Volkswagen Group has recognised 11 global supplier partners with the prestigious Volkswagen Group Award 2026, highlighting their contribution to the company’s ongoing transformation and long-term competitiveness. Presented for the 22nd time, the annual awards celebrate suppliers that have demonstrated excellence in innovation, operational efficiency, sustainability, technology, supply chain resilience and industrial collaboration.
As the Group advances its global transformation strategy, Procurement is strengthening partnerships with suppliers to build a more agile, transparent and resilient business model. The company continues to focus on simplifying structures, enhancing efficiency, improving supply chain stability and supporting innovation while maintaining high quality standards.
Karsten Schnake, Member of the Extended Executive Committee of Volkswagen AG and Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Procurement, said transformation can only succeed through close collaboration across the entire value chain. He noted that strong supplier relationships have played a vital role in maintaining operational stability while improving efficiency and adaptability across global supply chains. According to him, the Group Award reflects the shared commitment of Volkswagen and its partners in developing innovative technologies and future-ready mobility solutions.
The 2026 edition was held under the theme “WE CIRCLE,” symbolising the continuous cycle of innovation, execution and recognition. The awards acknowledge suppliers whose contributions have supported Volkswagen Group’s strategic objectives while reinforcing long-term partnerships across its global operations.
Among the recipients, Simoldes Plásticos was recognised for delivering consistent innovation, production efficiency and reliable large-scale manufacturing. BENTELER Automobiltechnik received honours for successfully combining new technologies with industrial expertise to accelerate business transformation.
Hammerer Aluminium Industries was recognised for advancing sustainable material solutions through transparent carbon footprint data and close collaboration across the supply chain. Leopold Kostal earned recognition for strengthening supply chain resilience through proactive risk management and alternative sourcing strategies.
ServiceNow was honoured for supporting digital transformation through platform standardisation that has improved process transparency and operational efficiency across the Group. Minth Group received the award for enhancing competitiveness by promoting greater cost transparency and data-driven decision-making.
Fehst Componentes was recognised for maintaining production continuity during critical situations through effective programme management and supply chain coordination. Banco Santander received the award for delivering scalable supply chain finance solutions that strengthened liquidity and long-term collaboration across the supplier ecosystem.
Nippon Sheet Glass was honoured for delivering consistent quality while supporting complex global projects through regional collaboration. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) was recognised for combining innovation, dependable supply capabilities and industrial scalability to support advanced battery technologies. Qualcomm Technologies completed the list of award recipients for its contribution to next-generation vehicle architecture through advanced system-on-chip solutions that strengthen software-defined vehicle development.
The Volkswagen Group Award continues to reinforce the importance of strategic supplier partnerships in supporting innovation, operational excellence and the future development of the global automotive industry. The event not only celebrated innovation and excellence but reinforced the critical role suppliers play in shaping the future of mobility alongside the Volkswagen Group. Through continued collaboration, the company aims to remain agile, sustainable, and innovation-focused in the global automotive landscape.
