Remember when the Internet told us we wouldn't download a car? Well, the future is now. Skoda is basically daring us to download at least a few parts. You can't 3D-print an entire Octavia in your garage just yet, but you can make cupholders, hooks, and storage accessories without paying the dealership a cent.
Indeed, Skoda has found another way to make its cars more practical without asking customers to spend more money. The Czech automaker, part of the Volkswagen Group empire, is offering a growing collection of free 3D-printable accessories, allowing owners to download designs, print them at home, and add useful storage solutions and other handy features to their vehicles.
The new initiative builds on the company's long-running Simply Clever philosophy, which focuses on making everyday motoring easier through thoughtful details. Engineers and designers at the automaker's innovation incubator developed the accessories, available through Printables.com. The best part? You don't need to buy an official accessory or wait for the automaker to manufacture it. If you have access to a 3D printer, you can make it yourself.
The collection includes cupholders, storage boxes, cable organizers, coin boxes, phone brackets, and hooks for USB cables and bottle caps. It also includes hooks for seat-back pockets and other small accessories designed to keep everyday items from rolling around the cabin. Many of the designs fit into existing storage compartments without requiring any modifications to the car.
Skoda says the project eliminates the tooling, inventory, and production lead times associated with conventional accessories.
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