Drivers are being urged to stop washing their cars.
Volkswagen calls on drivers to ditch car washes in global eco push
Volkswagen and four affiliated brands have launched a sustainability initiative encouraging motorists to skip traditional car washes in favour of environmentally friendly alternatives, as part of a wider effort to reduce water usage and carbon emissions.
The move applies to customers of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Škoda, SEAT and Cupra, with drivers encouraged to swap post-service cleaning for tree-planting schemes.
The programme, developed in partnership with Ecologi, aims to accelerate global climate action through reforestation and sustainability projects.
Volkswagen says the initiative has already helped save around five million gallons of water. Across its UK retailer network, car washing is estimated to use more than 200 million gallons annually, producing over 300 metric tonnes of CO2.
Jaspal Toor, aftersales propositions manager at Volkswagen Group UK, said: "We're really pleased to be expanding our car wash swap for customers.
We know that sustainability expectations influence customer decisions, from choice of car brand and model, through to aftersales."
Mr Toor added: "We know environmentally conscious decisions extend beyond the vehicle purchase stage, and drive better customer satisfaction. Our goal is to reduce carbon emissions, conserve water, and offer sustainability-conscious customers a greener choice."
The announcement comes as manufacturers face growing pressure to demonstrate environmental responsibility beyond vehicle production, particularly as consumer demand shifts towards greener practices.
Kai Grünitz, Member of the Volkswagen Board of Management responsible for Technical Development, said: "The new software generation brings more performance and an even better customer experience to the ID. models.
The new Volkswagen electric models in the small and compact vehicle segments - ID. Polo1, ID. Polo GTI1, ID. Cross1 will also soon be launched on the market with these innovations, offering more flexibility in everyday life and for leisure activities."
Martin Sander, Member of the Board of Management for Sales, Marketing and After Sales at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, said: "We're going to make electric vehicles much more affordable. We already have a wide range of electric vehicles on the market.
I am deeply convinced that electric vehicles are better cars for consumers. There are so many advantages attached to electric vehicles. Allow this transition a little bit more time and build natural demand first."