THE SUSTAINABILITY INTERVIEW
footprint, creates untapped value streams in automotive and is a form of business resilience. It makes sense regionally, too, by strengthening supply chains and reducing risk.”
VW’ s supplier network is vast – more than 60,000 – operating under strict sustainability ratings.“ We’ ve set a target, so by 2040, 95 % of our relevant suppliers need an A or B rating,” Dirk says.“ We’ re at 83 % now. We talk to suppliers, de-risk, understand problems and help them improve.”
This link between circularity, resilience and financial performance is vital.“ If you reduce your carbon footprint, you take out energy, reduce costs and become more robust and competitive,” Dirk says. By focusing on partnerships for sustainability, Volkswagen also mitigates supply risk and controls costs, enhancing long-term competitiveness.“ Sustainability is also about partnerships,” Dirk explains.“ You can’ t do it alone – you need partners in all instances, whether it’ s decarbonisation, technologies or circular economy.”
Biodiversity and nature restoration: beyond the factory gates For Volkswagen Group, responsibility for nature and biodiversity is integral to its sustainability mission. The company builds up to nine million cars annually,
28 November 2025