Strategy and Management

In order to achieve success in the marketplace, today companies need to show a firm, ongoing commitment to tackling the core challenges faced by modern society. Strategy 2018 represents Volkswagen’s adherence to a management philosophy based on sustainability and the pursuit of long-term goals.

In order to meet the goals we have set ourselves, we are conducting a far-reaching process of analysis as part of our future-research activities. This includes an ongoing study of the risks associated with climate change, safety and health-related aspects of personal transportation and the effects of globalisation and demographic shifts – all with the focus on customer expectations and our product development options. However, we are aware that these social challenges also offer great opportunities. For example, the ability to identify trends early can enable a company to safeguard its competitive edge.

An ongoing process
The results of our future-research are backed up by our Group Values, which set out sustainability as a basic value of our day-to-day work. As part of what is an ongoing process, we have commissioned the Coordination CSR and Sustainability office, set up in 2006, with a range of tasks aimed at embedding the principles of sustainable corporate management even more rigorously and systematically across all departments and levels of the Group through the use of appropriate systems and instruments.

We are aware of – and accept – our responsibility as an international Group to implement standards around the world that offer answers to the challenges of globalisation. Only by doing so can we meet our social responsibilities as a global group (employing almost 325,000 people) along our entire supply chain, and ensure the safety and satisfaction of all our employees.