Since 2016, the independent advisory body has supported the Volkswagen Group in assessing and advancing key future, environmental and social topics. In 2024, its membership was renewed as scheduled to continue supporting the Volkswagen Group in implementing its regenerate+ sustainability strategy, incorporating perspectives from business and academia, and maintaining dialogue with stakeholders.
The Council brings together external and internal expertise and adopts a holistic approach. Its input supports the Volkswagen Group in continuously evolving as a mobility provider and in taking responsibility across the value chain in the dimensions of Nature, Our People, Society and Business.
The Council is organised into four Sustainability Practice Groups, dedicated to the dimensions of Nature, Our People, Society and Business, and comprising a total of twelve independent external experts from academia, civil society and industry. Each group focuses on one of these four strategic action areas. In each Practice Group, three external experts work directly with three Volkswagen Group employees, collaborating as equals with the clear objective of providing practical and actionable input. Through this collaboration, the Council contributes a broad external and international perspective.
Regular exchange within the Sustainability Practice Groups actively advances the priorities of the regenerate+ sustainability strategy. The Council contributes its expertise to both operational activities and the strategic development of the Volkswagen Group, for example through visits to production sites, discussions and expert presentations across relevant Group functions, and by acting as a source of ideas and sparring partner for the Group Board of Management. In this way, its input has an impact at all levels of the organisation, making the Council’s contribution visible throughout the Volkswagen Group.
