Volkswagen’s chief marketing officer and head of product strategy for China, Jochen Sengpiehl, has been deported from the country after testing positive for cannabis.
The Chinese government mandated the test as part of a customs procedure after Sengpiehl returned from a recent holiday in Koh Samui, Thailand.
The incident unfolded two weeks ago when Sengpiehl landed back in Beijing, where Volkswagen Group China is headquartered, following his vacation. A routine drug test revealed traces of cannabis in his system, a substance strictly forbidden under Chinese law, even if consumed abroad.
Following the test results, Chinese authorities detained Sengpiehl for questioning, reportedly holding him for over 10 days.
Sengpiehl’s situation quickly escalated. German media reports suggest the Volkswagen Group China and the German embassy worked to secure his release.
Sengpiehl faced swift application of China's stringent drug policies, which can impose up to 15 days of detention even for foreign drug consumption. China treats cannabis, which is legal in Germany as of 2023 and decriminalized in Thailand since 2022, with zero tolerance.
Sengpiehl, known for his marketing prowess and as the creator of VW’s iconic “Das Auto” slogan, had been a key figure in the company’s efforts to navigate an increasingly competitive Chinese automotive market. VW had high expectations for his expertise, particularly in light of pressure from local manufacturers like BYD, who overtook VW as the market leader in China in 2023.
This incident not only tarnishes Sengpiehl’s career but also marks another blow for VW in China. VW had high expectations for Sengpiehl. Recognized as a veteran in the global automotive industry, he built a long-standing reputation working with major brands such as Nissan, DaimlerChrysler, and Hyundai. His extensive marketing experience made him a key figure in VW’s electric-vehicle strategy for the Chinese market.
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