VW Hires New Security Chief After Auto Mag Publishes Photos of New Models

08/27/96

The Associated Press reported that Volkswagen AG will beef up its security in response to the publication of four new models in at least one automobile magazine. Several weeks ago the German car maker discovered a camera hidden in a small mound outside a test track near Wolfsburg, where Volkswagen is headquartered. VW spokesman Hans-Peter Blechinger estimated the camera had been in place for several months; he declined to name the magazine that published the photos.

The camera was set up so that an infra-red light from a passing car would set it off. The photographs were automatically transmitted to an unknown location, said Blechinger.

Blechinger announced that Volkswagen intends to discover the culprit behind this bit of "industrial espionage," and has hired Dieter Langendoerfer as Security Chief. Langendoerfer headed the investigation that solved last Spring's kidnapping of millionaire Jan Philip Reemtsma. He will assume his position at Volkswagen on October 1.

Photographers who sell pictures of upgraded models and prototypes to Auto Magazines often stake out remote test tracks. Blechinger said the use of an automatic, hidden camera equipment, however, suggests a more sophisticated brand of espionage.

"It costs us a lot of money to develop these autos, so of course the damage of having the picture released early is considerable," Blechinger said.

The published photos showed the new Passat, which Volkswagen will introduce in Dresden on Tuesday; a new Golf model; and a new model still under development as a low-end alternative to the Polo. Blechinger declined to describe the fourth car for security reasons.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel