The Volkswagen Group has officially announced that it will Andreas Mindtthe current design director of the Volkswagen brand, from March 1, 2026, will additionally assume the function of head of design for the entire group. Mindt succeeds in this position Michaela Mauerawho is leaving the company as part of the planned generational change.
A shift without a strategic turn
Andreas Mindt brings to the new position rich experience within the concern, where he started his career in 1996. He participated in the design of the first generation Tiguan and the exterior of the Golf 7, and from 2014 to 2021 he led the redefinition of Audi’s exterior design, from the A1 model to the e-tron GT. Before taking over the design of the Volkswagen brand in February 2023, Mindt was in charge of Bentley’s new design language, confirming his expertise in different market segments. In recent years, he has also designed ID models. Cross and ID. Polo, confirming that it is also ready for the new, electric era.
On the other hand, Michael Mauer is leaving after being only the fourth head of design in Porsche’s long history since 2004. During his tenure, he was responsible for key models such as the Cayenne, the Panamera and the 918 Spyder super sports car, and successfully transferred the distinctive Porsche design into the electric era. From January 2023, he held a dual function, leading the Group’s design in addition to the same function at Porsche.
The importance of design
Design for the Volkswagen Group plays a key role in market positioning. The primary task of design at the group level is to clearly differentiate individual brands and emphasize their specific identity. Each brand must be instantly recognizable and authentically communicate its origins, a strategy insisted on by the head of the VW Group.Oliver Blume during the last three years.
In addition, the design team is responsible for adapting products to the needs of individual regions and global markets. The aim is for all models to meet the different expectations of customers around the world, while maintaining a strong visual identity that reflects the roots of each individual brand within the broad portfolio of the Volkswagen Group – so it is hoped that Mindt will continue where its predecessor left off.