VW strategy boss quits to develop electric yachts

Volkswagen Group strategy chief Michael Jost, a key figure in developing the group’s expansive electrification plan, has quit the car manufacturer to focus on developing autonomous electric boats, according to Autocar.

Following 10 years at VW, Jost announced his departure on his website saying that “Since 1996 I am leading a weekend marriage and family. Now corona has brought me home and we’ve realised that we can live together. I want to stay here.”

Jost joined the Volkswagen unit Skoda in 2010, where he oversaw product management and product strategy. Joining Volkswagen as brand chief strategy officer in 2015, he drove Volkswagen’s transition to becoming a leader in electric vehicles after becoming the head of group strategy product in 2018, reports City AM.

With regards to what’s next, Jost says he’s going to pursue his interest in the development of electric and autonomous ‘smart boats’, describing it as “a nautical passion that I will devote myself to together with the family.”

His website suggests he will take on a role with a boat manufacturer called Silent Yachts. According to Autocar, the Austrian firm recently secured an agreement with the Volkswagen Group for the Seat brand to supply MEB platforms and electric powertrain components that will be utilised on a planned line of electric yachts.

The agreement was explained on the Volkswagen Group website in January in an interview with Jost and Silent Yachts boss Michael Kohler. In that piece, Jost said the aim was to have an electric yacht using MEB components in the water by 2022.