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

Audi and its employees donate €850,000 to charity

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

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

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