Topics discussed by the Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board’s first meeting in the reporting period was held on January 11, 2017. A key topic at this meeting was the approval regarding the conclusion of settlements with US authorities.
On January 26, 2017, the Supervisory Board held a conference call to discuss changes in the composition to the Board of Management.
At the Supervisory Board meeting on February 24, 2017, we dealt in detail with the new remuneration systems for the Board of Management and Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG. Following a detailed examination, we also approved the consolidated financial statements and the annual financial statements of Volkswagen AG for 2016 prepared by the Board of Management, as well as the combined management report. We examined the dependent company report submitted by the Board of Management and, following completion of our examination, we came to the conclusion that there were no objections to be raised to the concluding declaration by the Board of Management in the report. In addition, we particularly discussed the current state of affairs with respect to the diesel issue.
Another meeting of the Supervisory Board was held on March 28, 2017 at which we mainly discussed the current state of affairs with respect to the diesel issue and the agenda for the 57th Annual General Meeting of Volkswagen AG, particularly the Supervisory Board’s proposed resolutions.
The Supervisory Board meeting on April 26, 2017 concentrated on strategic topics such as e-mobility and the focus of the China business. Furthermore, the Board of Management reported, among other things, on the collaboration with the monitor.
Two more Supervisory Board meetings were held on May 9 and 10, 2017 within Volkswagen AG’s 2017 Annual General Meeting. Their agenda included in particular preparations for and the post-completion analysis of the 57th Annual General Meeting of Volkswagen AG on May 10, 2017, the composition of the committees, and the current state of affairs with respect to the diesel issue.
A meeting of the Supervisory Board was held on July 26, 2017 at which we addressed the topic of the allegations of supposed cartel infringements that were discussed in the media.
In a conference call on August 1, 2017, the Supervisory Board received information on the measures taken as part of the “National Forum Diesel”.
The agenda of the Supervisory Board meeting on September 29, 2017 included a status report on the Group strategy TOGETHER – Strategy 2025 and the current state of affairs with respect to the diesel issue.
The Supervisory Board held a meeting on November 2, 2017, in which we discussed not only the current state of affairs with respect to the diesel issue, but also the Volkswagen Group’s investment and financial planning.
At the Supervisory Board meeting on November 17, 2017, we discussed in detail the Volkswagen Group’s investment and financial planning for the period from 2018 to 2022. The current state of affairs with respect to the diesel issue was another focus of the meeting. When issuing our annual declaration of conformity with the Code, we also decided on the diversity concepts for the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board as well as the profile of skills and expertise for the Supervisory Board as a whole, and the targets for the composition of the Board. The profile of skills and expertise for the Supervisory Board as a whole, and the targets for the composition of the Board, are described in the Corporate Governance Report.
In addition to the above, we voted in writing on a variety of items in the reporting period, including an increase in the equity of Volkswagen Bank GmbH by Volkswagen Financial Services AG, and an advisory mandate.