#Japan #Volkswagen #Toyohashi #Martin Saage #Matthias Schaefer

Volkswagen Group Japan Announces Leadership Transition

Volkswagen Group Japan (VGJ), led by President Matthias Schaefer, has officially announced a significant leadership change that is poised to steer the company into the future. Effective May 1, 2026, Martin Saage, who currently serves as the Brand Director for Volkswagen Japan, will take over as the new President of VGJ.

This leadership transition comes following Schaefer's announcement that he will step down on April 30, 2026, to assume the position of Executive Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Audi (China). Until his departure, Schaefer will be relocating to Beijing, after which the executive leadership of VGJ will fall under a dual structure comprising Saage and CFO Adam Pastanack.

Insights into Martin Saage's Journey

Martin Saage has been with the Volkswagen Group for over two decades, building a comprehensive leadership portfolio. He joined the company through its international trainee program in 2004 and subsequently held several key positions. His leadership experience includes:

• - Product Marketing Manager for the German Market (2011–2016): Here, he had pivotal influence on product decisions tailored to one of Volkswagen's largest markets.
• - Senior Vice President in charge of Marketing and User Operations at FAW-Volkswagen (2019–2022): During his tenure, Saage contributed significantly to expanding Volkswagen’s presence in the competitive Chinese market.
• - Head of Strategy Pricing Planning (2023–2025): This role further cemented his strategic expertise within the organization.

Saage expressed his pride in taking on the role, acknowledging Japan’s unique market characteristics and the challenge of overseeing different brands within Volkswagen. In his statement, he emphasized his commitment to enhancing synergy between brands and fortifying relationships with dealer partners.

Matthias Schaefer’s Contributions

As he prepares to leave, Schaefer reflects on his achievements during his tenure. Appointed in September 2021, he simultaneously led both Audi Japan and Volkswagen Group Japan, skillfully navigating the merger of the two entities in January 2022. Under his guidance, significant strides were made in enhancing operational efficiency and accelerating the company’s electrification strategy in Japan.

Notably, he played a crucial role in expanding the BEV lineup, positioning Volkswagen as a leader in the electric vehicle market. His emphasis on creating the 'Premium Charging Alliance' with Audi and Porsche led to the establishment of one of Japan’s largest rapid charging networks, enhancing convenience for BEV users.

Looking Ahead

As Martin Saage prepares to take the reins, the future looks promising for Volkswagen Group Japan. The company is committed to not only remaining a key player in the automotive market but also leading the charge in sustainable mobility initiatives. Saage’s leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives necessary for the evolving landscape of the Japanese automotive sector.

With a focus on deepening relationships with customers and partners, VGJ aims to build on the foundational changes implemented by Schaefer, paving the way for a new era of growth and innovation. Saage’s leadership style, coupled with his extensive background in the industry, is anticipated to lead Volkswagen Group Japan toward greater success in an ever-changing market environment.

The automotive industry is not just about the vehicles but also about the experiences they create for consumers, and Saage seems eager to enrich that experience for Japanese customers as Volkswagen continues to thrive in this competitive landscape.