The Economic Club of Chicago’s Auto Show Luncheon Features Keynote Address by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. President and CEO Hinrich Woebcken
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Economic Club of Chicago’s Auto Show Luncheon Features Keynote Address by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. President and Ceo Hinrich Woebcken
CHICAGO (Feb. 9, 2018) – Hinrich Woebcken, CEO of the North America Region, Volkswagen and president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., delivered the keynote address at the annual Economic Club of Chicago (ECC) luncheon at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview.
Woebcken, who oversees all Volkswagen activities in North America, worked for 30 years in the automotive industry for Tier 1 suppliers and manufacturers prior to joining Volkswagen. A native of Germany, Woebcken earned a degree in industrial engineering from University of Applied Science in Rosenheim, Germany in 1985.
Addressing more than 900 members, guests, automotive journalists and manufacturers, Woebcken spoke about what it takes to manage a crisis, mount a comeback and build for the future at the same time.
Woebcken said he first had to rally his team around him, and then direct their focus toward two primary objectives: changing the way Volkswagen operates here in the United States, and launching an aggressive product initiative where the company plans to roll out at least two major new products each year.
Building on the company’s product launch plan, Woebcken helped unveil its flagship 2019 Arteon sedan at the Chicago Auto Show Media Preview on Thursday. Loaded with technology and safety features, the premium midsize sedan demonstrates that passenger vehicles are still vital in a largely SUV-driven industry.
Founded in 1927 to serve as a forum for Chicago’s business community, the ECC is one of Chicago’s finest business groups and is a decade-long partner of the Chicago Auto Show. The ECC has become a premier institution, providing elite members of the business world a platform to express and discuss economic, business and social issues. The ECC luncheon at the Chicago Auto Show is a cornerstone event of the Chicago Auto Show Media Preview, long featuring industry-leading guest speakers such as Dan Ammann, Bill Ford, Ralph Gilles, Yoshi Inaba and Jim Press.
For continuing coverage and a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow the Chicago Auto Show on social media. For more information about the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, please visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.
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About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America, spanning more than one million square feet of production, concept and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2.5 million annually for 18 vital Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2018 public show is Feb. 10-19. For more information, visit www.chicagoautoshow.com or www.Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.
The 2018 Chicago Auto Show is officially sanctioned by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. Founded in Paris in 1919, it is known as the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs.
About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is one of the nation’s largest metropolitan dealer organizations. It is comprised of more than 420 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group’s dealer members employ about 20,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world-famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit www.CATA.info.
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