encounter - GTI-fans meet in Wolfsburg
In Wolfsburg, Germany, the traditional GTI meeting for fans of the sporty VW Golf starts today (12:00 PM). This is the first time it takes place directly at Volkswagen's headquarters. Up to 35,000 visitors are expected for this three-day event.
VW moved the meeting from its previous location at Wörthersee and renamed it GTI-Fest. Now, not only GTI enthusiasts with tuned vehicles but also other car fans and families with children are supposed to be attracted.
Several show cars designed by VW specifically for Wörthersee will be displayed. Visitors arriving in a Golf GTI can present their vehicles on the parking lot right in front of the Volkswagen Arena. The grand finale on Sunday includes a car parade with approximately 200 cars across the Volkswagen factory grounds.
The Austrian community of Wörth at the Lake Wörthersee announced the end of the event in 2023 after more than 40 years. The event with over 100,000 visitors had put the town at its limits and led to "increasing criticism and decreasing acceptance," the commune stated. Furthermore, it emphasized the "need to align actions on all levels with sustainability principles."
- The decision to move the GTI meeting from Wörthersee in Austria to Wolfsburg, Germany, was made by Volkswagen (VW).
- The city of Lower Saxony, where Wolfsburg is situated, is eagerly anticipating the influx of up to 35,000 visitors for the GTI-Fest.
- The automobile industry giant, VW, has a rich history of producing vehicles like the Golf GTI, which will be showcased at the event.
- Some of the unique show cars designed by VW for the Wörthersee event will be on display for visitors to admire.
- VW Golf enthusiasts who travel to the event in their own Golf GTI vehicles will have the opportunity to park them on the designated area near the Volkswagen Arena.
- The Austrian town of Wörth, known for its hosting of the GTI event at Lake Wörthersee, will have a three-year hiatus from the event due to factors relating to sustainability and public criticism.
