VW Restructures Sales Operations

Volkswagen AG is restructuring its sales and marketing operations, saying the new setup will allow it to better focus on international markets.

As part of the reorganization, the German auto maker names Jonathan Browning, formerly in charge of global sales, service and marketing for General Motors Co., to oversee international sales.

Browning will report to Christian Klingler, board member in charge of sales and marketing, who says the new organization will have several central pillars. They include group marketing, group sales coordination, group sales strategy and group fleet international.

“The continued shift in automobile markets towards new, fast-growing regions and constant expansion of the model range bring new opportunities for the sales, marketing and after sales business,” Klingler says in a statement.

“We are aligning ourselves to this by optimizing existing structures and processes, thus laying the foundation for continued success going forward and significantly raising our capability and strength in sales and marketing.”

VW says Luca de Meo, currently executive director-marketing product and communication at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, will add responsibility for group marketing.

Fred Kappler, in charge of parts sales, will take on global service duties, as well.