Volkswagen Official Deported From China for Cannabis Use

Marketing veteran Jochen Sengpiehl allegedly tests positive for banned drugs following a holiday in Thailand.

October 22, 2024

Volkswagen’s chief marketing officer and head of product strategy for China, Jochen Sengpiehl, has been deported from the country after testing positive for cannabis.

The test, mandated by the Chinese government as part of a customs procedure, was conducted after Sengpiehl’s return from a recent holiday in Koh Samui, Thailand.

The incident unfolded two weeks ago when Sengpiehl landed back in Beijing, where Volkswagen Group China is headquartered, following his vacation. He was subjected to a routine drug test, which revealed traces of cannabis in his system, a substance strictly forbidden under Chinese law, even if consumed abroad.

Following the test results, Chinese authorities detained Sengpiehl for questioning, reportedly holding him for over 10 days.

Sengpiehl’s situation quickly escalated. German media reports suggest the Volkswagen Group China and the German embassy worked to secure his release. However, he is claimed to have been deported from the country at the behest of Chinese President Xi Jinping with a strict order never to return.

China’s stringent drug policies, which can impose up to 15 days of detention even for foreign drug consumption, were swiftly applied in Sengpiehl’s case.

VW sources confirm a police report by Beijing authorities alleging Sengpiehl not only tested positive for cannabis but also for cocaine. The report, which has been made public in China, claims a tip from Thai police led Beijing to order the drug test for the VW executive. Cannabis is legal in Thailand, but not cocaine. Cannabis, legal in Germany as of 2023 and decriminalized in Thailand since 2022, is treated with zero tolerance in China.

A VW spokesperson, who asked not to be named, says, "Please understand that we cannot comment on this for reasons related to work and data protection regulations."

Sengpiehl, known for his marketing prowess and as the creator of VW’s iconic “Das Auto” slogan, had been a key figure in the company’s efforts to navigate an increasingly competitive Chinese automotive market. VW had placed high hopes on his expertise, especially as the brand has faced pressure from local manufacturers such as BYD, which overtook VW as the market leader in China in 2023.

This incident not only tarnishes Sengpiehl’s career but also marks another blow for VW in China.VW had high expectations for Sengpiehl. Recognized as a veteran in the global automotive industry, he had built a long-standing reputation working with major brands such as Nissan, DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai. His extensive marketing experience made him a key figure in VW’s electric-vehicle strategy for the Chinese market.

Greg Kable

Contributor

Greg Kable has reported about the global automotive industry for over 35 years, providing in-depth coverage of its products and evolving technologies. Based in Germany, he is an award-winning journalist known for his extensive insider access and a contact book that includes the names of some of the most influential figures in the automotive world.

News

Volkswagen Official Deported From China for Cannabis Use