{"id":30684,"date":"2022-09-02T11:29:21","date_gmt":"2022-09-02T15:29:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=30684"},"modified":"2022-09-02T11:29:21","modified_gmt":"2022-09-02T15:29:21","slug":"volkswagens-new-ceo-lays-out-plans-boost-ev-transition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=30684","title":{"rendered":"Volkswagen’s new CEO lays out plans to boost EV transition on his first day"},"content":{"rendered":"

On his first official day taking over the reins of Europe\u2019s largest automaker, VW\u2019s<\/a> new CEO Oliver Blume announced his plans to double down on electric vehicles. In an internal interview, Blume says Volkswagen will accelerate its EV transition as consumers increasingly prefer electric models.<\/p>\n

Blume took over as CEO of Volkswagen after the automaker\u2019s former leader, Herbert Diess, announced he would be stepping down<\/a> at the end of August. <\/p>\n

Diess was elected to VW\u2019s board in 2015 after an extensive career<\/a> with BWM<\/a> that lasted almost 20 years; likewise, Blume has deep roots in the auto industry. <\/p>\n

He studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Braunschweig in 1988, one of the most highly regarded German research institutes. Blume was then appointed to the international trainee program at Audi<\/a>, where he established his career. <\/p>\n

Mr. Blume held various roles in body construction and engineering through the early 2000s \u2013\u00a0he then worked his into VW\u2019s high-performance luxury division, Porsche<\/a>, joining the executive board of production and logistics in 2013. <\/p>\n

Within two years, Blume was promoted to CEO and chairman of the executive board at Porsche. And in 2018, he was appointed to VW\u2019s management board.<\/p>\n

After working his way up in Volkswagen\u2019s luxury units, Olivers is now taking over as CEO of the largest automaker in Europe. Meanwhile, VW has found success in the lucrative EV market despite supply constraints crippling the industry.<\/p>\n

The auto group led the EV market in Europe and was second in the US (behind EV leader Tesla). VW claims the launch of the all-electric ID.4<\/a> was the \u201cbrand\u2019s rebirth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Volkswagen currently leads the way in EV and battery investments as it gears up for the auto industry\u2019s transition. Earlier this year, VW laid out its NEW AUTO strategy<\/a>, which includes plans to become a \u201csustainable and software-driven mobility provider\u201d with 50% EV sales by 2030. <\/p>\n

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2023 Volkswagen ID.4 EV SUV Source: VW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Volkswagen to ramp EV transition according to new CEO<\/h2>\n

It looks like Volkswagen isn\u2019t planning to let up on the gas (pun intended) as demand for EVs skyrockets across all major markets. <\/p>\n

The automaker\u2019s new CEO, Oliver Blume, has his sights set on the future. He explains at an internal interview on his first day on the job:<\/p>\n

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I am a fan of e-mobility and I stand by this path \u2026 we will keep the current pace and, where possible, increase it<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Despite outside concerns over whether Blume will continue his predecessor\u2019s aggressive transition to EVs, initial reports suggest he will only accelerate it. <\/p>\n

The new CEO also reassured EVs remain a primary topic at Porsche, which aims for 80%<\/a> electric sales by 2030. The brand known for its high-performance luxury vehicles is seeing strong demand for electric models after launching the Porsche Taycan EV<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Blume met with top managers and laid out a ten-point plan to accelerate its electric vehicle sales in major markets, including North America, Europe, and China while cutting costs to boost business profits.<\/p>\n

Blume has been described as a cool, calm, and collected leader, making him a perfect candidate to lead Volkswagen\u2019s EV transition as the automaker looks to overtake Tesla. <\/p>\n

Electrek\u2019s Take<\/h2>\n

After seeing strong demand for its EV models across all regions, Volkswagen\u2019s new CEO is doubling down on its plans to go electric. <\/p>\n

With VW leading the market in investments, it\u2019s no surprise to see Blume follow through with the former CEO\u2019s vision. The German auto group has already publicly stated<\/a> it wants to be the EV market leader, and so far, it seems the company is willing to do whatever it takes. <\/p>\n

Will Volkswagen overtake Tesla by 2025? It will be an arduous task for the German automaker as Tesla continues expanding production ability as demand for its models continues building globally. But, with VW expected to launch a version of its concept ID. Life an EV model for less than $25,000, it may have a market opportunity. <\/p>\n

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