Emily Cox becomes the new brand ambassador for Volkswagen. The Austrian actress with Irish-English roots, known from international Netflix productions such as "The Last Kingdom" and the German comedy series "jerks.", stands for versatility and authenticity. In her roles, she embodies multifaceted characters while remaining approachable and down-to-earth – values that also characterize Volkswagen. At Christmas, she celebrated the world premiere of her latest film – "The Physician 2".

As a Volkswagen brand ambassador, Emily Cox drives a Tayron and tests the spacious SUV in everyday life with her family. Jens Katemann, Head of Communications for the Volkswagen Brand and Brand Group Core, says: “Volkswagen has been accompanying families for generations and stands for reliable mobility. With Emily Cox, we have gained an authentic and down-to-earth brand ambassador who credibly brings our values into everyday life. She embodies exactly what Volkswagen stands for: approachability, openness, and the feeling of being part of our customers’ lives.”

The actress herself associates personal memories with the brand. She says: “Volkswagen was already part of my childhood – our first family car was a Golf. That makes it even more special for me to now drive a vehicle of the brand with my own little family.” Professionally, Emily Cox travels a lot and regularly commutes between Vienna, Berlin, and other filming locations. “As a mother, I especially appreciate the safety of a Volkswagen – as well as the generous space and comfort of the Tayron,” she adds.

Currently, Emily Cox stars in the leading role of "The Physician 2” (Constantin Film), which premiered in German cinemas on December 25. She has previously appeared in German-language productions such as “Achtsam Morden” and “jerks.”. Her international breakthrough came with the Netflix series "The Last Kingdom", where she played the Viking warrior Brida.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

PowerCo SE today commissioned the Salzgitter gigafactory as planned and produced the first Unified Cells "made in Europe". The commencement of production marks a milestone for the Volkswagen Group and the European battery industry: PowerCo is designing, developing and producing battery cells entirely in Europe for the first time, thus strengthening the company's technological sovereignty. The cells will now be delivered to the Volkswagen Group brands for final road tests. Their debut is planned for next year in the Electric Urban Car Family of Volkswagen, ŠKODA and SEAT/CUPRA.

Oliver Blume, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, states: "The PowerCo Gigafactory in Salzgitter sends a strong technological signal for Europe and serves as a cornerstone on our path to becoming a global automotive tech leader. We are the first European carmaker to establish our own battery cell development and production. This step strengthens our position and independence in the global competition."

Technological leap in battery technology
Within the Volkswagen Group, PowerCo is expected to cover around 50 per cent of the demand for Unified Cells, with the other half supplied by external suppliers. The standardised cell architecture enables worldwide use across all brands and regions and offers economies of scale, cost advantages and technological flexibility – from lithium iron phosphate (LFP) to nickel-manganese- cobalt (NMC) and solid state, all relevant cell technologies are possible.

The first PowerCo Unified Cell is based on NMC technology and is one of the most powerful battery cells in the volume segment. Compared to previous cells, it delivers around 10 per cent more energy density. Furthermore, it is perfectly synchronised with Volkswagen’s new cell-to-pack battery system and thus offers advantages in range, efficiency and performance. It is produced in Salzgitter. More variants will follow, for example the PowerCo Unified Cell with LFP technology.

Thomas Schmall, Group Board Member for Technology, emphasises: "With PowerCo, we are consistently expanding our know-how in battery technology. In combination with the new battery system, the Unified Cell "made in Salzgitter" brings a real technological leap for our customers.

This puts us in the driver’s seat when it comes to a key technology for e-mobility.”

Salzgitter becomes Europe's leading battery centre
Production of the PowerCo Unified Cell will be gradually ramped up in the coming year. In the first step, an annual production capacity of up to 20 GWh will be built up in Salzgitter, which can be expanded to up to 40 GWh if required. Salzgitter will serve as the lead plant for the following PowerCo gigafactories in Valencia (Spain) and St. Thomas (Canada), all of which are based on PowerCo's standard factory concept. The experience gained in Salzgitter will then be transferred to Valencia and St. Thomas. The exchange of know-how and personnel has already begun.

At the same time, the Research & Development centre in Salzgitter continues to grow: Since 2022, the laboratory, testing and development capacities have been strategically expanded. Another test field is currently under construction, which is scheduled to go into operation at the beginning of 2026. As a result, Salzgitter is increasingly developing into the leading battery hub in Europe.

Frank Blome, CEO PowerCo SE, says: "In just three years, we have built an entirely new company, developed a competitive product, and completed a cell factory along with its upstream supply chain. At the same time, we are already constructing the next cell factories in Spain and Canada. In short: we deliver. This achievement is the result of an outstanding team effort by many colleagues at PowerCo and Volkswagen – and I’m deeply grateful for that."

New standards in sustainability and digitalisation
The Gigafactory Salzgitter is also setting new standards for low-CO₂ cell production. Production is running entirely with renewable energy from wind and solar. For the first time, the energy- intensive clean and drying rooms will also be operated with green electricity. In the industry, fossil fuels are typically used for this purpose. In total, the Salzgitter Gigafactory emits up to 115,000 tons less CO₂ annually than comparable, conventional factories.

Highly automated production combined with comprehensive real-time data analysis is the key to continuously improving process stability, efficiency and quality. Thousands of data points from machine and building monitoring enable seamless traceability and form the basis for AI-supported quality control.

Article source: www.vwpress.co.uk

It is the world’s most successful compact sports car: the Golf GTI. The original in its class. More than 2.5 million units have been produced to date. In 2026, the Golf GTI will turn 50 – and this will be celebrated with a variety of national and international classic events, the exclusive anniversary model Golf GTI EDITION 50, and the world premiere of the first all-electric GTI.

A success story since 1976. When the Golf GTI was launched in 1976, no one could have guessed that the 81 kW (110 PS) Volkswagen, with its red grille surround, black wheel arch extensions and golf ball gear knob, would soon become the world’s most successful compact sports car. Only 5,000 units were planned, but in the first year alone dealers sold 10 times as many vehicles. In total, 461,690 first-generation Golf GTI cars were built. 

It was the unusual overall package that struck a chord: a highly precise sports car for lonely Alpine passes and, at the same time, a practical companion for every day of the year, extremely economical and instantly a timeless style icon. The price was also a hit: 13,850 Deutschmarks in Germany. The media spoke of the democratisation of the sports car. And indeed, the performance of the 182 km/h Volkswagen was impressive: with a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.0 seconds, the 1976 Golf GTI left behind numerous sports cars and coupés that were easily 10,000 Deutschmarks more expensive.

The DNA for the past 50 years – and for tomorrow. The unique interplay of agile engine, lightweight front-wheel drive, balanced chassis, perfectly fitting sports seats and crisp, no-frills design still characterises the Golf GTI today. It is this synthesis that Volkswagen has continuously refined over 50 years – making the Golf GTI an authentic sports car and the original in its class. The fact is: today, when people say GTI, they mean Volkswagen. The crowning glory of this world-famous product brand in the anniversary year 2026 is the Golf GTI EDITION 50 – the most powerful production Golf GTI to date, with 239 kW (325 PS). The anniversary model is already available to order in some European markets, with the first units to be delivered in 2026. Volkswagen has also proven that the GTI philosophy is successful in other model series, especially with the Polo GTI. In 2026, a new Polo GTI will take off: the ID. Polo GTI. With 166 kW (226 PS), it will transfer the GTI philosophy into the electric drive era for the first time – there could not have been a better debut year for the first electric GTI. 

Classic GTI in Paris and Bremen. The first five decades of the GTI will be the focus of various major classic events in 2026. The celebrations kick off from 28 January to 1 February in Paris at Rétromobile. The classic car show at the Porte de Versailles will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2026, just like the Golf GTI. Almost simultaneously, the first German show for classic vehicles begins in the Hanseatic city of Bremen: the Bremen Classic Motorshow. Here, the Golf GTI will be in the spotlight from 30 January to 2 February. Both shows are therefore not only the opening events for the European classic season 2026, but also for the GTI year 2026. 

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

01. Golf GTI EDITION 50 - combined energy consumption: 7.9-7.6 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 179-173 g/km; CO₂ class: G-F

02. Near-production concept. The model is not yet available for sale

The countdown to the new ID. Polo is on: Just a few months before its world premiere, a fleet of almost production-ready ID. Polo prototypes is covering the final test kilometres in numerous regions worldwide. The goal: to achieve the highest quality and perfection in detail, as well as fine-tuning the driving characteristics.

Thomas Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Brand Group Core and CEO of the Volkswagen brand, said: “The ID. Polo marks the beginning of a new generation of Volkswagen: with fresh design, intuitive operation, top quality and first-class driving characteristics – and finally with a proper name again. With an entry-level price starting at 25,000 euros, we are making electric mobility accessible to many people in Europe. And this is just the beginning: In 2026, we will launch six new electric models – all 100 per cent Volkswagen!”

A new era – 50 years after the first Polo. With the ID. Polo, Volkswagen is focusing on familiar strengths: intuitive operation, functionality, quality and affordability. At the same time, the ID. Polo is the first model to feature the new ‘Pure Positive’ design language by Head of Design, Andreas Mindt. The result is a compact electric model offering more space and precise driving characteristics on the level of the next higher class of vehicle. In addition, it is the first model in the electric ID. family to bear the established Volkswagen name Polo.

Four power outputs, two battery sizes, up to 450 km range. At its debut in spring 2026, the ID. Polo will be available in three power outputs: 85 kW (116 PS), 99 kW (135 PS) and 155 kW (211 PS). The sporty ID. Polo GTI with 166 kW (226 PS) will follow later in the year.

The 85 kW and 99 kW versions will come as standard with a 37 kWh (net) LFP (lithium iron phosphate) high-voltage battery. This battery can be charged at DC rapid-charging points with up to 90 kW. The 155 kW and 166 kW versions will be powered by an NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) variant of the new PowerCo unified cell, with an energy content of 52 kWh (net), enabling ranges of up to 450 km and charging at up to 130 kW DC.

The ID. Polo features a newly developed front-wheel drive. It is based on the further developed Modular Electric Drive Matrix: MEB+. The completely new, highly efficient electric drive reduces complexity, the number of components and weight – parameters that allow Volkswagen to reduce costs and consumption. In addition, the electric front-wheel drive offers clear space advantages. Key modules include a highly efficient Volkswagen electric motor of the latest generation, called APP 290. Integrated flat in the underbody is a new battery generation: the PowerCo unified cell, which uses cell-to-pack technology. This eliminates the intermediate step via module housings and combines the cells directly into a battery pack – reducing price, installation space and weight while increasing energy density by about 10 per cent. The benefit: more range.

Democratising innovations. With MEB+, not only the latest electric drive technologies but also numerous next-generation assistance systems make their way into the ID. Polo. These include the significantly enhanced Travel Assist: the system can enable assisted lateral and longitudinal guidance and assisted lane changes on motorways. In addition, Travel Assist in the ID. Polo will for the first time offer traffic light and stop sign recognition.

Key data of the new ID. Polo. The ID. Polo is 4,053 mm long, 1,816 mm wide and 1,530 mm high. Its wheelbase measures 2,600 mm. Although its size is roughly comparable to the classic Polo (MQB, Modular Transverse Toolkit), the electric ID. Polo offers clear space advantages thanks to the compact drive modules of MEB+: passengers benefit from an extra 19 mm of interior length, particularly noticeable in the rear. Interior width and headroom have also increased. The luggage compartment volume has grown by 24 per cent compared with the classic Polo – from 351 to 435 litres. With the rear seatbacks folded down, the load volume rises to 1,243 litres (compared with 1,125 litres in the classic Polo). This extra space makes the always four-door, five-seater ID. Polo more versatile than any of its predecessors – perfect for city life and everyday use with friends and family.

Brand Group Core harnesses Europe’s full innovative power. The development of the ID. Polo is a collaborative project within the Brand Group Core: SEAT & CUPRA led the project, and the ID. Polo was designed at the Volkswagen Design Centre in Wolfsburg. Key technologies – such as software, assistance systems, drive, chassis and steering – come from Volkswagen’s MEB+ platform. The ID. Polo will be built at the SEAT & CUPRA plant in Martorell, Spain.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

01. ID. Polo - Near-production concept car

02. Near-production concept car. The model is not yet available for sale

03. Forecast values

04. ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI - Near-production concept cars

05. ID. Polo GTI - Near-production concept car