Whistleblower system

Compliance with legal regulations, internal rules, and the principles set out in our Code of Conduct and the Code of Conduct for Business Partners is of the highest priority at Porsche Holding Salzburg. The success of our company is based on integrity and compliance. To uphold these standards, it is particularly important for us to be informed in a timely manner about potential violations of rules by our employees or business partners and to address them as quickly as possible. For this purpose, the company has established a central investigation office which, on behalf of the company and under conditions of full independence, impartiality, and confidentiality, monitors and responds to reports submitted through the whistleblowing system.

The whistleblowing system for reporting irregularities and misconduct is based on the principle of procedural fairness, which ensures maximum protection for whistleblowers, for the persons concerned, as well as for employees involved in the investigation and resolution of reported cases.

The procedure also includes the possibility of anonymous reporting and communication. The company does not take any steps to identify anonymous whistleblowers, provided that the whistleblowing system is not abused. Retaliation against whistleblowers or against individuals who assist in investigations of potential misconduct within Porsche Holding Salzburg is not tolerated under any circumstances. Persons concerned are considered innocent until a reported violation is proven, and investigations are conducted with the highest level of confidentiality. Information related to each individual case is handled through a fair, prompt, and confidential procedure.

Qualified and experienced colleagues from the Central Investigation Office carefully review all reports received regarding potential misconduct by employees of the Volkswagen Group and systematically follow up on all information related to the individual cases. Upon submitting a report, you will receive confirmation of its receipt. The responsible colleagues will then assess your report in accordance with an established procedure, which includes gathering relevant information, in particular from the reporting person. A formal investigation by the Central Investigation Office will only be initiated if the initial assessment reveals reasonable suspicion of a violation. After the investigation has been completed, the results will be reviewed by authorised colleagues, who will prepare an assessment and recommend appropriate measures. Information on the progress and the outcome of the procedure will be provided to you without delay.*

Potential violations of the company’s Code of Conduct for Business Partners, including or relating to serious risks and violations of human rights and environmental standards by direct or indirect suppliers of products and/or services, may also be reported to the Central Investigation Office. The office also monitors all other reports requiring immediate action by the company. For this purpose, the investigation office informs the departments responsible for the relevant activities and procedures, which then take appropriate action to address the issues, including implementing necessary measures to mitigate or stop violations and/or risks.

Additional information regarding the procedural rules of the Volkswagen Group whistleblowing mechanism can be found here.

*The processing time for a report may vary and, among other factors, may depend on the subject of the specific report.

The whistleblowing system for reporting irregularities and misconduct provides several reporting channels for potential violations by employees, enabling the company to conduct prompt reviews and take appropriate action where necessary. Instructions for submitting a report have been prepared and are currently available in English only: PDF – How to Submit a Whistleblowing Report.

Submitting a report through the whistleblowing system does not in any way affect your legal right to contact the relevant authorities directly, as outlined below.

Reports can be submitted via voice message 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the following toll-free number:+800 210 0645 Porsche Holding Salzburg Code: 122333

If you are calling from outside Bulgaria, a list of all relevant telephone numbers is available here.

The online communication platform enables contact with and submission of reports to the Central Investigation Office in many different languages. The system is fully confidential and securely protected by appropriate technologies, and it allows reports to be submitted at any time and in any language – even if your preferred language is not listed on the platform.

You may also contact the Investigation Office in writing, in any language, by email or by post.

Online reporting platform: https://goto.speakup.report/phs Porsche Holding Salzburg Company Code: 122333

Porsche Holding Salzburg has also appointed external lawyers who act as ombudspersons. Their role is to provide advice regarding the whistleblowing system for reporting irregularities and misconduct and to ensure that, if requested, reports submitted by whistleblowers are forwarded anonymously to the Investigation Office.

If you wish to contact an ombudsperson, you can find their contact details here: https://www.ombudsmen-of-volkswagen.com/

You may also contact the Porsche Holding Salzburg Investigation Office by email at: [email protected]

By post:

Volkswagen AG Central Investigation Office Mailbox 1717 Berliner Ring 2 38436 Wolfsburg, Germany

In person:

You can arrange a meeting in advance by sending an email to: [email protected]

You can also download the SpeakUP mobile application via the QR code below and submit your report directly through the app. Please use the Porsche Holding Salzburg company code 122333 or the second QR code corresponding to the PHS company code.

Any questions or suggestions for improvement related to the whistleblowing system for reporting irregularities and misconduct can also be addressed directly to the Investigation Office.

You may also contact the local Corporate Ethics and Compliance department regarding any matters related to the whistleblowing system by sending an email to: [email protected].