Statement of the Group Management Board^*

DEAR CUSTOMERS, PARTNERS AND READERS, DEAR EMPLOYEES¹,

Since 2019, Zeppelin has voluntarily reported in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI) international standard. This is the sixth report on the Zeppelin Group's sustainability and the first to be prepared based on the new European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), representing a further professionalization of our non-financial reporting.

The 2024 financial year was challenging for the Zeppelin Group, marked by unfavorable market developments, margin and cost pressures, and special factors. To safeguard earnings, measures were introduced and implemented early in 2024. Despite these challenges, the Zeppelin Group increased its investments in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by over 12 percent compared to the previous year, reaching EUR 7.69 million in 2024. The focus remains on achieving greenhouse gas neutrality in ongoing business operations (Scope 1+2) by 2030. To this end, we are carrying out extensive energy-efficient renovations of our properties, ensuring that all new buildings meet the greenhouse gas neutrality standard, and expanding our electromobility initiatives. These measures have resulted in significant improvements in energy efficiency, reduced freshwater withdrawal, and a more attractive working environment for our employees at modernized locations.

Zeppelin is committed to measurable, sustainable development with clearly defined Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. The company's commitment is illustrated by progress such as achieving electricity self-sufficiency at the Friedrichshafen site, saving energy and emissions, and constructing a climate-neutral building in Eschweiler. Additionally, sustainable initiatives were promoted during CSR Week 2024 and World Cleanup Day. Biodiversity and ecological land use were promoted through the focus topic, "Biodiversity." Sustainable products and services are also a key component of the sustainability strategy. In summer 2024, Zeppelin Rental and Wacker Neuson organized a "Zero Emissions: Sustainable Construction" Day of Action. At five interactive stations in a gravel pit near Wolfertschwenden, 100 invited guests were given insight into the two companies' zero-emission solutions. Zeppelin's social commitment continued in the form of financial support for various social projects, such as supporting HIV-infected street children in Africa through the "Home from Home" program, as well as by giving employees time off to help with clean-up efforts in the event of severe weather disasters. Zeppelin has supported sports facilities for many years, including sponsoring the multiple German champion VfB Volleyball Friedrichshafen and supporting cultural events such as the Erl Festival and the Kulturhaus Caserne Friedrichshafen.

Looking ahead, sustainability management in the Zeppelin Group will continue to be dynamic. In the coming years, changing regulations and the takeover of the sales and service organization for Cat construction equipment, rental solutions, and power systems in Norway and the Netherlands from Pon Holdings will be key influencing factors. Norway and the Netherlands are both pioneering nations when it comes to sustainable innovations and developments. Consequently, this acquisition brings significant opportunities for Zeppelin to expand its sustainable product and service portfolio, facilitate knowledge transfer, and strengthen our sustainable corporate culture.

On behalf of the Group Management Board

_{^*Group Management Board as of 2024}

_{¹ To aid readability, the male and female pronouns are not used in every case. All personal pronouns should be understood as gender-neutral.}