Laurin & Klement founded as bicycle maker in Bohemia (1895)

Václav Laurin and Václav Klement founded a bicycle manufacturing company in Mladá Boleslav, Bohemia, in 1895. Klement, a bookseller, initiated the venture after failing to obtain spare parts for his bicycle, leading to a partnership with established manufacturer Laurin. This company, known as Laurin & Klement, produced bicycles named Slavia and later became the predecessor of Škoda Auto.

Episodes

Background and detail

Founding. The company was founded in 1895 in Mladá Boleslav, Kingdom of Bohemia. It engaged in the production of new bicycles, initially called Slavia, as well as repairs. The founders, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, established the firm which later evolved into an automobile manufacturer. The company's origins as a bicycle maker are central to its historical identity.

Legacy. Laurin & Klement became the largest car manufacturer in Austria-Hungary after commencing car production in 1905. In 1925, the company was acquired by the Škoda Works industrial conglomerate and re-branded as Škoda Auto. Today, Škoda Auto is the largest car manufacturer in the Czech Republic and part of the Volkswagen Group, maintaining its headquarters in Mladá Boleslav.

People involved

Sources

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