Škoda Auto CEO Bernhard Maier leaving company

The CEO of Škoda Auto Bernhard Maier is due to leave his post prematurely at the end of July, the company announced on Thursday. No official reasons for his departure have been given.

Commentators say the change of guard at the plant could undermine Škoda's strong position in the Volkswagen Group, which is the world's largest car manufacturer.  Škoda is the largest Czech exporter, one of the largest employers with hundreds of smaller suppliers dependent on it.

Maier's time at the helm is described as “the golden years” in the brand's 125-year history during which the carmaker broke almost all sales records.