Blog MOTOR JIKOV proudly sponsored the 2012 Český Krumlov Rally, showcasing our commitment to excellence and high performance.

The South Bohemian company MOTOR JIKOV Group a.s. was a partner of this year's 40th edition of the popular Rallye Český Krumlov, held on the roads of two South Bohemian districts from May 25 to 26. As part of this renowned motorsport event, the company showcased its corporate vehicle, Volkswagen Passat 1.4 TSI EcoFuel with compressed natural gas (CNG) propulsion and the COMPACT MJ05 refueling unit.

"Motor Jikov was the main partner of the Rallye Český Krumlov during 1990 – 95. This year, in celebration of the 40th anniversary, we decided to revive this partnership. MOTOR JIKOV GROUP has a very close connection to the automotive industry. Over 50% of our production is dedicated to automotive applications, and in recent years, we have been actively developing and manufacturing refueling systems for compressed natural gas for households, entrepreneurs, and companies operating vehicles with this propulsion," said Miroslav Dvořák, Chairman of the Board and CEO of MOTOR JIKOV Group a.s., regarding the partnership.

Visitors to the rally could see hybrid and electric cars and learn more about their advantages at the České Budějovice Exhibition Center and on the parking lot in Jelení zahrada under Český Krumlov Castle during the event called 1. Rallye Český Krumlov Electric and New Energies.

"Alternative eco-friendly drives were a historic first at Rallye Český Krumlov, and enthusiasts of fast cars showed great interest in these vehicles. The cars also completed the first special stage at the České Budějovice Exhibition Center, but did not participate in the actual races," said Jiří Slíva, Director of the Special Machining and Production Division of MOTOR JIKOV Strojírenská a.s. This Soběslav-based company developed, manufactures, and supplies the refueling device COMPACT MJ05 on the market.

In addition to the Volkswagen Passat 1.4 TSI EcoFuel with CNG drive and the refueling station presented by MOTOR JIKOV Group a.s. representatives, other vehicles included the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid, Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4, Peugeot 508 RXH, Peugeot iOn electric car, and Smart ED electric vehicle.

The competing cars provided a spectacle on Friday during test speed trials and a super special stage at the České Budějovice Exhibition Center. The first car started from the Jelení zahrada ramp on Friday afternoon, initiating the first phase of closed stage tests on roads in Český Krumlov and České Budějovice districts, with a finish at the České Budějovice Exhibition Center. On Saturday morning, the second phase started, featuring another seven timed closed stages in Český Krumlov and during the afternoon at Lipno.

Historical vehicles also competed on the equestrian grounds for this year's victory. Miroslav Janota and Lukáš Vyoral won with Opel Kadett Coupe, while Jan Krejča and Pavel Šárka took second place with Škoda 130 LR, and the bronze went to Michal Hylán and Martin Mikulka with Škoda Favorit 136 L.

The winners of this year's 40th Rallye Český Krumlov were Jan Kopecký and Pavel Dresler driving a factory Škoda Fabia S2000. Roman Kresta and Petr Grosse, also in Fabia S2000, finished second with a deficit of less than a minute, and Václav Pech with Petr Uhl in Mini John Cooper Works S2000 took third place.

All owners of vehicles with alternative drives received recognition as well. "The program of this year's Rallye Český Krumlov was enriched by presentations of hybrid and electric vehicles. Throughout both days, rally visitors could ask questions about acquiring and operating vehicles with alternative propulsion. We also offered test drives upon request," added Jan Kocourek, Sales Specialist at MOTOR JIKOV Strojírenská a.s.

The Rallye Český Krumlov is part of the FIA European Cup series – Central Region, the Mediasport Czech Republic International Rally Championship, the Czech Republic Historic Car Rally Championship, and Rally Legend. With its 40-year history since 1971, Rallye Český Krumlov ranks among the three oldest active motorsport events in Bohemia. Its high quality organizational team has repeatedly received top ratings from FIA observers, being evaluated as the best rally within the FIA European Cup in 2010 and 2011.