The Skoda car company was founded as Laurin & Klement in 1895 by bookseller Vaclav Klement and bicycle repairer Vaclav Laurin. The firm made its money by building velocipedes and bicycles. In 1899 it moved into motorcycle production, and just six years later had begun to construct cars. However, the company was acquired by Skoda Works in 1925, and then fell under communist state ownership until 1991, after which it was slowly privatised before being purchased by Volkswagen. At Haynes, we have an extensive range of Skoda repair manuals and online procedures available for professional mechanics and DIY car enthusiasts alike. We can give you all the guidance you need.