Hyundai appoints Manfred Harrer as head of Genesis Technology and Performance Development

Hyundai Motor Group has appointed Manfred Harrer as executive vice president and head of the newly established Genesis & Performance Development technology unit. This unit operates under the research and development (R&D) department of Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor) and Kia Corporation (Kia).

Harrer’s expertise and leadership will strengthen the Group’s R&D competitiveness and drive Genesis product development, while enhancing the performance of Hyundai Motor and Kia vehicles as we enter the era of electrification.

“The appointment of Manfred Harrer as Executive Vice President and Head of the Genesis & Performance Development Technology Unit will greatly benefit Hyundai Motor Group products, enhancing the image and reputation of our mobility brands. As a world-renowned expert in performance vehicles, Manfred will make a significant contribution to the development of future Genesis luxury performance models, as well as to our transition to the electrification of the Hyundai Motor and Kia brands,” said Heui Won Yang, president of Hyundai-Kia Research and Development.

Since 1997, Harrer has accumulated 25 years of experience in the automotive and technology industries, working on a variety of projects including chassis development, electronic systems, software development, full vehicle integration and ADAS. His knowledge is deepened by experience gained at leading brands such as Audi AG, BMW Group, Porsche AG and Apple Inc.

The group anticipates Harrer’s leadership will accelerate the transition to electrification, ensuring leadership in the electric vehicle (EV) era and increasing the market attractiveness of Hyundai Motor and Kia products.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks for the trust the company has placed in me. My commitment to Hyundai Motor Group is based on my deep belief in their visionary approach to advanced mobility solutions,” said Vice President Harrer. “With my extensive experience in the automotive and technology industries, I intend to play a key role in the future evolution of Genesis and high-performance vehicles within the Group.”