Much more than a city car: world premiere of the all-new electric ID. Polo

Volkswagen is presenting the new ID. Polo and thus the all-electric version of one of the most successful models in its history. Sold over 20 million times, the Polo is now entering a new chapter – completely reimagined and systematically geared towards the future. Developed in Wolfsburg, the ID. Polo combines clear design, generous space and high quality with an attractive entry-level price starting from 24,995 euros (in Germany). The small car also sets technological standards: with a WLTP range of up to 454 km and the new Connected Travel Assist, including automatic traffic light recognition, efficient one-pedal driving or vehicle-to-load function that turns the ID. Polo into a mobile power source for devices such as e-bikes. Pre-sales of the new ID. Polo already start today, Wednesday (in Germany). Thomas Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, CEO of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand and Head of the Brand Group Core: “The ID. Polo brings a Volkswagen bestseller into the electric age. For decades, the Polo has been part of people’s everyday lives. With the ID. Polo, we are making electric mobility accessible to many more people: with clear and timeless design, intuitive operation, strong quality and technologies from higher segments. A genuine Volkswagen just like our customers expect from us.”  Range of up to 454 km, DC quick charging always standard. The ID. Polo will be available with a new efficient front-wheel drive and in three output levels with 85 kW (116 PS), 99 kW (135 PS) and 155 kW (211 PS). The 85 kW and 99 kW versions will be equipped as standard with a 37 kWh (net) LFP (lithium iron phosphate) version of the new high-voltage battery. This battery can be charged from 10 to 80% in about 23 minutes at DC quick-charging stations and offers a range of up to 329 km. The 155 kW drive is powered by an NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt battery) variant, offers an energy content of 52 kWh (net), enables ranges of up to 454 km and can be charged from 10 to 80% in about 24 minutes at DC stations. Dimensions – compact, spacious and suitable for everyday use. The new ID. Polo is 4,053 mm long, 1,816 mm wide and 1,530 mm high. The wheelbase is 2,600 mm. Compared with the model with combustion engine, the ID. Polo impresses with significantly better space utilisation thanks to MEB+. One example of this is the large luggage compartment volume, which has grown by 25 per cent – from 351 to 441 litres. When the rear seat backrests are folded down, the load capacity increases to 1,240 litres (conventional Polo: 1,125 litres). This extra space makes the five-seater ID. Polo more of an all-rounder than any of its predecessors, specialising not only in urban life but also effortlessly mastering everyday use with friends and family. Pure Positive – elegant, timeless and clear. The new ID. Polo is the first production model to completely follow the new Volkswagen Pure Positive design language of Chief Designer Andreas Mindt. The result is a compact car with clear proportions, iconic design features such as the C-pillar derived from the first Golf, a likeable front end and a powerful rear that has a very high-quality, timeless and charismatic appearance. The new model is immediately recognisable as a genuine Volkswagen and reflects its technological progress with a modern light design. Feel good – at home on the road. The new Pure Positive design language also characterises the interior of the ID. Polo with its intelligent interior architecture, high-quality materials and excellent ergonomics. The loving attention to detail is evident in specification-dependent details such as elegant decorative seams in the door trims and the integration of small ‘Volkswagen’ badges as a finishing touch for these attractive seams. The new cockpit landscape is particularly striking in the ID. Polo. The Digital Cockpit with a diagonal of 26.0 cm (10 inches) is arranged on the visual axis. The touch display of the new Innovision infotainment system (with a diagonal of 32.77 cm/13 inches) is located centrally in the dash panel and is easy to reach for both the driver and front passenger. It has the appearance of a high-quality tablet in terms of size and is very precise in its graphical representation. The high-quality overall impression is rounded off by clearly designed and ideally accessible controls, modern displays and graphics, as well as innovative features such as the ‘retro display’, which bring a touch of nostalgia to the digital instruments (look & feel of the Golf I facelift). Assist systems: Connected Travel Assist with traffic light recognition. Thanks to MEB+ and new software, the ID. Polo comes with a host of modern assist systems as standard. As an option, the next generation of Travel Assist supports assisted longitudinal and lateral guidance and also reacts to traffic lights (within the system limits) – a first in this class. One-pedal driving is also available as standard, allowing vehicle deceleration through regulation of the accelerator pedal alone. The ID. Polo is available in the three equipment lines Trend, Life and Style: Trend – entry-level version with DC quick-charging function. The ID. Polo Trend is equipped as standard with a 90 kW DC quick-charging function. In addition, assist systems such as Side Assist and Lane Assist (incl. Emergency Assist) are part of the standard equipment. Always on board are features such as LED headlights incl. main-beam control, the Digital Cockpit with 10-inch display, the 13-inch Innovision infotainment system, a multifunction steering wheel in leatherette and automatic air conditioner. Life – comfort equipment with Adaptive Cruise Control. The ID. Polo Life will be launched as the second equipment level. It is fitted as standard with assist systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), a rear view camera system, Park Distance Control (front) and FronT-Cross Traffic Assist. An automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror and electrically folding exterior mirrors with memory function additionally ensure greater convenience. Digital features such as voice control, App Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as an inductive charging function for smartphones are also standard. In addition, there is a variable luggage compartment floor for even more convenient use of the large luggage compartment. Style – top-of-the-range version with IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights. In addition to the features of the Trend and Life equipment levels, the ID. Polo Style also comes with state-of-the-art lighting technology in the form of the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with illuminated LED light strip, 3D LED tail light clusters and illuminated VW logo at the front and rear. The interior is characterised by sport comfort seats, background lighting and high-quality materials. Functions such as steering wheel and seat heating as well as two-zone automatic air conditioner are also part of the premium equipment. An additional innovation is an improved version of ID. Light on board the ID. Polo Style. This provides assistance with visual information in everyday driving, for example, navigation instructions or the charging status. The light strip is now also continued into the front doors for the first time and thus has new functions. For example, the system can warn of approaching road users before the door is opened. Optional equipment – features from higher segments. The optional equipment for the new ID. Polo includes exceptional features for this class, such as a high-end sound system from Harman Kardon with 425 watts of music output, ten speakers including centre speaker for clear voice transmission and a subwoofer. Also available as an option: a large panoramic glass roof. One new feature in this segment is the pneumatic massage function for the electrically adjustable 12-way front seats. Three massage programmes are available – a luxury-class feature in a compact-class car. The electrically adjustable driver seat is also equipped with a memory function. Power to go: vehicle-to-load as standard. As one of the first Volkswagen models, the ID. Polo can now supply power to external devices (up to 3.6 kW). This turns the vehicle into a power socket on the road – for example, for e-bikes or outdoor equipment. Charging is possible using a 230 V socket in the interior and – with a separate adapter – also via the mode 3 connection of the charging socket. ID. Polo available to order now. In Germany, pre-sales of the new ID. Polo start today, Wednesday. At the market launch the all-electric compact model will be available with one motor variant. Prices start from 33,795 euros for the ID. Polo Life with 155 kW (211 PS) and 52 kWh battery. The base version at a price of 24,995 euros and further drive and equipment variants will follow in the summer. Brand Group Core – Exploiting synergies. The new ID. Polo exemplifies the successful cooperation within the Core brand group (with its Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, SEAT/CUPRA and Škoda brands) and demonstrates a new technical level for entry-level electric models in Europe. Erwin Gabardi, Head of Product Management and Strategy of the Volkswagen brand and Brand Group Core: "We have made the most of our multi-brand collaboration and the models show that scaling and high synergies do not mean compromise, but affordable electric mobility and the democratization of features from higher segments." Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com 01. ID. Polo (155 kW) - Combined power consumption 14.6-13.3 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class: A 02. Near-production concept car. The model is not yet available for sale 03. Range determined on the rolling road test bed in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) in the most range-favourable equipment variant. The actual WLTP range values may differ depending on the equipment. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on the driving style, speed, use of comfort features or auxiliary equipment, outside temperature, number of passengers/load and topography 04. Provisional forecast value

Audi remains on track for transformation

Yvonne Bettkober took over the “Transformation, Consulting, and Organization” department at a pivotal moment, when it was necessary to realign the company’s structure, reduce costs, increase productivity and innovation, and ultimately boost Audi’s competitiveness. Following these key strategic milestones, she is now stepping down from her role at Audi and the Volkswagen Group with immediate effect. CEO Gernot Döllner: “On behalf of the entire Board of Management team, I want to thank Yvonne Bettkober for her outstanding leadership and the significant momentum she created during a defining phase for Audi. She played a vital role in making Audi more focused, efficient, and agile, while further developing a culture of responsibility and collaboration. Transformation is only possible as a team – and Team Audi will move forward and continue to shape this change together. We respect Yvonne’s decision and wish her all the best for the future.” In addition to his existing duties, Daniel Kauer, General Secretary and Head of Corporate Strategy, will assume responsibility for transformation on an interim basis. A decision regarding a permanent successor will be announced in due course. Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

World premiere of the ID.3 Neo: new name, new design, new interior and new technologies

Everything is new in the ID.3 Neo! The successor to the ID.3 is celebrating its world premiere with a new name and has been extensively enhanced and upgraded. The exterior features include a new vehicle front design based on Volkswagen’s “Pure Positive” design language and a new light design. The interior impresses with a redesigned cockpit landscape with intuitive controls, embedded in interior materials at the level of the next-higher class. The new efficient drive system of the ID.3 Neo – combined with the largest of the three available batteries – additionally enables ranges of up to 630 km (WLTP). Pre-sales of the electric compact model will start in Germany and many European markets tomorrow, Thursday, 16 April 2026. Martin Sander, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing and After Sales: “We have developed the new vehicle generation based on the motto ‘True Volkswagen’ and have consistently placed the benefits for our customers at the centre of our actions. In addition to the long range, models such as the ID.3 Neo impress with a superior, timeless design that provides long-lasting pleasure, high quality for a noticeably first-class driving experience and technical perfection that can always be relied on. This is complemented by particularly intuitive operation, which makes everyday driving easier and more convenient”. In addition to many standard assist systems (such as Lane Assist, Front Assist and the turning brake function), the electric compact model has been given a bandwidth of new functions thanks to the latest software generation. These include, for example, the enhanced Connected Travel Assist with traffic light recognition (optional) as well as one-pedal driving, where the vehicle recuperates until it comes to a standstill. In addition, as with all new ID. models, it is now possible to supply power to external devices – from electric barbeques to e-bikes – with an output of up to 3.6 kW directly from the high-voltage battery using the vehicle-to-load function. New design clarity. The exterior of the ID.3 Neo reflects the True Volkswagen philosophy in the form of newly designed vehicle front end with a continuous light strip and illuminated logo. The design reflects the Volkswagen “Pure Positive” design language defined by Andreas Mindt, Chief Designer of the brand and Group. As with classic Volkswagen compact models, the roof, rear spoiler and boot lid are painted in the vehicle colour, which makes the ID.3 Neo appear longer, flatter and more dynamic. High-quality, clear, intuitive operation – 100% Volkswagen. As soon as the doors of the ID.3 Neo are opened, it is obvious that the new model is characterised by a completely new level of quality and clarity. This can be seen in the high-quality materials that have a pleasant feel, the clear horizontal layout of lines and surfaces, new ergonomic and self-explanatory controls, easy-to-grip buttons and intuitive controllers for central functions. The multifunction steering wheel has also been completely redesigned with a rim that is flattened at the top and bottom and clearly structured button panels. The new Infotainment system (Innovision) with 26.0-cm (10.25-inch) Digital Cockpit and a 32.8-cm (12.9-inch) central display impresses with its fluid graphics and easy operation. New high-efficiency drive. The drive system of the ID.3 Neo is a new development. It offers higher torque and lower consumption than the previous motors. As a result, ranges of up to 630 km (WLTP) are possible in the ID.3 Neo. At the launch, the new model will be available in three equipment lines (Trend, Life and Style) and with three power outputs, as well as three different battery sizes. The three electric drive motors develop an output of 125 kW (170 PS), 140 kW (190 PS) and 170 kW (231 PS). The 125-kW version is paired with a battery with an energy content of 50 kWh (net). It is the standard configuration of the ID.3 Neo Trend. The ID.3 Neo Life and ID.3 Neo Style will also be optionally configurable with a 58-kWh battery (net) and 140 kW as well as a 79- kWh battery (net) with 170 kW. The batteries with an energy content of 50 and 58 kWh have a DC charging capacity of up to 105 kW at a constant high level at DC quick-charging stations, while the 79 kWh version has a charging capacity of up to 183 kW. Additional services. The new ID. models have the new Innovision Infotainment system on board. A new app store has also been integrated into the In-Car Shop of the new infotainment system, which allows functions and services to be activated or extended digitally, flexibly and on a vehicle-specific basis. As with a smartphone, popular apps from areas such as audio, video streaming, parking, charging and gaming are available for download here. Many equipment options. The optional equipment includes an augmented reality head-up display, a large panoramic sunroof, 360-degree Area View, a massage and memory function for the front seats, a premium sound system from Harman Kardon, the memory function for Park Assist Pro and a removable bracket for mounting a bicycle carrier for tow bars (up to 75-kg tow bar load). Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com 02. Range determined on the rolling road test bed in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) in the most range-favourable equipment variant. The actual WLTP range values may differ depending on the equipment. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on the driving style, speed, use of comfort features or auxiliary equipment, outside temperature, number of passengers/load and topography 03. ID.3 Neo (125 kW) - Combined power consumption 13.9-14.9 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class: A 04. ID.3 Neo (140 kW) - Combined power consumption 13.9-14.9 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class: A 05. ID.3 Neo (170 kW) - Combined power consumption 14.4-15.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class: A 06. Maximum possible charging capacity. The charging behaviour of different charging stations can differ, even if their kW capacity is the same. In addition to a charging station’s kW output, the maximum charge current also influences the amount of energy that flows. Furthermore, the ambient temperature, battery temperature and charge level influence the maximum possible charging capacity. The specified maximum charging capacity is calculated under WLTP conditions at a temperature of approx. 23 °C and a charge level from five per cent. If these variables change, the charging capacity may deviate from the specified standard value

A Czech-German success story: 35 years of Škoda Auto as part of the Volkswagen Group

The agreement signed on 28 March 1991, which brought Škoda Auto into the Volkswagen Group, marked the beginning of a new era for the Mladá Boleslav-based carmaker. Backed by major investments, shared technologies and coordinated development, Škoda has grown into a successful global player active in around 100 markets worldwide. As part of the Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Core, the brand is helping to make battery-electric mobility more accessible and will double its BEV portfolio by the end of this year with the Epiq and Peaq. At the same time, Škoda has expanded its role as a component manufacturer, supplying engines and transmissions to other Group brands and becoming the Volkswagen Group’s largest producer of BEV battery systems. “Thirty-five years ago, joining the Volkswagen Group marked the beginning of a remarkable Czech–German success story. Škoda Auto has transformed into a strong, global brand – rooted in its identity, driven by ingenuity, and defined by a clear ‘can do’ attitude. Being part of the Volkswagen Group and the Brand Group Core gives us a powerful foundation to grow and compete. It allows us to benefit from scale, making us faster, more efficient, and better positioned to deliver outstanding value and a broad choice of powertrains to our customers. Škoda has built a distinct and resilient role within the Group. We are growing successfully in more than 100 markets, with India as a strong second pillar, and we are contributing as a key component hub – supplying engines, transmissions, and today leading in the production of BEV battery systems. Now we are accelerating our electric transformation. With upcoming models like Epiq and Peaq, we are expanding our portfolio and making electromobility more accessible – true to our mission within the Brand Group Core. This success is built on strong collaboration across the Group, within our company, and with our partners. I want to thank our employees and our trade union partner KOVO for their constructive and reliable cooperation over many years. Together, we combine scale with identity, efficiency with creativity, and tradition with innovation – giving us confidence for the future.” Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto Škoda Favorit sparked Volkswagen’s interest The first contacts between Škoda Auto and the Volkswagen Group can be traced back to the 1970s. However, the real catalyst for closer ties between the two carmakers was the development and production of the new Škoda Favorit, introduced in 1987. During talks on potential cooperation and the use of selected components, including powertrains, a Favorit prototype was tested in Wolfsburg. This exchange established important relationships: the highly skilled Škoda specialists made a lasting impression thanks to their ability to respond flexibly to complex development and engineering challenges. After the fall of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia in November 1989, it became clear that Škoda needed a strong strategic partner to compete in the global market. Annual production capacity stood at around 200,000 vehicles, and the portfolio comprised just two models: the Škoda Favorit and the Forman estate. During the privatisation of the state-owned carmaker, Volkswagen emerged as one of the leading candidates among 24 potential partners. The agreement establishing a joint venture between the Czech government and the Volkswagen Group was signed on 28 March 1991 by Minister of Industry Jan Vrba and Volkswagen Chairman Carl Hahn. After the Volkswagen Group had fulfilled its contractually agreed commitments, it acquired an initial 31 per cent stake in Škoda Auto on 16 April 1991, which was subsequently increased to 100 per cent by 30 May 2000. Expanding the model portfolio and production capacity to support international growth Škoda Auto’s development over the following decades was underpinned by an extensive investment programme worth several hundred billion Czech crowns, as well as close coordination with other Group brands. This enabled the company to evolve into an internationally successful car manufacturer with expanding production capacity, a broad model portfolio and access to international markets. In 2025, Škoda became the third best-selling brand in Europe, delivering more than 1,040,000 vehicles to customers. Alongside its three production plants in the Czech Republic, Škoda today operates production facilities in Slovakia, Kazakhstan and India, mostly through Group partnerships, and manufactures vehicles in Vietnam and Ukraine in cooperation with local partners. With a special focus on India, Škoda is establishing the subcontinent as a strong second pillar alongside Europe, achieving record deliveries there in 2025, driven by its locally developed model line-up: Kushaq, Slavia and, in particular, the Škoda Kylaq. In addition, the company started production in Vietnam and expanded its presence in the Middle East with market entries in Oman and Saudi Arabia. Driving electric mobility By the end of this year, Škoda will double its all-electric portfolio with the seven-seater Peaq and the urban crossover Epiq, offering customers even more choice. As part of the Volkswagen Group’s Electric Urban Car Family, the Epiq will help make electric mobility more accessible while leveraging synergies across the Group. In addition, Škoda is a key component supplier within the Volkswagen Group. With the recent opening of its new battery production facility in Mladá Boleslav, Škoda has become the Volkswagen Group’s largest manufacturer of BEV battery systems. The €205 million investment is part of the Group’s overall battery strategy and supports the faster rollout of new technologies in close cooperation with the Volkswagen Group Technology Center of Excellence Battery. Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Audi announces a new entry-level electric model family: the A2 e-tron

Audi will unveil the new A2 e-tron in fall 2026, complementing its portfolio with an all-electric entry-level model family in the compact class. The A2 e-tron, manufactured in Ingolstadt, will further rejuvenate Audi’s model range and open up access to premium electric mobility. A preview of the vehicle’s silhouette can already be seen in the first design sketch. Audi is taking the next big step on the road to a consistently electric future. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has announced the A2 e-tron – the new electric model family from the brand with the four rings – at Audi’s Annual Media Conference. “We’ve listened. Our customers want electric mobility that impresses in everyday life. The A2 e-tron is our promise to deliver exactly that – efficient, compact, and confident. We’re making entry into the electric Audi world easier and more relevant than ever,” said CEO Gernot Döllner. New chapter in the compact premium segment The market for compact electric vehicles continues to grow – especially in large European cities. With the new A2 e-tron, Audi is targeting a broad international customer base that values everyday usability in the city, sustainability, high efficiency, and digital connectivity. The A2 e-tron strengthens a younger, clearer, and increasingly electric portfolio and makes entering the brand more modern and more relevant for new target groups. Its name is a deliberate nod to the Audi A2, which pioneered efficiency and urban mobility over 25 years ago. The new A2 e-tron carries this mission forward into the electric age. Production in Ingolstadt The A2 e-tron is another fully electric product line to be built at Audi’s German home in Ingolstadt, underlining the company’s commitment to transforming its plants in Germany and Europe. “The A2 e-tron is crucial for our brand and also for our German home. With the production of an additional fully electric model family in Ingolstadt, we are securing jobs and delivering electric mobility ‘made in Germany’,” said Gernot Döllner. The model initiative continues After more than 20 new models in 2024 and 2025, Audi now has the youngest portfolio among the competition – from the fully electric compact segment to the premium full-size segment. The company will stay on this path in 2026. The focus is on two product lines that strategically perfect the portfolio at the top end and at the entry point: the full-size Audi Q9 and the Audi A2 e-tron in the compact segment. Silhouette revealed in first design sketch The new Audi A2 e-tron will celebrate its world premiere in the fall. In addition to the name, a design sketch has already revealed the silhouette of the upcoming compact vehicle. Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Car wash opt-out gives Volkswagen Group customers the choice to be clean or green!

Volkswagen Group is encouraging customers to be ‘green rather than clean’ as part of the expansion of an initiative to swap the standard post-service wash and vacuum for planting a tree. More than 150 retailers from 21 investors across the Group’s Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Škoda and SEAT/CUPRA brands are offering the car wash opt-out as an option at their sites. Since January 2025, five million gallons of water have been saved and over 45,000 trees planted. A number of investor groups, including JCT600 and Yeomans, are pioneering the initiative and the results are positive with around a quarter of customers are happy to swap their car wash for tree planting. Volkswagen Group is working with Ecologi, an organisation which aims to inspire and empower businesses to accelerate global climate action, to undertake high-quality tree planting and sustainable projects across the globe. Jaspal Toor, Aftersales Propositions Manager at Volkswagen Group UK, said: “We’re really pleased to be expanding our car wash swap for customers. We know that sustainability expectations influence customer decisions, from choice of car brand and model, through to aftersales. In fact, our research shows 86 per cent of customers say they would change brands to achieve a more sustainable aftersales choice, so we know environmentally conscious decisions extend beyond the vehicle purchase stage, and driver better customer satisfaction. Our goal is to reduce carbon emissions, conserve water, and offer sustainability-conscious customers a greener choice.” Volkswagen Group retailers currently use more than 200 million gallons of water on car washes per year, equating to over 300 metric tonnes of CO2e. The initiative has so far saved five million gallons of water resulting in an estimated reduced CO2e impact of 6 metric tonnes. Car wash swap is just one of many ‘goTOzero’ initiatives aimed at minimising the impact of our operations on the environment. Article source: www.vwpress.co.uk

Going big Down Under: Audi makes its Formula 1 debut

March 8, 2026, marks an unforgettable milestone for the four rings: Audi makes its Formula 1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. The company’s involvement in the pinnacle of motorsport highlights its transformation on and off the racetrack. From the airport to the city center, the Australian metropolis is marked by the four rings. On Thursday evening, Audi Revolut F1 Team drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto unveiled the new Audi RS 51 2 at the Albert Park Circuit. Just two weeks after its world premiere, this car marks a bold new era. It is the first RS model with a hybrid drive – a parallel to the new generation of Formula 1 racing cars, whose power output is almost 50 percent electric. The close connection between the brand’s sportiest models and motorsport is shown in a film in which the new Audi RS 5 drives around the Formula 1 track at Albert Park while connected to engineers from Audi Revolut F1 Team in Mission Control back home. One historic Audi race car provided a spine-tingling moment. For the Formula 1 debut, Audi Tradition brought the legendary Audi R8 with a crocodile design out of the museum. This car won the “Race of a Thousand Years” in Adelaide, Australia, on December 31, 2000. One of the victorious drivers from that race was also behind the wheel in Melbourne: Allan McNish, now responsible for the Audi Driver Development Programme. Floating team hub in downtown Melbourne The crocodile-themed Audi R8 is one of many attractions awaiting visitors at the stunning AFLOAT bar, alongside a show car version of the Audi R26. The premium floating venue on the Yarra River in central Melbourne serves as the team’s public headquarters during the Australian Grand Prix weekend. Open since Thursday, it remains a meeting place for guests and fans to watch sessions live and interact with the brand and team. Even before the race weekend, Audi Revolut F1 Team welcomed numerous visitors, including local stars such as Australian surfer Stephanie Gilmore and renowned chef Guillaume Brahimi. The French-born chef is one of Australia’s most popular and will be cooking for guests in the Audi Trackside Suite opposite the pit lane exit this weekend. To celebrate International Women’s Day on Sunday, Audi Australia hosted a networking lunch for “Girls on Track” ahead of the Grand Prix. Audi Revolut F1 Team also supports the FIA’s initiative to promote motorsport careers for girls and young women by offering professional contacts. On Thursday, several team members took time to meet with participants and share their experiences. With numerous other activations, the team is promoting the four rings across Melbourne – for example, at the Adidas Original Store in the city center. Formula 1: more than just motorsport for Audi “The start of our first Formula 1 season marks the beginning of a new chapter for Audi – both on and off the track,” says Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG. “We aim to demonstrate what can be achieved when people work together towards a common goal. In this sport, where every millisecond counts, efficiency is crucial. It teaches us that focused, precise teamwork makes us strong. We face the challenges with courage and view this project as a driving force and motivating example to become better every day.” The Australian Grand Prix will start on Sunday at 3 p.m. local time (5 a.m. CET). It marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to the pinnacle of motorsport. Audi aims to be in a position to compete for Formula 1 world championship titles from 2030 onward. Success in motorsports for more than 100 years Audi has been successful in motorsports for more than 100 years. With Grand Prix racing cars such as the Auto Union Type C, also on display in Melbourne, the company was already thrilling audiences in the 1930s. The brand’s successes in the World Rally Championship, touring car racing, and endurance racing were often closely linked to technical innovations. In 2012, Audi achieved the first victory by a hybrid-powered race car at the Le Mans 24 Hours. This marked the beginning of electrification in motorsport at Audi, which is now continuing in Formula 1 and also finding its way into the company’s RS models. Articles source: www.audi-mediacenter.com 1. Audi RS 5 Avant: Fuel consumption (weighted, combined): 4.5-3.9 l/100 km (52.3-60.3 US mpg) (preliminary values); power consumption (weighted, combined): 18.7-17.8 kWh/100 km (preliminary values); CO2 emissions (weighted, combined): 102-88 g/km (164.2-141.6 g/mi) (preliminary values); CO2 class (weighted, combined): C-B (preliminary values); Fuel consumption on discharged battery (combined): 10.2-9.6 l/100 km (23.1-24.5 US mpg) (preliminary values); CO2 class on discharged battery: G (preliminary values) 2. Audi RS 5 Sedan: Fuel consumption (weighted, combined): 4.3-3.8 l/100 km (54.7-61.9 US mpg) (preliminary values); power consumption (weighted, combined): 18.4-17.7 kWh/100 km (preliminary values); CO2 emissions (weighted, combined): 98-86 g/km (157.7-138.4 g/mi) (preliminary values); CO2 class (weighted, combined): C-B (preliminary values); Fuel consumption on discharged battery (combined): 10.0-9.5 l/100 km (23.5-24.8 US mpg) (preliminary values); CO2 class on discharged battery: G (preliminary values)