TOP GEAR Dream couple with Tiguan S he is a popular model all over the world, he is a charismatic singer, and it is not just in America that Heidi Klum and Seal are considered to be the dream couple. Seal has long been associated with the Volkswagen Group. Now, Volkswagen has been able to secure the services of both as brand ambassadors. “Heidi Klum and Seal represent the modern family: they are natural, open-minded and have a global presence, just like Volkswagen,” commented Stephan Gruhsem, Manager of Group Communications, stating the reasons for the cooperation. The first joint appearance by the couple for Volkswagen was as part of a campaign for the new Tiguan. Following the photo shoot in Show star Heidi Klum and pop icon Seal are the new brand ambassadors for Volkswagen. They recently made their first appearance with the Tiguan By Thomas Bendix Photography: Heiko Prigge Double duo: Heidi Klum against a black Tiguan Sport & Style, Seal beside the white Tiguan Track & Field 10 Volkswagen Los Angeles, Volkswagen Magazine met Heidi Klum and Seal to talk about cars, America and her television show. Do you still remember the first car you owned? Heidi: Of course! It was a DAF – it looked awful, like a grandmother’s car. It went backwards as fast as it did forwards. It was at least a car that got me from A to B, and I was pleased to have one at all. But I always dreamed about having a Golf Convertible. Seal (smiling): My first car had a removable roof – it was a black Porsche Targa. I was 27, just getting my break as a singer and earning my first real money. As you both travel around the world so much, there probably isn’t much point in you owning a car… Heidi: Oh yes there is, with three children at any rate! My favourite car is the Multivan (Caravelle), it is the best people mover there is. There are five of us; the three children, Seal and me, and sometimes the nanny comes with us as well. We therefore take at least two pushchairs with us. When we are all sitting in it, it is like a home on the move, we have television with our favourite films and lots of toys when we are en route to the park. Who drives when you and Seal travel together? Heidi: We take turns; sometimes I drive, sometimes Seal does. We both love driving. How would you describe your style of driving? Seal: I think I am a nippy but safe driver. Heidi: I drive very carefully and responsibly, even when I am driving on my own. After all, I would not like to hurt anybody, either other people or myself. I am even more cautious when I have the children with me. I don’t put myself under pressure either and would rather arrive 10 minutes late than take a risk. Do you take your children on trips in the car? Heidi: We sometimes go to Disneyland, which is one-and-a-half to two hours each way. We all drove to Las Vegas once, which took five hours. But mostly we drive around in Los Angeles. When do you take the Tiguan? Seal: If the Tiguan is really to display its potential, there is nothing better than a snowboard trip to Mammoth Lakes in the Sierra Nevada in California. Heidi: I take the Tiguan when I am driving into town on my own or with Seal. The car is very reliable and wonderful to drive, and I can fit into any parking space. It has plenty of room inside which is good for my numerous shopping bags. You travel around the world a great deal as a singer, as a supermodel and as entrepreneurs. How do you manage to organise family life? Seal: Despite our jobs, we manage to lead a full family life. We believe that there is nothing more important than being together and with our family. Heidi: Yes, it is a question of priorities. The family comes first, everything else has to fit in with that. With three children it is important to plan our time: we have to think about a great deal in advance. The next series of Germany’s Next Top Model, supported by Volkswagen, was aired in Europe early this year. Do you enjoy your role as presenter? Heidi: I like the way that the show has developed. It is very realistic but entertaining at the same time. I love all aspects of the show, from planning to presenting it, to my role as mentor for the girls. I really enjoy it and I am already looking forward to the third series. Has looking at the modelling business from a different perspective changed your opinion of it? Heidi: The modelling world has changed, period. Nowadays actors, models and entertainers are, in part, doing the same job, which has made it difficult for the girls to gain a foothold on the scene. But that is what the business is like. I would like them to be well prepared – in the best possible way. Seal, what are your plans for 2008? Seal: I would like to go on a world tour with my family – I want to take my music to every corner of the earth and would like my wife, my daughter and my two sons to experience this as well. Two personalities, one car: Heidi Klum and Seal present the new Tiguan, which also has a dual character thanks to its different bodywork shapes. Volkswagen 11