Hyundai Motor Group has appointed Manfred Harrer as Executive Vice President and Head of the new Genesis & Performance Development Tech Unit. This unit falls under the Research & Development (R&D) Division of Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation.
Harrer’s extensive expertise will enhance the Group’s R&D competitiveness, driving the development of Genesis products and improving the performance of Hyundai and Kia vehicles, particularly as they transition to electrification.
Heui Won Yang, President of the Hyundai-Kia R&D Division, stated, “Manfred Harrer’s appointment will significantly benefit Hyundai Motor Group, elevating our mobility brands. As a renowned performance vehicle expert, he will contribute to the development of Genesis high-performance models and support our electrification transition for Hyundai and Kia.”
With 25 years in the automotive and tech industries, Harrer has worked on various projects including chassis development, electronic systems, software development, vehicle integration, and ADAS. His experience spans top brands like Audi, BMW, Porsche, and Apple.
The Group expects Harrer’s leadership to accelerate its electrification efforts, securing a leading position in the electric vehicle (EV) market and boosting the appeal of Hyundai and Kia products.
“I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me. I am committed to Hyundai Motor Group’s visionary approach to advanced mobility solutions,” said Harrer. “With my extensive industry experience, I look forward to contributing to the evolution of Genesis and high-performance vehicles.”
Career Highlights:
- Apple Inc.: Senior Director of Product Design Engineering
- Porsche AG: Vice President of Product Line Cayenne, Vice President of Chassis Development and ADAS, Director of Vehicle Dynamics and Performance
- BMW Group: Manager of Pre-development Lateral Dynamics
- Audi AG: Chassis Engineer
- Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath, UK; Dipl.-Ing (FH) Automotive Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Munich, Germany
