Brand Group Core boosts operating result in first half – new Core Executive Committee strengthens cross-brand cooperation

The Brand Group Core (BGC), the organizational entity combining the volume brands of the Volkswagen Group, recorded an operating result of 3.61 billion euros in the first half of 2026, 4.5 percent more than in the corresponding prior-year period. Year-on-year, the operating margin improved slightly to 4.9 percent. In an environment that continued to be characterized by US import tariffs and growing competitive pressure, consistent cost control and reinforced cooperation had a positive impact on the half-year result. Nevertheless, geopolitical crises continue to have a negative impact on markets and supply chains. Regulatory requirements and barriers to trade are growing. In addition, there are far-reaching market upheavals throughout the world. The BGC intends to position itself even more efficiently and robustly and is aiming to achieve further cost savings and to reduce the complexity of processes, structures and products. For this reason, the newly created Core Executive Committee, comprising the CEOs of the volume brands (Thomas Schäfer/Volkswagen, Klaus Zellmer/Škoda, Markus Haupt/ SEAT&CUPRA, Stefan Mecha/VW Commercial Vehicles) and the heads of the BGC functions Finance (David Powels), Procurement (Karsten Schnake), Production (Christian Vollmer) and Technical Development (Kai Grünitz), started work at the beginning of July. This is connected with a changed management structure with clearly assigned competences and growing regional responsibility in the volume brand group of the Volkswagen Group. “The results of the first half show that our cooperation as a brand group is effective and is targeted towards joint success. This approach is increasingly bearing fruit. Nevertheless, geopolitical crises and far-reaching market upheavals continue to have an adverse impact on our business. With the new Core Executive Committee, we are therefore taking the next organizational step from July onwards: Clear responsibilities, slimmer management bodies and optimized cooperation in the fields of production, procurement and development. We know that the global challenges will continue to grow – we can therefore only be successful through consistent cooperation and leveraging synergies.” Thomas Schäfer, Member of the Group Board of Management, CEO Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand “The financial picture for the first half of 2026 is mixed. Thanks to consistent work on costs, especially as a result of our performance programs, we were able to compensate for special items such as costs in connection with the discontinuation of ID.4 production in North America and to record a slight improvement in our operating result compared with the first half of 2025. However, the fact that the increase in sales revenue lagged behind the rise in unit sales shows just how challenging the economic environment is. The steady growth in competition and the new realities of the global economy are calling upon us to make our business model significantly more robust in order to be well-prepared for the future and sustainably successful. To achieve sustained improvement in our competitiveness by 2030, we must and will tap the significant additional potentials available in terms of cost, complexity and cooperation. Where we are steering together as a brand group, the efficiency improvements and scale effects are now becoming increasingly apparent.” David Powels, CFO Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand & Brand Group Core Review of the first half of 2026 In the first half of 2026, the Brand Group Core recorded an improved operating result, demonstrating that the efficiency programs initiated within the volume brands are gaining traction. Nevertheless, the results achieved still lagged significantly behind the brand group’s own ambitions. With a rise of 8.2% in unit sales, Škoda achieved the most dynamic growth within the brand group. SEAT&CUPRA improved its operating result, continuing the turnaround of the previous quarter. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recorded a significantly higher operating result compared with the prior-year period, with a slight fall in unit sales. In North America, the market environment remains difficult. Sales promotion measures, mix effects and costs in connection with the discontinuation of ID.4 production in Chattanooga were the chief reasons why the operating result of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand was slightly below the figure for the first half of 2025. The Electric Urban Car Family is giving an especially positive signal. The small car family introduced only a few weeks ago has been very well received by customers. More than 70,000 orders have already been received for the attractive entry-level models of VW, Škoda and CUPRA, although only three of the four models planned, the CUPRA Raval, ID. Polo and Škoda Epiq, are available as yet. The operating margin of the Brand Group Core ran at 4.9%. Eliminating the special items mentioned above, the operating performance of the Brand Group Core was 5.9%. New quality of cooperation within the Brand Group Core from July The Brand Group Core is consistently continuing its strategy of efficiency improvement and closer cooperation. On the basis of a new cooperation agreement, the organizational linkage of key BGC functions is changing from July 1, with effects on the structures and processes of the participating volume brands Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Škoda, SEAT&CUPRA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The new board, the “Core Executive Committee” (CEC), which is comparable with a brand Board of Management at the Brand Group Core level, has now officially assumed its duties. The implementation of this new board is a key step in achieving a new quality of cooperation within the Brand Group Core. A cooperation agreement concluded jointly lays down binding transparency, information and liaison obligations between the brands and functions. This creates a seamless logic, with clear roles and responsibilities across all brands. In future, the yardstick for cooperation will be the overall optimum for the brand group together with a new culture of joint decision-making. At the same time, the brands Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Škoda, SEAT/CUPRA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will remain autonomous as regards market responsibilities and brand identity. This new structure is a response to growing competitive pressure and the increasing financial pressure which the brand group faces. With its agreed strategy “Future Production Governance”, especially the production business area is giving a highly concrete demonstration of how the new steering model functions. The goal is a clear regionally oriented steering approach; in other words, responsibility will be pooled where it is most effective, i.e. in the regions of the world, near to the plants and near to business. In the first half of the year, key structures for this approach were created. The regional managements have been established and are assuming end-to-end responsibility for their production networks. At the same time, key steps were implemented within the organization: the Central Europe region was repositioned; comparable structures are also in place for the Iberian Peninsula and for Central Europe. The groundwork has now been laid: fewer interfaces, clearer responsibilities and significantly greater steering capability within the regions. Away from complex, separate structures for the brands towards an integrated, high-performance positioning. In addition, the reorientation of the steering model will provide a cumulative savings potential for the Brand Group Core of 1 billion euros up to 2030 in production alone. Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Upgrade for Audi A3 models

The A3 model series has been widely popular for generations. Now, the compact class is getting an upgrade, focusing on the redesigned interior with a panoramic display as well as a wider range of driver-assist systems. The A3 series is becoming more capable and more digital. Whether it’s a Sportback, Sedan, or allstreet; a traditional gasoline or diesel engine; a plug-in hybrid; or the sporty S3 and RS 3 models: the A3 lineup offers immense variety to meet a wide range of needs. Going forward, all models will feature a new interior and enhanced equipment. Interior: a modern panorama A3 models will now come with a completely new cockpit layout. The centerpiece is the curved display, comprising the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 12.8-inch MMI touch display. The dashboard complements this redesign: the decorative inlay is wider than before and forms a continuous horizontal line from the instrument cluster to the passenger door. There are four material options to choose from, namely carbon fiber, Dinamica microfiber, and two textile fabrics: “Light crepe” is now also available alongside the familiar “Impressum black.” The center console also has a new look: the cell phone tray is now oriented toward the driver’s seat and offers 25-watt wireless charging. All steering wheels in the upgraded A3 models feature a physical scroll wheel integrated into the multifunction buttons. Regardless of the features, customers can choose between three different steering wheel designs: two double-spoke versions and a three-spoke, flat-top-and-bottom design for the S line and S models. Assistance systems: reliable support in everyday driving The range of driver assist systems is expanding significantly. Audi is grouping the key systems into a new three-tier package structure: Tech, Tech plus, and Tech pro. They make everyday driving easier, improving both comfort and safety. The core system is the adaptive cruise assist plus. It combines adaptive cruise control with active lane guidance at speeds of up to 210 km/h. For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the system assists with longitudinal and lateral guidance, taking road markings, roadside structures, and surrounding traffic into account. On highways, the system can change lanes by itself when the turn signal is triggered. As a new feature, adaptive cruise assist plus enables automatic braking at red lights. If the vehicle has not come to a complete stop, the A3 will automatically drive on when the light turns green. For the first time, the longitudinal and lane guidance systems also use swarm data, meaning the vehicle adjusts its own speed to the average speed of the road. With online data, adaptive cruise assist can maintain the vehicle’s lane even without visible road markings, increasing comfort in rural and urban traffic. Use of online data for adaptive cruise assist is included for three years after vehicle delivery. Customers can then extend the term for a fee. Four wide-angle surround-view cameras provide a 360-degree image of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings for easy parking and maneuvering. The image is shown in 3D on the MMI, where multiple views can be selected and adjusted via the touch display. For example, there is a fully pannable and zoomable 3D exterior view, including a virtual bird's-eye perspective of the vehicle and its surroundings. Helpful guide lines make it easier to stay oriented while maneuvering. When pulling into a car wash, for instance, a 3D view of the vehicle along with on-screen guide lines helps the driver position the A3 perfectly between the side rails. In addition, park assist plus and pro use the cameras to detect parking lines, allowing the vehicle to pull in and out of parking spaces on its own. The A3 handles steering, acceleration, braking, and gear shifting. Once the driver has activated the feature on the MMI touch display, they can sit back and relax while the vehicle is automatically guided into the parking space. With park assist pro, a remote function is included. This means the driver can exit the vehicle before parking or wait until the vehicle has pulled out of the space before getting in. This is particularly useful in tight parking spaces, whether parallel or perpendicular to the road. The A3 performs the maneuver independently as soon as the driver initiates the process in the myAudi app on their smartphone. Another new feature in the A3 models is trained parking, which allows the vehicle to memorize specific parking maneuvers. If a carport or garage is difficult to access, the A3 only needs to be trained once and will be able to park automatically from then on. The vehicle steers, accelerates, brakes, and shifts gears by itself. The same applies to exiting a parking space. The MMI can store up to five parking maneuvers over a distance of 50 meters. Each maneuver can be given its own name. Article source: www.audi.com

Production milestone: Škoda Auto builds its one-millionth Karoq

Škoda Auto has built its millionth Karoq at the Kvasiny plant. The milestone vehicle is a Karoq 1.5 TSI 110 kW in Graphite Grey. Since its debut in 2017, the Karoq has proved popular with customers and earned recognition from industry experts, including a Red Dot Award in the Product Design category. With its spacious interior, extensive standard equipment and choice of front- or all-wheel drive, the Karoq offers a high degree of versatility and everyday practicality. It is built at the Kvasiny plant, which also produces the Octavia and Kodiaq and has an annual production capacity of more than 300,000 vehicles. The model’s successor is set to be unveiled at the turn of 2027 and 2028. “Since production began in 2017, the Škoda Karoq has become an established part of our portfolio and an especially important model for the Kvasiny plant. Reaching the one-million mark reflects the commitment and teamwork of many people over the years. I would like to thank all colleagues in Kvasiny for their dedication, as well as our social partner KOVO for our long-standing, constructive and trusted cooperation.” Andreas Dick, responsible for Production and Logistics at Škoda Auto Škoda Karoq: an important pillar of the brand’s SUV line-up Launched in 2017 as Škoda’s third SUV model at the time, the Karoq quickly proved popular with customers around the world. Škoda now offers 14 model series, nine of them SUVs, and the Karoq is the third most popular model in the brand’s SUV line-up. Following its update four years after launch, the Karoq continues to appeal with its spacious, versatile interior, extensive standard equipment and efficient powertrains. Practical SUV wins over customers and experts alike The Škoda Karoq is currently available in around 60 markets worldwide. Customers can choose from 1.0 TSI, 1.4 TSI, 1.5 TSI and 2.0 TSI petrol engines, as well as a 2.0 TDI diesel, with power outputs ranging from 85 to 140 kW and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Some 73% of customers choose an automatic transmission, while 27% opt for a manual. The model’s largest markets are Germany, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom. The Karoq has also received a number of international awards and accolades, including the Red Dot Award for Product Design, the 2018 Car of the Year title in the Czech Republic and the Best Value Family SUV award at the 2023 What Car? Awards. Work on the next generation of the Karoq is progressing, with its unveiling planned for the turn of 2027 and 2028. Karoq remains an important part of Kvasiny production The Karoq has been built at Škoda Auto’s Kvasiny plant since its launch and accounts for a significant share of the site’s production output. In 2025, following the expansion of Kodiaq production and the addition of the Octavia to the production programme, the plant set a new record by building 301,500 Škoda vehicles. The Octavia Combi has also been produced there since May 2026. The Kvasiny plant is one of the region’s largest employers and is being continually modernised to improve flexibility and efficiency. This year, its paint shop will be upgraded to further raise quality standards and allow the use of more advanced paint materials. Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Affordable entry into electric mobility: the all-new ID. Polo is now available with a 37-kWh battery

Volkswagen is starting pre-sales for the new ID. Polo with a 37-kWh battery with immediate effect. It enables entry into electric mobility at great value for money and is optimally tailored to the requirements of everyday urban life. The Trend model marks the start from 24,995 euros. The Life and Style specification lines can also be combined with the 37-kWh battery and are available from 29,195 euros. The variant with a smaller battery is being launched just a few weeks after the ID. Polo with the 52-kWh battery. Volkswagen recently started pre-sales for the new ID. Polo – which is completely rethought and is now comprehensively geared towards the future. With success: The recently launched "Electric Urban Car Family" from the Brand Group Core, which the ID. Polo is part of, has already received more than 70,000 orders within just a few weeks – including 25,000 ID. Polo orders. Smaller battery, lower costs, fast charging. The variant with the smaller 37-kWh battery is now targeted at price-conscious customers. The lower initial cost, a favourable insurance rating and the efficient drive ensure decreased operating costs in everyday use. Drivers have everything they need: the ID. Polo with the 37-kWh battery can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in around 23 minutes at DC quick-charging stations with up to 90 kW. Designed for typical daily routes, this variant is particularly suitable for commuters and urban use. The three ID. Polo specification lines at a glance: Trend – the entry-level version. In addition to the standard quick-charging function with 90 kW, 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 leatherette multifunction steering wheel and automatic air conditioner. Life – comfort equipment with adaptive cruise control. Volkswagen offers the ID. Polo Life as a second specification line. It is fitted as standard with assist systems such as adaptive cruise control (ACC), a rear-view camera system, park distance control (front and rear) 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 elegant ID. Polo Style 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 Volkswagen badge 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, including 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 – premium comfort for the small car segment. Optional equipment is available for the new ID. Polo, which is rare in this category of vehicle. This includes a Harman Kardon sound system with 425 Watts of power, 10 loudspeakers, including a centre speaker for clear voice transmission, and a subwoofer. A large panoramic glass roof is also available as an option. The
12-way electrically adjustable front seats with pneumatic massage function are also exceptional in this segment. Three different programs ensure additional comfort during travel. The driver seat also has a memory function that stores individual settings. All equipment specifications and prices refer to the German market. Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Nuvolari supercar: Audi accelerates technological renewal

With the Audi Nuvolari, the brand is unveiling its first supercar with a high-performance hybrid powertrain and making a bold statement for the future. Limited to 499 units, offering 1,001 PS and a top speed of over 350 km/h, the Nuvolari is Audi’s fastest and most powerful production vehicle. This shows how the brand with the four rings is blending Formula 1 spirit, technical innovation, a new design, and efficient processes. The automotive industry is changing rapidly — competition has become more global, more technology-driven, and significantly faster. Audi is responding with clear strategic decisions. Following the introduction of the new design philosophy and the entry into Formula 1, the Nuvolari1 — as a technological flagship — is the next tangible evidence of Audi’s renewal. “In times of fundamental change, we are making bold strategic decisions,” says CEO Gernot Döllner. “The Audi Nuvolari1 brings pure emotion and performance to the road. It also reveals how we are taking ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ into a new era.” Rouven Mohr, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development, highlights the vehicle’s performance: “The Nuvolari1 is the first supercar from Audi with a high-performance hybrid powertrain, and it sets new standards with its aerodynamics and the world-first quattro predictive ride.” The supercar embodies uncompromising performance and absolute focus. The near-production prototype, unveiled today for the first time, was developed at a rapid pace through close international collaboration. Its name is derived from Tazio Nuvolari, one of the most prominent figures in the history of motorsports. To this day, the Italian is remembered for his fearlessness, ingenuity, dedication, and single-minded will to succeed. A new design philosophy — reduced and clear The Nuvolari1 will be the first production vehicle to fully express Audi’s new design philosophy. Its form is shaped by taut surfaces, precise lines, and a powerful, monolithic presence. Every design element serves a clear purpose and contributes to the overall logic of the car. The interior is consistently focused on the driving experience, with a refined and sophisticated environment. “The Audi Nuvolari1 embodies ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ in its most visceral form: progress through technology,” says Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella. Technical perfection, purposefully exclusive The new supercar is crafted for customers who seek the extraordinary. “The Audi Nuvolari1 stands for exclusivity, performance, and the ultimate in desirability. With this model, we are making a deliberate move into the high-performance segment and staking Audi’s claim to be the most desirable premium automotive brand,” says Marco Schubert, Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing. Production is limited to 499 vehicles with deliveries beginning in the first half of 2027. Formula 1 spirit and relentless innovation The Audi Nuvolari1 brings cutting-edge, Formula 1-inspired innovations directly to the road. These include the high-performance hybrid powertrain, the quattro predictive ride, active aerodynamics, and the innovative Audi Space Frame with carbon exterior. The Audi Nuvolari1 showcases how the brand with the four rings is turning innovative spirit into tangible results. Article source: www.audi.com 1. Audi Nuvolari: The vehicle shown is a near-production prototype. Fuel consumption combined (weighted) in l/100 km: 11.3 (preliminary); Power consumption combined (weighted) in kWh/100km: 7.8 (preliminary); CO₂ emissions combined (weighted) in g/km: 270 (preliminary); CO₂ class combined (weighted): G (preliminary); Fuel consumption with discharged battery in l/100 km: 14.7 (preliminary); CO₂ emissions with discharged battery: G (preliminary)

The new Tiguan EDITION 20: Volkswagen celebrates two decades of a success story

Volkswagen is now presenting the new Tiguan EDITION 20. The anniversary model with R-Line exterior, a new colour and a host of exclusive details can be ordered from today, with prices starting from 48,180 euros (for 1.5 TSI with 110 kW/150 PS). The company is therefore paying tribute to a vehicle that has shaped the SUV segment for two decades and contributed to the success of the Volkswagen brand. More than nine million Tiguan vehicles have been sold worldwide since the market launch in 2007 up to the end of May 2026. The popular SUV has also been the Volkswagen Group’s top-selling model since 2017. The EDITION 20 is based on the Life equipment line and combines its extensive standard equipment with dynamic R-Line elements and exclusive anniversary details. The special model stands out from the standard production version right at the very first glance thanks to the new Maple Red metallic paintwork, which was created specifically for the EDITION 20 and gives the Tiguan an elegant look. Martin Sander, Member of the Volkswagen Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing and After Sales: “The Tiguan has been a key factor in the Volkswagen brand’s success for the past 20 years. With more than nine million vehicles sold worldwide and its status as the Volkswagen Group’s top-selling model, it exemplifies quality, versatility and practicality more than any other vehicle. The EDITION 20 is our way of saying thank-you to all those customers who have contributed to this success story.” Overview of the exclusive features for the Tiguan EDITION 20: R-Line exterior package for a dynamic appearance Front bumper trim strips in vehicle colour Window trim strips and exterior mirror caps in high-gloss black Darkened side windows (at rear) Lasered trim on the B-pillar with EDITION 20 lettering Logo projector in the doors with EDITION 20 badge 19-inch Coventry alloy wheels with coloured paint finish fitted as standard; 20‑inch wheels are available as an option Tiguan lettering on the rear and load sill protector in high-gloss black Red decorative stitching on dash panel, door trim, seat covers and mats Illuminated sill panel mouldings with EDITION 20 lettering Steering wheel with frame and insert trim in special colour and with EDITION 20 lettering on the steering wheel Front and rear seat covers in modified design, including new centre section For the anniversary model, all engines available for the Tiguan Life from 110 kW/150 PS can be ordered. Looking back at 20 years of the Tiguan: from concept car to a global bestseller The history of the Tiguan did not start on the road, but on a stage. Volkswagen presented the Concept Tiguan – a compact SUV with a sporty design and rugged characteristics – at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2006. The reaction was overwhelming, so it wasn’t long before a decision was made to start series production. Volkswagen presented the first-generation Tiguan at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 2007, followed by the market launch in the same year. The name – a made-up word that merges ‘Tiger’ and the German word ‘Leguan’ (iguana) – was the winner of a readers’ poll by Auto Bild magazine. Right from the outset, the first generation impressed with a modern space concept, optional 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a wide range of engine options. The Tiguan struck a chord with the times: demand for compact SUVs was growing rapidly, and Volkswagen had the ideal overall package in its range with the Tiguan. With the second generation (from 2016 onwards), Volkswagen introduced a number of significant enhancements: the Tiguan grew in size, received a new design, and also offered more space, greater comfort and state-of-the-art assist systems. In 2017, it became the best-selling model across the Volkswagen Group – a status it has maintained ever since. The Tiguan Allspace was launched in parallel as an extended version for customers with greater space requirements. A particularly sporty version, the Tiguan R, made its debut in 2020 with 235 kW (320 PS) and all-wheel drive. The product line already grew dynamically in the initial years: annual production rose from 120,000 vehicles in the debut year 2007 to almost 911,000 units in 2019. The third and current generation (launched in 2024) is continuing the success story with a brand-new design, new cockpit landscape with large touchscreen, a host of assist systems and optional features from the luxury class. The drive spectrum ranges from TDI and TSI engines to eTSI drive systems (with 48-volt technology) and plug-in hybrid drive systems (eHybrid) with electric ranges of over 100 kilometres. Volkswagen is currently working once more on powerful R variant. The top-of-the-range engines are equipped with 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard and can be used as a towing vehicle with a towing capacity of up to 2,300 kg. The Tiguan thus remains what it has been for 20 years: versatile, comfortable, high-quality and always in step with the times. The model is currently produced at three locations – in Germany (Wolfsburg), Mexico (Puebla) and China (Anting) – and is offered for sale in over 60 countries worldwide. Articles source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Four times triumph: Audi Concept C raises the bar

Audi sets new benchmarks with the Concept C. The study has received broad international recognition, confirming Audi’s creative and forward looking design approach. These accolades recognize not only the overall design concept, but also key areas of innovation such as lighting design and the interpretation of electric mobility. Together, they celebrate the holistic character of the concept and its relevance within the international design landscape. Massimo Frascella, Chief Creative Officer, AUDI AG: “All these awards are a powerful recognition of the creativity, talent, and passion of the team. But what makes them even more significant is that the Concept C is more than a car – it marks the introduction of a new design philosophy at a decisive moment for the company and the Audi brand.” 2025 Car Design News People Award – Best Concept Car Design The award recognizes the Concept C for its athletic minimalism, precise execution, and uncompromising clarity. “This masterful reinterpretation of Audi's heritage establishes the Concept C as a modern academy standard in automotive design” quoted one of the jurors. The Car Design News People Award is an international industry award presented by the online platform Car Design News to recognize outstanding people and teams in automotive design, and it is awarded annually. 2026 Car Design Award presented by Auto & Design – Best Concept Car Design “Concept C brings minimalism back to the heart of contemporary car design, with a pure and coherent form that appears sculpted from a single block of aluminium, faithful to the brand’s heritage yet futuristic. A masterclass in ‘radical simplicity,’ where clarity, technology, and emotion merge into a work of profound design intelligence” quotes the official jury motivation. The Car Design Award – initiated by the magazine Auto & Design - has established itself as one of the most prestigious international awards dedicated to automotive design and is presented annually. 2026 Top Gear EV Award – Best Concept Car Design The jurors acknowledge the study’s ability to interpret electric driving in an emotional and appealing way. “The best car designs do more than simply look right at first sight. They reach deeper and activate nostalgia, desire and the sudden need to justify parting with a large sum of cash for a car you don't really need” quotes the magazine. “The interior is even better” states the editorial team, prioritizing quality and sculpture “over an over an iMax of technology.” The Top Gear EV Award is an annual recognition awarded by the British magazine to honour particularly compelling electric vehicles and EV concepts. Driving Vision News (DVN) Awards – Best Concept Car Lighting Light is understood not merely as a functional element, but as an integral part of design and brand identity. The precise light signature sharpens the character of the Concept C and gives it a strong and unmistakable presence. The DVN Awards - conferred annually – are decided by the Driving Vision News community, a global network of automotive experts from over 100 OEMs, suppliers, and technology companies across the entire lighting ecosystem. Article source: www.audi.com