BMW Engine Development Expert Duesmann Set To Become Audi Chief In April
BMW's engine development and purchasing expert, Markus Duesmann, is set to become the CEO of Volkswagen's Audi premium brand, after BMW dropped its opposition to his early departure, a German newspaper reported on Saturday.
The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung cited a person with knowledge of the appointment as saying Duesmann will start as Audi chief on April 1.
It said BMW's board would discuss Duesmann's planned departure to Audi in the near future.
Wolfsburg-based VW is on the lookout for clean-engine expertise as it struggles to overcome an emissions scandal that originated in Audi's engine development department.
Audi's current CEO and VW board member Rupert Stadler was forced to step down temporarily after his arrest in June as part of an ongoing emissions investigation. VW is seeking to replenish its senior leadership while Stadler remains in custody.
VW had said in July that Duesmann will take up his new position as soon as he is able to do so. He will be the second high-profile defection from rival German carmaker BMW after the poaching of Herbert Diess in July 2015.Duesmann's BMW contract runs until Sept. 30, 2019, and it would also have a non-compete clause that BMW board members are required to sign.
BMW had said that Duesmann had informed its chairman that he would not make himself available for an extension of his contract because of personal reasons.
Related News
Popular BMW Models
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Latest News
car&bike Team | May 13, 2026Kia Introduces BaaS Scheme For Carens Clavis EVKia India has introduced a Battery-as-a-Service scheme for the Carens Clavis EV, allowing customers to separately finance the vehicle body and battery while paying a usage-based battery fee.2 mins read
car&bike Team | May 13, 2026Honda City Facelift Spied Undisguised Ahead of DebutCosmetic updates to the sedan include a new look grille, more angular headlamps and a redesigned front bumper.1 min read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | May 13, 2026BYD To Hike Car Prices Across Its Range From July 1 In IndiaThe revision will happen across the company’s current model range, and the hike will be in the range of 1-2 per cent, depending on the model and variant.1 min read
car&bike Team | May 13, 2026Android Auto Gets Major Update With New UI, Video Streaming And Gemini IntegrationAndroid Auto’s biggest update brings a redesigned interface with widgets and a new immersive Google Maps experience, while supported cars will also gain YouTube video streaming and Dolby Atmos audio support later this year.1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | May 13, 2026Jaguar’s Four-Door Electric GT Named Type 01; Unveil In 2026The first model to lead Jaguar’s rebirth as an EV only brand will make its debut in production guise later this year.1 min read
Bilal Firfiray | May 13, 2026Lamborghini Revuelto NA63 Celebrates An Important (And Eccentric) Milestone; And It’s Only For AmericaLimited to just 63 units, the NA63 Edition celebrates Lamborghini’s 63rd birthday, and it will be sold exclusively in the North American and Canadian markets.2 mins read
Preetam Bora | May 11, 20262026 Suzuki Burgman Street 125 Review: What’s Good, What’s Not?The new Suzuki Burgman Street 125 gets refreshed design, minor but meaningful tweaks to the engine, a stiffened chassis, new features and more. But is it worth recommending? Read on, to find out.8 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | May 11, 2026Audi SQ8 Review: The Performance SUV That Actually Makes SenseThe Audi SQ8 has the performance of a V8 seamlessly combined with the everyday luxury and comfort, making it one of the most complete performance SUVs on sale in India today.5 mins read
Jafar Rizvi | May 3, 2026River Indie Gen 3 Long Term Report: 1 Month, 400 km AfterAfter a month and 400 km, the River Indie impresses with its utility-first approach, smooth ride and standout design, despite a few everyday usability compromises.8 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | May 2, 2026Volkswagen Taigun Facelift Review: Still The Driver’s SUV, But Improved!The updated Volkswagen Taigun gets a new 8-speed automatic, a refreshed design, and added features. But does it still deliver the best driving experience in the C-SUV segment?5 mins read
Shams Raza Naqvi | Apr 29, 2026Toyota Innova Hycross Vs Mahindra XEV 9S: Choosing The Right Three Row Family MoverIn a battle of three-row cars the electric Mahindra XEV 9S takes on the Toyota Innova Hycross. Which one ticks more boxes?1 min read