2021 Canadians to Watch

CHOSEN BECAUSE:

After less than two years at Volkswagen Canada, Patrick Danielson finds himself stick handling two key challenges: VW’s transformation to an electric-vehicle company; and ensuring that its product line meets the preferences of Canadian consumers.

His role is particularly pressing in light of this summer’s launch of the all-electric ID.4 and new Taos into the fiercely competitive compact-crossover segment.

As Volkswagen works toward its goal of being completely carbon-neutral in every facet of its global operations by 2050, Danielson, 33, will be at the centre of the Canadian operation’s efforts.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“Everything we do — from auto sales to our dealer network — ladders up from product planning. We are always lobbying on behalf of Canadian consumers in the way our cars are contented and priced. Everyone deserves to have a better car; that means we have to understand our customers and keep an eye on the future by predicting their needs and wants even before they know what they are.”