2023-05-27 22:00:00
From northern Germany via Canada to Salzburg. The brand manager for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Miriam Walz in an SN interview.
Miriam Walz (31) has been Brand Manager at Porsche Austria since September 2022 at the helm of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Austria. In the SN interview, the native of Hanover talks about the current challenges in the automotive industry, women in technology and why the VW California is more than just a car for her personally.
Ms. Walz, you come from Hanover – the city where the VW Bulli has been built for over 60 years. Was a job at VW Commercial Vehicles predetermined? Miriam Walz: To me it feels more like a zigzag than a linear career path. Because I actually did a lot of different things and kept changing areas. Nonetheless, it feels good to be back in the brand.
During a joint factory tour, you attracted attention with your great expertise. I have gained some experience in production and logistics planning in the past. Especially in the current time, in which the automotive industry is extremely dominated by logistics, it naturally helps immensely to understand the various processes in detail.
Was there an alternative to the automotive industry for you? No not true. During my studies, I focused on production and logistics. And as far as logistics chains are concerned, the automotive industry naturally stands out. I was fascinated by the fact that certain vehicle parts are delivered halfway around the world to the minute.
What brought you to Salzburg from Northern Germany? The change of perspective and the chance to get to know something new. I was most recently employed in Hanover with sales in Europe. I find it extremely exciting to get to know the other side of the same process “at the front”. And on top of that, Austria is of course a very beautiful country with a high quality of life.
You completed two very different degrees at two universities. What strategy did you pursue with it? The first degree was in the field of business administration. During a stay abroad in Canada, I then specialized in logistics and production. I then started at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and was given the opportunity to complete a master’s degree part-time. At that time it was already foreseeable that I would stay in this area. So it made sense to delve further into the topic from a technical perspective.
As a woman in the automotive industry, do you feel exotic or are these times long gone? Specifically in my current job at Porsche Holding – no. Here it is balanced. In the past, however, this was often the case. Basically, it still happens that you are the only woman at events.
Is that an issue for you personally in everyday life? I don’t waste any thought on that. The cooperation must work, regardless of whether it is with a man or a woman. Of course, at the beginning it can be a strange feeling. However, you shouldn’t let that unsettle you if the job is fun.
As a woman in a technical profession, you are still the exception. How can this be changed? At first I didn’t even know that I would develop an affinity in this direction. I can imagine that many women feel the same way. At the beginning I would not have believed myself capable of a technical degree, but then I realized within the business administration that the technical aspect suits me. That’s why I think you should try different areas to find your own preferences.
Her move to the top of VW Commercial Vehicles in Austria coincided pretty much exactly with the launch of the electric ID. buzz together Are you an “Electrical Native” or more of a petrolhead? As well as. The brand covers many different needs, which makes it all the more important to know the different aspects. Personally, I really enjoy driving electrically. And anyone who has tried it once will be convinced of it.
How do you assess the year 2023 in terms of supply chains? In 2023, the situation will generally still be very difficult. However, we are confident that the situation is slowly improving. We have a high order backlog, and our goal is to reduce this by the end of the year. Fortunately, there are still many models for which we have very short delivery times. A typical workshop gets the right vehicle from us within a few months. The exception is vehicles with special conversions.
Which model from the brand’s history would you choose? Although I own a T5, I would pick the current T6.1 California. This not only allows you to travel incredibly comfortably, but also to perfectly combine leisure and everyday life. In a California, the special attitude to life travels with you.
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