In Brief
Volkswagen has decided to tighten the use of its corporate cars starting in June 2026, following several notable abuses such as extended loans of vehicles or improper use of fuel cards. The usage framework is now strict: limiting refueling to certain fuels, restricting car washing, governing loans, and strengthening internal oversight. This shift aims to deliver substantial savings while speeding up the transition to a fleet of electrified vehicles. Employees will see their daily routines evolve, with far tighter margins for maneuver.
Borrowing a California van from work for a relative’s three-week European tour. Fuel charged to the company card. The story may provoke a smile, but it drew the attention of Volkswagen’s leadership. In the face of cost-cutting pressure, the German automaker has decided to take control of how its company cars are used. A strong signal in a country where a company car remains a key recruiting perk.
In Germany as in Belgium, these company cars account for a sizable share of new registrations. Yet their use has drifted far from the strict professional framework in recent years, aided by small daily arrangements. With its new policy taking effect in June 2026, Volkswagen tightens the rules for company cars. A tightening that is meant to both trim the bill and accelerate the shift to an electrified fleet. For employees, the change will be felt daily, from fueling to washing the vehicle.
Outlandish Abuses Prompt Volkswagen to Tighten the Leash
The incident that sparked internal pressure is almost the stuff of a quirky anecdote. An employee allegedly lent his California van to a relative for a three-week tour of Europe. Everything, including fuel, paid with the company card. Automobile Magazine, citing Autobild, describes this case as exceptional, but emblematic of drift that has multiplied over time.
Extended loans of company cars to relatives for vacations; fuel cards used by family members; refueling with premium fuels and repeated trips to car washes, sometimes even for private vehicles. It’s enough to irritate some employees, now faced with a sweeping crackdown after these excesses. “It’s unfortunate that the entire staff is penalized for a few bad apples,” a Volkswagen employee told Autobild. In this context, Wolfsburg’s leadership is auditing every euro spent on its internal fleets. The new rules fit into a broad cost-cutting plan announced at roughly 1 billion euros in Germany. Volkswagen had already set the tone in 2024 by removing company Porsche cars from about 200 executives, vehicles deemed too costly and sometimes returned in poor condition.
What the New Rules Mean for Volkswagen’s Company Cars
For employees, the new directives are not theoretical. They went into effect in June and now tightly govern the use of each company car. Fueling, washing, sporty models, loans to relatives—everything is now codified.
- For refueling, only SP95-E10 unleaded and standard diesel remain allowed. Premium fuels are no longer available.
- For washing, employees are limited to four washes per month, with a maximum of €17 per wash.
- For sporty GTI or R models, employees under 23 must be accompanied by an older person when driving the vehicle.
- Loaning the vehicle to a relative remains possible but within a stricter framework and for a limited duration.
- The internal Charge&Fuel card becomes mandatory, to technically block fueling or charging by a third party.
- Volkswagen strongly encourages choosing an electric company car. Home charging is reimbursed based on the vehicle’s actual consumption, with additional allowances for the energy losses of the onboard charger.
The internal message is clear: every behavior will be monitored. Management warns that these rules could tighten further if the overall bill continues to rise.
The automaker states this outright in its new internal regulation. “User behavior will be regularly reviewed. If costs continue to rise, we reserve the right to implement additional adjustments—with the overarching aim of promoting the electrified fleet.” For company-car drivers, the slightest fill-up or wash now leaves a trace. And margins of maneuver will shrink over time.
Comparison Table
| Element | Before | After June 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel fill | Premium fuel allowed | Only SP95-E10 and standard diesel |
| Car wash | Unlimited | 4 washes/month, €17 max per wash |
| Loaning the vehicle | Less regulated; extended loans possible | Strictly regulated, limited duration, mandatory internal card |
| Sporty cars for under-23s | Direct access | Must be accompanied by an older person |
| Electrification | Optional | Strongly encouraged; home charging reimbursed based on actual consumption + charger losses |
Key Takeaways
- Volkswagen rolled out new rules governing the use of company cars starting in June 2026 after various excesses were spotted.
- Refueling is now limited to certain fuels, excluding premium variants.
- Car washes are restricted to four per month with a maximum of 17 euros per wash.
- Loaning a vehicle to a relative remains possible, but within a controlled framework with new technical obligations.
- Younger drivers of sporty models face strict accompaniment requirements.
- Volkswagen strongly promotes electric company cars as a cost-reduction measure and a push toward electrification.
FAQ
Why is Volkswagen tightening the use of company cars?
To cut costs and push the transition to electrification after several internal excesses were observed.
What are the new fuel restrictions?
Only SP95-E10 unleaded and standard diesel are allowed; premium fuels are no longer permitted.
How many car washes per month are allowed?
Employees can wash their company cars up to four times per month, with a €17 cap per wash.
Is lending cars to relatives still possible?
Yes, but within a strict framework, for a limited period, and with the internal card required for fueling or charging.
What measures apply to young drivers of sporty cars?
Employees under 23 must be accompanied by an older individual to drive these vehicles.
