It is not only internally that Continental fulfils its obligation in terms of diversity. The company also shows its commitment to this topic to the outside world. We demonstrated this in December 2008, when we signed the Diversity Charter, an initiative aimed at promoting diversity within companies. The purpose is to promote the acceptance, appreciation and integration of diversity within the corporate culture. The charter enables the companies to create a work environment free of prejudice. All employees are to be treated with respect regardless of gender, race, nationality, ethnic origin, reli­gion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation, and identity. The fundamental principle is that in an open corporate culture, all employees should feel appreciated and integrated within the company and the employment market.

The Diversity Charter initiative supported by numerous companies is backed by the German Federal Government. The charter’s patron is the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.