Volkswagen: new GM takes the driving seat

Volkswagen New Zealand is pleased to announce the appointment of its new General Manager; Tom Ruddenklau, effective immediately.

Mr Ruddenklau joins Volkswagen from Hyundai Motors, where he was Chief Operating Officer for New Zealand, bringing with him over 15 years of experience across sales, marketing and finance.

Of his decision to move on from Hyundai, one of the world’s fastest growing automotive companies, Mr Ruddenklau explains, “Volkswagen is a recognised global market leader in quality and innovation and it’s a brand I have long respected.

“Far from a niche European car, Volkswagen is a brand on the move with huge mainstream potential, both locally and globally. It is this opportunity for growth along with the unique car for every Kiwi offering which excited and attracted me to the business.”

European Motor Distributors’ General Manger, Glynn Tulloch says, “We are fortunate to have someone with Tom’s experience and passion lead the brand.  He has an enviable track-record in business across all disciplines and with significant motor industry success under his belt, we are certain he will bring a new dimension to this challenging role.”

Since joining Volkswagen last month, Mr Ruddenklau has already immersed himself in all things Volkswagen. He has just returned from Germany, where he got to see and experience the full range of exciting new Volkswagen product and had the opportunity to fast-track his knowledge, direct from the source.

“What struck me most was the amount of amazing innovation and technology that we are fortunate enough to have available in our products here in New Zealand today,” said Ruddenklau.

Mr Ruddenklau joins Volkswagen during a busy yet exciting time with the launch of the highly anticipated new Volkswagen Beetle later this year, the second season of the Small Whites sponsorship and extensive dealer and service growth across the country. The upcoming Fieldays event in June also promises to be an exciting opportunity for Volkswagen to engage with consumers and the remainder of the year will see a strong push into the corporate and fleet sectors of the New Zealand market under Ruddenklau’s leadership.

Overall, 2012 will see the continued focus on making quality and innovative Volkswagen product accessible to Kiwis from all walks of life, from all corners of the country, thanks to an extensive product range and an increasingly strong focus on value.

Ruddenklau replaces Dean Sheed, who will remain within the European Motor Distributor Group as Audi’s newly appointed General Manager.