Just moments ago, Volkswagen announced that CEO and President of Volkswagen of America, Michael Horn has stepped down effective immediately. In a statement released by the company, the departure was reached "through mutual agreement."
Hinrich J. Woebcken - recently announced as the head of Volkswagen's North American operations - will act as the interim CEO and President.
Volkswagen would like to thank Horn for his contributions to the company during his tenure in the United States. “I want personally to say ‘thank you’ to Michael Horn for the great work he has done for the brand and with the dealers in the United States. During his time in the U.S., Michael Horn built up a strong relationship with our national dealer body and showed exemplary leadership during difficult times for the brand,” said Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen brand in a statement.
Horn joined Volkswagen back in 1990 and was named CEO and President of Volkswagen of America in 2014. His departure comes about six months after the EPA revealed the company used illegal software in their diesel vehicles to cheat emission tests.
This news is a blow to Volkswagen's U.S. dealers who respected Horn as he was very upfront and worked on improving profits.
“The [VW] National Dealer Advisory Council wants to acknowledge Michael for his leadership and strength through the continued mismanagement of the diesel scandal that has plagued our sales and reputation more than any other global market,” Volkswagen's dealer council said in a statement to Automotive News.
The council also blasted Volkswagen's handling of the emission scandal and are very concerned about this change in leadership.
"There is no sense of a resolution to the diesel scandal. We are troubled watching the mismanagement of this scandal from Germany, and how it may impact the ultimate decisions by the authorities in the United States. This change in management can only serve to put the company at more risk, not less.”
Source: Volkswagen, Automotive News (Subscription Required)
Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears
Press Release is on Page 2
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP CHANGE
Herndon, VA (March 9, 2016) – Volkswagen Group of America today announced the departure of Michael Horn, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. Through mutual agreement with Volkswagen AG, Horn will be leaving to pursue other opportunities effective immediately. On an interim basis, Hinrich J. Woebcken, who was recently announced as the new Head of the North American Region and Chairman of Volkswagen Group of America, will assume the role of president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.
Volkswagen would like to thank Horn for his contributions to the company during his tenure in the United States. “I want personally to say ‘thank you’ to Michael Horn for the great work he has done for the brand and with the dealers in the United States,” said Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen brand. “During his time in the U.S., Michael Horn built up a strong relationship with our national dealer body and showed exemplary leadership during difficult times for the brand,” he added.
Michael Horn (54) assumed the role as president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America in January 2014 and has over twenty five years of experience with the Volkswagen Group. Prior to his current role, Horn served as the Global Head of After Sales at Volkswagen AG (VW). Horn joined Volkswagen in 1990 and has held many roles of increasing responsibility within the brand over his tenure, including Head of Volkswagen sales North West Europe, Head of sales and marketing luxury class vehicles, and Head of sales for Europe.
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