VDA mourns for Dr Erika Emmerich
On the death of Dr Erika Emmerich, the President of the VDA, Hildegard Müller states
"It is with great regret that we learned of the death of the former President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Dr Erika Emmerich. Dr Emmerich headed the Association of the Automotive Industry from 1989 to 1996. She was 87 years old.
Erika Emmerich was the first woman to head the association. Born as the daughter of an entrepreneur in the supply industry, she found her way into the Federal Ministry of Transport and became President of the Federal Motor Transport Authority in Flensburg in 1986. When she took over the office of President of the VDA in 1989, the industry had been affected by the impact of the recession. Her dedicated work at the top of the auto industry marked her three successful terms of office.
With the death of Dr Erika Emmerich, an impressive and highly valued personality is leaving us. She had an impact far beyond the automotive industry. For example, she campaigned early on for the advancement of women. She said of herself: 'I have never been afraid. Fear is the biggest stumbling block.' A claim that still inspires and makes Dr Erika Emmerich a role model for all of us. Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time."
