Václav Volf

Václav Volf studied the Bachelor’s program in Business Economics and Management of Operations, Logistics, and Quality, followed by the consecutive Master’s program in Business Economics and Operations Management, which he successfully concluded in 2020.

He enrolled in the Bachelor’s program at Škoda Auto University (ŠAVŠ) in 2014, following his graduation from the Czech-Austrian Language Grammar School in Znojmo. As an automotive enthusiast, he was determined to steer his career toward the Volkswagen Group, identifying the university as the ideal launching pad for his professional goals.

During the early years of his studies, he began working at Škoda Auto on a part-time basis. He initially joined the Technical Project Management department, where he gained valuable insight into project organization and management within the manufacturer's technical development division. Subsequently, he spent two years in the Škoda Motorsport racing division. In his role as Assistant to the Head of Racing Car Construction, he ensured smooth workshop operations—handling tasks ranging from essential administration and translation to participating in test drives, promotional events, and races, both domestically and internationally.

Also significant were his international placements. At Audi in Ingolstadt, he worked in the Exhibition and Show Cars department, overseeing the entire lifecycle of show cars globally. This role encompassed fine-tuning vehicle specifications, production tracking, and facilitating design sign-offs with executive management. He was also responsible for logistics, on-site troubleshooting, and return transport. His portfolio included preparing vehicles for shows in Shanghai, Detroit, New York, and the IAA in Frankfurt. Subsequently, he completed a six-month tenure at the parent company’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, working in Product Marketing for the Touareg model.

Upon his return from Wolfsburg, he was offered the opportunity to continue at Škoda Auto, which had been entrusted with the development of the current generation Volkswagen Passat alongside the Škoda Superb. He assumed a role in the Department of Technical Support for Development and Testing. Essentially, he supervised the development and testing of the aforementioned vehicles, allowing him to witness the process from the virtual development stage to real-world application. Through test, promotional, and executive drives, he traveled not only across Europe but effectively half the world—experiencing environments ranging from the arctic conditions of Lapland to the arid heat of Arizona and South Africa.

"Following the launch of these models into serial production, he transitioned to his current position, which is effectively shared between Volkswagen and Škoda Auto. In this capacity, he oversees vehicle testing for the MQB and MEB platforms, ensuring efficient cross-brand cooperation specifically in the area of whole vehicle testing. Consequently, the role places a strong emphasis on communication and the ability to reach mutual consensus. However, despite the frequency of administrative meetings, the position still offers opportunities to personally participate in numerous test drives and trials, providing a welcome counterbalance to his managerial duties.

In his leisure time, he is an avid traveler. He also dedicates himself to motorsport photography and journalism, covering both automobile and motorcycle racing. Furthermore, he cultivates a deep interest in the history of motoring and motorsport, with a particular focus on vintage vehicles.

Do you recall what convinced you to pursue your studies at Škoda Auto University (ŠAVŠ)?

It was primarily the opportunity to integrate academic theory with practical application. Another key factor was that many lecturers came directly from the corporate sector (not limited to the automotive industry), often enriching our lectures with real-world examples and scenarios from their professional experience. After all, practical experience is the most valuable asset.

Did the course of your studies serve as a stepping stone into professional practice?

I believe so. During one's studies and international placements, one builds a network of contacts that subsequently proves invaluable in professional life. This was certainly the case for me - I was already working full-time for the VW Group while at university. Many of my fellow students were in a similar situation, which I believe was beneficial for everyone involved.

Which of the subjects or lecturers stood out to you during your studies?

That is a very difficult question. We had a vast array of subjects—ranging from technical to economic disciplines - and one takes away a great deal from many of them. However, generally speaking, I would say that language proficiencyranks among the most critical skills. Without the ability to communicate with people globally, I would face significant difficulties in my role and would be unable to fully utilize my technical knowledge and skills.

Is there any interesting or amusing situation from your student days that has stuck in your memory?

There are quite a few! However, the truly most entertaining moments occurred after classes with my fellow students, and it is probably not entirely appropriate to publish them here. :D

In January 2025, you assumed the position of "Project Manager of the Complete Vehicle Testing & Verification" at Volkswagen AG. What does your current role entail, and what are the main challenges it brings? Do you currently see any other area or direction in the automotive industry that would professionally appeal to you in the future?

I describe my current position at VW as being an ambassador for Škoda’s EI department - that is, Whole Vehicle Development - within the Group. I strive to advocate for Škoda’s interests and facilitate cooperation among the Brand Group Core brands (which includes the volume brands of the VW Group) specifically in the field of whole vehicle development and testing. Electric vehicles have also fallen under my purview here, which is certainly a very interesting experience for me. Even in this role, I cannot do without the aforementioned language and communication skills - on a daily basis, we negotiate with colleagues from all over the world, from the Czech Republic to Germany and as far as representatives from VW Mexico.

The greatest challenge is the focus on synergies and collaboration. After all, each of the BGC brands faces similar issues during the development of their models, and our objective now is to address these problems and current challenges jointly and with maximum efficiency.

And if I were to choose another area that would appeal to me? I would likely try motorsport again.

What would you wish for ŠAVŠ in the coming years?

I would wish ŠAVŠ, above all, many more satisfied graduates who will succeed in today’s incredibly dynamic world thanks to their experience and knowledge, and also that it maintains the high standard the university has established over the past quarter-century.