VW Group CEO Herbert Diess voices support for China amid anti-virus combat via Sina Weibo account

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On Feb. 17, Volkswagen Group Dr. Herbert Diess officially launched his Sina Weibo account, a Twitter-like social media platform in China, and expressed his staunch support for China in defeating the novel coronavirus epidemic through a specially made video.

“Especially in this challenging time for China, I want to take the chance to talk to you directly,” Diess noted the reason why he joined the Weibo community now.

“I see millions of people join forces to win the battle against the coronavirus. So, although the situation is very serious, I am deeply convinced China will overcome it with solidarity and dignity.”

（Photo source: Volkswagen Group)

Despite a shrinking overall market, the Germany-based auto giant still saw its auto deliveries in China rise by 0.6% to 4,233,600 units in 2019. As the group's largest single market, China is very significant to its global performance and strategy.

To help the country win the battle, VW China, along with such brands as Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Porsche and Bently, as well as two joint ventures—FAW-VW and SAIC VW, donated RMB120 million in total. The donation “will directly go to regions most in need of aid”, said Dr. Herbert Diess.

“Volkswagen family will always stand alongside the people of China,” he added, and sincerely expressed the best wish for the people who are combating infection and the gratitude to hardworking professionals and volunteers on the front line.

At the same time, Dr. Herbert Diess also conveyed the thought over the safety of VW Group's employees in China. The group has now resumed the operation at some plants in China. How to keep workers safe is still an issue worth repeated stresses as the disease has not been exterminated.

“We will always strive to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for them,” said Diess. To achieve that, SAIC VW formed a group with around 500 volunteers to offer staff such services as body temperature measuring, parking lot guidance, shuttle bus & canteen management and psychological counseling.