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Employment and site protection until 2035 and investments totaling a cumulative 2.1 billion euros in the Zuffenhausen and Weissach sites: these are the central cornerstones of Porsche AG’s Future Package, which the Executive Board and the General Works Council have negotiated – together with IG Metall and the Südwestmetall employers’ association.

The Brand Group Core (BGC), the organizational entity combining the volume brands of the Volkswagen Group, recorded an operating result of 3.61 billion euros in the first half of 2026, 4.5 percent more than in the corresponding prior-year period. Year-on-year, the operating margin improved slightly to 4.9 percent.

Following a subdued first quarter, the TRATON GROUP kept its sales revenue in the first half of 2026 nearly on prior-year-level at €22.0 billion (H1 2025: €21.9 billion).

Volkswagen presents the new ID. Cross. The all-electric compact SUV combines a stylish and powerful design, technologies from the luxury class and a well thought-out overall concept in one vehicle. At an entry-level price of around 28,000 euros, the ID. Cross offers a level of quality, comfort and equipment that sets new standards in the small car and compact segment. This is reflected in the feel-good ambience in the interior, which was achieved through finely crafted materials, fabric-covered surfaces and high seating comfort. In addition, the new Innovision infotainment system ensures intuitive operation and networked functions, while technologies and assistance systems from higher vehicle classes, three output levels (85 kW, 99 kW and 155 kW) and two battery sizes (37 kWh and 52 kWh net) will be available in future. With a WLTP range of up to 427 kilometres, the ID. Cross is suitable for everyday use and longer journeys. In Germany, advance sales of the new ID. Cross begin today, Wednesday 15 July.

In a market environment that continues to be characterized by uncertainty, the TRATON GROUP increased its total unit sales in the second quarter of 2026 – based on preliminary figures – by 4% compared to the prior-year quarter, to 82,900 vehicles. This marks a sequential improvement from the first quarter of 2026, where unit sales stood at 68,600 vehicles. As a result, cumulative unit sales for the first half of 2026 reached 151,500 vehicles, only 1% below the prior-year level.

Bosch and CARIAD have completed the joint development of assisted and automated driving functions within the Automated Driving Alliance. Together, the project partners have created an artificial intelligence (AI)-based software stack that can be integrated into various vehicle classes, from compact cars to premium models, as well as into both electric and combustion-engine platforms. The solution is available to both partners for deployment in series-production vehicle projects and for further individual development. The Volkswagen ID.EVERY1, for example, will enter series production in 2027 with technology developed as part of the Automated Driving Alliance.

Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume and CARIAD CEO Peter Bosch, together with the President of the German Bundestag Julia Klöckner, the President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) Hildegard Müller, and the President of the digital association Bitkom Ralf Wintergerst, today jointly opened the CARIAD Automotive Software Campus in Berlin.

Series production of Škoda’s new all-electric entry model, the Epiq, has begun at the Volkswagen Navarra plant in Pamplona, Spain. As part of the Electric Urban Car Family from the Volkswagen Brand Group Core (BGC), this marks an important step in strengthening synergies within the BGC: all four models from CUPRA, Volkswagen and Škoda will be produced at plants in Spain. After the current-generation Superb, the new Epiq is the second model in Škoda’s present European portfolio to be built outside Škoda Auto’s Czech plants, and the first Škoda model ever to be produced in Spain. This allows Škoda Auto to retain its own production capacity for other high-demand models. As a strategic cornerstone, the Epiq brings electric mobility to the dynamic entry-level segment and gives customers even greater freedom of choice. It is the brand’s first car built on the new MEB+ platform and its first model to fully embody the Modern Solid design language. Alongside the Peaq, the Epiq will play a key role in doubling the brand’s electric portfolio this year.

The SEAT & CUPRA plant in Martorell starts production of the CUPRA Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo, leading a new era for mobility as it is ready to electrify Europe from Spain.

​Joost Kessels has been appointed as Chief Development Officer, effective August 1, 2026. He will further strengthen SEAT & CUPRA’s role within the Group’s electrification strategy. His main challenge in this newly created position will be the consolidation of the success of the launch of the CUPRA Raval together with the Electric Urban Car Family as well as SEAT & CUPRA’s recently assigned mandate for the technical development of the Group’s electric MEB21 platform. These new responsibilities will be taken over gradually by the team in Martorell by the end of the decade.