Volkswagen releases corporate social responsibility report

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWGoA) is pleased to release an update to its Corporate Social Responsibility Report, “At Home in America.” The report highlights the progress VWGoA has made since the release of the comprehensive 2013 report in three areas: environmental sustainability, philanthropic activities, and creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

“Volkswagen is proud of the progress we have made in sustainable innovation, our commitment to local communities through our corporate giving program, and the recognition we have received as a top company for diversity and inclusion practices,” said Michael Horn, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “We’re proud to be a good partner on the road and in the communities we serve, and we plan to be for years to come.”

In 2014, VWGoA donated an estimated $8 million in funding and in-kind donations to organizations across the country. These donations are just one part of VWGoA’s efforts to deepen its roots within the United States and carry out its commitment to being a good partner for employees and communities alike.

The 2014 updates to VWGoA’s Corporate Social Responsibility Report include:

Environmental Sustainability.

• Volkswagen and Audi established key partnerships to better meet their goals for ultra-low carbon mobility. Volkswagen, Audi and 3Degrees, a renewable energy and carbon offset provider, are working to neutralize emissions created from the production, distribution and recharging of the 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf and 2016 Audi e-tron.
• Volkswagen added the e-Golf, its first all-electric, zero-tail pipe emissions vehicle, to its lineup of fun-to-drive and eco-friendly cars and has been rated by the Environmental Protect Agency as the most efficient car in its class at a rating of 126 city, and 116 combined miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent, and given a range of up to 83 miles.
• Audi’s 2016 A3 Sportback e-tron offers all-electric, blended hybrid and gasoline models with the option of an energy sustainability package that includes carbon offsets from 3Degrees, Inc. and a home solar solution by SunPower.

Serving U.S. communities.

• VWGoA launched a “Volunteer Day” program as part of its “Get Involved” campaign to encourage employees to take paid time off to volunteer in local communities, supporting charities and other philanthropic efforts.
• VWGoA has matched $190,000 in employee donations to worthy organizations throughout the United States. This commitment includes VWGoA’s work with the Excel Institute in Washington, DC, where Volkswagen and Audi technicians help at-risk youth and adults think about their future careers.

Becoming a leader in diversity and inclusion.

• VWGoA established a robust Supplier Diversity program and achieved the 10 percent target for inclusion of women and ethnic minorities in its supplier network, and designated 33 percent of 2013 corporate giving to organizations that benefited undeserved communities.
• VWGoA celebrated its employees with Diversity Week, an annual opportunity for Volkswagen to recognize the different cultures, heritages, and backgrounds employed across the country.

By CHLOÉ MORRISON