Roberto Cortes is the latest recipient of the Tiradentes Medal from the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj). The President and CEO of Volkswagen Truck & Bus received the highest honor of the Legislative Branch of Rio de Janeiro from State Deputy Tande Vieira on Wednesday (14), during a ceremony in the plenary hall of the Tiradentes Palace, seat of the Assembly. This recognition adds to the many the executive has received during his 55-year career, 45 of which have been in the automotive industry.
"Roberto Cortes is not only an important business leader. He is a visionary entrepreneur who saw the potential of South Fluminense some thirty years ago, when few believed that a traditionally agricultural region could become a major industrial hub. Thanks to the path he took, today our region is consolidated as one of the largest automotive and metalworking centers in the country, ensuring progress and a better quality of life for thousands of people", said Tande Vieira.
Recently awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the Dom Bosco University Center of Rio de Janeiro - AEDB, Cortes has also been named Person of the Year Brazil-Germany and Person of the Year Automotive Industry by direct vote on four different occasions: two by the publisher Autodata and the others by the readers of Automotive Business. These are the most traditional awards in the segment. Among the great achievements behind so many accolades, there are six consecutive cycles of investments in the period from 1995 to 2025, totaling R$ 7.5 billion, which have resulted in great technological, economic and social development, not only for Rio de Janeiro, but for Brazil.
"For me, receiving the Tiradentes Medal is the culmination of a life of great dedication. I share this tribute with all those who have participated in this journey, especially my family, who inspire me to do more and better every day", highlighted Cortes.
The ceremony in Alerj was attended by state authorities, the city of Resende (where the company's largest plant is located) and the Brazil-Germany Chamber of Commerce, as well as VWTB executives and family members of the President and CEO.
The Medal
Established by Resolution No. 359 of August 8, 1989, the Tiradentes Medal is awarded once a year by the Legislative Branch of the State of Rio de Janeiro to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the public good of the State. Accompanied by a diploma, it bears the image of Tiradentes, as Ensign Joaquim José da Silva Xavier was known, considered one of the heroes of the Inconfidência Mineira movement in the 18th century.