Czech Future Mobility Forum Connects 17 Korean Suppliers

KOTRA Connects 17 South Korean Automotive Suppliers With Škoda

The Czech Future Mobility Forum and Global Partnering Day brought together 17 South Korean automotive parts manufacturers and Škoda's purchasing department in Prague, Czech Republic, on October 23, 2026. Organized by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), the event provided an opportunity for participating suppliers to discuss potential business relationships and automotive component supply opportunities with the automaker. The discussions covered 16 product groups across six procurement areas identified by Škoda's purchasing department, highlighting opportunities for South Korean manufacturers to participate in the European automotive supply chain.

Six Procurement Areas Identified by Škoda

The business discussions addressed six areas: exterior and lighting, doors and opening mechanisms, interiors, thermal management, metals and electric vehicles (EVs), and general procurement. These categories reflected the component requirements identified by Škoda's purchasing department and provided a structured basis for evaluating potential supplier relationships. The 16 product groups included automotive lighting, glass, window regulators, flush door handles, air-conditioning and thermal management systems, and battery cases and covers. These components span several vehicle systems, including exterior equipment, interior mechanisms, climate control, and EV-related hardware.

European Suppliers Explore Additional Supply Chain Opportunities

Around 10 European Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers also participated in the Prague event, including companies from the Czech Republic. Their participation expanded the discussions beyond direct business relationships between South Korean manufacturers and Škoda. Participants examined opportunities to enter the automaker's supply chain through established local parts suppliers, alongside the possibility of supplying components directly to Škoda. This approach provided participating manufacturers with two potential routes for developing business relationships in the European automotive market and engaging with companies already operating within the regional supplier network.

EV Expansion Creates Potential Demand for Automotive Components

KOTRA expects demand for related automotive components to increase as Škoda expands its electric vehicle lineup and battery production facilities. This anticipated demand provides the commercial context for the supplier discussions, particularly for manufacturers offering thermal management systems, battery cases, battery covers, and other EV-related components. The event also created an opportunity for South Korean manufacturers to introduce their products to potential European customers and explore procurement requirements. However, the discussions described at the forum represent business opportunities rather than confirmed supply contracts or finalized sourcing agreements.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The forum highlights the importance of supplier partnerships in connecting South Korean automotive component manufacturers with European vehicle production and procurement networks. Škoda's expansion of its EV lineup and battery production facilities could create additional opportunities for manufacturers supplying battery enclosures, thermal management systems, lighting, and other vehicle components. The involvement of European Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers also demonstrates the potential role of established regional manufacturers in facilitating supply chain access. The next commercial developments will depend on procurement evaluations, supplier qualification, and whether the discussions progress into direct deliveries or partnerships with local parts manufacturers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Czech Future Mobility Forum and Global Partnering Day?
The Czech Future Mobility Forum and Global Partnering Day was a business-matching event organized by KOTRA in Prague on October 23, 2026. It connected 17 South Korean automotive parts manufacturers with Škoda's purchasing department to discuss potential component supply opportunities. The discussions covered 16 product groups across six procurement areas. Around 10 European Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers also participated, creating opportunities to explore both direct supply relationships and partnerships through established European automotive parts manufacturers.

How many South Korean companies participated in the event?
A total of 17 South Korean automotive parts manufacturers participated in the business discussions with Škoda's purchasing department during the Prague event. These manufacturers presented products covering several automotive component categories, including lighting, glass, flush door handles, window regulators, thermal management systems, and battery cases and covers. The discussions were organized around 16 product groups identified by Škoda across six procurement areas. The event was intended to connect participating manufacturers with potential automotive supply chain opportunities in the European market.

What automotive components were discussed with Škoda?
The discussions covered automotive components across six procurement areas identified by Škoda's purchasing department, including exterior and lighting, doors and opening mechanisms, interiors, thermal management, metals and electric vehicles, and general procurement. Specific products included automotive lighting, glass, window regulators, flush door handles, air-conditioning systems, thermal management systems, and battery cases and covers. These products represent different vehicle systems and component requirements, providing participating South Korean manufacturers with opportunities to explore potential sourcing relationships with the automaker.

How can South Korean suppliers enter Škoda's supply chain?
Participating South Korean manufacturers explored two potential routes for entering Škoda's supply chain through the forum. The first involved establishing direct supply relationships with Škoda, while the second involved working through existing European automotive parts suppliers. Around 10 European Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, including companies from the Czech Republic, participated in the discussions. These connections could provide additional opportunities for manufacturers to engage with regional suppliers and explore business relationships supporting automotive component procurement.

Why could Škoda's EV expansion benefit automotive component suppliers?
Škoda's planned expansion of its electric vehicle lineup and battery production facilities could increase demand for relevant automotive components. KOTRA specifically expects demand for related products to grow as these developments progress. Components discussed during the forum included battery cases and covers, thermal management systems, air-conditioning systems, and other automotive parts. This creates potential opportunities for manufacturers with relevant product capabilities, although actual business outcomes will depend on procurement decisions, supplier qualification, and the development of commercial agreements.