Brand Group Core introduces new production model for Iberian region

VW’s Brand Group Core introduces a new production model for Spain and Portugal, outlining leadership changes and regional coordination. Learn more about the restructuring.

The Brand Group Core within the Volkswagen Group is entering a new phase of restructuring, introducing a regional production model for the Iberian Peninsula and aiming for closer coordination between plants in Spain and Portugal. This shift reflects the Group’s broader move toward five production regions and a network of 22 manufacturing sites, a structure designed to improve efficiency, unlock cross-brand synergies and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

Leadership changes play a central role in this transition. Effective January 1, 2026, Andre Kleb, formerly responsible for Planning and Production Technology at the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, will assume the position of Chief Production Officer for the region. His responsibilities will span production, logistics and overarching planning functions, including project management and start-of-production coordination. Kleb’s experience across plants in Spain and Germany, as well as his background in international project management, positions him as a key figure for the upcoming phase of development.

The restructuring also affects the Volkswagen Autoeuropa plant in Portugal. Beginning March 1, 2026, Anabel Andion Lomero will take over as Managing Director. Her career at SEAT&CUPRA and AUDI, including her leading role in establishing the Vorseriencenter, directly connects her expertise to the preparation and launch of the Electric Urban Car Family.

The current head of Autoeuropa, Thomas Hegel Gunther, will transition to lead Planning and Production Technology for the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand in Wolfsburg. Under his leadership, Autoeuropa became one of Volkswagen’s most efficient production sites. In 2024, the plant produced 236,100 vehicles, marking the second-highest annual output in its history.

The reorganization aligns with the Brand Group Core’s preparations for new product launches, notably the Electric Urban Car Family, which will be manufactured in Spain. According to the group, a unified regional structure will enhance operational synergy and support sustainable development across brands. While no public data has been provided regarding the social or economic impact on the region, the emphasis on efficiency and flexibility suggests that the Iberian Peninsula will remain a strategic focus for the coming years.