Škoda Electric is a leading world manufacturer of electric drives, traction motors and control systems for trolleybuses, tramways, locomotives, suburban train units, metro, battery buses, e-mobility, mine cars etc. and it continues the many years of tradition of electrical engineering production of Škodové závody in Plzeň, which was commenced in 1901 in Elektrotechnický závod. The high technical level of Škoda Electric products, long-standing experience with manufacture and the excellent quality of technology along with high productivity of employees offer effective conditions for successful production intended for both domestic and foreign markets. The development of innovative solutions constitutes an inherent part of the corporate strategy of the Škoda Transportation group. Our own research programme plays a fundamental role in the competitiveness of our company which more and more often penetrates also on the foreign markets. We also cooperate with a whole range of universities and develop first-rate solutions for our customers, whether this concerns final products or subcontracting, e.g. for the American engineering company Caterpillar. Research and development allow us to continually push technological development into more specialized areas. In 2009 a brand-new technology workplace for the development of synchronous motors with permanent magnets – which are a vital part of the traction drive of the ForCity Alfa tram – was completed. These motors are world leaders and enable the construction of low-bed pivoting bogies with a direct drive (without a gearbox). One of the most demanding applications of high-performance traction engines are diesel-electric mining vehicles. Customers require from them extraordinary reliability and robustness of the engine. Successful development of this engine for the American company Caterpillar allowed us to obtain the prestigious award for the best supplier of the Caterpillar company in 2011. These are machines with absolutely unique design which are able to work in extremely difficult conditions.