Volkswagen Group China appoints executive to lead stronger, more integrated R&D in China

Shanghai (Gasgoo)-Volkswagen Group China has appointed Dr. Thomas Müller Executive Vice President of Group Research and Development, with one of his key responsibilities to be leading the introduction of the ONE R&D China initiative, which brings together the internal research and development power of the two brands Audi and Volkswagen and Volkswagen Group R&D in a new strong working model. This important new concept is aimed at creating synergies between the brands and integrating the strong capacity within the group. In total, more than 4,500 R&D employees work on future technologies for Volkswagen Group China.

(Photo source: Volkswagen Group China)

Volkswagen Group China CEO Dr. Stephan Wöllenstein said: “We are further strengthening our national R&D capacity to develop in China for China to better meet Chinese consumers' needs. We will no longer rely on carryover solutions from Europe. In fact, in some areas, we will develop technologies for the rest of the world. Under Thomas Müller, we will fully unlock the benefits of these efforts.” 

Müller, who will also be a Member of the Board of Management at Volkswagen Group China, will take up his new role on July 1. He joined Volkswagen Group in 2016 as head of Electrics / Electronics & Car IT at Audi AG in Germany.