Opel boss Michael Lohscheller to join VinFast as new CEO

VinFast has announced Michael Lohscheller, former head of German carmaker Opel, is to become its new automotive CEO.

Based in the company’s home nation of Vietnam, Lohscheller will be responsible for operations across all of its current markets which include; Vietnam, the US, Canada, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

For the last four years, Lohscheller has headed up Opel, turning the company around from decades of losses into profit, as well as spearheading its transformation into an electrified car brand.

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“Vingroup warmly welcomes Michael Lohscheller to our leadership team. We strongly believe his appearance will accelerate VinFast’s up and running global expansion,” said Thuy Le, Vingroup’s Vice Chairwoman.

Having been active in the automotive industry for more than 20 years, Lohscheller has held a variety of high-ranking positions at; Mitsubishi Motors Europe, Volkswagen Group of America, and of course Opel, as well as being a member of the board at Groupe PSA.

“During my career, I have always been attracted by new challenges. When the opportunity came to join VinFast, I was immediately attracted because of the growth opportunities. I look forward to working with the leadership team to grow the company and establish it as a global smart electric car company,” said Michael Lohscheller.

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Using his extensive experience, Michael Lohscheller is expected to play a key role in VinFast’s bid for global expansion, particularly targeted at the US and Europe, and towards becoming a leading global smart electric car company.

Locally, VinFast had aimed at having a large presence in Australia by purchasing the ex-Holden Lang Lang proving ground in Victoria, and hiring around 100 ex-Holden, Ford, Toyota and JLR employees to head up its local research and development arm at its new Port Melbourne facility – Automotive Technology Institute 2.

However, a restructuring of the Melbourne office in May led to a number of redundancies and resignations, including former deputy CEO of product development, Kevin Yardley.

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Uwe Hochgeschurtz

Michael Lohscheller has been succeeded at Opel by Uwe Hochgeschurtz, CEO of Renault Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Hochgeschurtz will take up his new post from September 1, 2021 reporting directly to Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares.

He started his career in the automotive industry in 1990 at Ford, before joining VW in 2001 and Renault in 2004.

“I would like to warmly thank Michael for having established strong sustainable foundations for Opel together with the employees.

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Opel Manta e Concept

“This impressive turnaround paves the way for the forthcoming worldwide commercial development of the brand. I am convinced that Uwe will successfully drive this new chapter of the Opel brand, thanks to his more than 30 years of automotive commercial experience.

“I wish Michael all the best for his next career step,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares.