Pressemitteilung

Braunschweig, August 6, 2026. Making diversity visible, demonstrating solidarity, and standing together to champion respect: Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) is a participant in this year's Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Braunschweig and is a Premium Sponsor of this major event taking place on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Together with colleagues from across the Volkswagen Group, VWFS employees will join the demonstration with the colorful Volkswagen ID.3 GTX¹ Diversity showcar and a walking group.

This year's Christopher Street Day (CSD) has a special significance as Braunschweig is celebrating "30 Years of CSD". The program of events, running from July 24 to August 8, will culminate in a large-scale demonstration featuring a rally, a street festival and a closing celebration.

Anthony Bandmann, CEO of Volkswagen Financial Services AG, explained the company's commitment as follows: "Especially in today's climate, it is even more important for us as a company to raise our voice and speak out for a diverse and inclusive society. As one of the largest employers in Braunschweig, we carry responsibility – not just economically, but also socially. We firmly believe that different perspectives, experiences and ways of life enrich our corporate culture and foster innovation. That is why we support CSD Braunschweig as an important platform for visibility, equal rights and respectful dialog."

Diversity as part of corporate culture

Volkswagen Financial Services has been committed for years to fostering an inclusive corporate culture built on openness, respect and appreciation – one where all employees can realize their full potential and be their authentic themselves. The company signed the voluntary Diversity Charter (the German "Charta der Vielfalt") to promote an inclusive and diverse workplace as early as 2007. Its participation in CSD is jointly supported by the company, the works council, and the employee network "WeDriveProud".

A special highlight of the involvement is a Volkswagen ID.3 GTX¹ Diversity, which features a vibrant, multi-colored design that also makes the company's commitment visible throughout the streets of Braunschweig. The all-electric brand ambassador will accompany the parade and symbolizes the diversity of people both within and outside the company.

Supporting CSD is part of Volkswagen Financial Services' ongoing mission to uphold and push for equal opportunities and diversity. The company actively promotes the exchange of different perspectives and works toward a working environment characterized by mutual respect and appreciation.

By participating in Christopher Street Day, Volkswagen Financial Services wants not only to send a clear signal to the LGBTQIA+ community, but also to advocate a society in which diversity is recognized as a strength and discrimination has no place.

The CSD demonstration starts on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 1 p.m. on the Bohlweg in the Braunschweig city center.

Volkswagen Financial Services AG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG and, as part of Volkswagen Group Mobility, manages the European financial and mobility services business. The aim of Volkswagen Financial Services AG is to support the sales of the Volkswagen Group brands and increase customer loyalty. The company is a longstanding partner of the dealership network – as a provider of financial services and as an aide and advisor. Its core products include vehicle leasing and financing, insurance, and other vehicle-related mobility products – both for private customers and for individual commercial customers and fleet clients. Through its subsidiary, Volkswagen Bank GmbH, Volkswagen Financial Services AG is also active in the direct banking sector.