Volkswagen Makes Changes to its Technical Development Board Function in China
Photo credit: Volkswagen
The Volkswagen Group is making a change to its Technological Development Board function in the China region, strengthening its strategy as a part of its “In China, for China” program. Thomas Ulbrich will lead the Technical Development for the Group in China beginning April 1, 2024, Marcus Hafkemeyer who is currently in the position has extensive experience in China. Ulbrich was a former member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand for “New Mobility”, Ulbrich has held two management positions for the Group in China and will continue to advance its portfolio.
“The Volkswagen Group’s ‘In China, for China’ strategy is about systematically adapting to the dynamic changes taking place in China’s automotive industry. A high degree of localization will allow us to cater to the wishes of our Chinese customers. I would like to thank Marcus Hafkemeyer, whose outstanding personal commitment and broad expertise in China have really moved forward Technical Development’s regional focus, for example through the establishment of our new development center in Hefei,” said Ralf Brandstätter, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG for the China region and CEO of Volkswagen Group China.
Ulbrich studied automotive engineering at Hamburg University of Applied Science. In 1992 the freshly graduated engineer started in plant logistics at Wolfsburg, eventually assuming a management role in 1995. Moving forward to 2010, Ulbrich joined SAIC Volkswagen, China as Technical Executive Vice President. As Vice President Ulbrich took charge of development as well as production and logistics for five locations. Since February 2021, he has been a member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for Technical Development at Volkswagen Passenger Cars and took charge of the “New Mobility” Board.
Thoma Ulbrich’s new role will also be the CEO of Volkswagen China Technology Company (VCTC) in Hefei in Easter China. The Volkswagen Group’s largest development center outside of Germany is the central development unit of Volkswagen Group China. This VCTC focuses on fully connected intelligent electric vehicles, playing a key role in the development stage for specific models in China. The group is currently designing and developing its first local electric platform which will be the basis for models in China starting in 2026.
“Thomas Ulbrich, one of our top development and software experts, will now continue to advance the localization and networking of our Group’s development activities in the region. Ulbrich has exceptional expertise in important future technologies and excellent connections in the company and the China region. One of his priorities will therefore be to further strengthen the collaboration with our joint venture companies FAW-Volkswagen, SAIC Volkswagen and Volkswagen Anhui. I firmly believe that this will be an important source of impetus in our transformation to smart e-mobility”, Brandstätter added.
VCTC will implement a more efficient development process that will use the latest state-of-the-art-technology in order to reduce market time by 30 percent. Through joint ventures with companies such as FAW-Volkswagen, SAIC Volkswagen, Volkswagen Anhui, Chinese automaker XPENG, and Gotion a battery company. A few more companies will be incorporated including Thundersofrt (infotainment), Partners Horizon Robotics (autonomous driving), ARK (user experience). All these companies will be working closely with Volkswagen’s software branch CARIAD.
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