New Volkswagen CEO aiming for US market

Stefen Jacoby

Stefen Jacoby, the new President and CEO of Volkswagen of America, is determined to make the German automaker a force to be reckoned with in the American marketplace. Based on pillars including brand positioning, local production and market-specific products, Jacoby says his company is determined to play a new and stronger role in the US market.

Part of this goal includes the relocation of head office from Michigan to Herndon, Virginia, near Washington.

Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of VW, commented: "The US market has top priority for Volkswagen." Relocation will begin in April 2008 and will have been completed by the end of the year. The move includes Volkswagen of America as well as other affiliated operations such as Audi of America, Audi Financial Services and Volkswagen Credit."

Jacoby says that, specifically, the move underlines their intent to step up the brands game in the US, and brings headquarters closer to where most of their customers are located- on the East coast. He says drivers there display a "pronounced openness toward modern and exceptionally environmentally sound powertrain strategies" which the group is currently developing.
photo:Volkswagen