Corona appeal: SAP employees should drive company cars longer

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SAP headquarters in Walldorf:

Europe's largest software manufacturer SAP appeals to its employees in Germany to drive their own company cars longer than usual. A spokesman confirmed a corresponding report in the "Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung".

According to the spokesman, the move is related to the effects of the corona pandemic on SAP businesses. If at least some employees use their company vehicles for longer than planned, the group could postpone buying new cars. That saves money in the short term - and helps to achieve the set financial goals.

Company relies on voluntariness

Most of the 21,000 SAP employees in Germany enjoy the privilege of being provided with a company car. Most of them are entitled to this at the latest in their third year of service, as the spokesman said. The employees generally used the vehicles for four years, after which they would be entitled to a new car.

The current appeal is aimed specifically at employees who have been driving their cars for four years or more. They would have to comply with the company's request to postpone the order for a new vehicle, but not. It is not a rule. The spokesman said nothing about feedback from its own employees.

According to the information, SAP does not lease its company cars, but buys them. The generous company car regulation is primarily a courtesy to the employees at the main location in Walldorf, which is remote from larger metropolises. Many employees do not live in the immediate vicinity - and therefore often have to travel a longer distance to their workplace.

apr / dpa