New Delhi: Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) has announced the appointment of Manfred Harrer as Executive Vice President and Head of the newly established Genesis and Performance Development Tech Unit.
This unit currently operates under the Research & Development (R&D) Division of Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor) and Kia Corporation (Kia).
“Harrer’s expertise and leadership capabilities will bolster the Group’s R&D competitiveness and drive the development of Genesis products, while enhancing the performance of Hyundai Motor and Kia vehicles as they transition into the electrification era,” the company said in a media release.
“The appointment of Manfred Harrer as Executive Vice President and Head of the Genesis & Performance Development Tech Unit will greatly benefit Hyundai Motor Group products, enhancing the image and reputation of our mobility brands. As a world-renowned performance vehicle expert, Manfred will contribute significantly to the development of future Genesis luxury high-performance models, as well as our transition to electrification for Hyundai Motor and Kia brands,” Heui Won Yang, President of the Hyundai-Kia R&D Division, said.
Harrer is a veteran in this field, with 25 years of experience in the automotive and tech industry. He has contributed to multiple projects including chassis development, electronic systems, software development, full vehicle integration, and ADAS. His expertise is enhanced by his experience at leading brands such as Audi AG, BMW Group, Porsche AG, and Apple Inc., the release added.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the trust the company has placed in me. My commitment to Hyundai Motor Group is driven by a profound belief in their visionary approach to advanced mobility solutions. With my extensive experience in the automotive and tech industry, I am dedicated to playing a pivotal role in the future evolution of Genesis and high-performance vehicles within the Group,” Harrier said.