15.03.2000 – 10:00

Audi AG

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 von: Audi AG, übermittelt durch news aktuell