Audi 2015 Annual Report Download - page 73

Three questions for:
Dr. Bernd Martens
Procurement
How do you ensure that suppliers are integrated when it comes
to innovation ?
We aim to be our suppliers’ preferred customer so they come to us fi rst
with their innovative ideas. That’s why we initiated “Future Automotive
Supply Tracks” – FAST for short – in spring 2015. This is our attractive strategic
supplier program. We share knowledge on technical concepts with our
FAST partners right from the pre-development phase. That way we can be
the fi rst manufacturer to bring innovations to market together with
our partners.
What challenges do you see in the future in Procurement ?
Our industry is currently undergoing a massive transformation with issues
such as digitalization and electric mobility. For us that means sourcing
technologies, which to a certain extent fi rst need to be developed. So early
knowledge sharing with suppliers is becoming increasingly important.
We also need new partners from totally di erent industries. Sustainability
is also increasingly taking center stage and presenting us with a complex
task. We want to ensure sustainability more comprehensively throughout
the supply chain, right down to the raw material suppliers.
Where can you experience the Audi future today ?
We are already creating and sourcing tomorrow’s innovations today. In 2015,
for instance, we signed a long-term cooperation agreement with LG Chem and
Samsung SDI, and are receiving high-power cell modules from both partners.
Based on these cells we are developing the battery for our fi rst all-electric
Audi series-production model. This SUV will be launched in 2018 and is set to
o er customers a compelling combination of sportiness and range.
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