Avia

Avia is a Czech aircraft and automotive company notable for producing biplane fighters...especially the B-534, and trucks.

History
The company was founded in 1919, became part of Škoda in 1928. In 1930s the factory became the biggest aircraft producer in Czechoslovakia and moved to Letňany. During World War II Avia produced aircraft for the Luftwaffe. After the war the company was nationalized and became involved in the automotive industry. It manufactured aircraft up to 1963, then continued to make aircraft engines (only producing props from 1988) and targeted truck production. The company split up in 1992 into propeller and truck sections, both using the Avia brand.

Trucks
Avia truck production started in 1946. The company produced Škoda 706R line, and from the 1960s, the highly successful Praga V3S (produced until 1988) and S5T. In 1967 the company signed an important license agreement with Renault, which resulted in the production of the French Saviem 'A' models. The company produced as many as 17,000 trucks per year.

In 1995 Daewoo Motors with Steyr purchased a majority stake of the company. This resulted in the company being known as 'Daewoo Avia' and a significant investment in development of both product and facilities was undertaken.

In 2005 the company was acquired by the financial company Odien Capital Partners, then in 2006 sold to Indian truck manufacturer Ashok Leyland and began using the Avia brand again (and new logo).

As a truck maker, Czech Avia should not be confused with the Spanish Avia.