Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management at Volkswagen, Benoit Tiers, Regional Chief Executive Officer of VWGME and Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, Chief Executive Officer of QIA during the inauguration ceremony in Doha, yesterday.
Doha: Volkswagen Group yesterday inaugurated its new regional headquarters at the Msheireb Downtown Doha, and set up a new business entity named Volkswagen Group Middle-East QFZ LLC (VWGME), reaffirming the exceptional value that Qatar and the Middle East represents to the company. In line with the global VW Group strategy – New Auto, aiming for clean and sustainable mobility, the Audi brand also confirmed $1m investment in 2022 to develop charging infrastructure in Qatar.
Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management at Volkswagen, Benoit Tiers, Regional Chief Executive Officer of VWGME and Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, Chief Executive Officer of QIA were present during the inauguration ceremony.
The inauguration marked the new business entity set up with the establishment of VWGME. This new regional headquarters will be responsible for core business functions for the company in the region, including strategy, finance, human resources, information technology, procurement and legal operations. This new entity will lead and support the VW Group activities in all markets where the VW Group brands are active in the Middle East.
The new regional headquarters and business entity symbolises the group’s commitment to Qatar and the region. With a presence of over 15 years, the company recognises the exceptional value it offers and plans to continue its growth together with local partners.
Tiers was appointed as the Regional Chief Executive Officer for Volkswagen Group Middle East following his position in Germany as Director for West Europe at Audi.
The Volkswagen Group’s New Auto strategy focuses on mobility for generations to come. The group is shifting to zero-emission electric cars and develops autonomous driving technology to spearhead software and mobility solutions by 2030. This aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 that aims to develop a sustainable and high standard of living for its population and future generations. The Volkswagen Group will work closely with the relevant government entities to support the nation’s economic and environmental development plans, specifically towards the nation’s sustainable agenda.
As a first step to support the development of full electric car sales in Qatar, Diess announced the investment by the Audi brand of $1m in 2022 which will further develop charging infrastructure in the country in coordination with local partners and authorities. Audi already offers 4 full electric models in Qatar, with the e-tron and e-tron GT model lineup.
Diess commented: “The Volkswagen Group has a long history in the region and a strong relationship with the State of Qatar. The opening today is symbol of our long-term commitment and dedication to develop this partnership. Doha will become the center of all VW Group activities in the Middle-East. This new company will ensure all typical headquarters functions, we know that there is significant room for growth and we want to tackle that potential”.
Al Mahmoud said: “QIA is proud to inaugurate Volkswagen Group’s regional headquarters here in Doha’s Msheireb district, which showcases innovation and future-focused businesses”.
