The Volkswagen brand has repositioned its organization for vehicle development. Cross-functional collaboration will be strengthened as a result; from concept to the end of the life cycle for any given model, the responsibility for technology, quality, cost and deadline compliance, and the responsibility for cost-effectiveness, now clearly lie in one hand for the first time. Until now, these responsibilities were distributed across different divisions and differentiated into individual model groups as well.
Chairman of the board of management, Herbert Diess, said, “We have to ensure that the corporate responsibility for each vehicle project is clearly assigned. We expect these changes to yield an acceleration boost in development. This step represents a core element of ‘new Volkswagen’, the new strategic direction of our brand.”
The new organization bundles competencies into four series groups containing several model series. A newly created strategy and products division will also act as a strong partner in supporting each manager responsible for the various series. The responsibilities here will include the definition of life cycles and coordination of major product events.
“This allows us to provide clear structures and responsibilities, which carve out more time for the workforce to focus on their core tasks. Personal responsibility, initiative and team-spirit will be strengthened as a result,” added Diess.
February 3, 2016