Automobili Lamborghini president and CEO Stephan Winkelmann (51) will be the new CEO of Quattro, a fully owned subsidiary of Audi, which produces and distributes the high performance R and RS models.
Winkelmann had run Lamborghini since 1 January, 2005. He'll replace Heinz Hollerweger (62), the current head of quattro, who retires after almost 40 years of work at Audi.
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"With his experience from more than 11 years in charge of Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann will be a key contributor to the further growth of Quattro," said Audi management board chairman Rupert Stadler.
As Lamborghini chief, Winkelmann was responsible for substantial investment in the company from 2005 onwards, a statement said. "He developed the automaker into one of the world's leading manufacturers of super sports cars. In 2015, the brand achieved a new sales record of 3,245 cars. It is also a pioneer in the field of automotive lightweight construction and in the development of innovative carbon-fibre technologies.
Winkelmann also further expanded Lamborghini's sales organisation. The number of dealerships tripled in the last decade.
"Hollerweger has been one of the catalysts for Audi's path into electric mobility," the statement said. "He also contributed decisively to the success and expansion of Quattro." The subsidiary's sales increased 13% in 2015 to about 17,000 units.
Hollerweger also oversaw development at Audi Sport, which includes the brand?s sporting activities such as customer motorsport , the R and RS models, and accessories.
A Hollerweger team designed the R8 e-tron electric sports car for the Frankfurt show in 2011: a powerful sports car with electric drive and the first test vehicle of its kind. It was later developed for series production at Quattro.
Former Ferrari Formula One chief Stefano Domenicali will replace Winkelmann as Lamborghini CEO.
He has been vice president for "new business initiatives" at Audi since November 2014.
