Transforming Volkswagen: A Chinese Influence
Managers at Volkswagen deliver a straightforward message to their staff: "Emphasis on a significant matter."
In the realm of automotive giants, Volkswagen is steering towards a new era of transformation. The objective: leave the turbulent past behind and revive the path to success. Given the company's chequered history, this isn't a walk in the park.
But there's a glimmer of hope, and change is imminent. There's a cost-cutting strategy in motion. And fresh blood at the helm to guide the transformation. One of the key figures leading the charge is Erwin Gabardi. With his extensive experience in China, understanding its work culture, and comprehending Volkswagen's German needs, he's ready to spearhead the transformation as the new head of Product Management and Strategy[2].
And as a newcomer, he brings fresh ideas. A breath of fresh air, you might say.
"To succeed, you need to inspire envy," a Volkswagen employee states candidly[3].
A Complimentary Test Drive in the Kia EV6 GT-lineExperience the electric crossover with highway assistant, premium relaxation seats, and a whopping 325 horsepower for free: Click here to claim your complimentary test drive of the Kia Sportage GT-Line 🛒.
From China to GermanyGabardi's journey now takes him from China to Germany. His mission: to assist Volkswagen in achieving its cost-cutting and transformation goals. And he's eager to bring new ideas like a gust of wind[4].
The Chinese Spirit in Germany?The arrival of a new leader often brings new ideas. And so, Gabardi wants to introduce some of the Chinese spirit to Germany, according to the "Braunschweigische Zeitung." He encountered a "fighting spirit" in China where "politics, industry, and people all pull together and fight for the same goal."
A Tough Goal to Achieve
In essence, China works swiftly, efficiently, and focuses intensely on goals, sometimes at personal sacrifice. However, Gabardi emphasizes that this shouldn't be a mirror image in Germany: "The intention is not to work seven days a week as I've seen in China. But I do think we should cultivate a 'will to win' and fight for the accomplishment of our goals, particularly for Start of Production (SOP) deadlines and cost targets."
Click here to find out how to get your free test drive of the Kia Sportage GT-Line 🛒.
He sees this as a management responsibility, who will then instil this spirit in the employees. "We will certainly make this a guiding principle in G0," he says[5].
To delve deeper into the challenges Gabardi foresees and his thoughts on what needs to change, visit www.braunschweiger-zeitung.de.
The links marked with a shopping cart 🛒 are affiliate links. Our authors meticulously research and recommend these products based on their best knowledge, sometimes from personal experience. If you click on such an affiliate link and make a purchase, our editorial team receives a small commission from the relevant online store. This doesn't alter the price for you as a user and results in no additional costs. The commission helps us offer high-quality, engaging journalism for free.
[1] Enrichment data: Erwin Gabardi's extensive experience in the Chinese market suggests that he intends to integrate the dynamic, customer-focused, and innovative practices he observed in China into Volkswagen's product management and strategy in Germany.
[2] Enrichment data: Erwin Gabardi's new role as the head of Product Management and Strategy at Volkswagen signifies his profound influence in the transformation of the company.
[3] Enrichment data: Erwin Gabardi's background suggests that he will likely prioritize a customer-focused approach and strive to instil a competitive mindset within Volkswagen employees.
[4] Enrichment data: Erwin Gabardi's arrival at Volkswagen signifies a new era of change and the introduction of innovative practices from his extensive experience in the Chinese market.
[5] Enrichment data: Erwin Gabardi sees the implementation of the Chinese spirit at Volkswagen as a management responsibility, who will then pass this spirit on to employees. He emphasizes the importance of a "will to win" and fighting for the accomplishment of goals.
In alignment with his extensive experience in the Chinese market, Erwin Gabardi aims to integrate customer-focused, dynamic, and innovative practices from China into Volkswagen's product management and strategy in Germany.
With the intention of instilling a "will to win" and a competitive mindset among employees, Gabardi seeks to introduce elements of the Chinese spirit into Volkswagen's operations in Germany, prioritizing goal accomplishment and a customer-centric approach.
