"Japan needs a governor who can join, communicate and convince people in the inner circles of global finance, " Abe told parliament last week.

CNN: Kuroda emerges as Bank of Japan frontrunner

Mr Wiedeking has gained a seat on the Praesidium, the inner circle of Volkswagen's supervisory board, and his chief financial officer Holger Haerter is set to join the board on 3 May.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Unstoppable Porsche unveils fastest car yet