Professional Role and Background
Thomas Strobel is currently employed within the Technical Service After Sales division of the Volkswagen Group, with an official retirement planned for July 2025. His profile indicates a strong technical and engineering foundation, holding a degree as a Diplom-Ingenieur (Dipl.-Ing.) in Electrical Engineering. His expertise and experience are focused on after sales operations, highlighting involvement in technical service processes post vehicle sale, which may include diagnostics, repairs, customer service solutions, and technical updates within Volkswagen’s after sales ecosystem.
He is affiliated with the Volkswagen University of Applied Sciences Lübeck, suggesting a background that combines practical engineering knowledge with academic achievement relevant to automotive technologies and technical service management.
Volkswagen Group Context
The Volkswagen Group is a global leader in automotive manufacturing, comprising twelve brands across seven European countries and holding the position as the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group is currently transitioning strategically from exclusively an automotive manufacturer to an integrated mobility service provider, placing considerable focus on digitalization and e-mobility within its after sales business.
Recent corporate strategies emphasize:
- Expansion and modernization of after sales services to address the challenges arising from electrification and digital automotive platforms.
- Operational programs aimed at strengthening profitability and cash flow, including optimized after sales solutions.
- Integration of new technologies and service models consistent with customer demands around connected vehicle services.
Relevant Areas of Responsibility and Expertise
While detailed responsibilities for Thomas Strobel are not explicitly documented, his current designation within Technical Service After Sales implies a key role in:
- Overseeing technical service protocols and post-sale vehicle support.
- Liaising between engineering units and service networks to implement solutions for vehicle maintenance, repair, and customer satisfaction.
- Potential engagement with emerging technologies impacting service processes, such as electric vehicle infrastructure and digital service integration.
The Volkswagen Group’s focus on digitalization and e-mobility in after sales suggests that Thomas’s role is increasingly centered on adapting technical service offerings to incorporate the growing fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as related software and hardware updates.
Technical and Industry Insights
Thomas’s professional timeline and expertise might include or align with:
- Managing after sales technical challenges within a complex multi-brand automotive group.
- Ensuring service reliability and quality across diverse product lines and technological platforms, including traditional combustion and alternative drive systems.
- Supporting digital transformation initiatives in after sales, such as integrating online services (e.g., Volkswagen Car Net), remote diagnostics, and software updates.
- Awareness of automotive operating system developments, as advanced service technologies continue evolving (noted trends in automotive OS and grid integration of electric mobility).
Organizational and Sectoral Relevance
Volkswagen Group’s after sales business has clear priorities to:
- Expand capacity and capabilities to meet the needs of digital and electric vehicles.
- Provide technically advanced services efficiently at scale across global markets.
- Enhance customer experience through connectivity and proactive service measures.
Thomas Strobel’s role positions him at the intersection of these trends, requiring expertise in electrical engineering, technical diagnostics, and after sales process optimization within one of the world’s most significant automotive groups.
Summary:
Thomas Strobel is a seasoned electrical engineer specializing in Technical Service After Sales at Volkswagen Group, with strong academic and practical credentials. He is positioned within a critical segment adapting to the automotive industry's shift toward digitalization and e-mobility, directly contributing to the Group’s objective to evolve its after sales services. His upcoming retirement in July 2025 marks the end of a technical tenure during a pivotal transformation period at Volkswagen, highlighting his role’s significance in sustaining after sales excellence amidst rapid technological change.
