The Volkswagen Group outlines plans for a major strategic restructuring under new CEO Oliver Blume.
In a move aimed at providing a “closer working connection” between three of its primary brands, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche are set to take on new areas of competence within a revised business structure, in what the Volkswagen Group says will provide “clearer priority setting and faster implementation of change.”
Effective Jan. 1, the VW brand will be responsible for production and procurement, Audi is being positioned as the lead for sales and quality, while Porsche will head development and design.
“Quality and design have always been USPs (unique selling points) of the Volkswagen Group and its brands,” Blume says. “Managing these key functions via the brands will allow us to intensify our focus.”
The decision to position the VW, Audi and Porsche brands as the key drivers of the Volkswagen Group’s revised business operations comes after it announced a 10-point plan designed to strengthen its brands over the longer term.
Under the plan, the Volkswagen Group says, “Distinct improvements in product substance, quality and design are to be achieved in future years.”
To facilitate the revised business structure, the Volkswagen Group has announced changes to its management.
As of Jan. 1, Michael Neumayer (pictured, far left) will assume responsibility for quality management across the Volkswagen Group, while retaining his position as head of quality at Audi. He replaces Frank Welsch, who is retiring.
Michael Mauer (pictured, above) will become head of Volkswagen Group design, replacing Klaus Zyciora, who is leaving the company. Mauer previously held the position between 2015 and 2020. He has been head of design at Porsche since 2004.
The Volkswagen Group is parent to the Audi, Bentley, Cupra, Ducati, Jetta, Lamborghini andMAN brands, as well as parent to marques Navistar, Porsche, RIO, Scania, SEAT, Skoda, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Caminhoes e Onibus and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle.
It also operates three joint ventures in China with FAW (First Automobile Works), JAC (Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co.) and SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp.).
