Whistleblower Policy
Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. and VW Credit Canada, Inc., operating as Volkswagen Finance are individual and separate entities that each adopt, for their own purposes, the following
Our Whistleblower System
Complying with laws, regulations, internal rules, and the principles demonstrated in our VGCA Code of Conduct and the Code of Conduct for Business Partners is a top priority at Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. (“VGCA”). The success of our company is based on Integrity and Compliance. To meet these standards, it is important to learn of potential employee or supplier misconduct and to take immediate action to put a stop to it. As such, the Central Investigation Office operates an independent, impartial, and confidential Whistleblower System on behalf of VGCA.
A key pillar of our Whistleblower System is the principle of procedural fairness. It also guarantees the greatest possible protection for whistleblowers, persons implicated and employees contributing to the investigation of reported misconduct.
This also includes offering opportunities for anonymous reporting and communication. We assure not to perform any steps that would identify anonymous whistleblowers, who do not misuse our Whistleblower System. Retaliation against whistleblowers and all persons who contribute to investigations at VGCA will not be tolerated. Persons implicated are presumed innocent until the violation is proven. Investigations will be conducted with the utmost confidentiality. The information will be processed in a fair, fast, and protected process.
How do we process your report?
The qualified and experienced colleagues at the Central Investigation Office examine every report for potential misconduct by a Volkswagen Group employee thoroughly and follow it up systematically. First, you will get a confirmation of receipt. The Central Investigation Office then assesses your report. This includes gathering facts particularly from the whistleblower. If this initial evaluation shows grounds for suspicion of a violation an investigation by a dedicated Investigating Unit will be started. Afterwards, the results of the investigation will be assessed by the Central Investigation Office and appropriate measures will be recommended. Information about the status* and the outcome of the procedure will be given to you without undue delay.
Potential violations of the Code of Conduct for Business Partners by suppliers, including serious risks and violations of human rights and environment by direct and indirect suppliers, can also be reported to the Central Investigation Office - as well as reports requiring otherwise immediate action. The Central Investigation Office will inform the responsible departments, who will process the issue accordingly. This particularly includes taking the necessary measures to minimize or end violations and/or risks.
More information on the respective procedural principles can be found here.
*The processing time varies depending on the subject of the report.
What kind of report do you want to submit?
A complaint about products or services to our customer service
For complaints or feedback about vehicles and services of VGCA or our business partners (e.g., dealerships, affiliated workshops), please contact Volkswagen Customer Care:
- Phone: 1 (800) 822-8987
Please understand that we will not be able to forward your request or take any action for reasons of responsibility.
A report of potential misconduct to our Whistleblower System
The Whistleblower System offers various channels for reporting potential misconduct by VGCA employees, violations of the Code of Conduct for Business Partners, or serious risks and violations of human rights and environment in our supply chain.
The Central Investigation Office of Volkswagen Group can be reached via E-mail (in any language):
For customer complaints, please contact the channels listed under "A complaint about products or services to our customer service".
Postal Address / In Person:
Postal Address:
Volkswagen AG, Central Investigation Office
Mailbox 1717
Berliner Ring 2
38436 Wolfsburg, Germany
In person:
Please make an appointment in advance by writing an E-mail to io@volkswagen.de.
Ombudspersons
Volkswagen Group has appointed external lawyers to act as Ombudspersons. They advise on the Whistleblower System or ensure that reports from whistleblowers are forwarded anonymously to the Central Investigation Office if desired.
If you want to get in contact with the Ombudsperson you can find their contact details here: http://www.ombudsmen-of-volkswagen.com/
Online Reporting Channel
You have the option of using a web-based communication platform to contact the Investigation Office in more than 65 languages. This system is confidential and technically secured and allows you to submit reports anonymously.
You can access the online reporting channel through the following link: https://goto.speakup.report/volkswagen
You can find detailed instructions on how to make reports online, by app or by phone here.
Voice intake by phone
You can leave us a voice message by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
After entering the phone number, you will be prompted to enter the organization code. Then, you can submit your report as a voice recording. Only a written transcript will be received by the Central Investigation Office. Dial back in to listen to the reply or further questions by our team.
Please call +1 (514) 395 0496
Have the organization code 122203 ready
ATTENTION: If you are outside of Canada, you can select a phone number from this list for the country or region you are in.
Do you have any questions?
Questions or suggestions for improvement concerning the Whistleblower System can also be addressed to the Central Investigation Office.
Furthermore, our local Compliance Officer can also be addressed in all matters of the Whistleblower System:
- Ethics Hotline: 888-228-7317
- Online: EthicsPoint
- Email: VGCA Compliance & Ethics
Speak Up App
You can also download the Speak Up App “SpeakUp - Listen for a change“ by People Intouch (personal devices only) to access the secure reporting system. Through this app, you can submit your report in writing or leave a voice message (also anonymously). You will need the organization code 122203. Log back in to see our team's reply or answer further questions.
To download the app, you can also scan the QR code:
Instead of entering the organization code in the app, you can also scan this QR code in the SpeakUp app:
