(L-R) Francesco Louis Blandino, Head of Sales and Product Planning and Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars IndiaVolkswagen Passenger Cars India has appointed Francesco Louis Blandino as Head of Sales and Product Planning, strengthening its leadership team as the German carmaker sharpens its product strategy for the Indian market.
Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, announced the appointment on LinkedIn on Thursday.
“Great products get conceived from great minds. Francesco joins us with deep experience across some of the world’s most demanding automotive markets where customer expectations evolve quickly and product excellence is non-negotiable,” Kohli said.
Blandino brings extensive global experience, having spent seven years in China working across Volkswagen Group China and FAW-VW in roles spanning Chief of Staff, Product Strategy, and Marketing and Product Communication. He has been involved in shaping portfolios that balance innovation with brand purpose in one of the world’s most competitive automotive markets.
Blandino described India as a market of “opportunity, complexity and momentum”.
“I am excited to begin a new chapter at Volkswagen India as Head of Sales and Product Planning and contribute to the next phase of the brand’s journey with a strong, highly motivated team,” he said in a LinkedIn post.
“As we strengthen Volkswagen’s product ambition in India, his global perspective and instinct for what truly resonates with customers will play a decisive role in the road ahead,” Kohli added.
Sharpening India play
The appointment comes at a time when the company reported an 11 per cent year-on-year decline in domestic sales during April–December 2025, despite the launch of the Golf GTI last year.
Volkswagen India’s major play currently lies in the mid-size SUV and sedan segments with the Taigun and Virtus, respectively, but unlike its sister brand, Skoda Auto India, it is missing a volume-driving compact SUV model in its portfolio.
Volkswagen has been working to expand its presence in India by sharpening its product planning and customer-centric offerings. The appointment signals the company’s intent to draw on international expertise as it prepares for the next stage of growth in the country’s competitive passenger vehicle market.
