The suggestions scheme in 1999
* Continuation in positive trend for Audi suggestions scheme
* Record number of suggestions saves more than DM 30 million
Ingolstadt (ots)
The number of suggestions for improvements submitted at Audi in 1999 reached a new record level of 53,795 (1998: 48,298). 17,459 employees participated in the suggestions scheme last year (1998: 15,678), and almost 47 percent of all suggestions submitted were put into practice. By responding to these ideas, the company was able to make savings totalling around DM 30.3 million. A total of more than DM 7 million was paid out to employees in the form of bonuses.
"Several small ideas from all employees are just as valuable as a great innovative leap taken by one individual. They help to optimise everyday methods and processes," explained Thomas Neuhaus, Head of Audi's suggestions office. One small example: tailgate locks for the Audi A4 used to be packed by the supplier in containers of 15 locks. One employee noticed that twice the number of locks would fit in the same containers. This suggestion helped to reduce the number of containers in circulation at the Ingolstadt plant and freight costs were cut by more than DM 3000 a year.
"We are convinced that the creativity of our employees contributes substantially to the continual improvement of processes and products, and consequently plays a vital role in safeguarding jobs at Audi," remarked Georg Hertrich, Works Council spokesman for the assessment committee.
Audi is a leading international developer and manufacturer of high-quality cars. The company maintains production sites in Germany, Hungary, Brazil, China and South Africa. In 1999 Audi built around 626,000 cars and more than 1.2 million engines, bringing in sales revenues in excess of DM 29 billion. The Audi Group has a total of around 46,500 employees.
Communication - Corporate and Finance Joachim Cordshagen, telephone: +49 841 89 36340 e-mail: joachim.cordshagen@audi.de Dr. Ute Röding-Lange, telephone: +49 841 89 36384 e-mail: ute.roeding-lange@audi.de
Original content of: Audi AG, transmitted by news aktuell