Volkswagen Backs Strong Partners For Growth Strategy

WOLFSBURG, GERMANY – June 19, 2009: Yesterday evening the Volkswagen Group presented its 18 premium suppliers with the “Group Award 2009” at a ceremony in the “phaeno” Science Center in Wolfsburg. Over 100 representatives from international suppliers attended the ceremony at which the awards were presented by Dr. Francisco Javier Garcia Sanz, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG with responsibility for ‘Procurement’. This year, the award ceremony coincided with the International Polo Congress.

"With its nine brands and a grand total of 62 sites worldwide, Volkswagen offers very diverse and interesting opportunities for cooperation and is today already one of the world’s most future-proof automakers. For our award-winning top suppliers in particular, the Group’s growth course presents an enormous opportunity for a successful future in spite of the present adverse conditions," Garcia Sanz commented.

"We need strong partners who are competitive on the international stage and have a global presence to jointly safeguard our future," Garcia Sanz remarked. "In the present situation, competition is no longer determined by price alone. Apart from financial strength, flexibility in dealing with fluctuating market demand together with supply chain stability are also crucial."

The "Volkswagen Group Award", which is presented annually, recognizes the overall entrepreneurial performance of suppliers. The award winners have proved exceptionally successful in meeting the requirements Europe’s leading automaker places on its suppliers. Innovative strength, product quality, competent project management and development competence as well as a working partnership for greater efficiency and environmental compatibility are among the criteria that play a decisive role in determining the winning suppliers.

Talking to the award winners, the evening’s host Garcia Sanz emphasized: "In you, we have found much more than successful and reliable partners. At a time when the automotive world is facing radical change, we feel it is especially important for us to thank you not only for the reliability of your products and services but also for the spirit of cooperation by presenting these awards."

In addition to the 17 global companies honored for an outstanding product or an innovative development or service, ZF Sachs Race Engineering GmbH received a special award for two chassis and drivetrain solutions. Two key components developed by the company – the 3-plate ceramic clutch and the hydraulic shock absorbers – played an important part in taking the Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 to victory in this year’s Dakar Rally.