April 20, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Volkswagen Korea CEO Thomas Kuehl will step down after four years to head Japanese carmaker Nissan’s India operations starting October, according to the local unit of the German automaker on July 19. 

Kuehl, whose term at VW Korea ends on Sept. 30, decided not to renew his contract to take up his new post as president of Nissan India. 

“Kuehl is leaving as his contract is over,” a spokesperson from Audi VW Korea told The Investor. “We are searching for his successor. Once a decision is confirmed, we will announce the details.”

Thomas Kuehl

With more than 20 years in the auto industry, Kuehl headed VW’s Skoda brand in India prior to his arrival in Korea. At his new post, he will be responsible for both Nissan and Datsun brands in the world’s fast-growing economy.

Kuehl became CEO of the Korean unit in September 2013. His tenure at VW Korea has seen a series of ups and downs. VW, which enjoyed record sales in the country in 2015, was under fire after it was found to have installed defeat software in its diesel vehicles to manipulate emissions and noise level tests to get sales approval. 

Last year, the Korean government revoked certification and halted sales of 32 models of Audi, VW and Bentley vehicles, in addition to imposing hefty fines. Since then, the firm hasn’t been able to resume sales. 

The Korean unit said it began certification process for the revoked vehicles as well as new cars to get back to the market. But the exact time frame is yet to be decided as it is awaiting government approval. 

Audi VW Korea CEO Johannes Thammer, who has been largely responsible for the VW scandal in the country, has also stepped down from the post, effective July 31.

The Korean operations were led by Marcus Hellmann, who was appointed as co-CEO of Audi VW Korea in February.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)