The Volkswagen Group has announced the appointment of Dr. Kjell Gruner as the new President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, effective December 12.
Gruner will succeed Pablo Di Si, who has stepped down from his position at his own request. During the interim period, Gerrit Spengler, CHRO of Volkswagen Group of America, will serve as acting CEO.
Dr. Kjell Gruner brings over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, with expertise in the US market and a proven track record of driving growth in North America.
Previously, Gruner served as CEO of Porsche Cars North America and held leadership roles at Rivian and Daimler.
Gruner expressed his enthusiasm for the role in a statement on LinkedIn:
“It is a privilege to be entrusted with the stewardship of iconic brands like Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti, and Volkswagen Financial Services in this region. What excites me most is the chance to work alongside the outstanding teams in both America and Germany to shape the future of mobility.”
Volkswagen executives have welcomed Gruner with optimism. Gunnar Kilian, Group Board Member for Human Resources at Volkswagen AG, stated:
“Kjell Gruner is an absolute expert for the US market. His extensive know-how in exploiting and expediting growth opportunities will be invaluable.”
Meanwhile, Arno Antlitz, CFO & COO of the Volkswagen Group, underscored the significance of this transition:
“The North American market is a critical strategic pillar for Volkswagen. Gruner’s leadership will help us build on the strong foundation laid by Pablo Di Si and continue pursuing our growth trajectory.”
Acknowledging Pablo Di Si’s Contributions
During his tenure, Pablo Di Si played a pivotal role in shaping Volkswagen’s strategies across the Americas. His leadership was instrumental in the company’s realignment in South America and in laying the groundwork for positive growth in North America.
Volkswagen AG recognised his contributions, stating:
“Di Si’s outstanding commitment has been central to our success in strengthening the Group’s position in key markets. Together with his team, he has made a lasting impact on our strategy in the Americas.”
Volkswagen’s Growth Momentum in North America
The transition comes at a time of strong performance in North America. In the first nine months of 2024, Volkswagen Group delivered 769,000 vehicles in the region, marking a 7% year-over-year increase.
The US market alone grew by 1.5%, with the Volkswagen brand posting a significant 21.7% rise in deliveries across the region during the same period.
Volkswagen’s portfolio, which includes efficient combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles, has allowed the company to remain flexible in meeting customer demands while advancing its long-term electromobility goals.
To strengthen its position in North America, Volkswagen has made significant investments over the past decade.
This includes expanding regional production capacity, developing state-of-the-art battery facilities, and fostering e-mobility partnerships. These efforts are aligned with Volkswagen’s vision of delivering sustainable and efficient solutions tailored to the North American market.
A Promising Future Under Kjell Gruner
As Volkswagen continues its transformation in the North American market, Gruner’s appointment marks a new chapter in the company’s strategy. With his extensive experience and leadership, Gruner aims to build on the momentum established by his predecessor and drive progress in shaping the future of mobility.
Gruner closed his statement with optimism:
“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and look forward to this next chapter with energy and passion.”
Volkswagen’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction remains at the forefront as the company navigates the evolving automotive landscape under Gruner’s leadership.
