Eight historical exhibits at Rétromobile commemorate 125 years of Škoda Motorsport

Škoda Auto is kicking off this year’s celebrations marking 125 years of Škoda Motorsport at one of the world’s most prestigious historic car exhibitions. Together with Škoda France, the Mladá Boleslav-based carmaker has prepared an attractive presentation for the Rétromobile exhibition, featuring eight exhibits from the Škoda Museum. They highlight key moments from the brand’s racing history – from early successes on two wheels to modern rally specials. Kick-off to the 125th anniversary celebrations of Škoda Motorsport At the jubilee 50th edition of Rétromobile, Škoda Auto is marking 125 years of motorsport with an exhibition in Hall 7, covering an area of more than 300 m². In collaboration with Škoda France, the Mladá Boleslav-based carmaker has sent eight exhibits from the Škoda Museum to Paris, complemented by two contemporary cars. From two-wheeled beginnings to the electric future A 1903 Laurin & Klement BZ motorcycle represents the very beginnings of motorsport in Mladá Boleslav. The collection also includes seven historic automobiles that have left a mark on motorsport: the Škoda Popular Sport Coupé ‘Malá Dohoda’ (1937), Škoda 1100 OHC (1957), Škoda 130 RS (1976), Škoda Favorit 136 L/H (1991), Škoda Octavia RS (2002), Škoda Fabia WRC (2007) in an unusual cutaway concept, and the Škoda Fabia R5 Combi show car (2015). The historic vehicles are complemented by the Škoda Enyaq RS Race concept and the recently introduced Škoda Fabia 130. Jubilee Rétromobile – a celebration of automotive history The Paris Rétromobile exhibition ranks among the most prestigious events of its kind worldwide, attracting approximately 130,000 visitors each year. Škoda Auto regularly takes part in this celebration of automotive history and, as one of the carmakers with the longest traditions in the world, commemorates significant milestones and anniversaries from its rich heritage. This year’s jubilee 50th edition of Rétromobile runs at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles exhibition grounds until Sunday, 1 February. Detailed descriptions of the exhibited historic models Laurin & Klement BZ (1903) This single-cylinder ‘motocyclette’ was powered by an engine with a displacement of 331 cm³ and reached a top speed of up to 60 km/h. Škoda Popular Sport Coupé ‘Malá Dohoda’ (1937) The sports coupé from the Škoda Popular model family is one of three cars that took part in the ‘Malá Dohoda’ (Little Entente) Rally. The crew of Jaroslav Horák/Jaroslav Netušil finished 7th overall and 2nd in the team classification. Škoda 1100 OHC (1957) This racing car, developed in 1956–1957, is built on a tubular chassis and features a fibreglass body. Two open-top examples debuted in 1958 on the city circuit in Mladá Boleslav and competed in various races until 1963. Škoda 130 RS (1976) One of the icons of Škoda’s sporting history, produced between 1975 and 1980, with approximately 300 units built in total. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the ‘ereso’ (a common nickname for RS models) was among Europe’s most successful rally and circuit racing cars, including a victory at the 1977 Monte Carlo Rally. Škoda Favorit 136 L/H (1991) Alongside the introduction of the Favorit model in 1989, development of its racing version was already under way, with participation in rallies, circuit races and hill climbs. The exhibited example notably competed in the Veedol Cup at the Nürburgring, where it raced until 1992. Škoda Octavia RS (2002) At the time, Škoda’s fastest production model was powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 180 hp, enabling a top speed of 235 km/h. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Škoda Motorsport, a limited series of 100 units with a specific design was created. Škoda Fabia WRC – ‘Cut Car’ (2007) After entering the top rally category with the Octavia WRC in 1999, the Škoda Fabia WRC represented the brand from 2003 to 2005. The cutaway ‘Cut Car’ version from 2007 was created for a promotional film and joined the museum’s collection in 2014. Škoda Fabia R5 Combi (2015) The Škoda Fabia R5 continued the motorsport success story from 2015. For the legendary GTI meeting at Lake Wörthersee, designers prepared this show car in May 2015, reinterpreting the racing car as a combi (estate/wagon) body version. Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Start of the Circular economy: Zwickau vehicle plant launches business areas

The Zwickau vehicle plant is now taking on the role of central competence centre for the circular economy within the Volkswagen Group. In Zwickau, new business areas in the circular economy will be examined for economic viability, standards will be set and the knowledge gained will be made available to other locations worldwide. Volkswagen plans to invest a total of up to 90 million euros in the site over the next few years. The Free State of Saxony is funding the overall project with up to 10.7 million euros. In addition to its central function, Zwickau will initially start with the systematic disassembly of vehicles to recover valuable raw materials and reuse components. A gradual increase in capacity to 15,000 vehicles per year is planned by 2030. The implementation of the circular economy at the Zwickau site was decided during collective bargaining negotiations in December 2024. The Volkswagen Group's circular economy strategy follows the principle of ‘REDUCE & GROW’: the use of primary raw materials and emissions are consistently reduced, while at the same time new value creation, resilience and innovative business models are established. In this way, Volkswagen secures its own value creation in the long term and develops it further – both ecologically and economically. New business models such as recycling, refurbishment (vehicle reconditioning) and second-life applications open up additional market and revenue potential. The Zwickau vehicle plant is playing a pioneering role for the Volkswagen Group in the field of circular economy. Technical innovations and the use of AI are being developed and standardised. By using data platforms and AI, Volkswagen can efficiently track and control material flows, recycling processes and business models, and set new standards. In addition, Zwickau will play a central role in the training and further education of employees in the circular economy. In a first step, dismantling processes will be defined, tested and validated at the site in order to set standards for all other sites. This will give Volkswagen access to parts and components that, after proper testing and processing, can be returned to the cycle, e.g. for used vehicles. Another focus is on separating materials cleanly in order to obtain pure recyclates. Andreas Walingen, Head of Group Circular Economy: "The circular economy will become increasingly important for Volkswagen AG in the coming years. It addresses key challenges facing the automotive industry: raw material resilience, decarbonisation, economic efficiency and employment. Specifically, we are pursuing the goal of reusing raw materials for the construction of new vehicles. This will make Volkswagen less dependent on the global raw materials trade, reduce the CO2 footprint of its vehicles and create new business models. The circular economy promotes technological and digital innovation and secures jobs at the site and value creation in Germany. That is the mission of the Zwickau vehicle plant. Here, we define, test and review all the necessary processes and standards. In the medium term, we will need a CE value creation network with additional locations and partnerships throughout Europe in order to scale the circular economy successfully in economic terms. To get started with the circular economy, up to 90 million euros will be invested in conversion work, technical equipment and AI applications at the site over the next few years. This year, 500 pre-series vehicles (test vehicles) are already being processed. From 2027, the number of vehicles will increase. A modular dismantling concept will allow capacity to be gradually increased to 15,000 vehicles per year by 2030. Danny Auerswald, spokesperson for the management board of Volkswagen Saxony: "Volkswagen Saxony is once again taking on a pioneering role. We were the first plant to switch completely to e-mobility. Now we are tapping into the important business area of the circular economy. With our experience in large-scale production and the excellent university landscape in Saxony, we will examine these new business areas for the Group, present them in an economically viable manner and expand them." Dirk Panter, Minister for Economic Affairs in the Free State of Saxony: "With the recycling topic here in Zwickau, we are breaking new ground for VW as a whole. The plant in Mosel is thus taking on an important function and pioneering role within the Group. Saxony can once again prove that it has solutions for the future of the automotive industry. The new project highlights the responsible use of existing resources and also offers new prospects for employees in Mosel. The diversification of the Zwickau location thus strengthens the future viability of this Saxon automotive region." The circular economy will play a greater role in future apprenticeships and university courses. In close cooperation with the Volkswagen Education Institute and the West Saxon University of Applied Sciences, existing career paths and courses of study will be supplemented with content on the circular economy. The Zwickau site will thus also take on the training and further education of employees at future locations. The move into the circular economy was agreed for the Zwickau site during collective bargaining negotiations in December 2024. In addition to vehicle production, this business area is a second pillar for securing sustainable employment and building expertise in the Central Germany region. Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Audi and its employees donate €850,000 to charity

For the 49th time, the Audi Works Council has called on the workforce to make its traditional Christmas donation. Once again, the response has been overwhelming: 99.7 percent of Audi employees and Audi BKK employees at the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm sites took part in the campaign and donated a total of €677,076 to charitable and social institutions in their regions. As it does every year, the company topped up the amount – this year by €172,924 – bringing the Audi Christmas donation for 2025 to an impressive €850,000. With these donations, Audi is supporting more than 100 organizations and associations. At the Ingolstadt site alone, €620,000 was raised, of which €486,696 came from the workforce and €133,304 was contributed by the company. This total is being disbursed through 79 monetary donations and 13 vehicle donations, with a total of 92 applications approved. The ceremonial handover took place on December 16 at the Audi vehicle delivery center in Ingolstadt. Representatives from 13 of the beneficiary organizations were invited to join the works council and company management in honoring the commitment. All invited organizations will receive vehicles from the donation campaign in the coming year. Thomas Wendl, Head of the Works Council Service, emphasized: “What makes our Christmas fundraising effort so special is the solidarity of the workforce. Every colleague makes a small contribution to ensuring we can achieve great things together.” Jörg Schlagbauer, Chairman of the Audi Works Council in Ingolstadt, underscored the significance of the campaign: “Social commitment is the foundation of our society. Without the many people who volunteer and work full-time to help others, many things would not function. With our donation, we not only want to provide financial support, but also to send a clear message of appreciation. I am proud that almost all Audi employees once again participated – it shows how strong our solidarity is. We take responsibility for our region and stand by those who do great things for others every day.” Xavier Ros, Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources at AUDI AG, said: “I am proud and grateful to present the Christmas donation on behalf of our employees. The enormous participation among the workforce shows what the Audi team is all about: we stand together, we take responsibility, and we want to make a difference in our home regions. With this donation, we can help where help is needed – at a time that is not only festive but also challenging for many people.” Background information: more than 20 million euros for a good cause For more than 45 years, the Audi Works Council has called on the workforce to make a Christmas donation each year. The campaign was launched by the then Works Council Chairman, Fritz Böhm. Since then, Audi employees have collected more than 20 million euros, and continue to support charitable institutions around the Ingolstadt home site to this day. Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Volkswagen unveils a new cockpit generation – debuting with the all-new ID. Polo

Volkswagen is opening the doors to the all-new ID. Polo for the first time, offering an exciting glimpse into the interior of its future models. The new holistic design approach, shaped especially by customer feedback, will define the cockpit of upcoming ID. models. Features include new clarity and quality, and intuitive controls, with familiar VW operating patterns adopted and further developed. At the same time, a new software generation brings fresh functions to the ID. Polo. The charm of the 1980s is now present in the vehicle thanks to the retro display: with a single button press, the digital instrument displays transform into screen views reminiscent of the first Golf. Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Technical Development, says: “Our new interior architecture, starting with the all-new ID. Polo, elevates the customer experience to a new level: with clean lines, high-quality materials, and an intuitive operating environment with physical buttons and newly structured screens. In addition, from the ID. Polo onwards, our next software generation will deliver noticeably more comfort and functions for our customers. This includes, for example, the third generation of Travel Assist, which will soon recognise red traffic lights and stop signs, as well as comfortable one-pedal-driving.” Positive atmosphere and high-quality standards. Volkswagen has long delivered quality and comfort standards in the small and compact car classes that are aligned with a higher vehicle class. With the all-new ID. Polo, Volkswagen continues this approach in conjunction with the new ‘Pure Positive’ design language. The cross-class impression is reflected in details such as fabric-covered surfaces on the dashboard and door inserts. The pleasant feel of all surfaces, buttons, controls and handles creates an inviting and friendly atmosphere. Furthermore, Volkswagen’s new cockpit landscape focuses on even more intuitive operation. Key elements include: Displays with clear information and tidy menu structures More buttons for direct functions A multi-function steering wheel with clear button controls Adoption of familiar VW operating patterns Volkswagen Chief Designer Andreas Mindt says: “The all-new ID. Polo is an affordable friend for everyday life. Just as the Polo always was, but now electric.” Mindt continues: “We have created an interior that feels like a friend from the very first contact. Clear physical buttons provide stability and trust, warm materials make it appealing, and charming details such as the new retro views of the instruments show the typical Volkswagen wink. All this makes the ID. Polo a compact car with a big heart – ‘Pure Positive’ in its purest form.” ID. Polo with clear horizontal orientation of cockpit architecture. Two large displays, arranged along a single line of sight, define the new cockpit architecture. These include the digital cockpit behind the steering wheel, with a screen diagonal of 26.0 cm (10.25 inches), and the 33-cm (almost 13-inch) touchscreen of the infotainment system, which stands out in its segment due to its size and features. The graphics are high-resolution and precise, and the central display is easily accessible for the front passenger as well. Separate buttons for climate functions and the hazard warning lights are integrated into a strip below the infotainment screen. The multi-function steering wheel is also completely new, featuring clearly structured button fields. Positioned between the smartphone tray and the cup holders is a rotary controller for audio operation, easily accessible for both driver and passenger, allowing volume adjustment as well as track and station selection. The ID.Light has been significantly further developed: this interactive and intuitive light strip now extends not only across the width of the instrument panel at the base of the windscreen, but also into the front doors for the first time. Retro display – a playful wink. Special, unexpected details designed to create an emotional connection are summarised by the design team under the term ‘Secret Sauce’. In the ID. Polo, this tangible extra is embodied by the retro display: with just one press of a button on the steering wheel or via the infotainment system, the digital cockpit displays transform into classic views from the Golf I of the 1980s. Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com 01. ID. Polo - Near-production concept car

Pure performance at the Audi museum mobile: New “Legends of Grand Prix” exhibition

Audi will enter Formula 1 in 2026, competing at the pinnacle of motorsport. To mark the occasion, Audi Tradition is looking back at the origins of Grand Prix racing in a special exhibition titled “Legends of Grand Prix.” From December 16, 2025, until the start of the new Formula 1 season on March 8, 2026, the Audi museum mobile will display fascinating racing cars from more than 100 years of history, including the winning car from the very first Grand Prix race, Michael Schumacher’s first Formula 1 car, and the legendary Silver Arrows: the Auto Union Grand Prix racing cars Type A, Type C, and Type D. With its entry into the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, Audi is breaking new ground. At the same time, the brand with the four rings can look back on a successful motorsport history, with unforgettable highlights including historic victories in the World Rally Championship, successes in the DTM and on the circuit in the USA, and 13 victories in the world’s toughest endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As early as the 1920s, the predecessor brand NSU was at the top of the podium in Grand Prix races, and the legendary Silver Arrows of Auto Union dominated the top league of racing in the 1930s. The exhibition first goes back to the early Grand Prix era, then takes us through the era of the Auto Union Silver Arrows and the 75-year history of Formula 1 from the early post-war racing cars to the present day. Stefan Trauf, Head of Audi Tradition, says: “With our special exhibition, ‘Legends of Grand Prix’, we want to shorten the winter break in Formula 1 for all fans and present many spectacular exhibits from the history of motorsport’s premier class until the first race of the new season.” It is not only Formula 1 fans who will get their money’s worth at the exhibition, but also anyone who enjoys historical racing. Curator Stefan Felber is particularly proud of the Renault AK 90 CV: “It is the first vehicle in our exhibition. With it, we go back to the early Grand Prix era.” On June 26, 1906, French-Hungarian racing driver Ferenc Szisz made motorsport history at the wheel of such a 90 PS Renault: the then 33-year-old engineer won the French Grand Prix, considered the first Grand Prix race ever held. Exhibition organizer Stefan Felber adds: “Unfortunately, the original vehicle no longer exists. However, we were able to borrow a detailed replica from the Vintage Classic Car Collection in Holland.” The new special exhibition also features a Talbot-Lago T26 C from the early days of F1 with a 240 PS inline six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. Five Talbot-Lago T26 Cs competed in the very first Formula 1 race, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on May 13, 1950. The NSU 6/60 PS is an exhibition highlight from the AUDI AG historic vehicle collection. The first six-cylinder model from Neckarsulm has an output of 60 PS, weighs 830 kilograms, and has a top speed of 175 km/h. Almost 100 years ago, on July 11, 1926, NSU celebrated a highly acclaimed quadruple victory in the 1.5-liter class at the first German Grand Prix at the AVUS with its all-white racing car. Another highlight of the exhibition is the Bugatti Type 35 C – one of the most successful racing cars of all time. Its eight-cylinder engine delivers 95 PS thanks to a twin carburetor; with the Roots supercharger used since 1926, the power output increases to up to 130 PS. Other vehicles in the exhibition include a 1928 Wanderer W8; the Auto Union Grand Prix racing cars Type A, Type C and Type D from the 1930s; a Cisitalia 360 from 1947; a Toleman-Hart TG184 from 1984, which Ayrton Senna also drove; and a Jordan 191 from 1991, in which Michael Schumacher drove his first F1 race. The two most recent models, the Sauber C31 from 2012 and the F1 show car with Audi Launch Livery from 2022, complete the exhibition and take visitors into the preparatory phase of the 2026 Formula 1 season, in which Audi will be competing for points with its own factory team for the first time. The Audi museum mobile at the Audi Forum Ingolstadt is open Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. It is closed from December 22, 2025 until January 6, 2026. Meanwhile you can discover the special exhibition “Legends of Grands Prix” anytime via the Audi Tradition app which is available at the App Store and the Google Play Store. Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

The original turns 50 – Volkswagen celebrates five decades of GTI in 2026

It is the world’s most successful compact sports car: the Golf GTI. The original in its class. More than 2.5 million units have been produced to date. In 2026, the Golf GTI will turn 50 – and this will be celebrated with a variety of national and international classic events, the exclusive anniversary model Golf GTI EDITION 50, and the world premiere of the first all-electric GTI. A success story since 1976. When the Golf GTI was launched in 1976, no one could have guessed that the 81 kW (110 PS) Volkswagen, with its red grille surround, black wheel arch extensions and golf ball gear knob, would soon become the world’s most successful compact sports car. Only 5,000 units were planned, but in the first year alone dealers sold 10 times as many vehicles. In total, 461,690 first-generation Golf GTI cars were built. It was the unusual overall package that struck a chord: a highly precise sports car for lonely Alpine passes and, at the same time, a practical companion for every day of the year, extremely economical and instantly a timeless style icon. The price was also a hit: 13,850 Deutschmarks in Germany. The media spoke of the democratisation of the sports car. And indeed, the performance of the 182 km/h Volkswagen was impressive: with a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.0 seconds, the 1976 Golf GTI left behind numerous sports cars and coupés that were easily 10,000 Deutschmarks more expensive. The DNA for the past 50 years – and for tomorrow. The unique interplay of agile engine, lightweight front-wheel drive, balanced chassis, perfectly fitting sports seats and crisp, no-frills design still characterises the Golf GTI today. It is this synthesis that Volkswagen has continuously refined over 50 years – making the Golf GTI an authentic sports car and the original in its class. The fact is: today, when people say GTI, they mean Volkswagen. The crowning glory of this world-famous product brand in the anniversary year 2026 is the Golf GTI EDITION 50 – the most powerful production Golf GTI to date, with 239 kW (325 PS). The anniversary model is already available to order in some European markets, with the first units to be delivered in 2026. Volkswagen has also proven that the GTI philosophy is successful in other model series, especially with the Polo GTI. In 2026, a new Polo GTI will take off: the ID. Polo GTI. With 166 kW (226 PS), it will transfer the GTI philosophy into the electric drive era for the first time – there could not have been a better debut year for the first electric GTI. Classic GTI in Paris and Bremen. The first five decades of the GTI will be the focus of various major classic events in 2026. The celebrations kick off from 28 January to 1 February in Paris at Rétromobile. The classic car show at the Porte de Versailles will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2026, just like the Golf GTI. Almost simultaneously, the first German show for classic vehicles begins in the Hanseatic city of Bremen: the Bremen Classic Motorshow. Here, the Golf GTI will be in the spotlight from 30 January to 2 February. Both shows are therefore not only the opening events for the European classic season 2026, but also for the GTI year 2026. Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com 01. Golf GTI EDITION 50 - combined energy consumption: 7.9-7.6 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 179-173 g/km; CO₂ class: G-F 02. Near-production concept. The model is not yet available for sale

Škoda Elroq named Car of the Year by The Car Expert

Škoda is set to end the year with another Car of the Year award. The Czech brand’s mid-size all-electric SUV has added to its remarkable haul of industry titles by topping The Car Expert’s list of the best cars for 2026. Unlike other industry accolades, The Car Expert Awards are calculated using its Expert Rating Index, which aggregates new car reviews from more than 30 of the UK’s top motoring titles, including its own. The Car Expert then attributes an overall score to each new car that accurately reflects the consensus of the country’s leading automotive titles. The Car Expert team found that the Elroq was a consistent high scorer for practicality and value for money, with numerous reviews praising the car’s intelligent design and ease of use. Naming the Elroq Best Small Crossover and overall Car of the Year 2026. In 2025, the Škoda Elroq has quickly established itself as one of the most acclaimed new electric cars in the UK, securing multiple major industry honours. The all-electric SUV was named Car of the Year and Mid-Size SUV of the Year at the Auto Express New Car Awards, and also took top honours at the What Car? Electric Car Awards 2025, being named Best Family Electric SUV. In addition, the sporting flagship of the range, the Elroq vRS was crowned Car of the Year by The Sunday Times Driving. Launched in April, the Škoda Elroq is available with three battery size options: 63 kWh (59 kWh net), 82 kWh (77 kWh net) and 84 kWh (79 kWh net - vRS only). All feature rear-mounted motors and are rear-wheel drive, with the range-topping vRS model coming with all-wheel drive as standard. The Elroq offers a combined WLTP range of up to 360 miles with the largest 82 kWh (77 kWh net) battery option (Edition 85). Power outputs range from 170 PS to 340 PS. Article source: www.skoda.co.uk