German Car of the Year 2027: Category award for the all-new electric ID. Polo

The all-new electric ID. Polo has finished first in the Budget category at the German Car of the Year (GCOTY) awards, sending out a powerful signal: Volkswagen is bringing electric mobility into the heart of the small car segment – making it attractive, affordable and practical for everyday use. Volkswagen’s all-electric small car triumphed over seven competitors, securing first place ahead of the Renault Twingo and Renault Clio. The international jury was impressed by the ID. Polo, awarding it top marks in four out of five key evaluation categories. Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Development at Volkswagen Passenger Cars and Brand Group Core: “The ID. Polo is seamlessly leading one of our absolute bestsellers into the electric era. The success at the German Car of the Year awards proves that its overall package is highly convincing: clear design, plenty of space, intuitive operation, high safety standards and technologies usually found in higher segments. This is a fantastic recognition for the entire team and a strong signal for our goal to make electric mobility accessible and desirable for significantly more people.” ID. Polo impresses with top marks as a true all-rounder. The ID. Polo achieved particularly high scores in Design and Driving Pleasure, reaching 85.8 per cent of the maximum rating. It also scored 84.2 percent in Safety and Environment, and 83.8 per cent in Significance and Innovation. In the Comfort and Practicality category, the new compact Volkswagen received 82.0 per cent. “The VW ID. Polo outperformed the runner-up in four out of five criteria, securing an undisputed class victory. The jury’s clear vote reflects the significance this car holds for the Volkswagen brand,” say Jens Meiners, co-founder of GCOTY. The ID. Polo was also among the top-ranked vehicles in the cross-category design awards, finishing in second place across the entire field for the “Special Award Best Interior Design” and third place for “Best Exterior Design” in the evaluation by the 47 GCOTY jurors. All-electric all-rounder with technologies from higher segments. The GCOTY award underscores the special significance of the all-new ID. Polo for the brand. As an all-electric reinterpretation of one of the most successful models in the company’s history, it carries a familiar name into a new era. More than 20 million units of the Polo have been sold to date. Developed in Wolfsburg, the ID. Polo combines a clear and timeless design with efficient front-wheel drive, a generous amount of space, a high standard of quality and numerous innovations. The new ID. Polo is available at prices starting from 24,995 euros. Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The Audi Nuvolari in 405 days

405 days from the first sketch to the drivable prototype: the Audi Nuvolari1 demonstrates a new pace in vehicle development at Audi. The making-of video traces the project’s journey from the initial concept ideas through development and testing to the endurance tests with the drivers of the Audi Revolut F1 Team and the world premiere in the South of France. “The Nuvolari project is a striking example of how quickly we at Audi can bring an idea to life — that is ‘Vorsprung durch Technik,’” says Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. The new model is much more than a supercar. As a technological North Star, the Nuvolari1 guides the way for future Audi developments and provides important impetus for the brand’s technology portfolio. “The Audi Nuvolari1 is the fastest and most powerful road car we’ve ever produced,” says Rouven Mohr, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development. At the same time, the project represents a new kind of collaboration at Audi: from the very beginning, experts in design, vehicle technology, aerodynamics, and powertrains worked closely together in an autonomous, focused project team. Short lines of communication, quick decisions, and the close integration of all disciplines enabled the development project to move forward at a rapid pace. “The Audi Nuvolari1 shows that, when you have the right mindset and close teamwork, you can succeed in delivering rapidly without making any compromises”, says Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella. 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)

Škoda Octavia turns 30: Three decades of a brand icon

Škoda Auto is marking the 30th anniversary of the modern-generation Octavia, which entered production on 3 September 1996. Since then, the model has played a central role in the development of the Mladá Boleslav-based carmaker following its integration into the Volkswagen Group, combining quality and practicality with proven Volkswagen Group technology. Today, the fourth generation of this best-selling model is produced in Mladá Boleslav, Kvasiny and Kostanay, Kazakhstan. Almost 7.9 million units have been produced over the past three decades. “The Octavia has been an icon of the Škoda brand for three decades. As Combi or Liftback, it has consistently delivered what customers prefer: outstanding space, practicality, safety, and features at an exceptional value. In many ways, the Octavia defined the Škoda ambition to offer more than expected. This has resulted in the Octavia powering our international growth by earning the trust of generations of customers. While Škoda continues to evolve and expand into new segments, the Octavia remains a powerful symbol of customer-centric innovation and Simply Clever thinking.” Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto Successful revival of a historic model name The decision to revive the historic Octavia name – originally used for a model produced between 1959 and 1971 – was taken during the development of a new vehicle. Work began in 1992, one year after Škoda Auto had joined the Volkswagen Group. Access to the Group’s technology supported the development of a practical car styled by Dirk van Braeckel, then Škoda’s Head of Design. Meanwhile, a new production facility in Mladá Boleslav raised annual capacity from 90,000 to 350,000 vehicles. The first-generation Škoda Octavia liftback, with a 528-litre boot, was unveiled on 4 April 1996; series production began on 3 September that year. The Octavia Combi followed in March 1998 and was joined by an all-wheel-drive version in 1999, further expanding the model’s versatility. The year 2000 saw the debut of the very first Octavia RS. It proved a true success story: in total, 1.44 million units were produced, and selected variants remained in production until 2010, even though the second modern Octavia generation had already been unveiled in 2004. Subsequent generations build on the model’s strengths The second generation built on the Octavia’s established strengths, offering even more interior space, with its boot capacity increased by 32 litres, along with enhanced practicality and new technologies such as the DSG dual-clutch transmission. By the end of production in 2013, 2.6 million units had been built. Built from 2012 to 2020, the third-generation Škoda Octavia achieved a similarly strong production volume and introduced advanced driver assistance systems and technologies previously reserved for vehicles in higher segments. At the same time, it featured a lighter body, optimised TSI and TDI engines and a GreenLine version. This incorporated technologies designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, including special underbody panelling, brake energy recuperation and low-rolling-resistance tyres. The third modern Octavia generation received a major facelift in 2017, featuring a redesigned front end with split headlights, infotainment screens with a glass-design finish and upgraded assistance systems. Fourth generation: Continuing a legacy of success The current, fourth-generation Octavia made its debut in November 2019 in liftback and Combi body styles. Following an update in early 2024, it now offers further improved connectivity and safety, with up to ten airbags and driver assistance systems including Attention and Drowsiness Assist. A new algorithm helps assess the driver’s level of fatigue more accurately. The Octavia remains a popular choice among private and business customers across international markets and has received numerous prestigious international accolades, including multiple Best Cars awards and the Golden Steering Wheel. Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Double delight for Volkswagen at What Car? Electric Car Awards

Volkswagen is celebrating two wins in the 2026 What Car? Electric Car Awards. The ID. 7 Tourer was named Best Electric Estate and the Passat picked up the award for Best Used Hybrid Estate. The ID.7 Tourer has won a string of awards since it was unveiled in 2024, and this latest accolade is a repeat of its success at the 2026 What Car? Awards, as well as in last year’s What Car? Electric Car Awards and What Car? Awards. Its combination of comfort and practicality in a sleek, aerodynamic design – not to mention a range of up to 420 miles (WLTP combined) – continues to impress car experts and, more importantly, customers. “Good estates are synonymous with practicality, and – among the growing ranks of electric options – the Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer is the estatiest of them all,” said Steve Huntingford, What Car? Editor, after this latest accolade was announced. “It has a vast boot that shames much more expensive options. There’s loads of space for occupants, too, and the ID.7 offers both a calm ride and a long range between charges.” The Volkswagen Passat is another serial winner when it comes to awards. This latest recognition adds to the Professional Driver Estate Car of the Year accolade in January this year, and no less than eight awards throughout 2025 from What Car?, the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club. Commenting on its Best Used Hybrid Estate title, What Car? Editor Steve Huntingford added: “The latest Volkswagen Passat is a capacious and refined load-lugger with a smart interior. And while the ride is very comfortable, this hasn’t been achieved by sacrificing composed handling. Add all this together, and the Passat makes a hugely compelling used buy.” Volkswagen is currently the biggest-selling car brand in the UK – a position it has held for the past five years. A total of 178,607 new Volkswagen passenger vehicles were registered in the UK in 2025, which equated to a leading market share of 8.84 per cent. In May this year Volkswagen was crowned Electric Car Brand of the Year by Which?. Famous for championing consumer choice for more than 60 years, Which? praised Volkswagen for demonstrating excellent electric vehicle reliability ratings in surveys, and for showing that its cars are innovative, safe and electrically efficient. Article source: www.vwpress.co.uk

Audi Environmental Foundation, Audi do Brasil, and Litro de Luz bring light to the Pantanal

São Paulo, July 22, 2026 – For the fifth time, Audi do Brasil, the NGO Litro de Luz Brasil, and the Audi Environmental Foundation have provided selfmade solar lamps to residents of a rural Brazilian region lacking a permanent power supply — this time in the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso do Sul. From June 4 to 10, volunteers and Audi do Brasil employees worked alongside residents to assemble the lights under the guidance of Litro de Luz Brasil. By the end of the campaign, 178 compact lighting units had been handed over, comprising 158 solar lamps and 20 solar-powered streetlights. A total of 158 families across eight communities benefited from the initiative. “Participating and witnessing the residents’ reactions firsthand when they receive the lights is a wonderful experience. The project opens up new perspectives for people. The Pantanal, with its rich flora and fauna, remains largely undeveloped, making such mobile solutions all the more significant,” says Karine Fernandes, Head of People and Culture at Audi do Brasil. “The partnership with Litro de Luz reinforces our commitment to helping spread renewable energy and fostering sustainable social development. We have followed every stage of the initiative — from site selection to the final outcomes — and are deeply moved by the impact we are making in the region,” says Anton Poll, Managing Director of the Audi Environmental Foundation. “Over the five years of our partnership with Audi, the project has gained momentum and increasingly attracted volunteer engagement. Every year is special, and this year we once again demonstrated the local communities’ potential to act as guardians and drivers of a sustainable environment for future generations,” emphasizes Rodrigo Eidy, President of Litro de Luz Brasil. Litro de Luz selected the region following consultations with local authorities and held preparatory workshops to train local ambassadors, who are now responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the lights. Audi Environmental Foundation and Litro de Luz: a successful partnership Over the past five years, the partnership between Audi do Brasil, the Audi Environmental Foundation, and Litro de Luz has had a significant impact on the communities visited. The project has been implemented in the Pantanal region (2026), the Amazon region (2022 and 2025), Cananéia and Ilha do Cardoso (2023), and the Lower Xingu region (2024). In 2022, around 200 communities in the Amazon received 30 solar-powered streetlights and more than 150 lamps. A total of 650 local residents benefited from the initiative. In 2023, the project took place on the southern coast of São Paulo; around 40 volunteers from Audi do Brasil and the non-governmental organization (NGO) Litro de Luz provided 140 solar-powered lamps and streetlights in the towns of Cananéia and Ilha do Cardoso. In 2024, the Litro de Luz project was implemented in the Xingu region (Mato Grosso). Approximately 700 local residents benefited from the installation of 170 lights. In 2025, the initiative was carried out in the communities of Santa Izabel, São Francisco de Aruaú, and Nova Esperança do Apuaú, located along the Rio Negro and its tributaries in the Amazon. A total of 199 solar-powered lamps and streetlights were provided to 177 families in the region. In 2026, activities took place in the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso do Sul in the communities of Aldeia Uberaba, Barra do São Lourenço, Amolar, Aterro do Binega, Chané, Bonfim, Paraguai Mirim, and Ilha Verde. A total of 178 lights were provided to 158 families. In total, the project has supported 2,985 people since its inception. Furthermore, 39 volunteers from Audi do Brasil and 95 volunteers from the NGO Litro de Luz Brasil participated during this period. Litro de Luz and sustainable lighting Litro de Luz develops three of its own technologies for these lighting solutions: solar lamps, solar streetlights, and indoor lighting systems. The solar lamp features a PVC structure, a PET bottle, a battery, and LED lights; it is sized to facilitate mobility at night — both inside and outside community members’ homes — and includes a solar panel for charging the battery. The indoor lamps consists of an LED module, a solar panel, a battery, and a control panel. Litro de Luz involves the residents themselves to put the lights into operation and maintain them. Local ‘ambassadors’ within the communities are trained to maintain constant contact with the NGO and ensure the systems receive the necessary attention during use. In addition to routine maintenance, batteries that lose capacity and become unusable are returned for recycling, and Litro de Luz replaces them immediately. Article source: www.audi.com

Simply Clever for summer: smart Škoda features that make every trip easier

Summer holidays, weekend trips and outdoor activities often call for extra storage space, charging options and practical everyday solutions. Škoda’s brand-defining Simply Clever features provide a wide range of useful functions across the model range, reflecting the brand’s customer-centric approach. The portfolio continues to expand as electric mobility develops, with new additions including Vehicle-to-Load, Camp Mode and wellbeing functions for the all-new Škoda Peaq. Among Škoda’s hallmarks, Simply Clever features are designed to make everyday driving and longer journeys easier. They are especially useful in summer, when owners often carry more luggage and equipment for holidays, day trips and outdoor activities. Hydration, small items and a tidy interior Bottle holders in the doors of current Škoda models can accommodate bottles of up to 1.5 litres. Depending on the model, rear passengers can store 1.5-litre, one-litre or 0.5-litre bottles. Additional storage in the rear tunnel and a waste bin in the door pocket help keep the interior tidy. The Easy Open cupholder in the centre console holds a 0.5-litre PET bottle in place, allowing it to be opened with one hand. Phone charging even on hot days Depending on the specification, Škoda vehicles offer up to four USB-C ports with outputs of up to 45 W for charging phones, tablets, headphones and power banks. The ventilated Phone Box helps prevent phones from overheating during wireless charging and is available depending on the model. In the Kodiaq and Peaq, the driver and front passenger can charge their phones wirelessly at the same time. When a trip takes an unexpected turn The umbrella stored in the driver’s door – and, in some models, also in the front passenger door – remains one of Škoda’s best-known Simply Clever features. It is kept securely stowed and within easy reach. The MyŠkoda app also includes an AI-based trip planner to make planning journeys simpler. Comfort for rear passengers Rear-seat passengers benefit from storage pockets on the backs of the front seats, with dedicated space for items such as a phone, book, tablet or headphones. Additional USB-C ports are also available. In the Octavia and Superb, the Sleep Package provides extra comfort on longer journeys. Keeping the boot tidy The net programme, bag hooks and Cargo elements help keep items securely in place in the boot. Bags can be hung from hooks, while smaller items can be held in nets or secured with Cargo elements. Compartments for warning vests in the door panels keep this safety equipment close at hand. Power on the go As electric mobility develops, Škoda continues to expand its range of Simply Clever solutions and has enabled new ways to use energy and improve comfort on board. Bidirectional charging is one of the new additions to Škoda’s electric models for the current model year. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) uses energy from the traction battery to power external electrical devices, either through a 230 V socket in the boot or via an adapter from Škoda Genuine Accessories connected to the vehicle’s charging socket. This allows users to charge phones, laptops, cameras and power banks, as well as devices such as travel kettles and e-bikes. Camp Mode for overnight stays Camp Mode is designed for occasional overnight stays in the vehicle. Once activated through the MyŠkoda app, it maintains the selected interior temperature throughout the night and provides a continuous supply of fresh air. It requires a battery charge of at least 30%, a 12 V starter battery in good condition and a stable internet connection. Relax and recharge in the Peaq Available as an option for the all-new Peaq, the Relax Package makes its debut in the Škoda range and turns the vehicle into a comfortable place to relax during long journeys, charging stops and other breaks. It includes electrically adjustable, heated AGR-certified seats with a massage function, electrically adjustable ergonomic leg rests and, in Suite interiors, seat ventilation. The package also includes a premium Sonos sound system and a Wellbeing app with six modes, including options for relaxation, stretching and re-energising. Depending on the selected mode, the app adjusts the climate control, ambient lighting and seat massage functions. Other comfort features include cushions on the front head restraints and a foldable table in the centre console. Extra storage under the bonnet In the seven-seater version of the Peaq, the roller boot cover can be stored under the bonnet when the third row of seats is in use. The front storage compartment also provides space for charging cables and a charging-cable cleaner, which helps to keep the boot organised and charging equipment separate from personal belongings. The availability of individual features varies by model, equipment and market. Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

New Volkswagen ID.3 Neo available to order from 13 August

The all-electric Volkswagen ID.3 Neo compact hatchback goes on sale in the UK on Thursday 13 August. Prices start from £33,080 (on-the-road recommended retail price including VAT), and all versions are eligible for the Government’s £1,500 Electric Car Grant. The ID.3 Neo’s exterior design is significantly enhanced, while its interior and drive systems are all new. The car features the very latest technologies and software to enhance performance and customer experience. New features on the ID.3 Neo include one-pedal driving, where the vehicle recuperates energy into the battery when braking until it comes to a standstill, and enhanced Travel Assist with traffic light detection. The car also has Volkswagen’s new Innovision infotainment system, which promises improved usability and performance, seamless device integration, and an in-car shop for additional apps and features such as games. Additionally, customers can order an optional vehicle-to-load adapter, which can be used to power external devices such as electric grills and e-bikes directly from the high-voltage battery. See the Volkswagen.co.uk website for more about the ID.3 Neo. What are the top five highlights of the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo? Exterior design The ID.3 Neo significantly enhances what was already a confident and modern design with the previous ID.3. Its body is divided into three horizontal levels, which creates a new clarity and an appealing appearance. Volkswagen is also introducing a new colour – Norwegian sea blue – and the removal of the black roof and tailgate makes this the sleekest ID.3 model to date. Redeveloped LED headlights have a narrow and charismatic look, and dominate the new front design. The headlights are connected by a wide, glass-covered crossbar, the lower half of which is continuously illuminated on Style trims. The centrally integrated VW logo is illuminated and the headlights are topped by narrow LED strips designed to look like eyebrows atop the traditional Volkswagen ‘smile’. The changes align the ID.3 Neo to other new-generation Volkswagen models such as the Tiguan and ID. Polo. Interior design Volkswagen has listened to customer feedback and has fundamentally rethought the interior of the ID.3 Neo. Ergonomic and easy-to-understand controls, handy buttons and intuitive rotary knobs improve day-to-day usability, while fewer black gloss elements echo the cabin in Volkswagen’s range-topping electric car, the ID.7, and reduce the appearance of fingerprints. The dash, door panels and seats all feature new materials for a touch of extra luxury, while the 10.25-inch driver’s display and 12.9-inch infotainment screen can be switched to retro mode – just as they can in the forthcoming Volkswagen ID. Polo and ID. Cross. Straightforward line-up The ID.3 Neo is available to order in the UK from 13 August in three trims – Life, Style and a limited-run Style Launch Edition; their prices start from £33,080, £38,500 and £39,750 respectively (on-the-road recommended retail prices including VAT). The Life trim focuses on function and comfort. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, a rear-view camera, a 12.9-inch infotainment system with satellite navigation and IDA voice assistant, and wireless charging with AppConnect. Style promises further sporty design elements and more technology as standard, including Keyless entry and start/stop, heated front seats and steering wheel, IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, privacy glass, and Sports comfort front seats with ArtVelours upholstery. The Style Launch Edition adds features such as a head-up display, panoramic glass roof, electric front seats with massage function, Travel Assist 3.0 and Park Assist Pro (for remote and memory parking) to its already impressive list of standard equipment. Efficiency The ID.3 Neo marks the introduction of three new and efficient batteries by Volkswagen: 50 kW, 58 kW and 79 kW. Each battery has a longer range than its equivalent predecessor – up to 390 miles in the case of the 79 kW battery – and DC charging from 100 to 183 kWh means topping-up the battery from 10 to 80 per cent takes as little as 26 minutes. Powerful software New control options, optimised assistance functions and smart services support ID.3 Neo drivers on the road, during charging and in daily use. Highlights include: Connected Travel Assist: as an option, the ID.3 Neo is one of the first vehicles in its class to have an assistance system that automatically stops the car at red traffic lights Vehicle-to-load (V2L): optional adapter turns the charging socket into a 3.6 kW power source for external devices Lane Assist: detects when the car unintentionally leaves its lane at speeds above 65 km/h (40.4 mph). The system uses automatic steering interventions to help the driver stay in lane and vibrates the steering wheel as a warning if lane markings are crossed Article source: www.vwpress.co.uk