Executive Speeches
14 September 2009
Group Night IAA Frankfurt
Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn
Ladies and gentlemen,
The IAA here in Frankfurt is the highlight of the year for auto fans all over the world.
And that of course applies to us at Volkswagen.
- This is where the Group can demonstrate its tremendous capabilities.
- This is where the fascination of our brands and vehicles really gets under your skin.
This IAA is taking place at exactly the right time.
The serious crisis in the automotive industry is not over yet.
But: There are growing signs that we have left the worst behind us.
Our industry can be cautiously optimistic about the future.
And that's one reason why Volkswagen is making a strong and positive statement here in Frankfurt: we believe in the car! And we believe in Germany as a nation of car-makers and car lovers!
We're making this statement the way we know best:
- With new, attractive vehicles for our customers.
- With world premiers that again set the standards.
- And with ideas that look far into the future. Concepts that define what we will actually see on our roads tomorrow and the day after.
I know that's what many claim to be doing. But the last 60 minutes have shown:
At Volkswagen we also have the potential and the strength to do exactly that!
Our Group not only has the broadest model range in the automobile world, I believe it also has the best.
We have exactly what customers want:
From the New Small Family through super sports cars to heavy trucks.
The secret of our strength lies in this diversity! Because we know how to harness it intelligently and use it wisely.
On the one hand in terms of technology with our modular matrix strategy.
And with massive synergies in development, procurement and production.
And on the other, as regards brand management.
At Volkswagen, we know how to make an automobile brand shine.
We give each and every one of our brands the leeway it needs to do exactly what is best for their customers and the brand.
And at the same time each brand can call on the strength and resources of a global automotive powerhouse. That pays off! For each individual brand. And for the Group as a whole.
That's why we have no hesitation in saying that the Volkswagen Group is today the world's most successful multi-brand group.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Volkswagen Group has answers to all mobility issues!
We don't instruct our customers what to do. We offer them convincing solutions!
The auto world won't be black and white in future, either.
It is, and will remain, a world of great diversity and many facets.
That's one reason why I am deeply convinced: Exclusivity, sportiness and a responsible, efficient premium – that all has a future!
A future not only in Europe and the USA. But also precisely in emerging markets such as China or India.
- The Audi R8 Spyder,
- The Bentley Mulsanne,
- The Bugatti Veyron
- And the Lamborghini Revènton Roadster.
All these vehicles demonstrate: Discerning customers find the strongest brands,
the best technologies and the most emotional top class products in the Volkswagen Group
Going forward, we will be harnessing and extending this top position little by little together with our colleagues from Porsche!
On the other hand, demand for practical and affordable mobility is growing.
People want cars that are economical but nevertheless good fun.
Fun to look at, fun to touch and, most important of all, fun to drive!
Cars like the Volkswagen Polo, the Skoda Superb Combi, the SEAT Ibiza Sporttourer or the Volkswagen Multivan embody precisely this philosophy.
And one thing is very clear: Today, people are not only interested in horsepower and the number of cylinders – today the focus is very much on consumption and CO2 emissions.
Climate protection, less dependence on oil, lower emissions:
This isn't hype, it won't disappear just as quickly as it arrived.
The future belongs to sustainable, low-emission mobility!
And we are committed to that at Volkswagen! No ifs and buts!
We are continuing to invest many billions of euros and all the skill and expertise of our developers and engineers in green technologies. In ever more efficient internal combustion engines, intelligent electronics, lightweight design, alternative fuels and drivetrains.
One prime example is our New Small Family and the e-up!
This particular vehicle impressively demonstrates that affordable and safe electric cars with everyday utility for everyone are possible!
But it is also very clear that this goal cannot be achieved through empty promises but through solid top technologies.
At Volkswagen we will take the electric car out of its eco-niche into the mass-market.
It isn't the quickest, but the best and safest solution that's important for our customers. And that needs a great deal of know-how, high investment and the necessary development time. Particularly as regards battery technology.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Volkswagen Group is in top form here at the IAA!
We have kept our word and performed significantly better in the crisis than our competitors.
- In H1 2009, Volkswagen Group posted an operating profit of €1.2 billion despite the crisis.
- From January to August, the world market contracted by 14 percent. We bucked this trend and only lost 2.1 percent.
- In August we delivered 9.5 percent more vehicles.
- And we have grown our world market share by 1.8 percentage points to 11.7 percent.
This all goes to show:
- The Volkswagen Group remains on course – in strategic and operational terms.
- Together with Porsche we will vigorously continue our course as a multi-brand group.
- Above all, though, we are bringing a steady stream of fascinating environmentally friendly vehicles to market.
Ladies and gentlemen, I can promise you one thing:
The Volkswagen Group continues to step on the gas as it makes its way towards 2018 and the top of the automobile industry!
You will see exactly what I mean at the IAA tomorrow morning!
Thank you!
