Laurin & Klement

Founded in 1895 by Václav Laurin and Václav Klement in Mladá Boleslav, the company initially started as a bicycle manufacturer. Their venture into motorized vehicles began with motorcycles in 1899, followed by their first automobile in 1905. The introduction of the Voiturette A marked Laurin & Klement’s entry into the automotive world, showcasing their engineering prowess and innovative spirit. The Voiturette A was a compact and reliable vehicle, embodying the company’s commitment to quality and performance. It featured a water-cooled, 1.1-liter two-cylinder engine, which was advanced for its time and quickly gained popularity. Laurin & Klement’s early cars were known for their durability and technical sophistication, setting them apart in the burgeoning automotive market. The success of the Voiturette A established Laurin & Klement as a significant player in the industry, paving the way for further developments and expansions. In 1925, Laurin & Klement merged with the industrial conglomerate Škoda Works, marking a new chapter in the company’s history. This merger provided the financial stability and resources needed to compete on a larger scale. Under the Škoda brand, Laurin & Klement’s legacy of quality and innovation continued, contributing to the development of new models and technologies.