The winds of change are blowing in Affalterbach, the home of Mercedes-AMG. Mercedes today announced that AMG CEO Michael Scheibe, who has been in the role since March 2023 (but with Mercedes since 2004), will be replaced by Dr. Stefan Weckbach on July 1, 2026. In the meantime, his predecessor, who became Member of the Board of Management responsible for Production, Quality & Supply Chain Management at the beginning of this month, will continue to manage AMG during this period of transition. Once Weckbach arrives at AMG as the new Chairman of the Management Board, he'll also assume the role of Head of the Top End Vehicle Group, which means he'll be responsible for the success of Maybach and G-Class models.
Weckbach Has An Impressive Resume
Porsche
Weckbach began his automotive career at Porsche in 2008, holding numerous positions since, including head of the Boxster and Cayman model lines. In 2016, he became head of the Taycan model series, and in 2021, he took over the reins at the Cayenne department. The following year, he became head of the Mission X model series, Porsche's all-electric 918 Spyder successor (which now appears to be on the back burner indefinitely). "[Weckbach] combines deep product knowledge with strong strategic capabilities and brings exceptionally broad experience in developing and shaping the performance and luxury segments," said Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, responsible for Development & Procurement and Chief Technology Officer. "He has consistently demonstrated his ability to advance corporate and product projects with ease, as well as driving forward complex vehicle programs. This combination makes him the ideal choice." Weckach comes to AMG during a time of change, and his burden will be great.
Numerous New Products and Ideas to Oversee
Mercedes-Benz
Weckbach comes to AMG when the performance brand is undergoing change in numerous areas. Next year will see the arrival of the production version of the all-electric AMG GT XX sedan, just as numerous combustion models are reportedly facing the axe. Among them appears to be the four-cylinder C63, which may get a straight-six engine instead. An all-electric C63 remains in development, however, and is due to arrive at the end of next year. Before that gets here, a new low-volume G-Class cabriolet is coming. Further down the line, Mercedes-AMG is also expected to launch a new V8 engine in 2028, so Weckbach will have his work cut out for him. The Taycan he oversaw has been relatively successful, so can he achieve similar success for the GT XX and other AMGs? Time will tell.
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