River. Even then-president Václav Havel was present at the event, remarking after a test drive that it was “a nice family car."
The "Felda," as it was affectionately known, quickly became a best-seller both in Czechia and abroad. It was also a popular choice for company and institutional fleets, and to this day, it’s still a common sight on the roads.
By the time production ended in 2001, over 1.4 million Felicias had been produced, with more than 900,000 hatchbacks leading the way, followed by the estate and the Pickup utility model. As a tribute to the popular model, Škoda released a music video in 2023 celebrating its lasting legacy.
