German? Nein! VW bosses are told to speak English

IT MIGHT be one of Germany’s biggest businesses – but Volkswagen clearly believes British is best.

The car giant, which includes Audi, has announced it is switching its official language to English to make itself more welcoming.

Bosses say the change is designed to improve recruitment as some prospective employees are put off by the need to speak German. ‘In future, English is to be the group language,’ said board member Dr Karlheinz Blessing. ‘This will improve access to the top management level for international top performers and cooperation among top managers. As a globally positioned group, we need the best people in the world.’

VW owns a range of foreign brands including British marque Bentley, France’s Bugatti and Skoda in the Czech Republic.

The policy change means English will be the official language used by top managers for documents, meetings and presentations. Factory staff will still be free to speak their native language among themselves.

Although Volkswagen has German roots dating back to 1936, it has long been a multinational business. It is seeking to rebuild its reputation after being found to have cheated in EU emissions tests.

Millions of vehicles had to be recalled around the world and the scandal could lead to multi-billion pound fines.

The language switch was announced as part of an effort to bring in staff from differ- ent backgrounds. VW said it would seek more female managers, aim for bosses with wider experience and encourage foreign assignments. Dr Blessing said the car industry was being transformed by the internet and it was important to adapt.

He also said he wanted staff to feel free to discuss any concerns.

‘Diversity and international experience will be more important for management than ever before,’ he said. ‘We will promote a culture of discussion and decision-making.’