Sondermodellen

Sondermodellen, or Sondermodelle in German, refers to a category of product variants, most commonly in the automotive industry, consisting of limited-run versions of a base model created for a specific market, event, customer, or promotion. They typically differ from standard models in exterior and interior styling, equipment levels, engines, or driveline options, and carry unique badging or branding. Production runs are usually short and numbers limited, and the models may be announced through marketing campaigns or dealer networks.

The purpose of Sondermodellen is to appeal to particular customer segments, to test new design elements or technologies, to clear excess inventory, or to fit regional regulatory or market requirements. They can be offered at a fixed price, as part of a promotional package, or with exclusive options not available on the standard model. Availability is often restricted by region or by a limited selection of dealers.

The term is most common in German-speaking markets and in the European automotive industry, but the concept exists in other sectors as well. Documentation and marketing materials typically specify how the Sondermodell differs from the base model, and the designation appears in the model name, brochures, or badges.