The new Prague tram Škoda 52T has received the Red Dot Award for product design, an international distinction that highlights strong industrial and user-focused design in global manufacturing.

The jury evaluated the vehicle’s visual design, functionality and passenger comfort.

Škoda Group developed the tram through its internal design team, creating a model tailored specifically for Prague’s public transport system.

The aim was to combine a modern visual identity with the practical demands of daily city operation. Particular attention was given to the interior layout, passenger visibility and the distinctive front section of the vehicle, which defines its overall appearance in urban traffic.

The design was developed with a focus on usability in dense city conditions. According to the company, the balance between engineering solutions and passenger experience played a key role in the award decision.

Tomáš Chludil, head of industrial design at Škoda Group, said the project aimed to merge comfort, safety and visual clarity in a single transport solution, while maintaining a clear identity for the vehicle within the city network.

The tram measures nearly 32 metres in length and offers 70 seats. It can carry more than 240 passengers and features a fully low-floor design for easier boarding.

The vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, an updated passenger information system and collision-avoidance technology designed to improve safety in busy urban environments.

Prague has ordered up to 200 units of the 52T model. After an extensive testing phase, the trams entered regular service at the end of last year. They are expected to gradually replace a large part of the city’s older fleet in the coming years.

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