“The year 2024 was very important for Škoda Group. Through investments in new technologies and our product portfolio, we managed to secure the highest volume of new orders, which reached almost EUR 1.7 billion, and our EBITDA operating profit grew by 185% to EUR 62 million,” comments Petr Novotný, CEO Škoda Group, on the 2024 financial results, and adds: “Our innovative strength is confirmed by battery trains, a smart depot in Tampere, automatic train operation for Latvia and an anti-collision system for trams. Škoda Group thus confirms its role as a leading European innovation centre. Investments in modern technologies and research and development totalling over EUR 87 million have brought tangible results – new markets, key contracts and a stronger position in the field of sustainable mobility.”
CFO Škoda Group Jaroslav Zoch adds: “Last year, we stabilised the group’s performance and increased its profitability. After the challenging period of recent years, we also focused on improving internal processes, rationalising the cost structure and investing primarily in strengthening and streamlining our production and supply capacities. We increased production capacity, exceeding 5.2 million production hours, and are now well prepared to fulfil orders worth EUR 3.4 billion.”
Orders important for the stabilisation and development of Škoda Group
Contracts concluded last year include, for example, the production of 15 battery trains for České dráhy, the delivery of electric train units to Bulgaria (including full service for 15 years), the first cooperation on the production of new electric trains with private railway operator RegioJet, option agreements for trams for Brno and Tampere in Finland, and orders for trolleybuses for České Budějovice, Pardubice and Brno. Škoda Group also confirmed its position as market leader in the 1000 mm gauge tram segment on the German market. The group was also successful in the components sector, thanks to orders for traction systems for trolleybuses in Genoa, the Polish city of Tychy and for electric buses in Košice.
Millions invested in research and development and significant technological innovations
In 2024, Škoda Group invested EUR 87 million in its own research and development. Its share in the production of ComfortJet high-speed trains for České dráhy earned it a place in the exclusive club of European high-speed train manufacturers. At the same time, it was the first in the world to put into regular operation technologically advanced battery units with a traction system for 3kV direct current traction (a combined electric drive using overhead lines and battery power). These trains have become an effective solution for regional and suburban rail transport and have attracted new passengers to the railways.
Škoda Group makes a significant contribution to sustainable mobility, technological innovation and regional development
A major milestone for Škoda Group last year was the completion of the delivery of 110 RegioPanter units for České dráhy, including four battery-powered trains deployed in the Moravian-Silesian Region. These modern units will save at least 200,000 litres of diesel per year and reduce CO₂ emissions by 500 tonnes. In addition, the group has signed a new contract to supply another 15 battery-powered trains to České dráhy. Škoda has also made progress in the development and production of a new tram for Prague. The first functional prototype was unveiled at the beginning of 2025, and the first passengers will soon be riding the new vehicles. A total of 230 suppliers are involved in the production of this tram, 76% of which are from the Czech Republic, which has a positive impact on domestic industry and employment. In 2024, Škoda Group also received three Railway Technology Awards in the categories of innovation, safety and diversity. The tram for the city of Bonn was awarded the prestigious global Red Dot Award for product design. Finally, Škoda Group ranked second in the Ranstad Award as the most attractive employer in the manufacturing industry in the Czech Republic.
The positive development continues in 2025. The first quarter confirms the stable growth of key indicators and the strengthening of the Škoda Group’s position in international markets for modern and sustainable mobility. We can look forward to digital and smart technologies in areas such as service, transport and vehicle management, where Škoda Group is developing new products.
