The Škoda Group’s tram, Škoda ForCity Smart Bonn, was recognised with the Red Dot award in the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2024. This modern, fully low-floor vehicle, designed specifically for the German city of Bonn, stands out with its unique visual identity and state-of-the-art safety features. The Red Dot Award is a globally recognized award that acknowledges outstanding design and product innovation.
“We are immensely proud that our tram for Bonn has been recognised with the prestigious Red Dot Award,” comments Laurent Fromont, Senior Vice President Rolling Stock & Service Platforms at Škoda Group. “Our people have worked hard to ensure that every detail of the vehicle enhances the travel experience, not only in terms of its engineering but also in the way it fits in with Bonn’s unique identity. And to be recognised with this award proves that we have succeeded.”
The Škoda ForCity Smart Bonn tram is part of the fleet of local transport operator SWB. It is a modern vehicle with a design that blends harmoniously with the unique face of this historic German city. The construction of the tram and its design are made with the safety of passengers, drivers, and pedestrians in mind. The characteristic light shaping on the black mask gives the tram a distinctive look. Inside, passengers can enjoy a comfortable ride in a sophisticated space with upholstered wooden seats. Removable cushions and a compact seat shape ensure easy maintenance and a long service life. Wide entrances with LED lighting and large multi-functional compartments make travelling easier for people with special needs. The driver’s cab, developed in cooperation with local drivers, meets the highest ergonomic and safety standards.
At Škoda, vehicle design is all about creating a memorable experience for its users. The group’s long tradition of manufacturing rolling stock combines modern aesthetics with the latest technology. “Our design philosophy is based on an understanding of the needs of our customers and the environment in which the vehicles operate,” says Tomáš Chludil, Head of Industrial Design at Škoda Group. “With every project, we create a tailor-made design. The designs are based on a detailed study of the architecture and infrastructure of each city. As a result, our vehicles are not only functional, but also perfectly complement the urban landscape.”
Given the long operational life of its vehicles, Škoda Group focuses on timeless design and style that overcomes short-term trends and ensures not only lasting appeal but also high functionality. During the design process, therefore, full-size models are created on which the proposed solutions are tested in real-life conditions. But the group also uses modern technologies such as digital twins or virtual reality for testing.
Every year, the renowned Red Dot Award: Product Design honours products that impress with their exceptionally high design quality. The award is based on the decision of the Red Dot jury. The experts assess the submissions based on the four basic principles of good design: the quality of function, the quality of seduction, the quality of use and the quality of responsibility.
In 2024, the Red Dot jury is made up of 39 experts from 20 countries on 4 continents. They cover various design disciplines and work as professors, consultants, journalists, or industrial designers.
The entries came from 60 countries. The products were tested and evaluated by the jurors according to their respective type. The discussions between the experts are an important part of this process. They testify to the care with which the Red Dot jury considers and evaluates each product individually.
