Based at Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Center in Namyang, Korea, Albert Biermann has been appointed the new head of vehicle test and high-performance development. He will lead the development of new high-performance Hyundai and Kia models, as well as oversee engineering projects relating to ride and handling, safety, reliability, and the mitigation of NVH.
The appointment will be effective as of April. Biermann brings more than 30 years of experience in the development of high performance vehicles, most recently gained in his current role as VP engineering BMW M Automobiles and BMW Individual, at BMW M GmbH.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join Hyundai Motor Group. It is a company I have watched closely as it has taken on its key competitors and quickly established a strong customer base in Europe. 2015 is a key year for the brand with the launch of many all-new models,” commented Biermann.
Woong Chul Yang, vice chairman of Hyundai Motor Company and head of Hyundai-Kia R&D Center, added, “Mr. Biermann has unrivalled credentials in this field and his expertise and experience will help us bring forward the development of new Hyundai and Kia cars that are great to drive, as well as speed the transfer of innovative technologies and insights between our road-car and motorsport engineering teams.”
Hyundai’s forthcoming range of performance road cars was announced in December 2013. The vehicles will be branded ‘N’, taken from the R&D center in Namyang. Hyundai’s second World Rally Team, Hyundai Motorsport N debuted on Rally de Portugal in 2014.
