Volkswagen South Africa embraces changes in leadership
We say farewell to Martina Biene, Head of the Volkswagen Brand, as she leaves South Africa for her new position at the Volkswagen Headquarters in Germany.
It has been less than two years since Martina Biene, head of Volkswagen Brand, joined the Volkswagen family in South Africa. After making such a remarkable impact, we are sad to say that Martina Beanie will be moving back to the Volkswagen headquarters in Wolfburg, Germany to start a new position.
This is not the last we’ll hear from Martina though as she has recently been appointed as Head of G1 Baureihe (Product Management of A0 cars), a position well deserved for someone who has given so much to Volkswagen.
In a recent online press conference, Biene expressed her gratitude to Volkswagen South Africa, sharing some her favorite moments with the team. Biene took over the responsibility for the Volkswagen Brand in South Africa on the 1st of October 2018. During her time in South Africa, she fully embraced the culture and way of living. Not only has she made an impact on local society but also on the local automotive market. Since Biene’s arrival, the Volkswagen market share in the passenger car market was a record 20.4%, making it the highest it has been since 1996.
Although Biene’s time was short, it was certainly impactful, her strategy development on topics such as digitalization, connectivity and many more, will all be dearly missed. A true pioneer and remarkable women who has left her mark on both the local automotive market and Volkswagen South Africa.
Biene will start her new position on the 1st of September and we wish her nothing but the absolute best on her new journey. Biene’s successor will be announced shortly.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: Who is replacing Martina Biene as Head of Volkswagen Brand in South Africa?
The article mentions that Biene's successor will be announced, but doesn't specify who that person is yet. Volkswagen South Africa typically announces new leadership appointments through official press releases once the selection process is complete.
Q: What was Volkswagen's market share under Martina Biene's leadership?
Under Biene's leadership, Volkswagen achieved a record 20.4% market share in the South African passenger car market, which was the highest it had been since 1996. This represents a significant achievement during her less than two years with the company.
Q: When did Martina Biene start working for Volkswagen South Africa?
Martina Biene took over responsibility for the Volkswagen Brand in South Africa on 1 October 2018, making her tenure less than two years before her promotion to the German headquarters.
Q: What is Martina Biene's new role at Volkswagen Germany?
Biene has been appointed as Head of G1 Baureihe, which involves Product Management of A0 cars at Volkswagen's headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany. She started this new position on 1 September.
Q: How did Martina Biene impact Volkswagen South Africa's business?
Biene made significant contributions to strategy development in areas like digitalisation and connectivity, while also helping Volkswagen achieve its highest market share in over two decades at 20.4% of the passenger car market.
Should You Buy It?
Hold up there, boet - this article isn't about buying a car, it's about Volkswagen South Africa's leadership changes as Martina Biene heads back to Germany. If you're looking to buy a VW though, you're in luck because under her leadership, Volkswagen achieved a record 20.4% market share in SA's passenger car market. The current VW lineup offers solid options from the Polo Vivo starting around R269,900 to the premium Arteon at roughly R699,900. Our advice? Check out the latest VW models reviewed on our site, because Biene's focus on digitalisation and connectivity means the current range is packed with tech that punches above its weight class.
