German carmaker Audi aims to drive transformation with ESG efforts

Social responsibility

Audi's commitment to environmental protection also extends to programs that benefit society. With its "In China, for China" focus, Audi is committed to supporting the development of Chinese society as a responsible corporate citizen.

In cooperation with Volkswagen Group China, Audi China will plant around 8.5 million trees in 10 ecologically vulnerable areas in provinces and autonomous regions such as Gansu, Qinghai, Inner Mongolia and Ningxia between 2021 and 2030.

The initiative not only aims to restore the ecological environment, but also benefits the local community socially and economically. As the first step of the project, around 850,000 trees were planted in Gulang county, Wuwei city, Gansu province, in 2021.

Earlier this year, 850,000 trees were planted on 4 million square meters of barren hills in Huzhu Tu autonomous county in Haidong city, Qinghai province.

Promoting the development of Chinese youth is another focus of Audi's corporate social responsibility efforts. The company held the "Horizon's Beyond" Audi China Innovation Incubator in July for entrepreneurial students from a broad range of disciplines.

The three-week event saw 18 Master's and PhD students envision mobility in 2035.

The students presented their ideas for new vehicle concepts and technologies to a jury of Audi managers and technical experts, which saw the winning team take home the "Horizon's Beyond Prize".

Governance and shared values

Audi said the foundation for its "Vorsprung 2030" strategy is the company's shared value system.

Across all organizational levels, the corporate values of appreciation, openness, trust and integrity, are the mainstays of the company's culture and are driving its next stages of development.

People, whether it be customers, employees, or society at large, are always at the core, said the carmaker.

Since 2020, Audi has published a combined annual and sustainability report to make its financial and ESG results available to all stakeholders. It will also have its ESG performance rated by an independent rating agency.

This further demonstrates Audi's commitment to conduct its business in the interests of all its stakeholders, in a value-oriented, responsible and sustainable way.

It is convinced that the holistic strategy will enable it to become a sustainable, social, and technological leader by 2030.