TOKYO, May 14, 2014—Canon Inc. announced today that the Company has signed a global service agreement with German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen AG for the provision of multifunction office systems and solutions. Over the next few years, Canon will serve as a global partner to Volkswagen, providing managed print services through Canon multifunction office systems and solutions to Volkswagen group operating bases worldwide.
Through the comprehensive agreement, Canon will deliver Canon multifunction office systems and laser printers to global Volkswagen group offices and factories and provide assorted solutions and services. About the partnership, Mr. Andreas Wiedemann, Head of Printing Service Governance, Volkswagen AG, said, "VW are very pleased to be working with Canon for the supply and management of our printing requirements across our sites globally."
Enabling Canon to win this major account was its advanced technological capabilities and highly reliable equipment, which make possible the same solutions in any region around the world, as well as the new development of applications tailored to meet unique customer needs. Another factor contributing to Canon's win was the Company's proactive initiatives aimed at protecting the environment, including efforts to develop products that deliver high environmental performance.
In recent years, as business machine suppliers have had to satisfy the increasing office equipment demands of global corporate customers, the ability of these suppliers to provide unified services and information security that meet international standards, along with centralized purchasing, have gained in importance as selection criteria. Additionally, social contribution activities and other corporate social responsibilities have also been attracting increased attention, with companies choosing their suppliers based not only on product performance, but also the corporate bearing and initiatives of the supplying company.
In 2004, Canon launched the Global Account Management project as a dedicated organization within the Company tasked with responding to the business machine needs of customers with global business operations. In January this year, Canon renamed the organization the Canon Global Services Division and has focused on enhancing the Division's service offerings, including the launching of a dedicated website. The website, accessible in some 23 countries worldwide, highlights the benefits of Canon Global Services and will be updated with the latest pertinent information.
Canon will continue its efforts to provide customers with multifunction office systems and solutions tailored to meet the ever-evolving needs of the modern workplace.
