Dubai: Volkswagen has appointed Matthias Ziegler as the new Managing Director for the German Manufacturer’s Middle East operations. Based at the company's regional headquarters in the United Arab Emirates, Matthias will be responsible for overseeing the Volkswagen brand across eight countries in the Middle East.Matthias brings with him a wealth of experience in the automotive industry. He has been with the Volkswagen Group since 2006 and held several senior sales positions in the company. Most recently in Wolfsburg, the home of Volkswagen, where he was responsible for overseeing the Volkswagen brand across the Asia Pacific markets including Australia, New Zealand, Korea, and Japan. Matthias returns to Dubai and Volkswagen Middle East after completing a three-month project in Dubai in 2006 after the opening of the Audi Volkswagen Middle East opening in 2005.“We are delighted to welcome Matthias Ziegler to the Volkswagen Middle East team,” said Benoit Tiers, CEO of Volkswagen Group Middle East. “Matthias has a proven track record of success, and we are confident that he will be able to continue our growth and fuel demand for the Volkswagen brand in the region as we prepare for a series of pivotal new product launches.”Matthias is passionate about the Volkswagen brand and is committed to building on its global foundation as a “Love Brand.” He believes that the Volkswagen brand has a unique heritage of producing era-defining cars such as the Beetle, Bulli and Golf and is excited about the future of the brand here in the Middle East. In his new role, Matthias will further build on the success of the Volkswagen brand including new launches of new models and enhancing the brands relationship with the Middle Eastern customer. “I am excited to join the Volkswagen Middle East team,” said Matthias Ziegler. “I believe that the Volkswagen brand has a strong future in the region with multiple new product launches on the horizon, and I am committed to working with the team to continue building on their hard work and success.”Matthias will be based in Dubai, UAE, and started his new role on August 1, 2023.

Volkswagen Oman represented by Premium Motors, the exclusive dealership of the brand in the Sultanate partnered with Oman French Association (OFA) to host Corporate Games 2023 at the French International School. OFA is a non-profit organisation registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and supported by the French Embassy.The series of sports activities organised by Omani French Friendship Association included 5-Aside football, 3 x 3 basketball, basketball three-point contest, tug of war and relay.Volkswagen has established itself as a family brand through various campaigns and initiatives. One of its recent campaigns was the "We Drive Football" programme, which aimed to bring families, communities and fans together through the love of soccer.Christian Nehme, General Manager of Premium Motors Oman, said: “Volkswagen's commitment to promoting family values through sports is just one example of how the company has positioned itself as a family brand, emphasizing the importance of spending time with loved ones and enjoying shared experiences like we did this event in Oman. It was fantastic that two groups that symbolize vitality, enterprise and excellence joined hands to organise this event. We were delighted to partner with OFA to bring out a fun and engaging event. Our colleagues were excited to participate in this sports and wellness programme which aimed to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.”A representative for OFA said, “Our group aims to provide a platform that promotes friendship, understanding and matters of mutual interest between French and Omani businesses and keep social communities active in Oman. We are delighted to have associated with Premium Motors and present an engaging event that saw community participate and connect with each other.”Located at Alfardan Heights at Ghala, Premium Motors is spread across three floors and designed in accordance with global standards and corporate identity.