In January 2005, Christoph Köpke (56) will take over as Management Board Chairman of DaimlerChrysler Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH (DCVD), Berlin. He will succeed Eckhard Panka (60), who will be retiring on December 31, 2004.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


At its headquarter in Berlin, DCVD manages the domestic sales of passenger cars and commercial vehicles under the brands Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, Chrysler, Jeep and smart.


Since 1989, Christoph Köpke has served as Chairman of the Board of Management of the production and sales subsidiary DaimlerChrysler South Africa (Pty.) Ltd.


Köpke’s successor in South Africa will be Dr. Hansgeorg Niefer (48), who has headed Mercedes-Benz passenger car production at DaimlerChrysler’s East London plant in South Africa since 2002.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Auto Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Auto Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now