Volkswagen’s Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Product Strategy for China, Jochen Sengpiehl, was deported from China after testing positive for cannabis.
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The incident occurred when Sengpiehl returned to Beijing from a holiday in Koh Samui, Thailand. Upon arrival, he was subjected to a routine drug test mandated by the Chinese government as part of customs procedures, which revealed traces of cannabis in his system—a substance strictly forbidden under Chinese law, even if consumed abroad.
Sengpiehl was reportedly detained for over 10 days by Chinese authorities. Despite efforts by Volkswagen Group China and the German embassy to secure his release, he was ultimately deported from China, reportedly on the direct orders of President Xi Jinping, with a strict ban on re-entry into the country. China enforces harsh penalties for drug use, including consumption outside its borders, and foreign nationals can face up to 15 days of detention for violations.
To complicate matters, Chinese authorities also claimed that Sengpiehl tested positive for cocaine, further escalating the situation. According to reports, a tip from Thai police led Beijing authorities to conduct the drug test upon his return to China. While cannabis is legal in Thailand and Germany, both substances are met with zero tolerance under Chinese law.
Sengpiehl had been a crucial figure for Volkswagen in China, especially as the company faces stiff competition from local automakers like BYD. Known for his marketing expertise and as the creator of VW’s “Das Auto” slogan, his leadership was vital in the company’s strategy to strengthen its position in China, particularly in the electric vehicle market.
This incident not only impacts Sengpiehl's career but also marks another setback for VW as it navigates the challenges of maintaining its competitive edge in China, the world's largest automotive market.
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