The Volkswagen Group stands as a global leader in the automotive industry, and at the heart of its operations lie a set of core Volkswagen Values. These values are not merely corporate slogans; they are the guiding principles that shape the company’s culture, drive its decisions, and define its responsibility towards employees, customers, and the wider world. These Volkswagen values are encapsulated in the “Volkswagen Group Essentials,” serving as the bedrock for a shared corporate ethos.
At the foundation of Volkswagen’s ethical framework are seven essential values: responsibility, honesty, bravery, diversity, pride, solidarity, and reliability. Responsibility underscores the commitment to acting conscientiously and sustainably in all aspects of the business. Honesty demands transparency and integrity in communication and actions, building trust with stakeholders. Bravery encourages employees to take initiative, challenge norms, and drive innovation. Diversity champions inclusion and respect for all individuals, recognizing the strength in varied perspectives. Pride fosters a sense of ownership and dedication to quality in every endeavor. Solidarity promotes teamwork and mutual support within the Group. Finally, reliability ensures dependability and trustworthiness in products and services, maintaining customer confidence.
These Volkswagen values are not abstract ideals; they are operationalized through the Volkswagen Group’s comprehensive compliance and risk management system. The Code of Conduct acts as a crucial instrument, reinforcing awareness of responsible conduct and decision-making at every level of the organization. This system is designed to ensure adherence to statutory provisions, internal policies, ethical principles, and the core Volkswagen values, safeguarding the company and its diverse brands.
A vital component of this system is the whistleblower system, providing a secure channel for reporting potential misconduct. This system focuses on investigating serious breaches that could significantly damage Volkswagen’s reputation, financial standing, or ethical commitments. Furthermore, Volkswagen acknowledges its profound corporate responsibility for human rights, aligning with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This commitment extends to a zero-tolerance stance against corruption, actively enforced through both internal and business partner Codes of Conduct. The Risk Management and Internal Control System (RMS/ICS), based on the COSO framework, further ensures transparent and responsible risk management across the Group, reflecting the Volkswagen values of responsibility and reliability.
Volkswagen’s dedication extends beyond mandatory compliance through voluntary commitments to sustainable and transparent corporate governance. Sustainability activities are coordinated group-wide, underpinned by a forward-looking risk management system and a clear framework for environmental stewardship, employee well-being, and social engagement. These voluntary principles, publicly accessible on the Volkswagen Group’s website under “Sustainability,” further demonstrate the practical application of Volkswagen values in long-term strategic planning.
The Code of Collaboration, alongside the Together4Integrity (T4I) program, is integral to the “NEW AUTO” Group strategy, emphasizing how Volkswagen values translate into daily interactions. This code promotes “genuine,” “straightforward,” “open-minded,” “as equals,” and “united” collaboration within the Group. T4I consolidates integrity, culture, compliance, risk management, and human resources initiatives, fostering a unified path towards a renewed corporate culture firmly rooted in Volkswagen values.
In conclusion, Volkswagen values are not just a statement of intent but a living framework embedded within the company’s structure and operations. They guide ethical conduct, promote sustainability, and foster a culture of responsibility and integrity, essential for Volkswagen’s continued success and positive impact in the automotive world.
