Autoblog

Jacoby out, Samuelsson in as Volvo CEO

Zach Bowman — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:15:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Volvo

Stefan Jacoby is stepping down as Volvo CEO in an "amicable agreement" with the automaker's board of directors.

Recent reports suggested Jacoby and the board had clashed over regaining European market share and the brand's position as an international luxury manufacturer. Much of that friction came from the arrival of Vice Chairman Hans-Olov Olsson, a former Volvo CEO himself. The company's new owners, Chinese automaker Geely, brought Olsson back to the board room to balance Jacoby's decisions.

Now Hakan Samuelsson (pictured right) is set to take over as CEO. Samuelsson currently serves as a Volvo board member and most recently served as the Chairman and CEO of MAN SE for four years between 2005 and 2009. The new executive says his goal is to focus on the brand's profitability and meeting sales goals.

Samuelsson faces and uphill battle, to be sure, in a continually weakening European market that has seen Volvo slide from relevance in recent years. The company has high hopes that its new CEO will help them continue to gain a foothold in the Chinese market, as well.

You can take a look at the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Jacoby out, Samuelsson in as Volvo CEO

Jacoby out, Samuelsson in as Volvo CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boardroom battles may be hurting Jacoby's bid to turn Volvo around

Seyth Miersma — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Volvo, Rumormill, Geely, Luxury

Escalating tensions between Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby and Volvo Vice Chairman Hans-Olov Olsson may be working against the Swedish brand's stated goals of regaining lost European market share, as well as remaining relevant as a luxury brand on the world stage.

Reports indicate that Jacoby and Olsson have clashed on statements made about Volvo group strategies, as well as butted heads on a "key executive appointment" in recent weeks.

Some of the conflict is by design, oddly enough, as new Chinese owner Geely intentionally brought Olsson back into the fold - the Swede is a former CEO of Volvo himself and has served some four decades with the company, all told - to keep Jacoby sharp. However, the Geely-devised system of "checks and balances" may be off the rails at this point, as the battle has become increasingly intense and is said to have held up some day-to-day decisions.

To make matters worse, Jacoby has been out of the picture for a bit after suffering a small stroke last month and taking medical leave.

Despite these insider reports of troubled times, Geely chairman Li Shufu (who also serves as chairman of Volvo) seems to believe that the arrangement is working as planned. It was Li that tasked Olsson with with closely watching Volvo management, as it tries desperately to turn around its lately flagging fortunes.

On the record, the company has stated that all is well in the house of Volvo. Spokesman Per-Åke Fröberg responded to the agllegations flatly, "There is no conflict between Stefan Jacoby and Hans-Olov Olsson."

Boardroom battles may be hurting Jacoby's bid to turn Volvo around originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo CEO Jacoby suffers mild stroke, takes leave

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:14:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Volvo, Geely

Reuters reports that Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volvo, has suffered a mild stroke. It happened last week, and although Jacoby says he has limited movement in the extremities on his right side, he says he's already begun improving.

Jacoby, 54, is "under medical supervision" and will be on sick leave for a month. It's a busy time for the company captain as a he works out how to convey the full value of Volvo offerings and is apportioning Geely's $11 billion investment, not to mention supervising the launch of the V40 Cross Country and a considering a Mini rival. Company CFO Jan Gurander has taken over in Jacoby's absence. We wish Jacoby a speedy and complete recovery.

Volvo CEO Jacoby suffers mild stroke, takes leave originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stefan Jacoby says Volvo contemplating Mini rival

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volvo

Up or down? That's the question about which way Volvo is going to take its brand: solidly into premium, full-size sedan luxury or into a smaller near-premium offering to challenge what is, right now, a very hot segment. Most of the chatter has centered around the former option, with Volvo declaring it would go for the top luxury guns, a patent filing suggesting an S100 flagship, and talk of a C90 luxury coupe to fight models like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe.

In between, that there's been speculation on the other side, with reports that Volvo is looking for a partner on a small car. Officials have themselves confirmed that within ten years, they won't have an engine larger than four cylinders, and everyone figuring that Volvo will have to do something with the spot occupied by the expiring C30 other than rename it and add two doors. The V40 takes the fight to the A3 and BMW 1 Series five-door, but what about premium and popular subcompacts like the Mini Cooper, Audi A1 and A-Class?

Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby tells Automotive News that the Swedish brand is considering a model in that space, but to do so would require not only the aformentioned partner, but a smaller engine. We're not sure what to make of the engine comment, since it apparently already has smaller engines planned for its larger line. If such a car comes, it won't be soon; Jacoby says his priorities now are "Volvo's core ranges" and getting the Scalable Platform Architecture fully integrated into the brand's next-generation cars. But with the scattershot temperament of Volvo news lately, who knows.

Stefan Jacoby says Volvo contemplating Mini rival originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo denies boss Jacoby is taking a run at Opel CEO post

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, GM, Volvo, Opel

It seems that every news report that involves the name "Opel" is eventually followed by a report that says, "Uh, never mind." Executives fill positions, then they're gone, or they're supposed to fill positions but duck out before doing so, five-year product offensives turn into grabbing for life preservers, and turnaround plans are followed by... new turnaround plans. With the recent departure of Opel CEO Karl-Friedrich Stracke, Swedish newspaper Dagens Industri reported that Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby topped the list of candidates to sit in Opel's very hot seat.

Volvo spokesman Stefan Elfstrom has piped up to say "Mr. Jacoby is fully occupied with running Volvo and has no plan for leaving his present job." Stranger things have happened, though, and who knows what the truth is, but we have to admit we'd be surprised if Jacoby jumped off the Volvo express - recently given an $11-billion boost by parent company Geely - to take his chances in the Opel maelstrom.

So Opel's search for a CEO continues. At least we have the Adam to look forward to.

Volvo denies boss Jacoby is taking a run at Opel CEO post originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo CEO admits automaker's cars are too complicated

Zach Bowman — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Technology, Volvo, Luxury

Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby has said his company's products are "too complicated for the consumer," according to Automotive News. Jacoby said 75 percent of Volvo customers don't know "all the possibilities they have with their car." He contrasted the automaker with Apple's intuitive products, which make consumers feel in control of a device instead of overwhelmed by its capabilities. The executive also made it clear that in order for the company to thrive, it needs to better cater to the next generation of car buyers. That means finding ways to improve connectivity in the vehicle.

Jacoby also reinforced his belief in the company's upcoming plug-in hybrid models, saying the vehicles are the "mid-term future" for Volvo. The CEO mentioned that either gasoline or diesel plug-ins will play a big part in the Swedish automaker's product portfolio, and that in the future, every Volvo model could bow with a plug-in hybrid version as well.

Volvo CEO admits automaker's cars are too complicated originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geely announces $11 billion investment in Volvo

Dan Roth — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, Volvo, Earnings/Financials, Geely

Volvo is poised to rapidly inflate its presence in China, and it believes the way forward is through an $11 billion spending plan. "We want to revive Volvo and give the brand its strength back," says Li Shufu, Chairman of Geely Automobile Holdings. Speaking with German magazine Wirtschafts Woche, Shufu disclosed that Geely will put up $11 billion for a new engine factory, increased research and development and technology upgrades. However, Volvo's Per-Ake Froberg tells Reuters that Volvo itself will be providing the funds through borrowing and other means.

No matter where the funding comes from, the investment is meant to aggressively drive the Volvo brand in the Chinese market, where the Swedish brand sold about 50,000 cars last year. Geely wants Volvo to account for 20 percent of the premium car market in just three years(!) with a target of 200,000 vehicles for 2014. It's all part of an ambitious plan to double Volvo sales over the next ten years, and for its stewardship, Geely will get a new premium brand for China that uses Volvo tech and engineering. In addition, the two brands will be combining their purchasing power to get better deals from suppliers and small engine and electric vehicle development will also be shared between Volvo and Geely.

As the last Swedish brand standing, it's heartening to see that Geely has designs on increasing Volvo's sales. Here's hoping the recently voracious appetite for cars in the Chinese market doesn't shortchange American buyers looking for Nordic iron.

Geely announces $11 billion investment in Volvo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jacoby reiterates Volvo considering NA plant

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Volvo

Volvo sold 449,255 cars globally in 2011, with 67,240 of those sales coming from right here in the States. By 2020, CEO Stefan Jacoby aims to boost those numbers to 800,000 sales globally and 120,000 here, and to do so, he can't let the exchange rate between the dollar and the euro stand in the way. That's why, according to a report in Automotive News, Jacoby says the company will spend "the next two or three years" considering building a plant in the U.S. or Mexico.

Jacoby made much the same comments six months ago at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, but now he's added a timeframe to the discussion. Even on the optimistic end, if Volvo decided to build a factory in 2014 and got the site chosen and the facility built in 18 months, it would probably be 2016 before anyone would benefit from locally produced cars. Nevertheless, with the new V40 due for a new generation not long after, that it might make a perfect timing for us to finally get the svelte hatchback we'd much rather have right now.

Jacoby reiterates Volvo considering NA plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XC60 Plug-In Hybrid shows where Volvo is headed

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Technology, Crossover, Volvo, Electric, Luxury

Volvo has made it a point to emphasize - surprise - the safety of its plug-in vehicles at recent auto shows. Now, at the Detroit Auto Show, the Swedish automaker has showed off the XC60 Plug-In Gasoline Hybrid Concept, a way to gauge American reaction to the idea of a plug-in CUV from Volvo. Why? Because this concept is headed to the U.S. and Chinese markets - in a different guise and with a lot of changes - within "a couple of years." That means something like 2014-2015. Volvo's first PHEV here could be an XC60 model, or perhaps an S60, said Volvo CEO and President Stefan Jacoby. For now, Jacoby tells Autoblog that the XC60 PHEV shows the direction Volvo is headed.

Here are the numbers: a 35-mile all-electric range, a recharging time of just 3.5 hours from a 220V outlet (7.5 hours from a more common 110V). Volvo estimates U.S. fuel economy of 105 miles per gallon equivalent and 50 mpg when the battery runs dry. 0-60 is reached in 5.8 seconds on the way to a 130-mph top speed. Oh, and there are eight gears in the auto transmission.

Gasoline is burned in a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is turbocharged and direct-injected and has stop-start technology. This 280-horsepower powerplant moves the front wheels, and a 70-hp electric motor propels the back wheels (this is known as a through-the-road hybrid). The XC60 PHEV has a 12-kWh lithium-ion battery, but just 66 percent of that (8 kWh) is used. The driver can select three modes - Pure, Hybrid and Power - depending on which type of fuel economy and performance is desired. Details of this technology can be found after the jump, and images of the XC60 test bed are available in our galleries.

Continue reading XC60 Plug-In Hybrid shows where Volvo is headed

XC60 Plug-In Hybrid shows where Volvo is headed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo V40 caught testing in winter wonderland

Zach Bowman — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Volvo, Luxury

Our spy photographers have manged to lay lenses on the new Volvo V40 as engineers put the vehicle through a little cold-weather testing. Until just recently, we'd heard that the five-door version of the C30 would be called the V30, but Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby has confirmed that the model will actually come wearing V40 badges.

Whatever they call it, Volvo is hoping the new machine will be capable of giving the Audi A3 Sportback and BMW X1 a run for their respective Euros. Details are understandably scarce at the moment, though we feel safe assuming the V40 will debut with a range of gasoline and diesel engine options.

The most potent of that bunch will likely be a 240-horspeower turbocharged four-cylinder that puts power to the front wheels... which certainly sounds like a good time to us. So far, Volvo hasn't said word one about an all-wheel-drive variant, though there's some indication that a plug-in hybrid may show its face in the near future.

Volvo V40 caught testing in winter wonderland originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volvo hiring 1,200 in Europe, adding capacity

Chris Shunk — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: China, Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Crossover, Volvo

2011 Volvo XC60 R-Design - Click above for high-res image gallery

China's Geely has big plans for its Volvo brand, with a goal of reaching 800,000 global sales per year by 2020 or sooner. To accomplish that feat, the automaker will need to bolster its factories and hire more workers, and Automotive News reports the Swedish automaker plans to do just that.

Volvo has announced that it plans to add 1,200 workers in Europe to help satiate an expected jump in demand. A staggering 900 of those jobs will be of the engineering variety, bolstering the staff of the automaker's research and development center in Sweden. Another 200 will fill spots at the automaker's Ghent, Belgium factory, while the remaining 100 jobs will fill various other positions. Volvo is also looking to build vehicles in China to continue sales growth.

Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby says of the move, "We are investing in our future. It means that we have to work hard to continue to be cost competitive ... our cars are selling very well globally." Jacoby points out that the automaker is already experiencing "significantly" stronger sales than in 2010, with the XC60 crossover leading the charge.

Gallery: 2011 Volvo XC60 R-Design: Quick Spin

Photos copyright (C)2011 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Volvo hiring 1,200 in Europe, adding capacity originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volvo boosting XC60 production, ponders bringing China-built cars to U.S.

Chris Shunk — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, Volvo

2011 Volvo XC60 R-Design - Click above for high-res image gallery

New Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby has stated publicly that the Swedish automaker plans to double global sales to 800,000 units per year by 2020. That's a significant increase by any measure, and the company's popular XC60 crossover appears to be a big part of those plans. Automobile reports that the Geely-owned automaker plans to increase production of the popular crossover to 100,000 units globally, with quite a few of those extra units reserved for the rebounding U.S. market. Volvo is reportedly optimistic that it can increase XC60 sales by eight percent over 2010 levels.

We guessing Volvo can increase production at its existing plants to nudge XC60 sales beyond the six-figure mark, but to hit 800,000 total units per year, a new plant is likely needed. It just so happens Volvo is planning a new factory in China, and Automobile cites a report by The Wall Street Journal that suggests the idea is being kicked around to build vehicles in the emerging market and ship a portion of them them to our shores.

The plan makes abundant sense from a cost standpoint, but the move would have to be approved by the Chinese government. It should help that Volvo is owned by a Chinese automaker, and we're thinking it's only a matter of time before "Made in China" will include cars and trucks 'round these parts before too long.

Gallery: 2011 Volvo XC60 R-Design: Quick Spin

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: Automobile]

Report: Volvo boosting XC60 production, ponders bringing China-built cars to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volvo to downsize engines in 2013; ponders diesel for U.S.

Autoblog Staff — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 14:07:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Volvo, Diesel

Engine downsizing is considered an effective method for reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency and that's precisely why many automakers have developed smaller mills to replace older, larger motors. Kia, Volkswagen, Fiat, Audi and many others already announced their intentions to introduce downsized engines in upcoming models. We can now add Volvo to the ranks of automakers developing new low-displacement powerplants.

According to Autocar, Volvo plans to introduce downsized gas- and diesel-fueled engines across its model range beginning in 2013. The automaker is also eying the addition of clean diesels that displace less than two liters - including a 1.6-liter engine that puts out 113 horsepower - and is even discussing the possibility of importing oil burners here to the States. Volvo's Chief Executive Officer, Stefan Jacoby, tells Autocar that the company is "taking a deep look at whether it will introduce the diesels to the U.S.," though nothing has been decided yet.

What do you think - would bringing over a range of diesels help improve Volvo's fortunes in the States?

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Volvo to downsize engines in 2013; ponders diesel for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Dec 2010 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volvo moves away from 'premium' image

Dan Roth — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Volvo, Geely

Volvo should no longer be lumped into the premium category, according to the wishes of CEO Stefan Jacoby. It's not that the cars aren't good, but according to Autocar, Jacoby thinks it sends the wrong message. "It sounds like a pricing strategy, and it's got an expensive ring to it," he tells the UK pub. Having recently come to Volvo from a tenure as CEO of Volkswagen's American operation, Jacoby has no illusions about where his new brand sits. This latest statement dovetails with an earlier assertion of his that it's too early for Volvo to consider gunning for the BMW 7 Series or Mercedes S-Class, directly contradicting Li Shufu, chairman of new owner Geely.

Rather than put on airs, Jacoby wants Volvo to emphasize its unique Swedishness to stand apart from the herd. Going after the territory well-covered by the German juggernauts hasn't set Volvo's sales off in search of the 800,000 units per year Jacoby wants to be shifting come 2020, which lends a certain credence to the new strategy.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Damian Dovarganes/AP]

Report: Volvo moves away from 'premium' image originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yes or No? Jacoby reportedly says Volvo isn't ready for a 7 Series rival

Chris Shunk — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Volvo, Geely

Just days after Geely purchased Volvo from Ford, the Chinese automaker's chairman, Li Shufu, proclaimed that the Swedish automaker needed a 7 Series fighter. Shufu's idea makes a lot of sense, at least in the large car-loving China market, where Volvo leadership wants to push a lot more metal. But when Shufu stated that Volvo needed to go big, he admitted that he needed to sell the idea to the company's new board. According to Autocar there is at least one very important vote that doesn't like the idea - at least not yet.

New Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby reportedly called the idea of a Volvo that can go toe to toe with a Mercedes-Benz S-Class "a step too early." The British site claims that Jacoby prefers to hold off on going further upscale until after Volvo reaches its goal of 800,000 sales per year within the next five years.

So who's right here? Shufu undoubtedly knows the China market very well, and he's thinking that the key to China's collective heart comes in the form of a sedan with a lot of rear leg room. Jacoby, on the other hand, is taking a more pragmatic approach; use the company's funds to spur overall growth and then look upmarket once the company reaches its volume goals. Add in the fact that Jacoby already experienced first-hand how tough it can be to bring a new large luxury vehicle to market (Volkswagen Phaeton, anyone?), and we can see why the new Volvo CEO is preferring to play it slow.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Bjorn Larsson Rosvall/AFP/Getty]

Yes or No? Jacoby reportedly says Volvo isn't ready for a 7 Series rival originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Volvo readying five-door hatchback to boost brand's overall sales

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Volvo

2010 Volvo C30 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby wants to move 800,000 vehicles across the globe per year by 2020, which would more than double last year's sales tally of 350,000 and signal a reversal of sales declines. Jacoby expects about 250,000 of those additional sales to come from its integration into the Chinese market, but the remaining difference will be made up by entering new segments, sharpening the brand's focus and becoming a true luxury brand, not just premium.

It shouldn't be any surprise that the ex-Volkswagen USA head would have in mind a Golf-sized five-door hatch for arrival in 2012. He didn't indicate what platform such a model would be built on, but the C30 would seem like a worthy candidate. If Volvo can come with a sporty hatch and get those buyers to look at the brand as something other than soccer-mom safety, the chance is there. The straight-talking German is working on the product plan, and as for raising the brand cachet he said, "We need to focus on luxury. I don't believe in the word 'premium.'"

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volvo C30

[Source: eGM Car Tech]

Rumormill: Volvo readying five-door hatchback to boost brand's overall sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo CEO will keynote 2010 LA Auto Show

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Etc., Volvo, Event Alert

Newly minted Volvo CEO Stefan Jaoby got to practice his auto show routine at the Paris Motor Show, and soon he'll be bringing his act to the U.S. Jacoby has been announced as they keynote speaker for the LA Auto Show on November 17, and according to a Motor Press Guild rep he is "expected to share his vision of the U.S. and Chinese auto markets, and viable alternative fuel solutions."

Jacoby was interviewed and profiled quite a bit during his tenure at Volkswagen of America, but he didn't spend much time in front of large, public audiences. We look forward to hearing what he has to say about what's ahead. Follow the jump for the press release.

[Source: LA Auto Show]

Continue reading Volvo CEO will keynote 2010 LA Auto Show

Volvo CEO will keynote 2010 LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Jonathan Browning to head Volkswagen's U.S. operations

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 17:10:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Volkswagen

Since the departure of Stefan Jacoby, Volkswagen has been hunting for a new helmsman for its U.S. operations. Word is that VW have found that man. Jonathan Browning, a former managing executive for General Motors and Ford, is set to take over the position Jacoby vacated when taking the CEO spot at Volvo.

Browning initially joined the Volkswagen team in June to head the national sales effort for all 10 brands under the VAG umbrella. He began his career with General Motors back in 1981, working with Vauxhall and then moving on to manage GM Turkey. Browning eventually left the General for the Blue Oval where he was involved with marketing and served as managing director for (then Ford-owned) Jaguar from 1997 through 2001. GM got him back and he climbed its ladder, rising to the position of Head of Global Sales - a post he resigned from in 2009.

While Browning's appointment isn't official yet, Volkswagen will be holding an event tomorrow at 11 AM EST to announce its new U.S. CEO, so expect confirmation before noon on Monday.

[Source: Wall Street Journal - Sub. Req.]

Report: Jonathan Browning to head Volkswagen's U.S. operations originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Sep 2010 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will a lack of U.S. leadership derail VW's ambitious sales plan?

Chris Shunk — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Jetta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has big plans for the U.S. auto industry. By 2018, The People's Automaker plans to sell a combined one million VWs and Audis per year; or about three times current sales numbers. VW has a plant in Tennessee that will build a planned 150,000 midsized sedans per year and a new, lower cost Jetta is expected to nab more of the coveted C-segment pie. The automaker plans to turn a profit here in the States by 2012 or 2013, a full decade after the last profit in 2002.

Like we said, VW has set the bar very high, but there's a big problem. The German automaker currently doesn't have a leader here in the U.S. Stefan Jacoby, a 25-year vet at VW, stepped down last month, leaving a thoroughly-engineered vacuum at the top of VW's U.S. org chart. VW CEO Martin Winterkorn, who reportedly planned to detail the company's road map to prosperity at a Jetta test drive on Monday, still hasn't named a North American CEO.

We don't make cars, but we're pretty sure if you want to triple sales in eight years it's a great idea to have strong leaders in place. We have little doubt VW will eventually find a suitable replacement for Jacoby, but whomever gets the job is going need broad shoulders for all the weight that's going to be placed on them.

[Source: Business Week]

Will a lack of U.S. leadership derail VW's ambitious sales plan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volkswagen's Stefan Jacoby moving to Volvo in August

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Volkswagen, Volvo

According to a report out of Germany, President and CEO of the Volkswagen Group of America Stefan Jacoby is set to leave the automaker this August to take the top spot at Volvo.

Jacoby, who has led VW's U.S. arm since 2007 and enjoyed a brief stint at Mitsubishi Motors Europe, is set to replace Volvo's current CEO Briton Stephen Odell. Odell will reportedly become the new head of Ford's European operations when Jacoby takes over the Geely-owned Swedish marque in August.

[Source: Reuters | Image: Ramin Talaie/Getty]

Report: Volkswagen's Stefan Jacoby moving to Volvo in August originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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