During the early decades of the 20th century, Skoda Auto was a Czech automobile manufacturer with a few small plants (in Mlada Boleslav, Kvasiny and Vrchlabi) and a strong desire to meet the mobility needs of its citizens. But, that all changed after World War II.
Management decided to expand its presence in the European market, resulting in the Mlada Boleslav facility being reconstructed (by absorbing the other two plants), and Skoda redesigning and expanding its product line. By the late 1950s, Skoda had its sights on North America. This was achieved in late 1959 when the company’s Felicia, a compact four-cylinder convertible coupe, was imported into the United States.