BERLIN, Aug 7 (Reuters) – German auto group Volkswagen plans to overhaul its U.S. strategy with new management and a revised product offering, including a new pickup truck, a company source told Reuters on Friday.
Marco Schubert, previously head of sales at Volkswagen’s premium brand Audi, is moving to the United States to replace Kjell Gruner, who is leaving the company, the source said.
German business daily Handelsblatt first reported on the plans.
Thomas Schaefer, head of the Volkswagen brand, sees growth opportunities in pick-up trucks and large SUVs – both high-margin vehicles in strong demand in the U.S. – which the Wolfsburg-based group does not currently offer.
The source said the goal is to bring the first pick-up truck to market before the end of the decade. The vehicle is to be built in the U.S.
Volkswagen operates a plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where production of the electric ID.4 was recently discontinued ahead of schedule.
(Reporting by Christina Amann, writing by Rachel More, editing by Thomas Seythal)
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