Temporary dealer contracts: Does VW plan to retreat from the country?

Temporary dealer contracts

Does VW plan to retreat from the country?

Dirk Weddigen von Knapp: Negotiations could drag on until the second half of 2018. © Photo: Tim Wegner for VAPS

The announcement by Volkswagen that some traders will only want to offer temporary contracts in the future has alarmed the partner association. In general, negotiations on future cooperation are tough.

According to the VW and Audi Partner Association (VAPV), the Volkswagen Group wants to largely withdraw from rural areas. Unlike previously stressed, see the Volkswagen AG in the termination The contracts with its dealers and service partners apparently a means to make a network adjustment, said Association President Dirk Weddigen von Knapp on Monday at the General Assembly in Hannover. “Some of ours partner It was announced that they would offer them only temporary contracts until March 31, 2023 and that they would then have to leave the grid. “

In front of 800 dealers, the head of the association made it clear, according to a message distributed on Tuesday, that one did not know how many partners were affected. However, the first reports showed a tendency for Volkswagen to plan a withdrawal from the country. Weddigen von Knapp: “The retirement in rural areas may mean that Volkswagen will likely no longer play a role there in the future.” He announced to have the assignment of temporary contracts legally reviewed.

“Positions still far apart”

Of the Association is currently negotiating new contracts with the VW Group to regulate the relationship of brands and its dealers and service partners beyond 2020. The talks were very slow, said Weddigen von Knapp. “After four rounds of talks, the positions are still far apart.” So you lie on the topic service still “miles” away and in the distribution So far, there are no approaches for understanding. Since no agreement had been reached with the consent of the Group with correspondingly amended contract passages, the negotiations could drag on until the second half of 2018, according to the VAPV President.

With great skepticism Weddigen von Knapp sees above all the draft contracts submitted by Audi, As reported, for example, dealers should no longer be entitled to sell all models per se in the future. The draft states: “Vehicle models with new drive types and new model series do not automatically become contract products Audi AG may grant the distribution of these vehicle models at its own discretion. “(AH)