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Opel boss named CEO of VinFast Global
Michael Lohscheller will lead efforts to turn Vietnamese vehicle maker into a global smart electric car company
Nguyen Tuong Thuy 27 Jul 2021

Michael Lohscheller, chief executive officer of Germany-based Opel Automobile GmbH, has been appointed CEO of VinFast Global, the automotive division of Vietnam’s largest conglomerate Vingroup.

The German native, scheduled to arrive in Vietnam for the new post this August, will be responsible for scaling up VinFast’s operations and presence around the globe, according to Vingroup.

Michael Lohscheller

Lohscheller will lead VinFast’s operations in its current markets, namely Vietnam, the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, with a focus on North America and Europe. Vingroup says his tasks include implementing strategic initiatives to turn VinFast into a global smart electric car company.

On his decision to join VinFast, Lohscheller says: “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.”

He had been at the helm of the tradition-rich automaker Opel since June 2017. Before taking over the position, he was responsible for the automaker’s finances. In the 2018 financial year, Opel reportedly achieved an operating income of €859 million (US$1.01 billion) – the first positive income since 1999.

Lohscheller had gained experience in finance, technology, purchasing and logistics before becoming a Volkswagen Group of America executive vice president. From VW, he moved to Opel and served as CEO for the past four years, and also as a member of the board at PSA Group, which owns Opel.

VinFast, established in 2017 and based in the northern port city of Hai Phong, makes cars, electric buses, and electric scooters. It is eyeing the largest market share in the Southeast Asian country of more than 97 million people, while expanding in North America and Europe.

This January, VinFast unveiled three finalized designs of electric SUV models (VF31, VF32, and VF33), which are intended for the US, Canada, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Two models, VF32 and VF33, have both petrol and electric-engined versions.

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