Europe

The Volkswagen Group presented the “Volkswagen Group Award 2010” to its best suppliers yesterday (Thursday). 200 high-ranking guests attended the award ceremony under the motto “The Night of the Best”.

Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, and Dr. Francisco Javier Garcia Sanz, Member of the Group Board of Management with responsibility for Procurement, presented the “Group Award 2010” to a total of 17 winners.

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn thanked the suppliers for the successful cooperation during 2009 and looked at the tasks that lie ahead. He said: “The Volkswagen Group has set itself the ambitious goal of becoming the leading automaker worldwide, both economically and ecologically, by 2018. To do that, we need innovative, efficient and reliable suppliers.” He added that developing the mobility of the future was of particular importance.
“Volkswagen is also seeking market leadership in electro-mobility. In this context, the Volkswagen Group is counting on its suppliers and on a strong partnership in innovation and quality,” the Chairman stated.

Dr. Francisco Javier Garcia Sanz added: “A global market presence is one of the Volkswagen Group’s main strengths, but it also presents us with special challenges. Stable supplier relations, efficient networking of production and procurement and effective risk management are essential prerequisites for mutual success.” Garcia Sanz went on to thank the winners for the reliability of their products and services and for their support and cooperation based on partnership.

In total, the “Volkswagen Group Award” was conferred 15 times this year. Three companies, Dräxlmaier and Kromberg & Schubert from Germany, Sumitomo Electric Bordnetze from Japan, received a joint award: By taking over the insolvent electrical distribution systems manufacturer AFL Europe, the three companies both harnessed growth opportunities and safeguarded supply chain continuity for the Volkswagen Group. 

Europe’s leading automaker honors the Group’s best suppliers with the annual “Volkswagen Group Award”. The award-winning companies excel among others in innovative strength, product quality, environmental compatibility, competent project management, globalization and development expertise.