Bateson named brand director for VW Passenger Cars Ireland

Alan Bateson has been named the new brand director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Ireland, effective 1st June.

Taking over from Rodolfo Calixto, who has moved to Volkswagen Group China, Bateson brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

He joins the brand from his previous role as brand director for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Prior to that he was head of aftersales for Volkswagen Group Ireland from 2009.

As brand director for Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Bateson will be responsible for leading the brand in Ireland as it transitions towards e-mobility and strives to meet its ambitious sustainability goals.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars is already Ireland’s leading BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) brand with a 22 per cent market share.

Meanwhile, the award-winning ID.4 is Ireland’s best-selling electric vehicle two years running and tops the sales charts in 2023 with a 15.7 per cent market share.

Working closely with the Volkswagen team, Bateson will ensure Volkswagen continues to innovate while meeting the needs of all Irish car buyers.

Last year, he led the introduction of the brand’s first electric vehicle, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which went on to become Continental Tyres Irish Car of the Year and Irish Van of the Year 2023, the first time a single model has won both awards in the same year.

Commenting on the appointment, Bateson said: “I am thrilled to take on this new role with Volkswagen Passenger Cars Ireland. This is an incredibly exciting time to be working in the motor industry and Volkswagen is leads the way as we transition to e-mobility and full sustainability.”