Christiaan Hetzner
Automotive News
Frankfurt, HE, Germany
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Past articles by Christiaan:
2 Alabama factory veterans move to the top at Daimler
In one of the smoothest transitions in Daimler's modern history, Ola Källenius, head of group research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development, was picked to replace veteran Dieter Zetsche as CEO following the annual general meeting on May 22. → Read More
VW's about-face on scandal investigation
Volkswagen has scrapped plans to release preliminary findings of its investigation into the diesel scandal, citing strong objections from its lawyers and “unacceptable risks” to the company. → Read More
Audi halts production at Brussels plant after terror attacks
Audi has stopped production at its factory in Brussels following terror attacks in the city. Audi told the 1,100 late shift staff to stay at home today as the city remains in lockdown following attacks at Brussels airport and a metro train station that left at least 30 people dead and scores injured. → Read More
Former trailblazer BMW now playing catch-up to Mercedes
This rivalry between German luxury giants BMW and Mercedes-Benz - more tense, embittered and closely matched than any two automakers in the world - has hit a moment of truth. Looming ahead are the battles for China, the U.S., the ultra-luxury sedan segment, self-driving electric vehicles, and more. And right now, it's advantage Mercedes. → Read More
BMW's innovation, adaptability will be tested in the 21st century
As BMW marks its 100-year anniversary, it finds itself entering a new disruptive digital age commonly called the Fourth Industrial Revolution. A resurgent Mercedes-Benz, slowing China car sales and rising competition from tech juggernauts Google and Apple are just some of the challenges it faces. → Read More
Bugatti Chiron 'ready for a new world speed record'
The Bugatti Chiron will not only be the world's fastest car -- it will also make money for parent Volkswagen Group, the brand said today as it unveiled the high-performance coupe, which is the successor to the Veyron. → Read More
BMW's Robertson: Success isn't measured by volume alone
Ian Robertson, the head of sales and marketing for the BMW brand and responsible for all sales channels across the group, shared his views on how the automaker will try to improve its customers' experience. → Read More
After record 2015, Porsche will keep growing, von Platen says
Porsche will review its global strategy in the middle of this year after easily surpassing its goal of 200,000 sales around the world in 2015. New sales boss Detlev von Platen, who took over in November after heading Porsche Cars North America, isn't ready to reveal the company's next long-term sales target. But he did predict another year of worldwide growth for the brand. → Read More
Can a former GM exec chart VW's brand course?
Volkswagen Group CEO Matthias Mueller has a big challenge for former GM executive Thomas Sedran -- figure out where the embattled automaker and its 12 brands need to be in 2025 and create a road map to get there. → Read More
German industry's reaction to VW scandal is another scandal
When historians examine the factors that resulted in the VW emissions crisis, they might want to look at the German industry lobby's failure to address the lax regulatory oversight that allowed the scandal to happen. → Read More
German industry lobby lacks self-reflection after Diesel scandal
When historians one day examine the factors that resulted in the biggest corporate scandal in the German auto industry, they might want to look at the part played by the country's industry lobby in the unaccountability that led to VW's emissions scandal. → Read More
U.S. escapes unscathed in this round of VW cuts
Scandal-plagued Volkswagen Group has cut its global spending plan next year by more than $1 billion, but it spared the ax at its U.S. operations. → Read More
Spiraling VW scandal shakes faith in execs
The true dimensions of the crisis surrounding Volkswagen AG no longer seem clear. Fresh EPA charges of emissions-rigging in the U.S. tarnished the vaunted Porsche brand and cast a larger shadow on Audi, which had largely escaped infamy. VW's own investigation has found inaccurate emissions ratings assigned to some 800,000 cars, not all of them diesels. → Read More
VW suspends quality chief in emissions cheat probe, reports say
Volkswagen suspended its head of quality control, Frank Tuch, in connection with the emissions scandal at the automaker, newspaper reports said. → Read More
A mortifying end to Audi engineering guru's distinguished career?
The scandal surrounding Volkswagen's fraudulent diesels threatens to end the career of one of Germany's auto engineering titans -- Audi product development boss Ulrich Hackenberg. → Read More
Volkswagen in no rush to name names
Volkswagen executives know they need to quickly placate customers and stakeholders demanding to know who is responsible for diesel emissions cheating that could cost the company tens of billions of euros. Yet at the same time, VW insiders say new CEO Matthias Mueller must avoid mistakes when it comes time to name individuals. → Read More
New VW boss in N.A. was a hit in China
Winfried Vahland, Volkswagen's new North American chief, is a former General Motors executive who won his spurs reviving VW's business in China and later boosting its Skoda subsidiary in the Czech Republic. → Read More
Audi, VW Group's crown jewel, is damaged by emissions scandal
Audi has been caught up in VW Group's diesel emissions scandal. The consequences will be bad for a brand that touts its engineering prowess. → Read More
BMW CEO Krueger 'feeling much better,' expected back to work next week
BMW CEO Harald Krueger is recovering well after collapsing during the carmaker's presentation at the Frankfurt auto show on Tuesday and likely will be back at his desk next week, his predecessor Norbert Reithofer said. → Read More
Mercedes, BMW and Audi extend reach at the expense of mass-market brands
German luxury brands appear to be successful in broadening their reach, gaining volume without diminishing their brands, as seen by growing sales in the U.S. and Europe. → Read More