Audi's Efforts During the COVID-19 Crisis
Global solidarity is paramount in times of crisis. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Audi has actively supported medical and social institutions in its regional locations, providing humanitarian aid both locally and internationally. The company allocated five million euros as emergency assistance to combat the pandemic. This aid package was launched by the Board of Management of the Audi Group, together with the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm business councils.
Cancellation of the Press Conference
Audi Group has decided to cancel its press conference this year due to the outbreak of COVID-19, aiming to minimize the risk of infection among employees, partners, and guests. Bramschott, CEO of Audi Group, stated: "We are facing exceptional circumstances where tried and true solutions or simple recipes will not suffice. Our primary goal is to protect our employees, partners, and guests, and we are making the right decisions to support our business in these unstable conditions." The company has also closed its factories in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm, Belgium, Mexico, and Hungary as a precautionary measure by the end of this week.
Statements from Audi Officials
Markus Duesmann
Markus Duesmann, the new Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi Group, who took office on April 1, commented: "The COVID-19 pandemic presents significant challenges worldwide, affecting both our company and society as a whole. I would like to thank all Audi employees who are looking ahead, fulfilling their duties, and providing assistance during these difficult times. I also want to express my gratitude to everyone who manages our operations worldwide. I am confident that these measures will continue for Audi employees even after the crisis. For now, our priority is to ensure the health of our employees, their families, and the wider community. Therefore, we must work together to reduce the spread of infection."
Peter Mosch
Meanwhile, Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council at Audi Group, stated: "We have a strong desire to contribute to combating the spread of COVID-19. Each of us wants to help ensure a safe future after this crisis. By participating in donations, we are taking responsibility for the communities in which we operate."
Audi employees who wish to participate and support these efforts can send their suggestions and inquiries via the dedicated employee email. Dr. Ute Röding, Director of Social Responsibility at Audi, added: "Our colleagues in Neckarsulm and Ingolstadt can send us their suggestions, which will be reviewed and assessed immediately. We have already engaged with the first inquiries we received on this matter."
Donations and Assistance
The first major batch of cash donations is currently being sent. On Monday, March 30, Audi Group donated 600,000 euros to hospitals in its main locations of Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm, which forms part of the initial total of five million euros.
In Ingolstadt, Audi launched the "Local Race Challenge - A Week for Ingolstadt." This challenge began through the Digital Operations Center in Ingolstadt and the IFG Ingolstadt, giving participants the opportunity to showcase their ideas online from April 1 to 7, enabling the city to tackle the crisis and emerge stronger.
Audi Group branches around the world are supporting local populations in their regions through various initiatives, including providing medical equipment from Audi branches in Brussels and China, for example. The Audi branch in Hungary will also donate funds to the Győr Hospital. More initiatives are being planned across all company branches.
