Dr. Bernd Wiedemann

As the third main pillar of the VW Group, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is responsible for the management and implementation of the worldwide commercial and leisure vehicle business. In 2004 the company delivered around 300,000 vehicles to customers all over the world. Turnover amounted to EUR 5.9 billion, with a positive cash flow of EUR 425 million. The company employs around 22,400 people at three locations. Deliveries showed double-digit growth rates in the first half of 2005 and throughout 2004. This confirms the brand's guiding principle: a tailor-made solution for every customer's transport and transportation needs.

Dr. Bernd Wiedemann (62) has been Spokesman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand since July 1, 2000. Dr. Bernd Wiedemann studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Hanover. He has been with Volkswagen since 1971. In 1977, he became head of the Research Department for Special Power Units. One year later, he took over the Powertrain Diversification department.

As Managing Director of the Volkswagen subsidiary IAV, Ingenieurgesellschaft für Aggregattechnik und Verkehrsfahrzeuge mbH, Berlin, Wiedemann took on management responsibilities for the first time in 1986. From 1988, he also headed the "Diesel Engine Testing" department.

In 1989, Wiedemann moved to Brazil as a member of the Board of Management of Autolatina, a joint venture between Volkswagen and Ford. There he is responsible for passenger car and commercial vehicle development. From 1992, as "Vice-President" of Autolatina, he is responsible for the technical development, purchasing, quality assurance and production of around 3,500 vehicles per day at nine locations in Brazil and Argentina. After the dissolution of the joint venture, he becomes Vice-President of Volkswagen do Brasil in 1995. On November 1, 1995, Bernd Wiedemann is appointed Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG for the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand.

Status: Beginning of 2006