Students of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering had the opportunity to participate in a professional excursion to major automotive companies – TATRA Kopřivnice and ŠKODA Auto in Mladá Boleslav. The program offered a unique insight into modern vehicle manufacturing, development, and testing.

At TATRA, students were particularly impressed by the complexity of production – from in-house manufacturing of components to the final assembly of chassis with the characteristic central backbone tube typical of TATRA vehicles.

At ŠKODA Auto, they visited the development center, where they learned about aerodynamics, simulations, and vehicle testing, including dynamic tests on a state-of-the-art 6-axis test rig. The presentation of long-term testing of engines and gearboxes, as well as emission measurements, was also of great interest.

The program also included a visit to the production plant, where students observed stamping, welding, and final assembly processes, as well as exhibitions in the company’s museum.

An additional benefit was an informal meeting with faculty graduates working in the industry.

The excursion was complemented by a visit to IDIADA CZ, focused on testing automotive components and the development of plastic parts.

We would like to thank our departments – the Department of Automotive Production and the Department of Applied Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering – for organizing the excursion. Thanks to such activities, students broaden their horizons, gain valuable insight into real-world practice, and enrich their education.