There will be courses offered on bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes, and from 2022, we also plan on teaching a new doctoral programme, focusing on data analytics. That is why we will make extensive use of the AIM.Lab infrastructure for teaching and development in the area of industrial data analytics. Professor Václav Snášel, Rector of VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava explains, “Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role – not only for the end user, but also and especially in industrial manufacturing. I am convinced that the new AIM.Lab will further strengthen and future-proof the Czech Republic as an automotive location. Michael Oeljeklaus, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Production and Logistics, emphasises, “The collaboration between ŠKODA AUTO and the Technical University of Ostrava is a win-win situation we combine theory and practice and create tangible added value in the field of artificial intelligence – both for us as a carmaker and for the students, who benefit immensely from the direct practical experience. The three main areas of interest are data analysis, machine learning and AI applications, and optimisation challenges in industrial practice.ĭr. The lab, which is located on the campus of VŠB-TUO, will be the focus of the collaborative work between the university and the Czech car manufacturer. The initiative is the first of its kind in the automotive industry. The acronym AIM.Lab stands for Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing Laboratory. The mid-size SUV has a 385-litre boot.ŠKODA AUTO is launching the ‘AIM.Lab’ in partnership with the Technical University of Ostrava VŠB-TUO. Its wheelbase measures 2,651mm, while the ground clearance is 188mm. The Skoda Kushaq is 4,225mm long, 1,760mm wide and 1,612mm tall. In all cases, the power is sent to the front two wheels only. The second is a 4-cylinder, 1.5-litre, TSI petrol mill producing 150PS of maximum power and 250Nm of peak torque and it has 6-speed MT and 7-speed DSG options. The first is a 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre, TSI petrol motor delivering 115PS of maximum power and 175Nm of peak torque and it has 6-speed MT and 6-speed AT torque converter options. Skoda Auto is providing two engine options with the Kushaq. Among the standard safety features are electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, Isofix and top tether anchor points. Talking about the safety quotient, the Skoda Kushaq is equipped with six airbags, multi-collision brake, hill-hold control, tyre pressure monitoring system, front sensors and rear-view camera. The Skoda Kushaq has a spacious cabin loaded with a host of contemporary bells and whistles. The customers going for the Ambition and Style trims will get access to several Skoda Connect mobile online services. The infotainment system can be paired with a smartphone via SmartLink technology. The total storage space inside the cabin of the Kushaq is as much as 26.2 litres.
The cabin of the Skoda Kushaq is loaded with features like ventilated leather front seats, 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, touchscreen Climatronic automatic climate control, two-spoke multifunction steering wheel, wireless charger, auto-dimming IRVM, ambient lights, front and rear LED reading lights, 6.1-litre cooled glove box and an electric sunroof. The Kushaq will be available in five exterior colour options - Candy White, Reflex Silver, Carbon Steel, and India-exclusive Honey Orange and Tornado Red. The top-spec Style variant boasts of 17-inch Atlas dual-tone alloy wheels. The roof rails and spoiler provide a sporty feel to the mid-size SUV. The tailgate has SKODA lettering in all caps. At the rear, you will come across LED taillights. The front bumper, with its sharp creases, looks quite impressive and houses the fog lights. The Skoda Kushaq gets the signature Skoda grille with gloss black vertical slats and chrome surround. The Kushaq will have three variants - Active, Ambition and Style. Taking the prices of these two mid-size SUVs into account, we are expecting the Skoda Kushaq to be offered in the price bracket of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom). The Hyundai Creta is priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 17.54 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the Kia Seltos is available in the price range of Rs 9.89 lakh to Rs 17.65 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Skoda Kushaq features LED taillights.