Škoda turns to an Israeli startup for help in combating Covid

Judges in Škoda Auto DigiLab’s global online competition voted for the 3D virtual showroom proposed by Matter.

A team from Israeli high-tech company Matter bested 52 teams from 19 countries competing in Škoda Auto DigiLab’s global online “COVID Mobility Race” hackathon.

The virtual competition from June 4 to 7 was dedicated to current challenges facing the automotive industry due to the coronavirus pandemic: How can a vehicle be bought and delivered while following stringent social distancing measures? How can car buyers virtually view their dream car? What role will digital mobility services play in the future?

There was a special focus on the IT hotspot Israel as Škoda Auto DigiLab Israel supported participating tech companies from Tel Aviv throughout the competition.

The spectrum of projects included online viewing of new and used vehicles, innovative disinfection options, shared mobility, logistics and infrastructure concepts, and new business models in relation to social distancing.

A panel of experts, including Škoda Auto Chief Digital Officer Andre Wehner and Škoda Auto DigiLabs’ Managing Director Jarmila Plachá, said they voted for Matter’s 3D virtual showroom technology “because it is interactive, can be presented very realistically and can be implemented flexibly.”

Matter serves a range of industries with proprietary 3D technology to create interactive digital property tours. The auto showroom project will now be supported by Škoda Auto DigiLab. There is a possibility of future collaboration with the Czech car manufacturer’s innovation lab.

About The Author

Abigail Klein Leichman is a writer and associate editor at ISRAEL21c. Prior to moving to Israel in 2007, she was a specialty writer and copy editor at a major daily newspaper in New Jersey and has freelanced for a variety of newspapers and periodicals since 1984.

www.newyorkjewishchamberofcommerce.com

New York Jewish Chamber of Commerce