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Human Resources and Organization
Human Resources and Organization
The Volkswagen brand employs some 200,000 people worldwide, with some 120,000 of them located in Germany. The brand stands for diversity, fairness, tolerance and equal opportunity, because that is the foundation for innovative strength, creativity and performance. With some 5,000 vocational trainees, Volkswagen is also very active in supporting young talent. The company offers its employees excellent career prospects in Germany and abroad and is deeply committed to its social responsibility as a good and reliable employer all over the world.
Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand
Press releases
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Live at Techno Classica 2019: apprentices Fábio and Marvin to complete Volkswagen Type 3 restoration
Exceptional training station: Fábio Lopes and Marvin Wiethölter will complete their restoration project this week at the Techno Classica classic car fair in Essen. Since December 2018, the apprentices at Volkswagen in Osnabrück have been rebuilding a classic Volkswagen Type 3. They have also given the hatchback sedan VW 1600 TL a more powerful Type 4 engine. The final is now scheduled for April 10th until 14th, when the future automotive mechatronics engineers for system and high-voltage technology will complete the 1968 classic at the Volkswagen Classic stand - live in front of ten thousands of visitors to the world's largest trade fair for classic cars. -
Volkswagen starts “Faculty 73” training program for IT specialists
The newly-established “Faculty 73” at Volkswagen has begun its training program for software developers. In the four weeks since the program got underway the 100 participants have already developed and programmed the first model vehicles and built a software-controlled miniature production line. Today, the Federal Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Hubertus Heil, was joined at the AutoUni in Wolfsburg by Human Resources Board Member, Gunnar Kilian, and the Chairman of the Works Council, Bernd Osterloh, to find out more about the successful start to the Group’s internal IT training program. Under the innovative program, participants are trained as software developers at Volkswagen over a two-year period. Students include employees who have completed their vocational training as well as PhD graduates. -
Girls’ Day 2019: 1,092 girls find out more about technical trades at Volkswagen
Volkswagen welcomed 1,092 female students from grades 6 to 10 for Girls’ Day 2019 on Thursday, March 28. The girls gained an insight into technical trades at ten locations throughout Germany and found out from young women and training staff why technical trades are varied, exciting and future-proof. Volkswagen is steadily working on increasing the share of women in technical trades. -
Diess: “Safeguarding our future can only succeed together”
The Chairman of Volkswagen called for better cooperation on future topics at Volkswagen during a works meeting held at the main plant in Wolfsburg. He gave a round-up of 2018 and looked ahead to 2019. Diess expressly thanked employees for their strong performance last year. At the same time, he emphasized that Volkswagen could only safeguard its future through joint efforts. He expressed his optimism that this endeavor would be successful. Diess said that Works Council Chairman Bernd Osterloh fought hard for the workforce, while at the same time taking an entrepreneurial approach. -
Volkswagen to pay performance-related bonus of €4,750
For 2018, the employees of Volkswagen AG covered by collective bargaining agreements are to receive a performance-related bonus of €4,750 gross. Compared with 2017, the bonus is therefore to rise by €650 gross. Human Resources Board Member Gunnar Kilian and Works Council Chairman Bernd Osterloh praised the performance of the team in the challenging year of 2018. They said that joint efforts would now pay off for each individual employee in the form of the bonus. -
Christian Senger becomes Brand Board of Management Member for new Digital Car & Services function
Christian Senger (44) becomes the Member of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Board of Management with responsibility for the new Digital Car & Services function effective March 1, 2019. He has also been appointed Head of the Digital Car & Services function for the Group. Senger thus assumes overall responsibility for the coordination and design of the Volkswagen Group’s digital activities, including software. -
New management structure for Volkswagen brand
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is consistently orienting its management structure towards future-oriented topics. In connection with the redistribution of tasks within the Volkswagen brand Board of Management, there are to be various changes including the creation of a new “Digital Car & Services” division with effect from March 1. This way, the brand aims to increase its implementation power and speed in view of the breathtaking pace of development in digitalization and automobile connectivity. -
Volkswagen idea management increases maximum incentive for improvement ideas to €75,000
Volkswagen has updated its idea management with a new works agreement. The new system came into effect on February 1 and has already been very well received by the workforce: Volkswagen AG employees submitted more than 750 ideas for improvement in the first few days alone. The incentives have also been upgraded: the maximum reward has been increased by almost 50 percent to €75,000. -
Curriculum vitae: Dr. Stephan Wöllenstein
CEO, Volkswagen Group China Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand CEO, Volkswagen China Passenger Cars Brand -
Volkswagen Board Member for Human Resources: only a united Europe can master structural change and safeguard social accord
The Volkswagen Board Member for Human Resources, Gunnar Kilian, gave a clear affirmation of the company’s commitment to Europe and announced Volkswagen would be formulating a clear call for votes in the European elections in May at the Group New Year Reception in Brussels. At the same time, Kilian underscored that the transformation to e-mobility and digitalization was a joint task for industry and policy makers. Kilian pointed out that Volkswagen was making massive investments in e-mobility, and commented that the transformation would only be successful if there is also progress in other areas such as establishing energy networks and charging infrastructure, European payment systems and the framework for battery cell production. “Even then, the transition to e-mobility still creates an enormous challenge in terms of employment policy”, Kilian said. That was why prudence was important when implementing regulations. “If we lose sight of the social factor, we are threatening the success of e-mobility.” -
Dr. Stephan Wöllenstein appointed to Volkswagen brand Board of Management
Dr. Stephan Wöllenstein, CEO of the Volkswagen brand in China, has been appointed to the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand effective February 1, 2019. -
Holocaust Remembrance Day at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg – wreath-laying and film “Bei uns nichts Neues”
On Holocaust Remembrance Day, Sunday, January 27, 2019 Volkswagen is commemorating the victims of murder, persecution and forced labor during the National Socialist dictatorship with a remembrance event at the Wolfsburg plant. -
Volkswagen introduces new remuneration model for top management
The Volkswagen Group has revised its top management remuneration system. The new model is based on the system used for the Board of Management, strengthens the Group idea and fosters cooperation between brands, regions and countries. In addition, the return targets of the Group are taken into account and a stronger link to share prices has been established. The main new features include greater emphasis on team performance and greater rewards for compliant, upright behavior; the system allows the possibility of taking individual wrongdoing into account in reducing remuneration. The new remuneration system applies from fiscal 2019. -
“Person of the Year 2018” – honor in China for former Volkswagen Chairman Prof. Dr. Carl Hahn
Prof. Dr. Carl H. Hahn, Former Chairman of the Volkswagen Board of Management (1982 – 1992), today received the accolade of “Person of the Year 2018“ in Beijing. The prestigious award presented by “China Newsweek“ magazine honors the pioneering role played by Dr. Hahn in the entry of Volkswagen to the market in the People’s Republic of China. -
Personnel changes in production
Dr. Oliver Grünberg, Previously Technical Director of Volkswagen OOO Group RUS and Plant Manager at Kaluga, Russia, is to be Chairman of the Board of Management and Board Member for Technology of Volkswagen Slovakia with effect from January 1, 2019. He succeeds Ralf Sacht, who is to be Head of Toolmaking of the Volkswagen brand in Wolfsburg from January. Grün-berg’s previous function is to be assumed from February 2019 by Stefan Depka, Head of Produc-tion with FAW Volkswagen in Foshan, China. -
Thomas Zahn new President and CEO of Volkswagen Group Argentina
Thomas Zahn, previously Head of Sales and Marketing, Germany, of Volkswagen AG, is to become President and CEO of Volkswagen Group Argentina S.A. effective February 1, 2019. Holger Santel already succeeded Thomas Zahn in his previous function with effect from November 1, 2018. -
Volkswagen Supervisory Board appoints Bram Schot to Group Board of Management
The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft today appointed Bram Schot a member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG effective January 1, 2019. Schot, appointed by the Supervisory Board of Audi AG as Board of Management Chairman of the company headquartered in Ingolstadt, will also hold responsibility for Group Sales in the Group Board of Management. “As Audi Board of Management Chairman, Bram Schot takes over an important task in the Group. With his long-standing experience he will prove Audi’s premium claim and successfully lead the brand with its “Vorsprung durch Technik” mission statement into the future”, the Chairman of the Audi Supervisory Board and Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen, Dr. Herbert Diess, said. -
Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn to become Chairman of Management Board of IAV
Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, currently head of Research and Development of the Volkswagen Group, is to become Chairman of the Management Board of IAV GmbH in Berlin with effect from January 1, 2019. Eichhorn’s previous function is to be assumed by Dr. Frank Welsch, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand responsible for Technical Development, in addition to his duties as Member of the Brand Board of Management in the future. -
Renewed improvement in mood among employees
Volkswagen employees see improvements in cooperation, management culture and integrity within the company. These are the conclusions to be drawn from the results of the Volkswagen Stimmungsbarometer (opinion barometer), an employee survey that regularly gives employees throughout the world an opportunity to express their views on topics such as leadership, coop-eration, integrity and culture while retaining their anonymity. This survey has now been held for the 10th year in succession. It was conducted in October and November and the results for Volkswagen AG are now available. -
Works meeting in Wolfsburg: praise for team’s achievements and look ahead to electric strategy
At today’s works meeting held at the Wolfsburg plant, Board Member for Human Resources Gunnar Kilian and Works Council Chairman Bernd Osterloh commended the achievements of plant employees as well as the entire Volkswagen workforce. They commented that 2018 had been a very challenging year for the plant and the brand in general. Nevertheless, the team showed great dedication. At the same time, the brand was accelerating its transformation towards e-mobility. -
Apprentices talk to Saxony’s Minister-President about Memorial Site work at Auschwitz, tolerance and respect
At the Transparent Factory in Dresden today, Volkswagen apprentices from Germany and Poland talked about their conservation work, encounters and experiences at Auschwitz Concentration Camp Memorial Site before an audience of employees and managers from Volkswagen Saxony. The Prime Minister of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, attended the event as guest of honor and discussed with the apprentices how young Poles and Germans understand history and can shape the future together. Other topics included cooperation between people from different cultures in international companies and the fundamental importance of tolerance and respect at the workplace and in public life. -
Volkswagen implements electric strategy consistently
Following Zwickau, Volkswagen intends to change its plants at Emden and Hanover in Germany over to the production of electric vehicles. After Zwickau, Volkswagen is there-fore establishing its second e-mobility center in Germany in Lower Saxony. CEO Dr. Her-bert Diess: “Volkswagen is implementing its electric offensive consistently. We are orient-ing the company towards clean mobility. This way, we are also ensuring sustainable pro-spects for the future of the two plants.” At a works meeting held on Wednesday in Emden, HR Board Member Gunnar Kilian outlined the principles of the project to employees. In Hanover, the Chairman of the Brand Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Dr. Thomas Sedran, presented the plans. The orientation towards the production of innovative electric vehicles is part of the plant allocation plans on which the Supervisory Board will decide in Wolfsburg on Friday. -
Volkswagen places software developers in pole position with its “Faculty 73“ project
Volkswagen is transforming itself from an automaker into a mobility provider and is now forcing the pace with the implementation of its strategy: in future, the company will be training hundreds of software developers itself. This is the objective of the innovative “Faculty 73” program which the Volkswagen Group Academy has developed specifi-cally for this purpose. Training for the first group of participants is to start in the spring of 2019 and the application and selection phase will start in October 2018. The program will prepare trainees for work as a software developer with Volkswagen and is intended for people who have completed their vocational training and have IT skills as well as internal and external applicants with appropriate qualifications. A de-gree is not required. -
Holger B. Santel to head Sales and Marketing Germany at Volkswagen brand passenger cars
Holger B. Santel, currently Executive Vice President of SAIC Volkswagen in China, is to head Sales and Marketing Germany at the Volkswagen brand passenger cars. In this function he succeeds Thomas Zahn, who is getting ready for other assignments in the Volkswagen Group. Santel will assume responsibility for the Volkswagen brand’s business in Germany effective Nobember 1st, 2018. -
Works meeting in Wolfsburg: team praised for improving efficiency and productivity
At today’s works meeting held at the Wolfsburg plant, Board Member for Human Resources Gunnar Kilian, Group and General Works Council Chairman Bernd Osterloh and Group Board of Management Member Oliver Blume thanked employees for their commitment in the first half of 2018. 34 special shifts were worked at the Wolfsburg plant in the first two quarters alone, and several thousand vehicles were produced and stored on an interim basis due to the WLTP test procedure ready for delivery once approvals have been issued by the authorities. Kilian underscored that Volkswagen will not let up in its efficiency efforts. Osterloh called for clarity for the workforce about plant operation in the 4th quarter. Blume emphasized that Group Production sees itself as a driver for efficiency, and gives the Group a clear competitive edge. -
Volkswagen sends out a clear signal in Chemnitz against xenophobia, discrimination, exclusion
Volkswagen Board members, Works Council members and employees sent out a clear signal against discrimination, xenophobia and exclusion at an information event at the Chemnitz engine plant on Friday. At the same time, they spoke up clearly respectful in favor of diversity and a respectful partnership with one another. For Volkswagen, these are unshakeable principles. -
Volkswagen to continue support for Formula Student Germany in next racing season
Volkswagen is continuing its involvement in Formula Student Germany (FSG) in the next racing season and will once again sponsor selected university teams entering the international design competition. In future, the company will focus more strongly on the “Driverless” category than has previously been the case in order to bring the innovation areas of electric drive systems and autonomous driving even closer together. At the Hockenheimring, the company also recruits new career entrants. Trainees and interns who were active in Formula Student have repeatedly joined Volkswagen. -
Online now: Volkswagen launches digital newsroom
Volkswagen announces the launch of a new digital offering for journalists, bloggers, online multipliers and brand fans: starting today, the Volkswagen Newsroom (www.volkswagen-newsroom.com) brings users the most important information, stories, images, videos and social media content from the world of Volkswagen. The new online service offers media professionals a central research and information platform and brings brand fans an interactive brand experience. -
Ralf Brandstätter named Chief Operating Officer of the Volkswagen brand
Ralf Brandstätter (49), Volkswagen brand Board member for Procurement, has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Volkswagen brand effective August 1, 2018. In this newly-created function, Brandstätter will lead the Volkswagen brand’s operating business. At the same time, he continues as the brand’s Board member for Procurement. -
Volkswagen steps up commitment to Formula Student and supports six university teams at Hockenheim
Volkswagen is stepping up its commitment to the international design competition Formula Student Germany (FSG). This year, Volkswagen is supporting six university teams which are entering nine racing cars – more than ever before. The Wolfsburg company is focusing on two categories: “Driverless” for autonomous vehicles and “Electric” for racing cars with electric drive systems. Just before the works holidays, Volkswagen invited the selected racing teams to a warm-up training session at its Ehra-Lessien proving grounds for initial test laps and the fine tuning of their cars. Formula Student Germany is to be held on the Hockenheimring from August 7 to 12, 2018. -
Supervisory Board appoints Dr. Stefan Sommer Group Board Member for Procurement
The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft has appointed Dr. Stefan Sommer (55) as the Board Member with responsibility for Procurement effective latest January 1, 2019. Sommer was Chief Executive Officer of ZF Friedrichshafen AG until the end of 2017. In his new function he succeeds Dr. Francisco Javier Garcia Sanz, who left the Company in April at his own request. -
Electric offensive: Volkswagen trains top experts for the production of the ID. family
The Volkswagen brand is moving ahead with preparations for its major electric offensive and launching a comprehensive e-mobility competence program. Within the framework of the “Future Electronic Engineer Program” (FEEP), 100 young engineers and skilled workers throughout the world will be trained as top production experts. As start of production specialists, they will occupy future-oriented positions in planning, the pilot hall, the e-mobility model group, the pre-series center and electronics development. The first participants to complete the three-year program will support the run-up phase of the ID. family, the new generation of full-electric vehicles based on the modular electrification toolkit (MEB) in Zwickau. -
Double premiere at GTI meeting – apprentices from Wolfsburg and Zwickau present the Golf show cars they have developed
Tomorrow, on May 9, the day they have been waiting for will finally arrive for two teams of Volkswagen apprentices. The double premiere of the special unique Golf show cars they have developed and built themselves as to take place at the 37th GTI meeting. Each year, tens of thousands of automobile fans come to Lake Wörthersee for the legendary event. Volkswagen’s budding specialists will be presenting their show cars to a large audience there: the Golf GTI Next Level (from Wolfsburg) and the Golf Estate TGI GMOTION (from Zwickau). -
Fit for the future — training at Volkswagen with iPads, online learning, teamwork and augmented reality
Vocational training at Volkswagen has a firm foundation for the future but will continue to change considerably over the next few years. This is the conclusion of the first “Future Training Forum” for all plants which has now been held in Wolfsburg. The main focus of the conference was on best-practice examples as well as discussions concerning future topics such as digitalization and networking, present and future learning environments, the role of instructors and the new skills of apprentices. -
Intensified customer experience: Volkswagen creates new Holistic User Experience (HUX) Division
Volkswagen is consistently preparing itself to become the most user centered mobility brand. Therefore, the company establishes the new Holistic User Experience (HUX) division headed by Dr. Matthias Erb. In his new role he reports directly to the CEO of the Volkswagen brand, Dr. Herbert Diess. -
Karen Kutzner to be Board Member for Finance of Volkswagen Slovakia
Karen Kutzner, previously Head of Accounting and Payroll Accounting of the Volkswagen brand has been appointed as Board Member for Finance of Volkswagen Slovakia a.s. with effect from June 1, 2018. In this position, she succeeds Jens Kellerbach, who is to be Head of Controlling, Vehicle Production and Logistics of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand. -
Second workshop visit on the way to the Wörthersee: Apprentices reveal – Wörthersee GTI 2018 will appear at GTI meeting with White Silver metallic paintwork
The first secret is out of the bag: the Wörthersee GTI 2018 will travel to the 37th GTI meeting (May 9 to 12) with White Silver metallic paintwork. The 15 apprentices and on the team still have about seven weeks’ time, after which their Wörthersee showcar must be ready to travel on its wide wheels before being covered up and loaded. Seven women and eight men from eight different vocations are currently working on a unique Golf GTI in line with their own ideas. The world premiere is to take place on May 9 in Maria Wörth, in the Austrian state of Carinthia. The sporty GTI family, consisting of the Golf GTI, Polo GTI und up! GTI, has many fans throughout the world. Each year, tens of thousands of them come to Lake Wörthersee for the legendary GTI meeting. -
First workshop visit on the way to the Wörthersee: Apprentices from Wolfsburg and Zwickau make show cars for the 2018 GTI meeting
In Zwickau and Wolfsburg, apprentices from Volkswagen are currently making two show cars for the 37th GTI meeting to be held at Lake Wörthersee. The double premiere is due to take place at Maria Wörth in Austria on May 9 and will be watched by many thousands of automobile fans. At the start of the project, the 30 or so young people discussed their ideas and concepts at a "Meeting before the GTI meeting". Discussions focused on technical implementation, especially using CAD and 3-D printer systems. The budding specialists were also interested in digitalization and networking within the vehicle, for example using app control systems they had programmed themselves and a mobile Internet connection. -
Volkswagen to pay employees covered by collective bargaining agreements a performance-related bonus of €4,100
For 2017, the employees of Volkswagen AG covered by collective bargaining agreements are to receive a performance-related bonus of €4,100 gross, including a special reward. This bonus is based on the two-year calculation period laid down in collective bargaining agreements. In addition, the Board of Management had decided, following discussions with the Works Council Chairmen of the Brunswick, Emden, Hanover, Kassel, Salzgitter and Wolfsburg plants, to add a special reward to the bonus in recognition of the special dedication of the workforce and the outstanding business success of the company. -
Works meeting in Wolfsburg: Brand CEO Diess thanks the Volkswagen workforce for a successful 2017
During today's works meeting held at the Wolfsburg plant, Dr. Herbert Diess, the CEO of the Volkswagen brand, praised the work done by the company's approximately 200,000 employees around the world. The year of 2017 was a strenuous and difficulty one, Diess said. Nonetheless, Volkswagen was able to turn it into a very successful one, he added. The company must now remain on this course in months to come and speed up its efforts, the executive said. With 6.23 million deliveries, the brand set a sales record last year. In the process, it played a major role in the success of the entire Group as well. -
Volkswagen and IG Metall successfully conclude pay negotiations
Volkswagen and IG Metall brought their negotiations on the company collective agreement to a successful conclusion in Hanover on Tuesday night. Base pay for employees covered by the collective agreement is to be increased by 4.3 percent effective May 1, 2018. In addition, employees are to receive a one-off payment of €100 for the months from February to April 2018. An additional annual payment of 27.5 percent of a month's salary from August 2019, which may be converted into six days of leave by special groups of employees, has also been introduced. From July 2019, a monthly payment of €90 is to be made to the company pension scheme; from January 2020, the figure will rise of to €98. In future, project working time arrangements are to be changed. The collective agreement has a term of 27 months. -
2018 pay negotiations at Volkswagen continued
The negotiating committees of Volkswagen AG and the IG Metall trade union have today continued their pay negotiations in Hanover. "At today's meeting, we submitted our proposals for a pay agreement to IG Metall. Our offer includes a pay increase in two stages starting with 3.5 percent from May 2018 and followed by a second stage of 2.0 percent, with a total term of 30 months. In addition, we proposed to IG Metall to significantly increase the company pension scheme," said Martin Rosik, leader of the Volkswagen committee and Head of Human Resources of the Volkswagen brand, after the meeting. -
Holocaust Remembrance Day 2018: Volkswagen apprentices commemorate suffering, murder and survival in Auschwitz
Over the next few days, the International Auschwitz Committee (IAC) and apprentices from Volkswagen are commemorating the victims of National Socialism at remembrance events. The young people from Wolfsburg and Hanover took part in care and preservation work at the concentration camp memorial site near the Polish town of Oświęcim last year. At events in Berlin, Munich and Wolfsburg , the young women and men are reporting on what they learnt from eyewitnesses about suffering, murder and survival at the former Nazi extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. The occasion is the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, on which the world remembers the liberation of Auschwitz by the Red Army on January 27, 1945 and commemorates the victims of dictatorship and racial hatred. -
Changes in Volkswagen brand Board of Management
The Volkswagen brand is strengthening the area of e-mobility and creating a separate Board of Management division for e-mobility. With effect from February 1, 2018, responsibility for the division, which includes the e-mobility series and production of vehicles on the new MEB platform at the future e-mobility plants of the Volkswagen brand throughout the world, is to be assumed by Thomas Ulbrich, previously Board of Management Member of the Volkswagen brand responsible for Production and Logistics. Ulbrich is to be succeeded, also with effect from February 2018, as Board Member for Production by Dr. Andreas Tostmann, previously Executive Vice-President for Production of the SEAT brand. -
Technical Development expands battery competence
In the future, Frank Blome is to head the Battery Cell Center of Excellence of the Volkswagen brand. Blome, previously Chairman of the Management Board of Deutsche ACCUmotive GmbH, is to assume the newly created function with effect from January 1, 2018. -
Start of 2017 pay negotiations at Volkswagen
The negotiating committees of the company and the IG Metall trade union met today in Hanover for the start of pay negotiations for Volkswagen AG. The leader of the Volkswagen committee, Martin Rosik, Head of Human Resources of the Volkswagen Passenger Car brand, said: "Volkswagen faces tremendous challenges. The future of Volkswagen is at stake. Digitalization and e-mobility call for huge investments. The company needs to earn these funds. A reasonable pay settlement is therefore more important than ever before." -
Kurt Blumenröder to be Head of Powertrain Development of the Volkswagen brand
Kurt Blumenröder, previously Speaker of the Management Board of IAV GmbH, is to be Head of Powertrain Development of the Volkswagen brand from January 1, 2018. In this position, he succeeds Friedrich Eichler, who was appointed Head of Chassis Development of the Volkswagen brand with effect from September 1. -
Positive interim assessment after one year of pact for the future
The Volkswagen brand is on track for success with the pact for the future. This is the interim assessment given by the Board of Management and the General Works Council 12 months following the signature of the agreement. To date, €1.9 billion of efficiency savings have already been achieved, corresponding to 96 percent of the target set for 2017. As regards partial early retirement, Volkswagen is also on the right track, having already reached 94 percent of the target for 2020. The pact for the future lays the foundation for the Volkswagen brand's "Transform 2025+" strategy. From 2020, this strategy is to have a positive impact of €3.7 billion per year on earnings and to make the brand significantly more efficient and competitive. -
Personnel changes in Sales
Manfred Kantner, previously Head of Sales International of the Volkswagen brand, is the new Head of Sales Europe of the brand in the future. In this function, he succeeds Dr. Wolf-Stefan Specht, who is transferring to Volkswagen Group Polska as Managing Director. In this position, Specht has taken over from Achim Schaible, who is the new Head of Sales International of the Volkswagen brand. The changes took effect from November 1, 2017. -
Apprentices of 2017 intake form a strong team – 626 apprentices and students build a giant raft and cross the Allersee
The new apprentices who joined Volkswagen 2017 are a strong team. This is the result of the "team building" training unit held today on the Allersee with 626 apprentices from 24 different training vocations. Work started at 9 a.m. at the DLRG tower. About two and a half hours later, the young people travelled the length of the Allersee on a giant raft with an area of 675 square meters, reaching their destination: the beach in front of the Colombian pavilion. -
Works meeting in Wolfsburg: Pact for the future boosts human resources transformation
At today's works meeting held at Volkswagen's main plant in Wolfsburg, Volkswagen Group Board of Management Members Dr. Karlheinz Blessing (Human Resources, Organization and IT) and Frank Witter (Finance) summed up the first half of 2017, explained the progress achieved to date with the pact for the future and presented the outlook for the next few months. -
Personnel changes in the Product Lines and Technical Development
In future, the Product Line Small of the Volkswagen brand is to be headed by Andreas Krüger (50), previously Head of the Pre-Series Center. In this position, he succeeds Klaus-Gerhard Wolpert (60), who is retiring on October 1, 2017. The new Head of the Product Line Mid-/Fullsize is to be Dr. Stefan Gies (54), previously Head of Chassis Development. He succeeds Dr. Elmar-Marius Licharz (47), who will be Head of the new Digitalization Finance Department of the Volkswagen Group. The new Head of Chassis Development is to be Friedrich Eichler (57), previously Head of Powertrain Development. The new appointments are to take effect as of September 1, 2017. -
Personnel changes in Sales
Effective September 1, 2017, Jochen Sengpiehl (48) is to be the new Head of Marketing of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand. He succeeds Xavier Chardon (45), who is to become Head of the Digitalization China Project House of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand in Beijing with effect from September 1. In this function, Chardon is to be responsible for key future topics of the Volkswagen brand in China. -
Note to editors: Change at Communications
Florian Urbitsch (44) has been appointed as Head of Product Communications of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand with immediate effect. He succeeds Dominik Hoberg, who has left the company. -
Volkswagen brand continues to boost productivity – also in management
The Volkswagen brand is consistently implementing the pact for the future in all areas of the company. The achievement of the 2017 productivity targets is proceeding to schedule; this also applies to personal reduction and the optimization of the human resources structure. The partial early retirement scheme for employees born between 1955 and 1960 will have a significant effect. It also concerns management. "We are expecting our management levels to become younger and slimmer," said the CEO of the Volkswagen brand, Dr. Herbert Diess. -
Jost Capito to manage Volkswagen R GmbH and Volkswagen Zubehör GmbH in the future
With effect from June 1, 2017, Jost Capito (58) is to be Managing Director of Volkswagen R GmbH and Volkswagen Zubehör GmbH. Volkswagen R GmbH is the competence center for design- and performance-oriented products of the Volkswagen brand. Volkswagen Zubehör GmbH develops and markets vehicle accessories throughout the world. Jost Capito succeeds Ulrich Riestenpatt gt. Richter (58), who had been managing director since 2009. Mr. Riestenpatt gt. Richter had already become the Plant Manager at Osnabrück as Speaker of the Management Board and Managing Director, Technical, of Volkswagen Osnabrück GmbH in October 2016 in parallel to his other responsibilities. -
Wolfsburg apprentices present first GTI that also features electric drive system at Wörthersee meeting
Tomorrow, a very special Golf GTI is to make its world debut at the Wörthersee meeting. 13 apprentices from Volkswagen and Sitech are waiting anxiously as they will be presenting the first GTI that also features electric propulsion: the Golf GTI First Decade. The name indicates that this show car is the 10th apprentices' GTI to be presented by talented young people from Wolfsburg at the traditional GTI fans' meeting in Austria. The Golf GTI First Decade was created in slightly less than nine months on the basis of ideas provided by apprentices in six vocations. In the interior and exterior design, the five women and eight men were inspired by the many and varied blue tones of water and sky on the Wörthersee. -
Wörthersee GTI 2017, preview, part 2: 10th apprentices' GTI is "seaworthy" for Wörthersee premiere
Volkswagen plant Wolfsburg, Quality Assurance, Final Vehicle Inspection. 13 apprentices from Volkswagen and Sitech are really wired up: this is the final quality audit for their Wörthersee GTI 2017. Experts are closely scrutinizing their unique Golf GTI. The budding skilled workers from six training vocations have equipped the car with optical and technical refinements selected in line with their own tastes – for example with an intuitive app control feature for the driver's seat using a tablet PC. The apprentices with project manager Holger Schülke are relieved and rather proud when the quality assurance people raise their thumbs appreciatively. The apprentices' GTI 2017 is "seaworthy" for its premiere on the Wörthersee on Wednesday, May 24. -
The Wörthersee GTI 2017: Apprentices design unique car fast and efficiently using digital technologies
The Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg, Vocational Training, Hall 103. Screened off by partitions, Volkswagen and Sitech apprentices are completing their work on a unique vehicle: the Wörthersee GTI 2017. The 13 apprentices in six vocations have designed, developed and built the show car in accordance with their ideas using digital technologies. In a few days, they will be presenting it at the 36th GTI meeting, which is to be held at Maria Wörth on Wörthersee from May 24 to 27. -
How Volkswagen is developing the car of the future virtually
Bright sunlight floods the Volkswagen Virtual Engineering Lab in Wolfsburg. Two dozen screens flicker, some of them showing graphics and others hundreds of lines of program code. In the center of the room, there is a scale 1:4 model of a Golf. Frank Ostermann inspects the model, and then he changes its wheels, replaces the rear lights and modifies the wing mirrors. Ostermann uses voice commands and gestures to change the design. It is all completed in a matter of seconds. Augmented reality makes it possible. The software required was developed in the Virtual Engineering Lab and the team's results could revolutionize the work of engineers and designers. -
Human resources professionals are committed to transparency and cooperation for the implementation of the pact for the future
The human resources transformation was the main focus of a major human resources conference held by the Volkswagen brand in Wolfsburg on Wednesday. The topics covered ranged from previous experience with the implementation of the human resources transformation within the framework of the pact for the future to the next steps and best practice examples. About 200 human resources professionals and members of the Works Council took part. The conclusion of the conference was: transparency and cooperation are essential in order to reach the targets agreed under the pact for the future. -
Works meeting in Wolfsburg: Volkswagen making good progress with realignment
Important milestones despite difficult conditions, strategic foundations for a successful future and the realignment of the Volkswagen brand were the main issues at today's works meeting at Volkswagen's main plant in Wolfsburg. "Together, we put up a strong performance in 2016 and achieved a great deal despite the headwind. We have initiated the fundamental realignment of Volkswagen to lead our brand into a good and secure future", Dr. Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, said. Volkswagen took key strategic steps towards realigning the company last year with the signing of the ‘Zukunftspakt' (pact for the future), the presentation of the brand's new Transform 2025+ strategy and the electric offensive. Together with further progress in processing the diesel crisis and a global model offensive, these steps lay the foundation for a positive future. -
100 CSR projects throughout the world: Volkswagen brand fosters talents and transformation in Brazil
Throughout the world, the Volkswagen brand is involved in numerous environmental and social projects beyond the factory gates. 100 current CSR projects are highlighted by the Sustainability Report of the Volkswagen Group and featured on an interactive world map (www.sustainabilityreport2015.volkswagenag.com/csr-projects). -
Engineering students from China head for dual master's degree with Volkswagen
From China to Germany for a dual Master of Science degree: two female students and five male students from Tongji University in Shanghai have started a two-year graduate program supported by Volkswagen, Brunswick University of Technology and the renowned Tongji University. The program includes an introductory week in Wolfsburg, two internships with Volkswagen and the dual master's course at Brunswick University of Technology. -
100 CSR projects around the world: Volkswagen brand improves water supply, medical care and educational opportunities in India
Throughout the world, the Volkswagen brand is involved in numerous environmental and social projects beyond the factory gates. 100 current CSR projects are highlighted by the Sustainability Report of the Volkswagen Group and featured on an interactive world map (www.sustainabilityreport2015.volkswagenag.com/csr-projects). This commitment to sustainability in a variety of areas is intended to contribute actively to realizing the global development targets laid down in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030. -
100 CSR projects around the world: Volkswagen brand supports greater equality of opportunity in South Africa
Throughout the world, the Volkswagen brand is involved in well over 100 environmental and social projects beyond the factory gates. This is highlighted by the Sustainability Report of the Volkswagen Group. An interactive world map shows all the current CSR projects (www.sustainabilityreport2015.volkswagenag.com/csr-projects). -
TRANSFORM 2025+ Volkswagen presents its strategy for the next decade
Volkswagen is comprehensively repositioning itself. The Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand has decided on the TRANSFORM 2025+ program which will set the course for the brand over the next decade and beyond. The new strategy focuses on clearer brand positioning across the various regions and segments, backed by significant improvements in efficiency and productivity. At the same time, the brand will be making massive investments in e-mobility and connectivity. Enthusiastic customers, earnings power ensuring a secure future, sustainable mobility and a new team culture will lay the foundation for the Volkswagen brand's journey to the future. The new vision which is valid throughout the world is: "Volkswagen: Moving People Forward". -
Volkswagen concludes pact for greater economic viability and a more secure future
The Board of Management and General Works Council of Volkswagen have signed a pact for the future in Wolfsburg following constructive negotiations. This pact will initiate the return of the Volkswagen brand to a path of profitable growth. The program for the German plants with about 120,000 employees is to significantly improve the competitiveness of the Volkswagen brand and to make the company fit for the future. It will lay the foundation for the transformation of Volkswagen from a pure automaker into a successful mobility service provider in the age of digitalization and increasing e-mobility. The main focus is on reorientation across the entire value stream. By 2020, the Volkswagen brand intends to be completely repositioned. Compulsory redundancies are to be excluded and the workforce is to be reduced in a socially compatible way. At the same time, new jobs are to be created in future-oriented areas. Specifically, the pact for the future is to have a positive impact on earnings of €3.7 billion per year by 2020. Of this figure, the German facilities will account for €3.0 billion. Over the next few years, investments of about €3.5 billion in future-oriented areas of these facilities are planned. This will result in the creation of 9,000 jobs. On the other hand, there is to be a loss of up to 23,000 jobs in conventional areas in Germany, which will be accomplished in a socially compatible way. -
Volkswagen Group appoints international Sustainability Council
The Volkswagen Group is strengthening its sustainability management and appoints an international top-class Sustainability Council. The council members will advise the Group Board of Management on the topics of sustainable mobility, environmental protection, and social responsibility as well as integrity, the future of work, and digitisation. They will be independent and not obliged to follow instructions. -
Volkswagen makes mobile, flexible working easier
In future, Volkswagen employees will be able to ensure greater compatibility between their work and private lives. The foundations have been laid by a works agreement on mobile working signed by the company and the Works Council on the occasion of a meeting of Works Council members in Wolfsburg. -
Volkswagen proposes resolutions ratifying the actions of all members of the Board of Management and of the Supervisory Board at the Annual General Meeting
The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG has recommended to Volkswagen's 2016 Annual General Meeting that the actions of the serving members of the Board of Management in fiscal year 2015 be ratified. Based on its own review, the Board of Management has reached a corresponding decision. This is stated in the invitation to the 56th Annual General Meeting in Hanover on June 22, 2016, which will be published on May 12. The Supervisory Board points out that the proposed ratification by the Annual General Meeting does not imply any waiver of possible compensation claims. -
Dr. Hessa Sultan Al-Jaber to be appointed to the Volkswagen Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG is nominating Dr. Hessa Sultan Al-Jaber for election by shareholders to the Supervisory Board. Dr. Hessa Sultan Al-Jaber is to take office on the Supervisory Board on behalf of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), succeeding Akber Al Baker. The Supervisory Board wishes to thank Mr. al Baker for his close cooperation in a spirit of trust. -
40 years of the Golf GTI – 40 years of hearts beating faster: Volkswagen apprentices from Wolfsburg present their Golf GTI Heartbeat with 400 PS (295 kW) at Wörthersee meeting
40 years of the Golf GTI. World premiere on the Wörthersee. Hearts beating faster with anticipation: today, 12 trainees from Volkswagen and Sitech Sitztechnik are presenting their 400 PS (295 kW) Golf GTI Heartbeat in Austria at the international meeting of GTI fans. Fantastic sound, a contrasting color scheme, a honeycomb design and heartbeat symbols as well as a sound system with 1,360 watts from seven speakers make it quite clear: the interior and exterior design of the Golf GTI Heartbeat presented by the budding carmakers is inspired by the emotion of the GTI and the 40th anniversary of the Golf GTI. The unique GTI based on a standard Golf GTI Performance was created in slightly less than nine months on the basis of ideas developed by apprentices aged between 20 and 26 training in five different vocations. -
Significant reduction in variable Board of Management remuneration
In the light of the current overall situation of the Volkswagen Group, the Supervisory Board and the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft have agreed on a reduction in variable Board of Management remuneration for the 2015 fiscal year. -
Volkswagen Group Board of Management and Works Council agree on joint framework agreement for future direction
The CEO of Volkswagen AG, Matthias Müller, and the Volkswagen General Works Council Chairman, Bernd Osterloh, reached agreement on the next concrete steps in the Volkswagen 2025 initiative today (Monday). There is a consensus that the negotiations called for last week by employee representatives are to include in particular measures to safeguard locations under Planning Round 65 alongside a strategy 2025 for the Volkswagen brand to be drafted together with the Volkswagen brand Board of Management under the leadership of Dr. Herbert Diess. -
Personnel Changes in the management of Volkswagen Truck & Bus GmbH
The governing body of Volkswagen Truck & Bus GmbH is being reorganized. -
Volkswagen CIO Martin Hofmann: IT experts in our labs work the Silicon Valley way
Volkswagen Group IT consistently uses agile workstyles and intensive cooperation with universities, technology partners and Volkswagen Group departments to develop digital solutions. At the new Volkswagen Digital:Lab in Berlin, the Group is working on this in a strategic partnership with software developer Pivotal. IT experts from Volkswagen and Pivotal jointly develop innovative software and mobility solutions for networked customers together with specialists from Technical Development and Sales. -
Rothenpieler to head Volkswagen Group Quality Assurance
Hans-Joachim Rothenpieler, currently Board Member for Technical Development at the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand, will head Group Quality Assurance effective February 15, 2016. He succeeds Frank Tuch, who is leaving the company at his own request. Rothenpieler's successor is Dr. Harald Ludanek, currently Member of the Scania Executive Board and Executive Vice President, Head of Research and Development. In his new function Rothenpieler reports to the CEO of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, Matthias Müller. -
Hinrich J. Woebcken to head North America region
Volkswagen has appointed Hinrich J. Woebcken Head of the North America region effective April 1, 2016. He therefore assumes responsibility for all the activities of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand in the region. The company is thus moving forward with strategic reinforcement in the regions and is bundling development, procurement, production and sales activities in the USA, Mexico and Canada. -
Next step in clarifying the CO2 issue
The Volkswagen Group reports that the vehicles of the 2016 model year affected by the CO2 issue have been identified. There is thus now clarity about the new vehicles of the current model year out in the marketplace. On 3 November 2015, the Group had already reported that irregularities may have arisen in determining the CO2 figures for type approval of around 800,000 vehicles. This was identified during its own currently ongoing investigations and had been made public. -
Group Board of Management and Works Council agree on joint steps
The CEO of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, Matthias Müller, and the Chairman of the Group Works Council of Volkswagen AG, Bernd Osterloh, agreed on the further procedure for investment and capacity planning today (Monday). A series of talks between the Board of Management and the employee representative body will take place over the coming ten days in order to find a common path for the future of the company. -
Clarification moving forward: internal investigations at Volkswagen identify irregularities in CO2 levels
The Volkswagen Group is moving forward with the clarification of the diesel issue: during the course of internal investigations irregularities were found when determining type approval CO2 levels. Based on present knowledge around 800,000 vehicles from the Volkswagen Group could be affected. An initial estimate puts the economic risks at approximately two billion euros. The Board of Management of Volkswagen AG will immediately start a dialog with the responsible type approval agencies regarding the consequences of these findings. This should lead to a reliable assessment of the legal, and the subsequent economic consequences of this not yet fully explained issue. -
Statement of the Supervisory Board on irregularities in CO2 levels
The Supervisory Board is deeply concerned by the discovery of irregularities found when determining CO2 levels for the type approval of Volkswagen Group vehicles. These irregularities came to light during the clarification process which, as announced, is being relentlessly and comprehensively pursued. The Supervisory Board and the special committee set up for the purpose of clarification will meet in the very near future to consult on further measures and consequences. The Supervisory Board will continue to ensure swift and meticulous clarification. In this regard, the latest findings must be an incentive for the Supervisory Board and the Board of Management to do their utmost to resolve such irregularities and rebuild trust. -
Matthias Müller unveils next steps for the Volkswagen Group
Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, has announced the five key steps to realign the Group. "We have to look beyond the current situation and create the conditions for Volkswagen's successful further development", said Müller in Wolfsburg on Wednesday. He presented a five point plan that he intends to use so that Volkswagen remains one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers in the future. Müller is confident that "Volkswagen will emerge from the current situation stronger than before". He announced that the cornerstones of the Group's Strategy 2025 will be presented next year. -
Volkswagen confirms: EA288 engines designed for EU5 and EU6 are not affected
Volkswagen confirms today that no software constituting an improper defeat device as defined in law is installed in vehicles with EA 288 EU5 as well as EU6-engines in the European Union. Consequently, new vehicles of the Volkswagen Group offered within the European Union with those engines comply with legal requirements and environmental standards. -
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) decides on recall for affected EA 189 diesel vehicles
Volkswagen welcomes the swift decision by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) to implement the timetable and plan of measures submitted last week by issuing a recall. This decision gives customers clarity with regard to the continued unrestricted use of the vehicles. -
Volkswagen Brand Board of Management takes strategic decisions
The newly-formed Volkswagen Brand Board of Management took further strategic decisions at a special meeting. CEO Dr. Herbert Diess announced major product decisions: a reorientation of the diesel strategy with the most advanced technologies, the development of a standardized electric architecture for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, and a new approach for the next generation of the Phaeton. Investments are to be reduced by some one billion euros per year, the efficiency program is to be accelerated. -
Statement from the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG
At its meeting today, the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft elected Hans Dieter Pötsch (64) as its Chairman with immediate effect. The Supervisory Board appointed Frank Witter (56), previously Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Financial Services AG, to succeed Pötsch as Member of the Board of Management with responsibility for Finance and Controlling. -
Matthias Müller: "We will overcome this crisis"
Speaking at a works meeting in Wolfsburg today the CEO of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, Matthias Müller, promised employees "swift and relentless clarification" of the emissions scandal. He said that what had happened went against everything the Group and its people stand for and that there was no excuse. At the same time he encouraged employees to take heart: "We can and we will overcome this crisis, because Volkswagen is a group with a strong foundation. And above all because we have the best automobile team anyone could wish for." He added that the company would do everything it could to ensure that Volkswagen continues to stand for good and secure jobs in the future. -
Statement from the Executive Committee of Volkswagen AG's Supervisory Board following its meeting on September 30, 2015
In seven hours of intense discussions the Executive Committee of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG yesterday (September 30) discussed the current status with respect to the manipulation of diesel engine exhaust emissions. The Executive Committee will make proposals to the Supervisory Board concerning the further handling of these matters.
Stories
"Department 73" has started
More than 1,500 candidates had applied. On April 1, 2019, the first 100 participants officially started the innovative program “Faculty 73.” In two years’ time, they will start as software developers for the automotive industry.
The two and the type three
Two apprentices from Volkswagen Osnabrück are restoring a historique automobile, from 1968 for the classic car trade fair Techno-Classica 2019. They are learning the basics of car construction in the process – before they start building the electric cars of the future.
Just do it!
Jane Rusch and Pia Rzepka are both 19 years old and in their third year of training to become mechatronics engineers at Volkswagen. They are organizing the Girls’Day for their department and explain to us why this day is so important.
How to juggle family and work?
Assuming responsibility for a job and a family – it’s nothing short of a Herculean task. As a family friendly employer, Volkswagen helps its employees pull it off.
Learning from the best
For the Best Apprentice Award ceremony, 46 of the best apprentices in the Volkswagen Group were guests in Wolfsburg for four days.
Into pole position with “Faculty 73”
Volkswagen AG is now training its own new generation of IT experts. Interested applicants with “IT passion” from both inside and outside of the Group can apply until November 4. In spring 2019, the first 100 participants will start with the innovative “Faculty 73” program, a two-year course culminating in a junior software developer qualification. In 2021, the future co-workers will then be in pole position to launch their careers in a promising field. In addition, they will be given contracts for permanent employment at Volkswagen.
