Volkswagen Group UK has retained its ‘OEM of the Year’ title at the ‘EVIEs’ (Electric Vehicle Innovation and Excellence) Awards. The Group, which comprises the Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, CUPRA, Škoda and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brands, is responsible for almost one in five cars and vans sold in the UK , and around one in four battery electric vehicles. The EVIEs award recognised the Volkswagen Group’s breadth of products as well as its holistic approach to electrification and desire to support customers making the switch to an electric vehicle.
On a global basis, Volkswagen AG was the first major automotive company to commit itself to the aims of the Paris Climate Agreement and has developed a group-wide decarbonisation programme. It has launched the most comprehensive electrification initiative in the automotive industry and is committed to the introduction of e-mobility. The company will have around 50 fully electric models in the market by 2030 – the result of investing around €120 billion in digitalisation and electrification by 2027. Volkswagen Group UK currently offers around 15 electric vehicles in the UK, a number which is set to rise.
Now in its fourth year , the EVIEs event is designed to shine a light on innovation and excellence in the emerging EV sector. The categories are judged by a panel of 20 experts from across the transport decarbonisation sector. Volkswagen Group was once again the winner of the OEM of the Year (Car & Bus/ Commercial Vehicle) accolade.
Commenting on the win, Alex Smith, Volkswagen Group UK Managing Director, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve retained our title and once again demonstrated our commitment to electrification. Although this year has seen new entrants to the market, we are leading the UK’s electric vehicle market and doing all we can to support customers making the transition.
“This year’s EVIEs awards show the sheer breadth of work which companies, including vehicle manufacturers, are undertaking in order to achieve the decarbonisation of transport. We still need sensible incentives and a reliable, affordable, nationwide charging infrastructure to give confidence to vehicle buyers in their EV purchase decisions. But an award such as this reinforces to potential customers that the Volkswagen Group is a great choice when they embark on their journey to electrification.”