Volkswagen Hires New North American Region Boss

Volkswagen has hired Hinrich Woebcken to lead the company’s relatively new North American Region division. Woebcken, who starts his position on April 1, will be a new face for the brand.

He will be responsible for strengthening Volkswagen’s presence in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, while also taking on the role as chairman of Volkswagen Group of America, Volkswagen Mexico, and Volkswagen Group Canada. Michael Horn keeps his position as president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.

“The USA is and will remain a key core market for the Volkswagen brand,” said Herbert Diess, Volkswagen brand CEO, in a statement. “With his international experience Mr. Woebcken will make an important contribution to the brand’s positive development in the region.”

Woebcken’s career includes a stint at BMW where he held a number of management positions, including the division manager for Driving Dynamics. He currently serves as CEO of the Commercial Vehicle Systems Division at Knorr Bremse AG, a position he’s held since 2014.

Woebcken’s appointment comes months after Winfried Vahland stepped down just weeks after accepting the position. Vahland, who had been with the Volkswagen Group for 25 years, left the company due to differing views regarding Volkswagen’s new North American business unit, which was created following the company’s diesel emissions crisis.

Source: Volkswagen

The post Volkswagen Hires New North American Region Boss appeared first on Motor Trend.

from Motor Trend http://ift.tt/1Pi80sz