Volkswagen is redefining its production leadership structure following Markus Haupt’s departure to become Seat’s CEO, leaving his position on the production board unfilled. This shift signals a strategic realignment within the company.
Transformation in VW’s Production Strategy
The evolution of Volkswagen’s electric car production is taking root in the Iberian Peninsula. By 2025, the ID.Polo and Cupra Raval will commence production in Martorell, with the ID.1 following a year later in Palmela, Portugal. The Pamplona plant is also part of this initiative. André Kleb will oversee these facilities, assuming the newly created ‘Chief Production Officer’ role, which enhances production and logistics oversight.
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Brand Group Core, shared insights on LinkedIn: “When I took over the position to lead our Brand Group Core, we began to rethink our collaboration. Our goal: to become more efficient, unlock real synergies, and create strong brands that are clearly differentiated for customers – all supported by a lean, powerful engine room in the background. Today, we are taking the next big step.”
Leadership Changes at Volkswagen Autoeuropa
Significant leadership changes are underway at Volkswagen Autoeuropa. Thomas Hegel Gunther, formerly the plant manager in Palmela, is transitioning to Wolfsburg to lead planning and production technology for Volkswagen’s passenger car division, succeeding André Kleb. Under his leadership, the Palmela plant emerged as one of the group’s most efficient. Christian Vollmer, head of production, emphasized Hegel Gunther’s expertise: “After the successful launch of the new T-Roc, now is the right time to benefit from Thomas Hegel Gunther’s expertise in introducing efficient production structures.”
Meanwhile, Anabel Andión Lomero will assume leadership and plant management of Volkswagen Autoeuropa on March 1, 2026. Her extensive experience includes leading the pre-series center for Seat and Cupra and overseeing digital manufacturing for Audi in Ingolstadt.
Strategic Developments in Iberian Production
The structural changes on the Iberian Peninsula are spearheaded by André Kleb, who will take on regional production and logistics responsibilities from January 2026. Kleb aims to integrate the Martorell, Pamplona, and Palmela plants under a unified control model. This strategic alignment focuses on the production of upcoming small EVs.
Kleb’s role positions him as a pivotal figure in creating a new production network for Volkswagen’s electric entry-level series, enhancing the Brand Group Core’s efficiency, flexibility, and regional influence.
Christian Vollmer, VW Brand Production Board Member, noted, “André Kleb brings with him all the fundamentals from his international project and start-up experience to lead the Electric Urban Car Family projects and other vehicles to success – together with the team on site in a strong region.”
Original Story at www.automotivemanufacturingsolutions.com