New Delhi: German automaker Stellantis recently appointed Uwe Hochgeschurtz as the CEO of Opel Brand with effect from September 1, 2021, the automaker said in a media release.
The latest announcement comes when Stellantis is expanding its commercial activities, including in China, and entering the electrification era.
Hochgeschurtz, who currently holds the position of CEO Renault Germany, Austria and Switzerland, will succeed Michael Lohscheller who has decided to pursue a new challenge outside Stellantis.
Carlos Tavares, CEO, Stellantis, said, “I would like to warmly thank Michael for having established strong sustainable foundations for Opel together with the employees. This impressive turnaround paves the way for the forthcoming worldwide commercial development of the brand. I am convinced that Uwe will successfully drive this new chapter of the Opel brand, thanks to his more than 30 years of automotive commercial experience. I wish Michael all the best for his next career step.”
As per the release, Uwe Hochgeschurtz will join the top executive team of Stellantis, and will report directly to Carlos Tavares.
Hochgeschurtz started his career in the automotive industry in 1990 at Ford, before joining VW in 2001 and Renault in 2004. He studied business administration in Germany (Wuppertal & Cologne), the UK (Birmingham) and France (Paris Dauphine).
At a press conference Thursday, Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller said the firm also planned to launch an EV range in the Chinese market, where Stellantis has so far failed to make inroads.