Thierry Lespiaucq to head VW Passenger Cars India   

Having completed his three-year assignment as director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars – India, Michael Mayer is headed for China where he will take up the role of ‘Head of Sales and Marketing’ for Volkswagen Passenger Cars – China, reporting to the CEO of Volkswagen brand in China.

China is the German carmaker’s single largest market globally. In 2016, the Volkswagen Group sold 10.3 million (10,312,400) vehicles worldwide in 2016, a year-on-year rise of 3.8 percent. Sales were mainly driven by a surge in sales in China – 3,548,600 units, up 12 percent year on year. 

Thierry Lespiaucq, managing director – Volkswagen Group Sales India, will take charge of Volkswagen Passenger Cars in India until further notice. 

Mr Mayer, who has been with the Volkswagen Group for over 20 years, will be transitioning into his new role in China starting April 2017, after completion of his current assignment in India. Under his leadership since June 2014, Volkswagen Passenger Cars in India prepared and implemented substantial expansion of its product portfolio with the launch of the Beetle in 2015, followed by the made-for-India Ameo compact sedan and Polo GTI in 2016, and the Tiguan and Passat, which have been planned for 2017.

He also spearheaded the SARVOTTAM initiative, a bouquet of multiple initiatives focused at enhancing the quality and efficiency of Volkswagen customers’ experience in India.

Also read: Volkswagen India manufactures record 145,145 cars in 2016