In a surprising turn of events, Volkswagen’s top executive in China, Jochen Sengpiehl, found himself facing deportation after testing positive for cannabis during a mandatory customs drug test. Sengpiehl, who held the positions of Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Product Strategy for China, was returning from a vacation in Koh Samui, Thailand, where cannabis use has been decriminalized.
After routine tests revealed traces of marijuana in his system, Chinese authorities detained Sengpiehl for questioning, reportedly holding him for over 10 days before deporting him. The incident highlights the strict stance China takes against cannabis consumption, even for individuals who may have consumed it legally in other countries.
Sengpiehl, known as the creator of VW’s iconic slogan “Das Auto,” played a pivotal role in establishing the company’s electric vehicle business in the highly competitive Chinese market. His career spanned various leading automotive brands, including Nissan, DaimlerChrysler, and Hyundai.
This incident has raised concerns about the potential impact on foreign executives working in China and traveling to countries where cannabis laws are more lenient. While Thailand decriminalized cannabis in 2022 and Germany partially legalized it earlier this year, China maintains a zero-tolerance policy.
Following Thailand’s cannabis liberalization, there’s been an influx of tourists, particularly from Asian countries like Japan, Malaysia, China, and the Philippines, who are increasingly becoming cannabis consumers. Recognizing this trend, Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau announced random testing for individuals returning from Thailand. China’s embassy in Thailand also issued a warning to Chinese tourists, emphasizing that consuming cannabis abroad could result in penalties upon their return, as such actions are considered domestic violations.
This incident comes at a time when Volkswagen is facing intense competition from local Chinese manufacturers like BYD, which surpassed Volkswagen as China’s top-selling car brand last year. In a bid to stay ahead, Volkswagen has partnered with the German start-up Revoltech GmbH to explore the development of sustainable materials using industrial hemp, potentially incorporating them into its models by 2028.
Volkswagen’s share price closed Monday’s market session down 0.10% at $10.20 per share. This incident serves as a reminder of the stark differences in cannabis policies around the world and the potential consequences for individuals traveling to and from China. It also underscores the increasing global focus on sustainable materials and the role that cannabis could play in the future of the automotive industry.