1. Based on the information provided in the chapter, describe the basic features of German accounting at the time Volkswagen adopted IAS. What developmental factors cause these features?

2. What differences between the accounting requirements in the HGB and IAS are highlighted in Volkswagen’s disclosure? Are the German requirements consistent with your characterizations in requirement 1?

3. What is the relevance of Volkswagen’s adoption of IAS to the classifications studied in this chapter?

MINI CASE 

The Volkswagen Group adopted International Accounting Standards (IAS, now International Financial Reporting, or IFRS) for its 2001 fiscal year. The following is taken from Volkswagen’s 2001 annual report. It discusses major differences between the German Commercial Code (HGB) and IAS as they apply to Volkswagen.

General

In 2001 VOLKSWAGEN AG has for the first time published its consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Accounting Standards (IAS) and the interpretations of the Standing Interpretations Committee (SIC). All mandatory International Accounting Standards applicable to the financial year 2001 were complied with. The previous year’s figures are also based on those standards. IAS 12 (revised 2000) and IAS 39, in particular, were already complied with in the year 2000 consolidated financial statements. The financial statements thus give a true and fair view of the net assets, financial position and earning performance of the Volkswagen Group. The consolidated financial statements were drawn up in Euros. Unless otherwise stated, all amounts are quoted in millions of Euros (million). The income statement was produced in accordance with the internationally accepted cost of sales method.