Volkswagen Names New Leaders, Pauses Operations in Puebla

Volkswagen is revamping its strategy by changing its leadership. In Mexico, however, the company had to temporarily pause production due to the lack of raw materials.

The German automaker’s latest changes on its employee board include placing Pablo Di Si as Chairman of the Volkswagen Mexico Supervisory Board. Andrew Savvas, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Volkswagen of America, was appointed as Chairman of the Volkswagen Canada Supervisory Board. These shifts are a “cornerstone of the Volkswagen AG’s overall strategy,” writes Arno Antlitz, CEO and COO, Volkswagen Group, in his LinkedIn profile. 

Antlitz also highlighted the importance of the region in the company’s global agenda, as the automaker aims increase its integration into the region. “To accomplish our ambitious goals for NAR, the teams across the US, Canada, and Mexico will need to work even closer together in partnership. I am convinced this decision is an important step towards closer collaboration within the region. I look forward to NAR’s continued growth and success,” writes Antlitz. 

Volkswagen Mexico to Pause Production at Audi’s Plant in Puebla

The Independent Union of Audi Mexico Workers (SITAUDI) reported that the company’s assembly plant in Puebla will temporarily pause the production of the Jetta, Taos and Tiguan models from January 16 to 20 due to the lack of raw materials for its production.

"Due to the unavailability of components, it is necessary to implement production stoppages for week three... We ask for your understanding, [as the pause occurs] due to circumstances beyond the control of the parties. We will continue to inform you of any eventuality on the subject,” says the union, according to El Sol de Puebla.

The Jetta and Taos production lines, as well as their respective auxiliary areas, will be shut down throughout the entire week. The Tiguan assembly line will only completely stop on Jan. 16 and its first and second shifts will operate normally for the rest of the week. 

Last year, the automaker and SITIAVW brokered a 9% salary increase and a 2% increase in benefits for workers at Volkswagen’s plant in Puebla. The new agreement covers almost 7,000 unionized employees. This had been the largest wage increase in the industry until last week, when Audi Mexico and worker representatives agreed to a 9.4% salary increase for 2023, as reported by MBN.

“Talks were held between automaker Audi and the Independent Union of Audi Workers of Mexico (SITAUDI) at the Federal Center for Conciliation and Labor Registration, managing to sign a 9.4% direct salary increase for this year. This prevented the outbreak of a strike scheduled for this Wednesday, Jan. 11 at the plant located in San Jose Chiapa, Puebla, where over 5,600 workers collaborate,” reads a press release by the Mexican government.