The Volkswagen Group is restructuring the two cross-brand functions of quality and design. The aim is a closer connection to the Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi and Porsche main brands, in order to ensure consistent focus on customer needs. The Group Board of Management also expects the new structure to facilitate clearer priority setting and faster implementation amid the sweeping change being experienced by the industry and the demands associated with this change. Effective January 1, 2023, Michael Neumayer will assume leadership of the Quality Management division while retaining his position as Head of Quality at Audi. He will replace Frank Welsch, who is retiring after nearly 30 years of service in the Group. Also effective January 1, 2023, Michael Mauer will become Head of Group Design while also retaining his position at Porsche. He will replace Klaus Zyciora who is leaving the company to pursue tasks outside the Group. Following the restructuring of the Group Board of Management that was completed in September, all key functions have now been assigned to the Group’s leading brands: production and procurement to the Volkswagen Passenger Cars, sales and quality to Audi and design and development to Porsche. The primary jobs of the Group function will be to coordinate activities and tap synergies.
„Excellent quality and iconic design have always been USPs of the Volkswagen Group and its brands,” CEO Oliver Blume said. “Managing these key functions via the brands will allow us to intensify our customer focus.”
Faced with whirlwind changes in an automotive business that is being increasingly shaped by electromobility and digitalization, Volkswagen announced in September a 10-point plan that is designed to strengthen the company’s brands and products over the long term. Under this plan, distinct improvements particularly in product substance, quality and design are to be achieved in future years. With an action plan focused on quick implementation, the Group intends to create long-term value for its customers as well as for its workforce, investors and stakeholders.
On behalf of the entire Board of Management, CEO Oliver Blume thanked Frank Welsch and Klaus Zyciora. In particular, Klaus Zyciora can look back on a wide-ranging design portfolio at the Volkswagen core brand. He oversaw the Golf generations VI to VIII, amongst others, and the new design era with the ID. family. Klaus Zyciora began his career at Volkswagen as interior designer in 1989. He became Head of Interior Design in…
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