WSJ reports Wolfgang Bernhard leaving VW
The Wall Street Journal is reporting today that Volkwagen brand chief Wolfgang Bernhard will be leaving his post next month after the company's board votes to approve a new management shakeup. Supposedly the management reorginization involves offering Bernhard a new position in which he would oversee production across all brands in the VW/Audi group. Bernhard, however, has been reported as saying he would leave the company if his job changed.
Speculation that Bernhard would pack up and leave has been rampant ever since the man who hired him, ex-CEO Bernd Pischetsrieder, was replaced by his counterpart at Audi, Martin Winterkorn. If Bernhard does choose to leave VW, it's not entirely certain he could accept a position at another automaker due to a two-year non-compete clause built into his contract. This could potentially block Bernhard from returning to a post at his previous employer, DaimlerChrysler. Rumor has it that DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche would love to his bring his former prodigy back to the company, perhaps to replace current Chrysler Group CEO as the captain of the company's U.S. domestic division.
[Source: Automotive News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mike G 5:50PM (12/29/2006)
Has VW done anything significant lately except round off the edges on all its cars? What's this guy's contribution been - is he really good with a sanding machine? Or is he really expert at adding touches of chrome?
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KT 5:56PM (12/29/2006)
They'll find a way around that non-compete. It's just how bad do they want him back at DCX. Everyone has a price...and VW is no exception.
The only thing that would get in the way is if the board of DCX feels it would be easier/cheaper just to spin-off Chrysler vs. buying out the non-compete.
Hey Aaron...whatdaya think about me now? I'll sell you my tinfoil cap if you want it.
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Mike G 9:45PM (12/29/2006)
Oh ok - I get it now - this guy BernHARD is in such demand because he's so good looking. Abercrombie and Fitch models have nothing on Mr. BernHARD. What a stud.
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Hello 10:29PM (12/29/2006)
Here's to hoping this leads to quality changes.
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Seabass 11:31PM (12/29/2006)
Never knew that Sean Penn worked for VW.
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Todd 2:45AM (12/30/2006)
Hahahahahhaha Seabass I thought the same thing!
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