In a strategic move to bolster its research and development (R&D) prowess, Hyundai Motor Group has appointed Manfred Harrer as the Executive Vice President and Head of the newly established Genesis & Performance Development Tech Unit. This significant appointment is poised to enhance the Group's R&D competitiveness and advance the performance capabilities of Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia vehicles, particularly as the automotive industry shifts towards electrification.

Elevating Genesis and Performance Development

Manfred Harrer, a veteran in the automotive and technology sectors, brings over 25 years of expertise to the Hyundai Motor Group. His vast experience includes pivotal roles in leading automotive brands such as Audi AG, BMW Group, Porsche AG, and Apple Inc. Harrer’s impressive career encompasses chassis development, electronic systems, software development, full vehicle integration, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). His academic credentials include a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bath and a Dipl.-Ing (FH) in Automotive Engineering from the University of Applied Sciences Munich.

Visionary Leadership in the Electrification Era

Harrer’s appointment is a testament to Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to innovation and excellence. “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,” stated Heui Won Yang, President of the Hyundai-Kia R&D Division.

Harrer will play a crucial role in driving the development of high-performance Genesis vehicles and supporting Hyundai Motor and Kia in their electrification journey. His leadership is expected to expedite the Group’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs), securing a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving automotive market.

A Future-Oriented Approach

Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Harrer commented, “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.”

Harrer's extensive background includes positions such as:

- Senior Director of Product Design Engineering at Apple Inc.

- Vice President Product Line Cayenne and Vice President Chassis Development and ADAS at Porsche AG

- Manager of Pre-development Lateral Dynamics at BMW Group

- Chassis Engineer at Audi AG

Accelerating Toward a Sustainable Future

Hyundai Motor Group’s strategic focus on electrification and high-performance vehicle development is reinforced by Harrer’s appointment. His expertise will be instrumental in elevating the Group’s R&D initiatives, enhancing the performance of Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia vehicles, and driving innovation in the electric vehicle sector.

As the automotive industry undergoes a significant transformation towards sustainable and advanced mobility solutions, Hyundai Motor Group, under Harrer's leadership, is well-positioned to lead the charge. This appointment marks a significant milestone in the Group's journey towards a future of electrified, high-performance vehicles that set new standards in the industry.

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