Gasgoo.com (Shanghai October 16) - Skoda China announced that current President Gerrit A. Marx will leave the company at the end of the month, the Beijing Times reported today. Dr. Marx, who has held the position for just one year, is cited to be leaving due to personal reasons. Skoda China has yet to announce who will be his successor.
According to an official statement by the company, Dr. Marx (pictured) has decided to return to his native Germany so that he and his wife can spend more time with their two children. The statement further mentions that he will be leaving the automotive industry and entering the field of finance. The manufacturer expressed its appreciation for Dr. Marx's contributions in helping Skoda develop in China.
Dr. Marx's resignation came as a surprise to many in Skoda China, which only recently were informed about the news.
Last July, Skoda Board Chairman Winfried Vahland appointed Dr. Marx, who was 35 at the time, to head up the manufacturer's Chinese branch. He hoped Dr. Marx would help improve the sales performance of imported Skodas in the country. Dr. Marx was in constant negotiations with partner Shanghai VW, where he was pushing for more sales of imported vehicles. He was on the verge of making an announcement regarding a new independent sales network for the manufacturer at next month's Guangzhou International Motor Show. Several analysts believe that his departure will usher in a new period of uncertainty for Skoda China.
There have been reports circulating that Skoda China may be absorbed by VW China. Representatives from the company said they were unaware of such reports.
