Škoda Auto has introduced the Elroq Respectline, a vibrant electric vehicle designed as a tribute to diversity, inclusion, and the automaker’s Czech heritage, in commemoration of European Diversity Month and the company’s 130th anniversary.
The Elroq Respectline, created collaboratively by Škoda employees, will make its public debut this week at two major events: the Best Cars 2025 awards in Hamburg on May 9, followed by a Škoda company music festival in Mladá Boleslav on May 10. The car will later appear at other high-profile events including Prague Pride, the Metronome Festival, and the Tour de France.
“With the new Elroq Respectline, we are introducing a Škoda brand ambassador that embodies our core values: diversity, equity, inclusion, and mutual understanding,” said Maren Gräf, Škoda Auto Board Member for People & Culture. “Our goal is to foster a safe, open, and fair workplace for all. We are proud of our commitment to human rights and believe this car will carry these values even further.”
A signature element of the design is the stylized “háček” — the diacritical mark over the Czech letter “Š” — which features throughout the car’s exterior and interior. It serves as a playful tribute to Škoda’s Czech roots and its legacy dating back to 1895.
The Respectline’s Tech-Deck front grille features animated rainbow LED lighting, a nod to the LGBT+ community and a symbol of societal diversity. The car’s bold interior continues the theme with rainbow embroidery on the seats, vibrant décor elements, and recycled materials sourced from other Elroq models.
“Exceptional craftsmanship, confident design, and a deep-rooted guiding principle invite viewers to be swept away by the many colours of diversity,” said Škoda in a statement.
In a further nod to inclusive values, Škoda has partnered with Czech shoemaker Botas to release a limited-edition Respectline sneaker, which mirrors the car’s design, complete with rainbow embroidery. The sneakers will be available via the Botas online store in the coming weeks.
This is not Škoda’s first diversity-themed model; the Elroq Respectline follows the Enyaq Respectline, a previous initiative promoting mutual respect and inclusion.
Škoda Auto has embedded its commitment to human rights and workplace diversity into its “Next Level – Škoda Strategy 2030.” The company will also release its annual Sustainability and Diversity Reports later this month as part of its observance of European Diversity Month, now in its fifth year at Škoda.
Škoda Auto, a member of the Volkswagen Group, delivered over 926,000 vehicles worldwide in 2024 and employs approximately 40,000 people across nearly 100 markets.
