As an auto engineer, Volkswagen group’s Wilfried Bockelmann’s dream was an umbrella that could be stowed in the driver’s side door panel.

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When he headed engineering for VW subsidiary Skoda, he got close with the Superb saloon. He put an umbrella slot in the car’s rear door, complete with a drain so the umbrella could be stowed even when wet.


The Superb’s front doors could not be altered because they were carried over intact from the VW Passat to save money, Automotive News Europe reported.


When he arrived at VW headquarters in Wolfsburg almost four years ago to head VW brand engineering, Bockelmann put the umbrella compartment exactly where he wanted it: in the driver’s door of the new VW Passat.


VW has even designed and engineered an umbrella for the slot that is large enough for two people, has an automatic opening and closing system and uses mould-resistant material.

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The umbrella costs €33 extra in Germany.