Supplier management

Together with our business partners, we assume responsibility for fair and decent working conditions, and for the environment. Audi obtains a commitment from all its suppliers to comply with the “ Volkswagen Group requirements regarding sustainability in its relationships with business partners. ” Vital components comprise environmental protection, employee rights, fair market practices and respect for human rights – especially the ban on child and forced labor.

With its procurement strategy, Audi is devoting more attention to sustainability in its supplier relationships. Here too, the sustainable procurement of commodities and a duty of care in the supply chain occupy a central role.

In order to maximize the benefit of synergy potential, we select suppliers in close consultation with Volkswagen Group Procurement.

Before bidding for a contract, suppliers must acknowledge the sustainability requirements that apply to all purchased goods and services, and update this acknowledgment after a period of twelve months when they next submit a bid.

Suppliers are expected to take responsibility themselves. For example, main suppliers are required to implement a certified environmental management system in accordance with ISO 14001 and/or EMAS.

The Volkswagen Group supports its suppliers with implementing sustainability standards by providing them with an electronic learning module on sustainability (e-learning). It can be called up in all languages of the defined risk countries. This tool can be used both by the supplier’s workforce and by employees of Volkswagen Group Procurement. Employees and suppliers are provided with face-to-face training on the topic of sustainability. Audi Procurement also offers training on the topic of “sustainability in supplier management.”.