Source: VW's Bernhard to skip Detroit auto show

Wolfgang Bernhard

Reuters / December 7, 2006 - 2:00 pm | FRANKFURT (Reuters) -- Volkswagen brand chief Wolfgang Bernhard will skip the Detroit auto show in January, North America's largest and most important annual auto show, a source familiar with the situation said today.

The former Chrysler executive, brought to Volkswagen by dismissed group CEO Bernd Pischetsrieder to lead a restructuring of the brand, has been in focus recently due to speculation over his possible departure following a boardroom coup led by VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech.

Investors and analysts have been concerned that were Bernhard to depart, Europe's largest carmaker would lose its most credible guarantee that significant job and cost cuts will continue, after union-favorite Martin Winterkorn of Audi was appointed to run Volkswagen starting in January.

Bernhard, 46, a photogenic executive with a talent for theatrical appearances, attended car shows in Beijing late last month and in Los Angeles earlier in December.

Volkswagen said it does not comment on management attendance at events.