Introduction
German luxury carmaker Audi AG has announced the appointment of Gernot Dollner as its new CEO. Dollner, currently heading Volkswagen Group’s Product and Group Strategy, will succeed Markus Duesmann as Chairman of the Board of Management. The move is aimed at further strengthening the company’s product strategy and market position. Dollner’s extensive experience and leadership qualities position him well to steer Audi into a successful future.
Audi’s Challenges in Key Markets
Audi is struggling to keep up with rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz in terms of software advancements and e-mobility which has raised doubts about the company’s ability to uphold its famous slogan, “Vorsprung durch Technik” (progress through technology). Industry insiders have voiced concerns about Audi’s software issues, which have already led to the delayed launch of the electric Q6 e-tron.
Need for change
Audi is facing challenges in China, its most critical market, where sales have been trailing behind domestic brands like BYD. With electric vehicles gaining popularity, Audi’s current lineup in China has been deemed insufficiently competitive. Additionally, the brand has been falling behind BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the US market, highlighting the need for strategic improvements.
Gernot Dollner’s Vision and Strategic Expertise
Dollner has held various management positions at Porsche AG, including leading Concept Development and the Panamera Series. Since 2021, he has been overseeing the Product and Group Strategy as well as the General Secretariat of the Volkswagen Group. Dollner’s comprehensive understanding of the automotive industry and his strategic acumen make him an ideal candidate to further shape Audi’s future.
Important takeaways for competitive examination
- Audi AG is a German automotive manufacturer of luxury vehicles headquartered in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany.
- Parent organization of Audi AG is Volkswagen Group.
- Balbir Singh Dhillon is the Head of Audi India .