The death of Professor Hahn on 14 January 2023 at the age of 96 is a great loss. His death leaves a gap that will probably never be filled.
I had cordially invited Prof Dr Carl Hahn to be our guest of honour at our 18th K-UE Beetle Meeting in Dresden at Whitsun 2022. I was delighted to have him as our guest of honour. I have known Prof Dr Carl Hahn for many years and it was a special honour for me to be able to drive him for over an hour to Lingner Castle in the last VW Beetle built. We had a very interesting conversation and gave him a great welcome at Lingner Castle. A unique relationship with an impressive person.
That remains a highlight for me; not only his vision, but also his humanity.
We all know that Prof Carl Hahn made the VW Group what it is today. He made a major contribution to the sales success of the Beetle in the USA. He initiated VW's business in China and brought Seat and Skoda into the Group, to name just a few key decisions.
His participation in our Dresden Beetle Meeting was his last major public appearance. In Dresden, in front of the Frauenkirche, Prof Dr Carl Hahn delighted 75 Beetles!
Thank you that we had this man, thank you that he trusted me to drive the last Beetle he built.
Walter Köhler
Präsident
VW Käfer-Club Última Edición e.V.
Prof. Dr. Carl Hahn
1926 - 2023
