Volkswagen Group Ireland Drive 26 Press Conference with CUPRA, Skoda, Audi, Volkswagen Passenger Cars and Commercial Vehicles
About this episode
The Nevo EV News Podcast covers the Drive 26 press conference hosted by Volkswagen Group Ireland, featuring interviews with representatives from CUPRA, Skoda, Audi, and Volkswagen. Key discussions include Skoda's impressive sales performance and upcoming electric models, along with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles' growth and new product launches. The episode highlights the positive reception of electric vehicles among customers and the expanding market for smaller electric cars. Insights from brand representatives provide a comprehensive overview of the current EV landscape in Ireland.
Welcome back to the Nevo EV News Podcast. If it's Tuesday it must be Nevo EV News Day. My name is Derek Reilly and on this podcast we chat all about EV. Nevo is Ireland's only dedicated EV platform and we'll be covering where we were this week, what we've been driving and what we've been doing between podcasts. If you haven't already subscribed or followed us wherever you are listening please do so and if you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and comment, it really helps us out and it doesn't cost you anything. Let's get stuck in.
Interview with Ray Leddy, Head of Marketing and Product, Skoda Ireland
Interview with Paul Hunt, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Ireland Brand Director
Interview with Alan Bateson, Volkswagen Ireland Passenger Cars Director
Interview with Christian Gussen, Brand Director Audi Ireland
Interview with Pierre Boutin, CEO & Group Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Ireland
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
electric vehicles
"...but very much focusing on the cars and the electric vehicles specifically for this podcast."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment and are becoming more common as technology improves.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional gasoline or diesel fuel. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their lower environmental impact and advancements in battery technology.
Škoda Enyaq
"...we have very good supply of Eniac. We do have 0% of finance for now on both those cars."
The Škoda Enyaq is a fully electric SUV made by Škoda. It's designed to be eco-friendly and has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo.
The Škoda Enyaq is an all-electric SUV produced by the Czech automaker Škoda Auto. It is part of the Volkswagen Group's electric vehicle lineup and is known for its spacious interior and advanced technology.
Skoda Octavia
"...s that simpler. We only had three models of it in Octavia, Fabia, Felicia at the time."
The Skoda Octavia is a compact car that is roomy and affordable, making it a good choice for families. It's known for being dependable and easy to drive.
The Skoda Octavia is a compact car that offers practicality, spaciousness, and value for money. Known for its reliability and efficiency, it has gained popularity in Europe as a family car and a solid choice for daily commuting.
Skoda Felicia
"We only had three models of it in Octavia, Fabia, Felicia at the time. So business was that simpler,"
The Skoda Felicia is a small, budget-friendly car that was made for many years. It's known for being simple and easy to drive, making it a good option for people looking for an affordable vehicle.
The Skoda Felicia is a small car that was produced from the 1950s to the late 1990s, known for its affordability and practicality. It played a significant role in Skoda's history as a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers.
Volkswagen Caravelle
"...the vehicle to the right of me at the moment, the Caravelle. There's going to be eight and nine seater available."
The Volkswagen Caravelle is a type of van that can fit a lot of people, usually used for families or groups. It's designed to be comfortable and practical for transporting passengers.
The Volkswagen Caravelle is a versatile multi-purpose vehicle that can accommodate larger groups, making it popular for families and businesses alike. It is known for its spacious interior and practicality.
BEV
"...it's going to be available in Bev and PHEV. And both of those models are very similarly priced."
BEV means Battery Electric Vehicle. It's a car that runs only on electricity, so it doesn't use gas or diesel at all, making it better for the environment.
BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that runs entirely on electric power, using a battery as its only source of energy. This makes them environmentally friendly as they produce no tailpipe emissions.
PHEV
"...it's going to be available in Bev and PHEV. And both of those models are very similarly priced."
PHEV means Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. It's a car that can run on electricity and also uses gas, giving you the option to charge it and drive without using fuel for short trips.
PHEV stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, which combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. This allows for both electric-only driving and the flexibility of using gasoline when needed.
Volkswagen Id Buzz
"...ry good. And this versus then the long wheel base ID buzz. Where do you see the crossover there?"
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a new electric van that looks like the old VW buses but is designed for today. It's eco-friendly and has lots of room for passengers, making it great for families.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric minivan that pays homage to the classic VW Microbus while incorporating modern electric vehicle technology. It represents Volkswagen's shift towards sustainable mobility and aims to combine retro charm with contemporary features.
Volkswagen Multivan
"for ID buzz as well. And likewise, multi-van as well. Excellent."
The Volkswagen Multivan is a big van that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's great for families or businesses that need extra space and flexibility.
The Volkswagen Multivan is a versatile van designed for families and commercial use, offering ample space and flexible seating arrangements. It combines practicality with comfort, making it a popular choice for those needing a multi-purpose vehicle.
Volkswagen Id4
"...they're unbelievably amazed by ID4 and how strong it still is in Ireland. And I can sneak peek at the January numbers as well."
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an electric SUV made by Volkswagen. It's known for being eco-friendly and has become popular for its good range and space inside.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric SUV that is part of Volkswagen's ID family of electric vehicles. It has gained popularity for its range, performance, and spacious interior, making it a strong contender in the electric vehicle market.
Volkswagen Id7S
"I can see a lot of ID7s on the road as well. Another success of a beautiful car. I loved when I had it and driving it, but you can see a lot more of them on the roads as well. There's an interest there. Yeah, ID7s, we've adapted it."
The Volkswagen ID.7 is a new electric car from Volkswagen. It's designed to be eco-friendly and has a long-lasting battery, making it a popular choice for drivers looking for electric options.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is an all-electric sedan that is part of Volkswagen's ID family of electric vehicles. It features advanced technology and a long-range battery, catering to the growing demand for electric cars.
Volkswagen ID.3 GTX
"...along with the ID3 GTX, which has been a runaway success."
The Volkswagen ID.3 GTX is a sportier version of the ID.3, which is an electric hatchback. It offers better performance and is aimed at drivers who want a fun driving experience in an electric car.
The Volkswagen ID.3 GTX is a performance-oriented variant of the ID.3 electric hatchback. It combines the practicality of the ID.3 with enhanced performance features, appealing to those looking for a sportier electric vehicle.
Volkswagen T-Roc
"...We obviously have the T-Roc that has just landed."
The Volkswagen T-Roc is a small SUV that looks good and is practical for everyday use. It has modern features and is designed to attract many buyers.
The Volkswagen T-Roc is a compact SUV that offers a blend of practicality and style, appealing to a wide range of customers. It features modern design elements and advanced technology, making it a competitive option in the SUV market.
Volkswagen GTI 50
"We then have the GTI 50, a very special car, and then the ID Polo will come..."
The Volkswagen GTI 50 is a special version of the popular GTI hatchback, known for being fun to drive and practical for daily use.
The Volkswagen GTI 50 is a special edition of the iconic GTI, celebrating its legacy as a performance hatchback that combines sportiness with everyday usability.
Volkswagen ID Polo
"...and then the ID Polo will come, and that is our big, big release."
The Volkswagen ID Polo is a new electric car that will be based on the regular Polo, part of Volkswagen's push to create more electric vehicles.
The Volkswagen ID Polo is an upcoming electric version of the popular Polo model, part of Volkswagen's ID family that focuses on electric vehicles.
Volkswagen Polo
"It looks like a Polo, but inside is a Gulf, and that is a game changer for where we're going in affordable electric mobility."
The Volkswagen Polo is a small car that is easy to drive and park, making it popular for city use. It's known for being economical and reliable.
The Volkswagen Polo is a subcompact car known for its practicality and efficiency. It's often considered a great choice for urban driving due to its compact size and fuel efficiency.
Taviscan
"...the introduction of the Taviscan early in 2025, which is fully electric, of course,..."
The Taviscan is a new electric SUV from Cupra, a brand known for sporty cars. It was introduced in 2025 as part of their move towards electric vehicles.
The Cupra Taviscan is a fully electric SUV that represents the brand's expansion into the electric vehicle market. It was launched in 2025 and is part of Cupra's strategy to increase its market presence.
Cupra Terramar
"...and we launched the Teramar shortly after,..."
The Teramar is another new model from Cupra that was launched after the Taviscan. It adds to their lineup of vehicles and helps the brand grow.
The Cupra Teramar is another model launched shortly after the Taviscan, contributing to the brand's growth. Details about its specifications and features may vary as it is a newer release.
Cupra Raval
"We're first out of the gate with the Raval, which is really, really great for us."
The Cupra Raval is a new small electric car from Cupra. It's part of their effort to make more environmentally friendly vehicles.
The Cupra Raval is a small electric car that represents Cupra's entry into the electric vehicle market, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and performance.
Cupra Born
"We also have a refresh coming on the Born, midway through the year, which is great. The Born now, the main thing is we're doing good upgrades to the interior..."
The Cupra Born is a new electric car that looks sporty and is designed for fun driving. It's part of a brand that makes performance cars.
The Cupra Born is an electric hatchback that emphasizes sporty performance and modern design. It is part of Cupra's lineup, which focuses on performance-oriented vehicles derived from the SEAT brand.
MEB platform
"The MEB platform plus really has to perform because there's a lot of competition in the market,"
The MEB platform is a type of framework that Volkswagen uses to build electric cars. It helps them create different models using the same basic parts, making production easier and more efficient.
The MEB platform is Volkswagen's modular electric vehicle architecture designed for a range of electric cars. It allows for flexibility in design and manufacturing, enabling various models to share components and technology.
Audi Q6
"obviously you had the Q6, which is an important bone and mevo, and the Q4 and the different variants,"
The Audi Q6 is a luxury SUV made by Audi. It's part of their lineup of larger vehicles, designed for comfort and technology.
The Audi Q6 is a luxury SUV that represents Audi's commitment to expanding its SUV lineup. It is designed to compete in the premium SUV market, offering advanced technology and comfort features.
Audi Q4
"...and the Q4 and the different variants, the Bush, tell me how it went for yourselves."
The Audi Q4 is a smaller SUV from Audi, designed to be practical and stylish for everyday use.
The Audi Q4 is a compact SUV that offers a blend of practicality and luxury, aimed at younger buyers looking for a stylish yet functional vehicle.
Audi Q3
"...like the Q3, we didn't have the Q3 P8 half at, or the hybrid at all in the market for the full year."
The Audi Q3 is a smaller luxury SUV that is designed to be both sporty and practical, great for city driving.
The Audi Q3 is a subcompact luxury SUV that combines sporty design with practicality, making it a popular choice for urban drivers.
Audi A6
"...have the Q5 in the runout and the A6, but on the other hand,"
The Audi A6 is a luxury car that offers a comfortable ride and high-tech features, making it a great choice for those who want a premium sedan.
The Audi A6 is a luxury sedan that combines performance with advanced technology and a spacious interior, appealing to those looking for a premium driving experience.
Audi Q5
"...have the Q5 in the runout and the A6, but on the other hand,"
The Audi Q5 is a luxury SUV that is known for being comfortable and packed with technology, suitable for families and everyday use.
The Audi Q5 is a luxury compact SUV that offers a balance of performance, comfort, and technology, making it a versatile choice for families and individuals alike.
Audi Q7
"so Q7, Q8, PHEVs were extremely strong. And going into the year 2026..."
The Audi Q7 is a large, fancy SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's comfortable and has lots of tech features.
The Audi Q7 is a luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and strong performance. It offers a blend of comfort and capability, making it suitable for families and adventurous drivers alike.
Audi Q8
"so Q7, Q8, PHEVs were extremely strong. And going into the year 2026..."
The Audi Q8 is a stylish and high-tech SUV that looks sporty and has a lot of nice features inside. It's designed for people who want luxury and performance.
The Audi Q8 is a luxury crossover SUV that combines sporty design with high-end features. It offers a powerful engine lineup and advanced technology, making it a popular choice among luxury SUV buyers.
BAF
"we saw a big uplift in terms of BAF and PHEVs, because we particularly now, and you mentioned the Q6 already..."
BAF means a car that runs only on electricity and doesn't use any gasoline. It's powered by batteries that you can charge.
BAF stands for Battery Electric Vehicle, which is a fully electric vehicle that runs entirely on electric power stored in batteries. Unlike hybrids, BAFs do not have a gasoline engine.
Audi Etron
"because we particularly now, and you mentioned the Q6 already, we have the A6 e-tron, we have the Q4, we saw an uplift in BAF, but particularly in PHEVs."
The Audi e-tron is a fancy electric SUV that doesn't use gas, which means it's better for the environment. It has a lot of space inside and comes with high-tech features, making it a comfortable ride.
The Audi e-tron is Audi's first fully electric SUV, blending luxury with zero-emissions driving. It features advanced technology, a spacious interior, and a performance-oriented design, making it a significant player in the growing electric vehicle market.
Audi Quattro
"... did very different things in the past. Yes, with Quattro, et cetera. Quattro, with Raleigh, with Le Mans,"
The Audi Quattro is a special type of car that has a system to help all four wheels grip the road better. This makes it great for driving in tough conditions and was really important in car racing.
The Audi Quattro is a groundbreaking all-wheel-drive system introduced in the early 1980s, revolutionizing rally racing and performance cars. Its technology has influenced many Audi models and is celebrated for its superior handling and traction.
electrification
"you can also see how that electrification journey is a real important part of the business, be that full electric or plug-in hybrid."
Electrification means using electricity to power cars instead of just gasoline. This includes fully electric cars and hybrids that use both electricity and gas.
Electrification refers to the process of incorporating electric power into vehicles, which includes both fully electric vehicles and hybrid models that use a combination of electric and gasoline power. This shift is significant for reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency.
Volkswagen Group
"Now people understand what it brings. Indeed, you know, like any new technology, people were a little bit apprehensive at the beginning. Now people understand what it brings."
Volkswagen Group is a large company that makes many different car brands, like Volkswagen and Audi. They produce a variety of cars for different types of drivers.
Volkswagen Group is a major automotive manufacturer that owns several brands, including Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini. The group is known for its diverse range of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury sports cars.
Volkswagen Beetle
"... headquarters. And I'm looking at the Baldsbridge Beetle here, gorgeous green color."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small car with a funny, rounded shape that many people recognize. It has been around for a long time and is loved for its quirky style and history.
The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic compact car known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout. Originally introduced in the 1930s, it became a symbol of the counterculture movement in the 1960s and has remained popular for its unique design and cultural significance.
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