From the 23rd of January to the 10th of March, the Salgados Resort Albufeira, in the Algarve, was the destination for over 9,000 Skoda trainees and 138 trainers (from 35 markets). Portugal was the country chosen for the international formation of the new Skoda Kodiaq. This is Skoda's biggest training action ever.
During each training day, the participants carried out tests on the road, off-road, clever driving, and even training in the “connectivity and competition rooms”. In this last room, all brand employees had the opportunity to assess and get to know “in detail” the main Kodiaq competitors: Kia Sorento, Ford Kuga, Nissan X-Trail, HR-V, BMW X3, Toyota Rav 4 and Hyundai Santa Fe.
We had the opportunity to follow this action and took the opportunity to speak with Vladimir Kapitonov, global director of sales training and training for the Czech brand. Among other things, why chose Portugal for this brand training action.
RA (Reason Car): What are the main objectives of this training action?
VK (Vladimir Kapitonov): In addition to being a new segment for us, Kodiaq debuts new security and connectivity systems, systems that dealer managers may have trouble explaining to customers. Also, our graduates like to communicate, and networking is important. Although each country does its own training actions, having people from 3, 4 or 5 countries in a single day allows them to interact and tell some stories. This motivational part is very important.RA: Why did Skoda choose Portugal for this action?
VK: Firstly because of the weather. We knew that most of the training would be outdoors and driving, moving from one exercise to another. The second reason was the support given by our importer from the beginning.
RA: So, you mean that the next training program will also be here, in Portugal?
VK: I don't say no.
RA: Will you think about it?
VK: Honestly, it's understandable that when you do the same things in the same place, at some point it starts to get a little boring for people. But I believe that with these conditions, if we do one or two more training actions, no one will be upset! (laughter).RA: How long did it take to prepare this training action?
VK: Good question. We made the first proposal to our agency in November 2015. So about a year and a half.
The problem was not bringing the cars, it was preparing the training books for all the trainers. We trained trainers from all countries for 4 days, including specialists from Skoda headquarters, designers, technicians, etc. These 4 days were used for them to prepare themselves, and for sellers from each country to have the opportunity to learn in their own language. And it was to prepare this part that we took most of the time.
RA: What did you like most about our country?
VK: I can tell right away that it's the people. I notice that the hotel director is nice to me, it's normal. But when I go out, people who don't know me say hello and ask if I need help. And this doesn't happen in all countries, believe me.RA: If Portugal were a Skoda, what model would it be?
VK: A Skoda Octavia Sportsline with a red roof. I just don't say cabrio because we don't have it (laughs).
