Audi to head research and development for the Volkswagen Group

Volkswagen AG is to strengthen Audi's role within the Group as the lead for research and development within the brand alliance.

Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Audi AG comments, "Given the strong dynamics of change in our industry, we are pooling our strengths in the Volkswagen Group and positioning ourselves competitively for the future. Going forward, the Audi brand with Markus Duesmann as its new CEO will take over the lead for research and development in the Volkswagen Group and thus swiftly assume technical leadership."

As part of the realignment of competences and responsibilities, Volkswagen AG is also planning a squeeze-out according to German stock corporation law to increase its shareholding in Audi from the present 99.64% to 100%. The new structure is said to strengthen Audi's role within the Volkswagen Group.