VOLKSWAGEN has appointed its former chief operating officer, Ralf Brandstaetter, as its new brand CEO and tasked him with driving the brand towards its zero-emission mobility and electric vehicle goals.
Mr Brandstaetter starts in the role as of July 1 and will replace Herbert Diess who will focus on his other role as CEO of the Volkswagen Group, including Audi, Bentley and Porsche.
Volkswagen says the appointment was part of a “reassigning of responsibilities” for the brand and larger group after Mr Diess was criticised over the delay in launching the new ID.3 electric hatchback, caused by ongoing software problems.