Jochen Sempierre, Volkswagen VWAGY's chief marketing officer and head of China product strategy, was deported from China after testing positive for marijuana in a customs-mandated drug test. The test was carried out after Sempier returned from a holiday in Koh Samui, Thailand.
After routine tests found traces of marijuana in his system, Chinese authorities detained Zempierre for questioning and reportedly held him for more than 10 days, Words Auto writes. According to reports, Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered his expulsion from the country.
Mr. Zempierre, the creator of VW's famous slogan “Das Auto,” played a key role in positioning the company's electric vehicle business in the highly competitive Chinese market. He previously worked for top brands such as Nissan NSANY, DaimlerChrysler, and Hyundai HYMTF.
While Thailand decriminalized cannabis in 2022 and Germany partially legalized it in April this year, China has no tolerance for cannabis consumption.
Following the liberalization of cannabis laws in Thailand, tourists from Asian countries, primarily Japan, Malaysia, China, and the Philippines, are considered common cannabis customers. Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau has announced plans to randomly test people returning from Thailand. The Chinese embassy in Thailand also warned Chinese tourists that consuming cannabis abroad would be considered a domestic violation and could result in penalties upon return.
Related article: Inside a Thai retreat offering cannabis-infused wellness treatments for insomnia and more
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volkswagen in china
Volkswagen is under pressure from local manufacturers like BYD BYDDF, China's listed multinational manufacturing conglomerate. Last year, BYD overtook Volkswagen to become China's best-selling car brand.
In September, Volkswagen partnered with German startup Revoltech GmbH to research and develop sustainable materials based on industrial hemp. These may be used as sustainable surface materials in Volkswagen models from 2028 onwards.
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Volkswagen stock closed Monday's market down 0.10% at $10.20 per share.
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