Whistleblower System
1. Our Whistleblower System
Complying with statutory regulations and internal rules, and the principles laid down in our Code of Conduct and the Code of Conduct for Business Partners, has top priority at Audi Interaction GmbH. The success of our company is based on Integrity and Compliance. To meet these standards, it is important to learn of potential employee or supplier misconduct and to put a stop to it. Therefore, we entrusted Audi Aufklärungs-Office to operate an independent, impartial and confidential Whistleblower System on our behalf.
A key pillar of our Whistleblower System is the principle of procedural fairness. It also guarantees the greatest possible protection for whistleblowers, persons implicated and employees contributing to the investigation of reported misconduct.
This also includes offering opportunities for anonymous reporting and communication. We assure not to perform any steps in order to identify anonymous whistleblowers, who do not misuse our Whistleblower System. Retaliation of whistleblowers and all persons who contribute to investigations at Audi Interaction GmbH will not be tolerated. Persons implicated are presumed innocent until the violation is proven. Investigations will be conducted with the utmost confidentiality. The information will be processed in a fair, fast and protected process.
How do we process your report?
The qualified and experienced colleagues at the Investigation Office examine every report for potential misconduct by a Volkswagen Group employee thoroughly and follow it up systematically. First, you will get a confirmation of receipt. The Investigation Office then assesses your report. This includes gathering facts particularly from the whistleblower. Only if this initial evaluation shows grounds for suspicion of a violation an investigation by a dedicated Investigating Unit will be started. Afterwards, the results of the investigation will be assessed by the Investigation Office and appropriate measures will be recommended. Information about the status* and the outcome of the procedure will be given to you without undue delay.
Potential violations of the Code of Conduct for Business Partners by suppliers, including serious risks and violations of human rights and environment by direct and indirect suppliers, can also be reported to the Investigation Office – as well as reports requiring otherwise immediate action. The Investigation Office will inform the responsible departments, who will process the issue accordingly. This particularly includes taking the necessary measures to minimize or end violations and/or risks.
* The processing time varies depending on the subject of the procedure
2. What kind of report do you want to submit?
a) A compliant about products or services to our customer service
- We kindly ask for your understanding that the Whistleblower System unfortunately cannot process customer complaints.
If you have any questions or inquiries regarding
- your new or used Audi vehicle,
- feedback or complaints about services provided by our company or our business partners (e.g. car dealerships, workshops),
please contact Audi Customer Services.
b) A report of potential misconduct to our Whistleblower System
E-Mail address:
Postal address / in person:
- Postal address:
Audi Investigation Office
AUDI AG
85045 Ingolstadt
Germany - In Person:
Audi Investigation Office
AUDI AG
I/FG-H
85045 Ingolstadt
Germany
Appointments may be arranged in advance via whistleblower-office@audi.de
Ombudspersons:
- Volkswagen has appointed external lawyers to act as Ombudspersons. They advise on the Whistleblower System or ensure that reports from whistleblowers are forwarded anonymously to the Investigation Office if desired.
If you want to get in contact with the Ombudsperson you can find their contact details here:
https://www.ombudsmen-of-volkswagen.com/
Online Reporting Channel
- You have the option of using a web-based communication platform to contact the Investigation Office in more than 65 languages. This system is confidential and technically secured and allows you to submit reports anonymously.
- You can access the online reporting channel through the following link: https://goto.speakup.report/audi
- Detailed instructions on how to submit a report online, via the app or over the phone can be found here.
Voice Intake by phone
- You can leave us a voice message by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- After entering the phone number (specific to the country you are in), you will be prompted to enter the organization code. Then, you can submit your report as a voice recording. Only a written transcript will be received by the Investigation Office. Dial back in to listen to the reply or further questions by our team.
- Select a phone number from this list for your country or region and have the corresponding organizational code 122237 ready.
SpeakUp App
- You can also download the speak up App “SpeakUp - Listen for a change“ by People Intouch (personal devices only) to access the secure reporting system.
- To download the app, you can also scan the QR code:
- Through this app, you can submit your report in writing or leave a voice message (also anonymously).
- You will need the organization code 122237 or you can also scan the QR code:
- Log back in to see our team's reply or answer further questions.
3. Do you have further questions or do you need a local contact?
Questions or suggestions for improvement concerning the Whistleblower System can also be addressed to the Investigation Office.
Furthermore, our local Compliance Officer of Audi Interaction GmbH can also be adressed in all matters of the Whistleblower System via jochen.keller@audi.de
4. External Reporting Channel (only for EU countries)
The German government has defined a designated authority that also accepts reports on misconduct as external reporting channel. The external reporting channel is the Federal Office of Justice (Bundesamt für Justiz) BfJ - Hinweisgeberstelle bundesjustizamt.de.