Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) has announced that managing director Karsten Seifert will leave his role at the end of December 2025 to take up a new position with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles at the company’s headquarters in Hannover, Germany.
VGA says the move is part of its long-term strategic roadmap as it prepares for the next phase of growth in the Australian market. The company thanked Seifert for his leadership, describing his contribution as “pivotal” in shaping VGA’s direction.
Over the past two years, Seifert has overseen locally focused strategies across the group’s five brands, including the rollout of its electrification roadmap. VGA says he has positioned the organisation at the forefront of sustainable mobility through its BEV strategy and the ON EV program. His tenure also included two Guinness World Records in 2024 involving the Volkswagen ID.4 and Amarok, and a renewed focus on cooperation across the brand network and partner organisations.
VGA says the business will continue building on the foundations set under Seifert’s leadership, with a focus on strengthening retail operations and market position while delivering on longer-term ambitions.
Audi Australia brand director Jeff Mannering will step in as interim managing director of VGA until a permanent successor is appointed. He will continue in his Audi role while providing interim oversight of the wider group, drawing on what VGA describes as his extensive experience in the Australian automotive market.
The company says the name and commencement date of Seifert’s successor will be announced in due course.
Automobile Magazine-AU
