Going forward, Volkswagen in North America will focus on those segments that show the strongest market demand and best meet the needs of customers and dealers in the region. Successful models will be further strengthened, the portfolio expanded, and Volkswagen’s presence in the growing HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) segment accelerated. In line with its “In China, for China” and “In Europe, for Europe” strategies, Volkswagen will also pursue a dedicated North America strategy. As part of this approach, the brand will explore opportunities in the highly popular body-on-frame B-segment, including robust SUVs and pick-up trucks, as a potential component of Volkswagen’s future product portfolio.
The Volkswagen Group press release with statement of Oliver Blume is available via this link.
Thomas Schäfer added: “We have a strong leadership team in place for Volkswagen in North America, which will consistently implement our strategy in this important automotive market. This is not about short-term success, but about a robust strategy that secures sustainable profitability and is clearly focused on the needs of North American customers.”
Martin Sander will succeed Marco Schubert as the new Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at the Audi brand from October 1, 2026. He will also become a member of the Extended Executive Committee of Volkswagen Group, reporting directly to the CEO of Volkswagen Group. Sander is currently the Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales at the Volkswagen brand.
Martin Jahn will succeed Martin Sander as of 1 October 2026 as member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing and After Sales.Jahn’s current role is as member of the Škoda Board of Directors with responsibility for Sales and Marketing.
Martina Biene is taking over Martin Jahn’s role as of 1 October2026 and will lead Sales and Marketing at Škoda. Biene is currently Chair and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa.
Christiane Zorn is becoming the new Chair and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa. She is taking on this role from Martina Biene 1 October2026 and will report directly to Thomas Schäfer.
Thomas Schäfer: “Markets are changing rapidly, and decisive action is required. That makes it all the more important to place leaders with the right experience in the right responsibility at the right time. That is exactly what we are doing. From North America via Volkswagen to Škoda, we are creating a seamless handover of the baton with experienced leaders who know our brands, our customers and our markets. On the one hand, this provides stability, and on the other, it accelerates the pace of change where we need it now.”
