Niels Wichmann, new Head of Volkswagen Brand in SA

Niels Wichmann has been appointed as the new Head of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand effective 1 August 2023.

23 V Wniels1

Wichmann replaces Steffen Knapp who has been appointed as the brand head of Volkswagen Taiwan.

Wichmann, 51, joins Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) from Volkswagen’s headquarters in Wolfsburg where he was head of Product Marketing for small/compact cars such as Polo.

Steffen Knapp, outgoing Head of Volkswagen Brand with Niels Wichmann, new Head of Volkswagen Brand.

He has been working for Volkswagen since 2000. During this time, Wichmann has held various management positions in sales within the Volkswagen Brand, including a global assignment in Brazil.

“Niels brings with him a wealth of experience in sales and product marketing, which will help us to move the brand to the next level, especially at this time when it is faced with tough competition in the local market.

“He will also play an important role in our growth strategy in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Thomas Milz, VWSA Sales and Marketing Director.

More Industry News stories

Isuzu’s ambitious plans for truck manufacturing in South Africa

Isuzu’s ambitious plans for truck manufacturing in South Africa

Isuzu Motors South Africa is positioning itself to become the primary manufacturing centre for commercial trucks across the African continent, a strategic move that could significantly boost production volumes while increasing the use of locally sourced components.

  • 21 August 2025
Kiara driving change, one pink truck at a time

Kiara driving change, one pink truck at a time

In a move that’s turning heads across the transport industry, Kiara Baijnath (photo), the founder and director of HerWay Logistics, is redefining what it means to be a woman in trucking by adding another pink Mercedes-Benz Actros 2645 to her fleet.

  • 21 August 2025