In July, Danny Auerswald will assume the position of managing director at VW Saxony, where he will be responsible for overseeing technology and logistics at the Zwickau, Chemnitz, and Dresden plants. The production network under his jurisdiction is currently focused solely on electric vehicles. Auerswald will be succeeding Robert Janssen, who is slated to take on the role of executive vice-president, overseeing production and product management at SAIC Volkswagen in Shanghai.
Auerswald brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously led production for Audi and VW models at the VW Group’s plant in Bratislava, Slovakia. Prior to that, he served as the site manager of the Transparent Factory in Dresden, where he played a key role in launching the production of the ID.3. Notably, in 2020, Auerswald presented on the transformation of production and the streamlining of the supply chain at the Dresden plant during the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live conference. His experience also includes managing the Volkswagen Group’s assembly plant in Pekan, Malaysia from 2016 to 2020, overseeing the production of several models including the Passat, Tiguan, Polo, Vento, and Jetta. His career with VW began in 2013, following five years at Volkswagen Consulting.
Dr. Christian Vollmer, the board chairman at Volkswagen Saxony and head of production and logistics for the Volkswagen brand, expressed confidence in Auerswald’s leadership capabilities. “Danny Auerswald combines regional and international experience and is therefore the ideal choice as managing director of Volkswagen Sachsen,” stated Vollmer. He also conveyed his anticipation of continued successful management of the Volkswagen locations in Saxony under Auerswald’s leadership.
In recognizing Janssen’s contributions, Vollmer highlighted his role in maintaining smooth production and stable processes across the three plants in Saxony during a challenging period for the automotive industry. “He has aligned Volkswagen Sachsen specifically to the significantly changed production situation due to market conditions at all three locations over the past twelve months,” said Vollmer. He also conveyed well wishes for Janssen’s new assignment in Shanghai and expressed eagerness to continue collaborating with him.
Janssen, who has been with VW since 2000, has held various positions in Germany and abroad, including technical management at Auto5000 in Wolfsburg, oversight of the Kaluga body shop in Russia, and management of all SAIC Volkswagen production sites in China. In 2022, he assumed the chairmanship and the technology and logistics department at Volkswagen Saxony.
The appointment of Danny Auerswald represents a significant development for VW Saxony, and his leadership is expected to drive the company’s continued success in an industry marked by rapid technological advancement and change. With his extensive background in production and logistics, Auerswald is poised to make a significant impact in his new role at VW Saxony.