Journalists from Germany and abroad attend the annual press conference in Wolfsburg
Balance sheet of a strong year
A second time makes this a tradition. Last year's annual press conference by the Volkswagen brand was a first. But the event being held this coming Wednesday, 14th of March 2018 has now almost become an institution for journalists and analysts from across the globe. Head of Brand, Herbert Diess, and his colleagues from the Board of Management will deliver a report on the previous year's progress in the Markenhochhaus brand tower in Wolfsburg. It was a year of records, but also one of upheaval. Around 100 national and international media representatives will be attending the event to hear more about reviews and forecasts, and to pose questions. Around the globe, their colleagues will be able to follow the proceedings live on the internet:
http://volkswagen.gomexlive.com/vw_live_pk/?lang=en
Confident brand appearance before the world's press
The majority of media representatives are expected to travel to the event directly from Berlin, as the capital is hosting the press conference on the Volkswagen Group's financial statements on Tuesday. Previously, the figures for the Volkswagen brand were also reported at this conference in detail. As a consequence, the brand did not need an event by itself. However, this has changed last year. The Group's largest brand now presents itself confidently at an event all of its own. It does so entirely in the name of transparency, as Herbert Diess explained last year.
This year's press conference will begin at 10 a.m. with the traditional photo shoot in the showroom of the Markenhochhaus. The members of the Board of Management will pose for photos in front of the T-Roc model on show there. This crossover enabled Volkswagen to access a new segment at the end of 2017 and, as the brand's newest all‑rounder, really stands out from the crowd of the world's most popular SUVs thanks to its modern sporty design. In doing so perfectly embodies the brand's aspirations.
A record-breaking year is followed by a positive start into the new year
Following the photo shoot, Herbert Diess and Member of the Board of Management for Finance, Arno Antlitz, will present the extensive set of figures for the previous year. And the results speak for themselves: Volkswagen delivered 6.23 million vehicles to customers in 2017. More than ever before. Almost half of these were sold in China, the world's largest vehicle market. Volkswagen experienced particularly strong growth in this region, posting an increase of almost six percent.
And the beginning of 2018 also saw the brand off to a great start, having achieved record sales figures. Herbert Diess will reveal further details at the event in Wolfsburg in addition to information on further plans for the expansion of electric mobility.
Then media representatives will have the opportunity to pose questions to the entire Board of Management who will be present. The progress of the strategic realignment of the Group is expected to be of particular interest. It was introduced under the banner TRANSFORM 2025+ and is already proving to be an impressive success. Obviously, customers trust the products.
A week of travel for Volkswagen reporters
Before lunch break, members of the Board of Management will mingle with the media and be available for one-on-one interviews. Herbert Diess, Arno Antlitz, and Member of the Board of Management responsible for Sales Jürgen Stackmann, will answer questions from analysts later.
For some of the representatives from the business press, the journey will then continue. With Audi holding its annual conference in Ingolstadt on Thursday, and Group subsidiary Porsche hosting its own in Stuttgart on Friday.
For Volkswagen Group reporters this is tradition, too: an exhaustive week of travelling in spring.
