Hyundai Motor Group has announced a key leadership appointment, bringing Manfred Harrer on board as Executive Vice President and head of the freshly minted Genesis & Performance Development Tech Unit. This unit, operating under the Research & Development (R&D) Division of Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation, aims to drive innovation and elevate the brands’ transition into the electrification era.
Harrer, a seasoned professional with a quarter-century of experience in the automotive and tech sectors, is expected to significantly enhance the Group’s R&D prowess. His role will focus on the development of Genesis products and the overall performance of Hyundai Motor and Kia vehicles, as these brands pivot towards electric vehicles (EVs).
Heui Won Yang, President of the Hyundai-Kia R&D Division, expressed confidence in Harrer’s appointment: “The inclusion of Manfred Harrer as Executive Vice President will be a boon for our products, enhancing both the image and reputation of our mobility brands. As a globally recognised performance vehicle expert, Manfred is set to make substantial contributions to the development of future Genesis luxury high-performance models and aid in our electrification efforts.”
Harrer’s extensive resume spans work at top-tier brands including Audi AG, BMW Group, Porsche AG, and Apple Inc. His broad expertise covers chassis development, electronic systems, software development, full vehicle integration, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). His diverse background is anticipated to accelerate the Group’s transition to electrification, aiming to secure a leadership position in the EV market and boost the appeal of Hyundai and Kia’s offerings.
“I am deeply grateful for the trust the company has placed in me,” Harrer remarked. “My dedication to Hyundai Motor Group is rooted in a strong belief in their visionary approach to advanced mobility solutions. With my extensive experience, I am committed to playing a crucial role in this transformative era.”
In the ever-competitive automotive landscape, Harrer’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to not only bolster the Group’s technical capabilities but also to enhance the prestige of its brands in a market that increasingly values high-performance and electric mobility.
