FEATURE
Hyundai Promotes Albert Biermann as Head of R&D
Albert Biermann, the former BMW M executive associated with the Kia Stinger and Hyundai’s high-performance N models, was promoted to lead research and development at Hyundai Motor.
Biermann replaced Yang Woong-chul and Kwon Moon-sik, becoming Hyundai’s first foreign head of R&D. The appointment suggested that the automaker was preparing to take a new approach to vehicle development and future technology.
A broader leadership restructuring
Hyundai Motor reassigned 17 executives across the Hyundai-Kia group. The changes followed the appointment of Euisun Chung as executive vice chairman and reflected plans to restructure the automaker amid declining profits and slower sales in major markets, including China and the United States.
The group also sought to strengthen its position in emerging fields such as autonomous driving, connected vehicles, electrification and vehicle-sharing services.
Changes in product planning and design
The R&D appointment formed part of a wider management overhaul. Former BMW executive Thomas Schemera had been appointed to oversee product planning for autonomous, connected and electrified vehicles, while Luc Donckerwolke was named head of design for Hyundai and Kia.
These appointments were expected to influence both the technology and appearance of future Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Technology development
Hyundai had already been expanding its use of new vehicle technologies. Examples included 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrains, such as the system offered in the 2019 Hyundai Tucson, as well as research into solar-roof technology.