Mobility and Sustainability.

As part of its corporate responsibility, Volkswagen places great importance on sustainable water supply and distribution, as well as environmental sustainability in its production processes. Through the optimization of production processes, new water treatment systems and environmental education for employees, Volkswagen de Mexico has succeeded in significantly reducing the water consumption in production. Volkswagen also promotes environmental protection and nature conservation in the region on a large scale.

The groundwater used as a water supply in the Puebla region stems mainly from the conservation area "Izta-Popo" surrounding the two volcanoes Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl. Illegal deforestation, cattle-breeding and forest fires have reduced the density of the forest in this area drastically over the past few decades. This has resulted in hardening of the ground layers, which reduces the amount of rain water penetrating into the ground and prevents the groundwater reserves from being replenished. The water supply in the region is under serious threat. In order to combat this development, Volkswagen de México has decided to subsidize a reforestation project in the region. "One of the main concerns which we share with the community in Mexico is the preservation of groundwater resources" states Otto Lindner, Board Chairman at Volkswagen de México, outlining Volkswagen's dedication to the environment. "Government, citizens and companies all have a responsibility to identify and implement measures to stop the destruction of our planet".

Over the course of two years, a surface of two square kilometres is to be planted with 300,000 Mexican mountain pine trees (Pinus Hartwegii). This tree is native to Mexico and other countries in Central America and thrives at heights between 2500 and 4300 meters. The trees will promote the formation of top soil and support the growth of secondary vegetation, mainly bushes and grass. The top soil and the root system of the plants prevent the rapid run-off of water and subsequent ground erosion.

11,000 dry wells will also be created in the hanging terrain on the borders of the project area. They catch the rain water and facilitate penetration into the deeper ground layers. These measures will be rounded off with the construction of 100 dams to limit the flow speed of the channels. This will also help to stop ground erosion and promote infiltration.

The project planners predict that these measures could enable 900,000 m3 of rain water to be collected and directed into the groundwater each year. This figure corresponds to the total amount of water required by Volkswagen to supply its plant from wells on the plant site. The project will also bring additional advantages such as the bonding of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in the growing biomasses and improved living conditions for native animal species in the region. Jobs will also be created for the local community.

Volkswagen de México will support the project over the first two years with $430,000. When the start phase is complete, Volkswagen will continue to support the care and maintenance of the regenerated forest areas.

Volkswagen de México supports additional nature and species protection projects under the motto "For the love of the Planet". For more information, visit our section on species protection