Mercedes 2008 Annual Report Download - page 122

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Principles guiding our actions
Integrity Code. The Integrity Code is a set of guidelines for
behavior, which has been in effect since 1999 and was revised in
2003, defining a binding framework for the actions of all our
employees worldwide. Among other things, the guidelines define
correct behavior in international business and in any cases of
conflicts of interest, questions of equal treatment, proscription of
corruption, the role of internal control systems and the duty to
comply with applicable law as well as other internal and external
regulations. Daimler expects all of its employees to adhere strictly
to the provisions of the Integrity Code.
Code of Ethics. We introduced our Code of Ethics in July 2003.
This code addresses the members of the Board of Management
and persons with special responsibility for the contents of finan-
cial disclosure. The provisions of the code aim to prevent mis-
takes by the persons addressed and to promote ethical behavior
as well as the complete, appropriate, accurate, timely and clear
disclosure of information on the Group. The wording of the Code
of Ethics can be seen on our website at
www.daimler.com/corpgov_e.
Risk management. Daimler has a risk management system com-
mensurate with its position as a company with global operations
(see pages 75 ff). The risk management system is one component
of the overall planning, controlling and reporting process. Its goal
is to enable the company’s management to recognize significant
risks at an early stage and to initiate appropriate countermea-
sures in a timely manner. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board
has regular contacts with the Board of Management to discuss
not only the Group’s strategy and business development, but also
the issue of risk management. The Corporate Audit department
monitors adherence to the legal framework and Group standards
by means of targeted audits and initiates appropriate actions as
required.
Accounting principles. The consolidated financial statements
of the Daimler Group are prepared in accordance with the
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Details of
the IFRS can be found in this Annual Report in the Notes to
the Consolidated Financial Statements (see Note 1).
The annual financial statements of Daimler AG, which is the
parent company, are prepared in accordance with the accounting
guidelines of the German Commercial Code (HGB). Both sets of
financial statements are audited by external auditors.
Transparency. Daimler regularly informs its shareholders, financial
analysts, shareholder associations, the media and the interested
public about the situation of the Group and any significant changes
in its business. We have posted an overview of all the signifi-
cant information disclosed in the year 2008 on our website at
www.daimler.com/ir/annualdoc08.
Fair disclosure. All new facts that are communicated to finan-
cial analysts and institutional investors are simultaneously
also made available to all shareholders and the interested public.
If any information is made public outside Germany as a result
of the regulations governing capital markets in the respective
countries, we also make this information available without
delay in Germany in the original version or at least in English.
In order to ensure that information is provided quickly, Daimler
makes use of the Internet and other methods of communication.
Financial calendar. All the dates of important disclosures
(e.g. the Annual Report and interim reports) and the date of the
Annual Meeting are announced in advance in a financial calendar.
The financial calendar can be seen inside the rear cover of this
Annual Report and on our website at
www.daimler.com/ir/calendar.
Ad-hoc disclosure. In addition to its regular scheduled reporting,
Daimler discloses, in accordance with applicable law and without
delay, any so-called insider information that relates directly to the
company.
Major shareholdings. Daimler also reports without delay after
receiving notification that by means of acquisition, disposal or
any other method, the shareholding in Daimler AG of any person
or entity has reached, exceeded or fallen below 3, 5, 10, 15, 20,
25, 30, 50 or 75 percent of the company’s voting rights.