Group activities in the area of CSR and sustainability have been coordinated by a CSR office since 2006. Its responsibility is to align CSR activities strategically and optimise sustainability management. The idea of the office as a guidance unit has proven itself with respect to both internal management processes and dialogue with external stakeholders. The CSR office coordinates the regular interchange between brands and regions in the Volkswagen Group. It reports to the CSR & Sustainability Steering Group, which includes all central Group business areas and the Group Works Council. They are joined by representatives of the brands and regions. The objective of the work in the steering group is to network the internal units and improve exchange processes between the technical departments. The Board of Management is kept regularly informed on the subjects of sustainability and responsibility. Our CSR project teams carry out cross-functional work on topical issues such as the enhancement of the Group’s sustainability reporting; since the creation of a Group-wide CSR body in 2009 there has been a regular international exchange of information with the CSR coordinators of the brands and regions. Coordination of the activities of environmental managers across the Group is also assisted by the Group Environmental Conference and a Corporate Environmental Steering Group. The appointment of a Group Chief Officer for the Environment, Energy and New Business Areas will help prepare the ground for an ecological restructuring of the Volkswagen Group in the long term.
 
With the introduction of the IT-based sustainability management system and the further integration of the KPI (Key Performance Indicator) system, we have created the basis for comprehensive and timely CSR and sustainability reporting in the Group. The control efficiency and transparency of the KPI system allow Volkswagen to meet the increasing expectations of its stakeholders for an up-to-date, differentiated presentation of the Company’s CSR and sustainability performance.