Press Releases
28 July 2008
Volkswagen Group of America Announces New Director Industry-Government Relations
HERNDON, VA — Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. today announced that Anna-Maria Schneider has joined the company as its director of industry-government relations. Schneider brings more than 20 years experience in automotive government relations, having most recently served as vice president and deputy to the group vice president, government and industry affairs for Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
"Anna's industry expertise coupled with her energy and positive outlook make her an excellent fit for the Volkswagen Group, particularly as we embark on our aggressive growth strategy here in the U.S.," said David Geanacopoulos, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Volkswagen Group of America.
"This is an exciting time for the Volkswagen Group. The company's strategy to triple its U.S. sales, build a production facility in Chattanooga and re-introduce the country to clean diesel, is representative of a company on the move, and I am pleased to be a part of the team," Schneider said.
In addition to Schneider's time with Toyota, she also served as executive director, government relations, U.S. operations, for Mitsubishi Motors and as a director for intergovernmental affairs at Global USA. Previously, she worked in the international trade policy division at Hill & Knowlton. Schneider graduated from Bucknell University and has a masters of international affairs from Columbia University. She also studied at the Institute for European Studies in Vienna, Austria.
About Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the world's fourth largest automaker and the largest carmaker in Europe. It houses the U.S. operations of a worldwide family of distinguished and exciting brands including Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Volkswagen, as well as VW Credit, Inc. Founded in 1955, the company is headquartered in Herndon, Va.
Volkswagen Group of America brings to the U.S. vehicles that marry the science of engineering and the art of styling, with the goal of offering attractive, safe, and environmentally sound automobiles that are competitive and set world standards in their respective classes.
The company has approximately 2,500 employees in the United States and sells its vehicles through an 800-strong dealer network. With increasing popularity for its brands in the U.S., the company has set the goal of reaching one million car sales in the country by 2018. For more information, go to www.volkswagengroupamerica.com.
