Volkswagen Group America’s CEO Michael Horn has stepped down abruptly, with the company saying that his departure will take place immediately.
Hinrich Woebcken, who only recently became chief of VW’s NA region, will replace Horn on an interim basis. Woebcken has in the past worked for rivals BMW in prominent managerial positions.
Although Volkswagen Group have been under the siege of controversy since it emerged last September that they had been rigging emissions testings, it is not yet known why Horn has chosen to step down with immediate effect.
Through a statement, Volkswagen said that the decision was taken “through mutual agreement with Volkswagen AG.”
It is thought, though, that Horn remains on good terms with the company.
Difficult Times For Volkswagen
In a statement, Volkswagen thanked Horn for the work he had done for the company, and in particular for “showing exemplary leadership during difficult times for the brand.”
Michael Horn’s decision is just the latest in a series of setbacks suffered by Volkswagen Group.
Back in September 2015, it was alleged that the German automotive giant had cheated on emissions tests.
So far, it is estimated that they will have to pay at least $18 billion in fines.
Before Horn’s resignation, head honcho Martin Winterkorn stepped down, while at the moment at least seventeen VW employees are being investigated for their role in the diesel scandal.
Horn leaves Volkswagen after twenty-five years of service and two years as CEO of VW America.
He believes that words can take on a transformative aspect and wants to help people make better decisions today.
His influences as a writer include Hunter S Thompson and Jack Kerouac, while among his interests outside writing are music, art, foreign films and football.
He’d one day like to own a Tesla, and still holds a candle for the Ford Capri.
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