Hyundai Motor Group announced the appointment of Manfred Harrer as Executive Vice President and Head of the newly established Genesis & Performance Development Tech Unit. This unit operates under the Research & Development (R&D) Division of Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation.
Harrer’s expertise and leadership will enhance the Group’s R&D competitiveness, driving the development of Genesis products and improving the performance of Hyundai Motor and Kia vehicles as they transition to electrification.
“The appointment of Manfred Harrer as Executive Vice President and Head of the Genesis & Performance Development Tech Unit will significantly benefit Hyundai Motor Group products, elevating the image and reputation of our mobility brands. As a world-renowned performance vehicle expert, Manfred will play a crucial role in developing future Genesis luxury high-performance models and in our electrification transition for Hyundai Motor and Kia brands,” said Heui Won Yang, President of the Hyundai-Kia R&D Division.
Since 1997, Harrer has amassed 25 years of experience in the automotive and tech industries, contributing to diverse projects including chassis development, electronic systems, software development, full vehicle integration, and ADAS. He has worked with leading brands such as Audi AG, BMW Group, Porsche AG, and Apple Inc.
The Group expects Harrer’s leadership to accelerate its transition to electrification, securing a leading position in the electric vehicle (EV) era and enhancing the market appeal of Hyundai Motor and Kia products.
“I am deeply grateful for the trust the company has placed in me. My commitment to Hyundai Motor Group is fueled by a strong belief in their visionary approach to advanced mobility solutions,” said EVP Harrer. “With my extensive experience in the automotive and tech industries, I am dedicated to playing a pivotal role in the future evolution of Genesis and high-performance vehicles within the Group.”
