Strategy 2018

Strategy 2018 has been drawn up on the back of a systematic analysis of social developments and plays a crucial role in safeguarding the Group’s ability to meet the tests of the future. As such it takes its lead firmly from our seven Group Values, which since 2003 have formed the basis for the work of our almost 325,000 employees around the world.

One key concept in our strategy is the principle of sustainability, which dictates that, in our daily work, we must take account of the goals defined by the company, and that we are responsible for successfully maintaining a long-term balance between economic, environmental and social goals. Here we focus primarily on the central issues of “cost-effectiveness and value enhancement”, “technical expertise and quality”, and “the environment and social responsibility”. At the same time, safeguarding the future in all respects is a core duty of management.

Opportunities and risks of climate change
As part of Strategy 2018 we have identified the opportunities and risks presented by climate change and worked out projects and measures aimed at promoting environmental protection. On the one hand, these are linked directly to our products, the technologies imbedded in them and their content; on the other they focus squarely on the processes and structures within the company.

Optimising the return on investment
Several hundred senior managers at the Group have set out and extensively developed central basic positions. Since 2004, all the brands and divisions involved have been working to put the primarily quality-related Group Strategy goals into practice. Many measures were deployed in the period under review. We have also been working hard in other areas, where certain strategic elements have yet to be fully worked out.

The long-term development of the return on investment in the Automotive Division and thus the reported operating profit are areas where we are aiming to make further progress. We are continuing to focus all our energies on the goal of enhancing these areas through the product measures and market development strategies we have introduced.