Volkswagen’s New American CEO Comes From Rivian

The Rivian-Volkswagen $6 billion three way partnership received somewhat extra fascinating this week. The Volkswagen Group of America, which incorporates the core VW marques plus Audi, Lamborghini and different manufacturers, is getting a brand new CEO whose final stint was on the California-based electrical automobile startup. And it is a homecoming of types as nicely, since new CEO Kjell Gruner additionally ran Porsche Automobiles North America for a couple of years. Can he assist flip round an iconic model whose American future feels a bit murky lately?

That kicks off this midweek version of Important Supplies, our morning roundup of reports from the mobility and know-how areas. Additionally on faucet for at present: we take a look at Hyundai Motor Group’s massive electrical plans for the LA Auto Present, whereas Ford is chopping jobs in Europe.

30%: Meet The New VW American Boss

Even I will admit that the “new CEO from Rivian” in my headline is a little bit of a attain right here. Sure, Gruner is a former Rivian govt. However he was solely the startup’s gross sales chief for 11 months between 2023 and earlier this summer time. Gruner is a 25-year auto trade veteran who labored as a supervisor at Porsche in Germany, what was then known as DaimlerChrysler, then Mercedes-Benz, then again to varied management roles at Porsche till he was CEO of its North American operations. 

Gruner’s appointment to the highest job was introduced yesterday alongside the departure of Pablo Di Si, who VW officers mentioned “stepped down from his place final week on his personal request.” Di Si had been CEO of the division for about two years. 

So why the change? It is laborious to level to 1 explicit purpose, however throughout the board, the worldwide VW Group is mostly not in improbable form. It is getting creamed in China by new, native opponents, shedding floor in Europe to them too, battling a shrinking general automotive market, and doubtless has a battle brewing with its labor unions because it seeks unprecedented plant closures. Within the U.S., it is doing somewhat higher; Automotive Information reviews gross sales had been up 19% in Q3, however on the backs of heavy reductions, which isn’t nice for the underside line. And VW’s once-ambitious electrical transition feels extra endangered than ever. After years of hype, within the U.S. it simply sells the ID.4 and now the ID.Buzz—the previous’s gross sales have not been nice as of late and the latter is on the costly facet for the vary it presents.

Volkswagen, as a model and as a conglomerate, appears to be within the midst of determining what it truly is in 2024 and past. Maybe Gruner will be capable to assist determine that out, at the least on our shores.

60%: Hyundai’s Huge Plans For The LA Auto Present

Photograph by: Hyundai

One automaker that does appear to have issues discovered is Hyundai. Its leaders have repeatedly insisted that it is not slowing down on the EV entrance as many rivals are, and that it may well capitalize on its big U.S. investments. However that concept is about to get examined if the EV tax credit evaporate. 

We’ll see plenty of that at this week’s LA Auto Present, which like most massive auto reveals has been inconsistent when it comes to new product information in recent times. However Hyundai and its manufacturers are the ostensible stars this time: we count on to see the Hyundai Ioniq 9, the U.S.-spec 2026 Kia EV6, the general public debut of the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5, some information from Genesis and extra. Plus, all the vehicles debuting right here ought to have the Tesla NACS plug and nearly all—if not all—could find yourself being constructed within the U.S. too.

Count on extra on these debuts as we get them.

90%: Ford Makes Cuts In Europe As EV Demand Weakens

Ford Explorer EV manufacturing begin in Cologne, Germany

However once more, not everyone seems to be having a good time on this area. Ford is chopping jobs in Europe as its Capri and Explorer EV fashions, that are based mostly on a VW Group electrical platform, seemingly fail to take off. Here is Agence France-Presse:

“The corporate has incurred important losses in recent times,” Ford mentioned in an announcement, blaming “the trade shift to electrified automobiles and new competitors.” The transfer will have an effect on 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 within the UK and 300 in western Europe by the top of 2027, a Ford spokesman informed AFP.

“It’s important to take tough however decisive motion to make sure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” mentioned Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president within the assertion.

The corporate additionally mentioned it was adjusting the manufacturing of its Explorer and Capri fashions, leading to decreased hours at its Cologne plant within the first quarter of 2025.

Europe’s total automotive market simply is not in a good way proper now.

100%: How Does VW’s U.S. Operation Get Again In The Sport?

Photograph by: Volkswagen

2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz U.S. version first drive.

What’s your recommendation to Gruner as he steps into the highest job? How does VW’s American arm—now extra essential than ever, with China gross sales shrinking—kick issues into excessive gear?

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