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Volkswagen of America* today announced a change to its Driver Access program with the addition of ambassador, a quadriplegic race-car driver. Volkswagen and Gross are working to make mobility more inclusive and empowering for drivers with physical disabilities. Through the Driver Access program, eligible customers can receive up to $1,000 in reimbursement for the purchase and installation of eligible adaptive equipment on new or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Volkswagen vehicles. The current program is open to eligible Volkswagen customers with a documented physical disability who purchase or lease an eligible vehicle.
“As someone who’s experienced both the challenges and the triumphs of adaptive driving, I’m honored to join VW in a mission to help others find their way forward,” said Torsten Gross. “Every time I get behind the wheel, whether it’s my race car or my street car, I’m reminded that possibilities are endless and through the Driver Access program, we’re opening that sense of freedom and confidence to even more Volkswagen drivers.”
As part of the association, Volkswagen of America is providing Gross with a 2025 GTI which he plans to specially outfit with adaptive equipment tailored to his needs.
Beyond working together to realize Torsten’s adapted GTI, Gross will serve as Volkswagen’s first Driver Access brand ambassador, bringing his trademark energy and purpose-driven voice to a variety of initiatives. He will consult on product accessibility, speak at public events and industry forums, and serve as a featured internal speaker across Volkswagen Group’s workforce.
“Torsten’s story is a powerful reminder that accessibility and performance can go hand in hand,” said Rachael Zaluzec, SVP of Marketing & Customer Experience for Volkswagen of America. “His determination and passion make him the perfect partner as we at Volkswagen work to make our vehicles—and the road—a more inclusive space.”
The Driver Access program is starting concurrently with the Volkswagen Inclusive Environment Workforce (VIEW), Volkswagen of America’s Employee Resource Group (ERG), which is dedicated to disability inclusion and equity in the workplace and beyond. Through this broader effort, Volkswagen of America is committed to supporting underrepresented communities by re-imagining what mobility means for people of all abilities.
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About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
VW Driver Access Program adds Torsten Gross
Click for more.
Volkswagen of America* today announced a change to its Driver Access program with the addition of ambassador, a quadriplegic race-car driver. Volkswagen and Gross are working to make mobility more inclusive and empowering for drivers with physical disabilities. Through the Driver Access program, eligible customers can receive up to $1,000 in reimbursement for the purchase and installation of eligible adaptive equipment on new or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Volkswagen vehicles. The current program is open to eligible Volkswagen customers with a documented physical disability who purchase or lease an eligible vehicle.
“As someone who’s experienced both the challenges and the triumphs of adaptive driving, I’m honored to join VW in a mission to help others find their way forward,” said Torsten Gross. “Every time I get behind the wheel, whether it’s my race car or my street car, I’m reminded that possibilities are endless and through the Driver Access program, we’re opening that sense of freedom and confidence to even more Volkswagen drivers.”
As part of the association, Volkswagen of America is providing Gross with a 2025 GTI which he plans to specially outfit with adaptive equipment tailored to his needs.
Beyond working together to realize Torsten’s adapted GTI, Gross will serve as Volkswagen’s first Driver Access brand ambassador, bringing his trademark energy and purpose-driven voice to a variety of initiatives. He will consult on product accessibility, speak at public events and industry forums, and serve as a featured internal speaker across Volkswagen Group’s workforce.
“Torsten’s story is a powerful reminder that accessibility and performance can go hand in hand,” said Rachael Zaluzec, SVP of Marketing & Customer Experience for Volkswagen of America. “His determination and passion make him the perfect partner as we at Volkswagen work to make our vehicles—and the road—a more inclusive space.”
The Driver Access program is starting concurrently with the Volkswagen Inclusive Environment Workforce (VIEW), Volkswagen of America’s Employee Resource Group (ERG), which is dedicated to disability inclusion and equity in the workplace and beyond. Through this broader effort, Volkswagen of America is committed to supporting underrepresented communities by re-imagining what mobility means for people of all abilities.
*AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.