Škoda opens new battery systems assembly hall, becoming Volkswagen Group’s largest BEV battery system manufacturer and an essential pillar of its electrification strategy

Škoda is investing €205 million in the expansion of battery production in Mladá Boleslav, becoming the largest producer of BEV battery systems in the Volkswagen Group. This opening is part of the Volkswagen Group’s overall battery strategy, which balances in-house and third-party battery cell and system supply to achieve maximum flexibility and continuous access to innovations, technologies and supply chains. At the same time, Škoda’s main plant is now the first Volkswagen Group site in Europe to produce cell-to-pack battery systems for use in high-volume electric vehicles. A daily output of more than 1,100 cell-to-pack battery systems and up to 335,000 units a year will accelerate the rollout of new technologies in close collaboration with the Volkswagen Group Technology Center of Excellence Battery. “With this investment, Škoda becomes the largest producer of BEV battery systems within the Volkswagen Group and a central pillar of our electrification strategy. The plant in Mladá Boleslav operates at true industrial scale and reinforces the European battery value chain. Škoda’s expertise, efficiency and unique spirit make it a key driver of our Brand Group Core Transformation.” Thomas Schäfer, Volkswagen Brand CEO “This marks a major milestone for Škoda Auto and our commitment to decarbonising the entire value chain. Reducing emissions goes far beyond the vehicle itself – it includes sourcing, production and energy use. With the opening of our new battery system assembly line, we are localising battery production at scale, strengthening a more resilient and competitive European value chain, and making electric mobility more accessible. As part of the Brand Group Core, we are proud to contribute our industrial strength and expertise to a powerful alliance of volume brands shaping the future of sustainable mobility. We are grateful to the Volkswagen Group for the trust placed in us to deliver up to 335,000 battery systems annually for electrified drivetrains across the Group. At the same time, we are doubling our Škoda BEV portfolio and transitioning our sites to greener energy, including converting our central power plant from coal to biomass, which will reduce emissions by around 274,000 tonnes of CO₂ by 2027. By building expertise in high-volume battery production and accelerating electrification, we are taking responsibility contributing to a sustainable future for Škoda Auto, the Czech Republic and Europe as a whole.” Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto “Having produced approximately 1,4 million battery systems in Mladá Boleslav since 2019, the launch of cell-to-pack battery system production in Mladá Boleslav is the next step in bringing an important part of the production process in-house. Around 84% automation, 131 industrial robots and a cycle time of 60 seconds per battery system ensure a high daily output of consistently high quality. We help secure the supply of state-of-the-art battery systems ‘made in Europe’ for volume models across the Brand Group Core. This is strong recognition of our team’s effort and expertise, and a long-term commitment to the Czech Republic as a European hub for automotive manufacturing.” Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics Today’s opening strengthens both Škoda’s role as a component manufacturer within the Brand Group Core and the position of the Czech Republic as an automotive manufacturing location, with Škoda as a core driver of electromobility in Europe. The opening ceremony is attended by Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček, Chair of the Škoda Supervisory Board, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group and Volkswagen Brand CEO Thomas Schäfer, as well as members of the Škoda Auto Board. Mladá Boleslav becomes the first Volkswagen Group site in Europe to produce cell-to-pack battery systems With this expansion, the Czech car manufacturer becomes the largest producer of BEV battery systems in the Volkswagen Group and a major driver of electromobility in Europe. The cell-to-pack battery produced in the new battery production hall is designed for use in high-volume BEV models and stands out for its durability, simplified manufacturing and cost efficiency. By fully insourcing the cell-to-pack process, using standardised cells and adopting LFP chemistry, among other measures, Škoda has achieved a 30% reduction in battery product costs compared with current MEB batteries. Škoda will produce more than 1,100 cell-to-pack battery systems per day and up to 335,000 units per year for Škoda models and vehicles from other Group brands across several segments. The Center of Excellence Battery, which is responsible for developing and industrialising battery systems within Volkswagen Group Technology, works closely with the Czech car manufacturer and other brands to localise the battery value chain in Europe, strengthening the Volkswagen Group’s control over a key component. The expansion further underlines Škoda’s important role as a reliable component manufacturer within the Brand Group Core and will, in future, enable the company to produce up to 200,000 electric vehicles annually at its main plant. Clear commitment to the Czech Republic as an automotive manufacturing location Škoda Auto is investing €205 million in the new 55,000 m² facility, which was built in less than one year. The production hall, with a cycle time of 60 seconds, features an automation rate of 84% and 131 robots, and also serves as a competence centre. It introduces innovative manufacturing techniques covering the full process, from cell handling and preparation to stacking, precision welding and final assembly. Škoda Auto’s production teams have built substantial operational expertise in battery manufacturing since 2019, when the car manufacturer began producing battery systems for its electrified vehicles and for models from other Volkswagen Group brands. The expansion reflects and recognises the workforce’s proven skills and experience: the company has retrained or newly hired 600 people for new qualifications and roles. This underlines Škoda’s contribution to shaping the transformation responsibly and safeguarding the Czech Republic’s position as a European automotive manufacturing hub in the long term. Doubling the BEV line-up, affordable entry-level mobility and greater freedom of choice In 2025, Škoda more than doubled its BEV deliveries and became the fourth best-selling BEV brand in its core market, Europe. This progress was driven mainly by the Elroq, which ranked as the second best-selling BEV model in the region. In 2026, the company will accelerate electrification further by doubling its all-electric portfolio: the Epiq will bring affordable electromobility to the entry-level segment, while the Peaq will complete the upper end of the electric range, giving customers even more freedom of choice across segments. Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Safety first! ADAS prevents accidents for almost half of UK van drivers

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ latest research reveals that Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) helped almost half (45%) of the UK’s van drivers to avoid one or more accidents in 2025.1 The survey found that drivers are measurably safer on the roads, with one in five (19%) avoiding multiple accidents in the last twelve months, thanks to modern safety assist technology.1 For the drivers who narrowly avoided an accident in 2025, survey respondents said that parking sensors proved to be the most effective technology, preventing accidents for 58% of respondents.1 This was followed by collision warning (40%), park assist (32%), and speed assistance (27%). Lane assist (23%), autonomous emergency braking (22%) and driver drowsiness monitoring (15%) were also shown to be useful technologies when it comes to keeping drivers safe on the road.1 With the UK’s van drivers spending, on average, 5.5 hours inside their vans on a typical working day, being able to depend on their vehicles is essential for long days behind the wheel.2 The survey also revealed that van drivers felt more confident and safe behind the wheel, knowing they are supported by ADAS technology, as three in four drivers (74%) report feeling safer on the roads as a result.1 To keep businesses on the road, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers a wide range of innovative driver assistance technology across its vehicle line-up. The new Transporter, for example, comes fitted with rear parking sensors as standard, as well as lane assist, driver alert system, and intelligent cruise control, and is also available with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system and radar-camera fusion technology. Together, this saw the new Transporter receive a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. Simon Jeffreys, Product Marketing Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “The safety of van drivers and other road users is always a top priority at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. This data demonstrates that safety technology is significantly benefitting drivers in real-world scenarios, while supporting drivers to feel safer on the road. Our vehicles are equipped with a range of the latest safety assist technologies, many as standard, enabling drivers to get back to focusing on what really matters to their business.” For more information regarding Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ award-winning range of products and services, please visit: www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk Article source: www.vwpress.co.uk

Audi Q5 takes on the Alps for a winter adventure

The thermometer reads a crisp zero degrees Celsius as a dozen journalists gather in a parking lot at Munich Airport. Six Audi Q5 – two SUVs and four Sportbacks – await their assigned driver pairings for a road trip in the Alps. The lineup covers almost the entire engine range: four gasoline-powered, top-of-the-line SQ5 – two Sportbacks and two SUVs – plus two additional Sportbacks, one burning gasoline and one diesel. Audi Genuine roof boxes are mounted on both SQ5 SUVs1, while ski bags fit easily in the trunk once the rear seats are folded down. Stowing luggage and sports equipment is quickly sorted. A challenging route through snow-covered winter landscapes where both Sportback and SUV can show what they are made of lies ahead. The destination: Zell am See in Austria. Under bright winter sunshine, the convoy sets off on a 287-kilometer journey along highways, country roads, and winding mountain passes. From Munich, Germany, the route follows the B307 toward Schliersee, into Austria, through the Inn Valley, and along the Gerlos Alpine Road. The route includes photo stops against the Alpine panorama at Schliersee and Spitzingsee as well as overlooking the distant Krimml Waterfalls. The Alps show their wintry character as snow-covered passes alternate with sections where the snow is melting – conditions the Q5 models handle effortlessly. For a winter road trip, Audi Genuine Accessories offer products for many applications, all high-quality, practical, and easy to use. Ice scrapers, all-weather floor mats, and trunk organizers represent just a portion of the extensive portfolio. The teams can focus on what matters: experiencing the Q5 models in different situations. The route challenges both vehicles and drivers – from highway stretches to winding back roads and the tight switchbacks along the Gerlos Alpine Road. Here, the new engine generation truly shines. The efficient and powerful MHEV plus technology is available across every engine variant, including the range-topping SQ5. It enables not only reduced fuel consumption and electric driving phases, but also instant response when accelerating out of hairpin turns. The air suspension with adaptive damper control and quattro all-wheel drive prove particularly valuable on snow-covered sections. The interaction of driver assistance systems and engine power delivers both safety as well as driving enjoyment – a combination the participants clearly appreciate. The display and control concept also earns praise from the group. The AI-supported Audi assistant offers reliable guidance as well as providing information about the passing landscape. Participants value practical details like the sliding rear seat, the variable trunk space (up to 1,473 liters) for equipment, the inductive charging compartment, and USB-C ports for smartphones and tablets. During a coffee stop, the group examines the roof boxes and ski boxes in detail and tests their usability. It's quite possible that after this mountain adventure with the Q5, some participants won't want to go without one in winter. One journalist sums it up: "The Q5 shows how seamlessly high-quality accessories can be integrated." Upon arrival in Zell am See, the hotel – bathed in the light of the setting sun – welcomes the teams. As they exit their vehicles one by one, they share their impressions. The group takes advantage of the gathering darkness to examine the second-generation digital OLED rear lights more closely. One key function enabled by this rear light technology is the communication light, which makes an important contribution to road safety. At the same time, the digital light signatures give the Q5 family a sporty and unique character at night. In the end, everyone agrees: the Audi Q5 is a reliable partner for any terrain, any season, and any spontaneous trip – a true all-rounder. Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com 1. Audi SQ5 SUV TFSI: Fuel consumption (combined): 8.8–8.1 l/100 km; CO2 emissions (combined): 199–183 g/km; CO2 class: G 2. Audi SQ5 Sportback TFSI: Fuel consumption (combined): 8.7–8.1 l/100 km; CO2 emissions (combined): 198–183 g/km; CO2 class: G

Volkswagen Passat: Professional Driver Estate Car of the Year

The Volkswagen Passat is the Professional Driver Estate Car of the Year. The accolade was announced at the annual Professional Driver QSI (Quality, Service, Innovation) Awards evening in Brighton. The Professional Driver Car of the Year awards are the UK’s biggest reader-judged car awards and regarded among the most rigorous in Britain’s automotive industry. A 100-strong judging panel comprising heads of private hire firms, experienced chauffeurs and journalists joins Professional Driver readers to put more than 40 cars through their paces. Everything from driving to interior space and passenger comfort gets scrutinised in real-world conditions and scored to decide the winners in six categories. The Volkswagen Passat’s victory in the estate car class adds to an astonishing run of eight awards over the past 12 months from What Car?, the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club. They praised the car in particular for its space, comfort, safety and towing capabilities when handing out their awards. Estate cars are especially popular among private hire operators because of the luggage space they offer for jobs such as airport runs. Mark Bursa, Editor of Professional Driver, said: “The Passat is one of the roomiest estate cars available, with very good rear legroom and space for several suitcases. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain is ideal for longer journeys, and for the many private hire drivers who don’t have access to home charging.” Professional Driver is the one of UK’s leading publications for people who earn their living from driving. Its monthly magazine and digital platforms provide extensive news and in-depth analysis for the private hire, taxi and chauffeur sectors, as well as for fleet operators large and small. Article source: www.vwpress.co.uk

Experience Audi Tradition on tour in 2026

Audi Tradition kicks off the 2026 event season with three highlights on a single weekend: at the end of January, the Bremen Classic Motorshow, the F.A.T. Ice Race in Zell am See, and the Concours event “The I.C.E.” in St. Moritz are on the schedule. The Audi museum mobile in Ingolstadt, Germany, welcomes visitors to International Museum Day on May 17 and Night of the Museums on September 12. Regular updates and additional information on all events at which Audi Tradition showcases the history of the four rings and their historic brands are available in the Audi Tradition app. The Bremen Classic Motorshow (January 30–February 1) in Bremen, Germany, marks the start of this year's program: Audi Tradition will commemorate the premiere of the Audi A3 30 years ago and will offer guidance to visitors interested in spare parts for classics and modern classics from Audi. Nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen is set to turn laps in an Audi Sport quattro S1 E2 at “The I.C.E.” on January 30 and 31 in St. Moritz on the frozen Lake Moritz in Switzerland, and on Saturday, January 31, two-time German rally champion Harald Demuth will be driving an Audi quattro Rallye A2 at the F.A.T. Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria. Every year, motorsport fans from all over the world make the pilgrimage to the Festival of Speed in Goodwood, England – this year's event will take place from July 9 to 12, and Audi Tradition will once again be there to meet the fans. Things will also be sporting at the Eifel Rallye Festival (July 23-25) in Daun in the Vulkaneifel mountains of Germany. Furthermore, Audi Tradition will be bringing vehicles out of storage for the Heidelberg Historic (July 9-11) and the Donau Classic (July 17-18). The Audi Tradition app provides regular updates and further information on special exhibitions at the Audi museum mobile and events at which Audi Tradition presents classics from the company's history. The free app can be downloaded from the major app stores for iOS and Android smartphones. Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

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