Hyundai ropes BMW M veteran to lead N division

Hyundai is moving on to the next stage of its manufacturing. The establishment of a test center at Nürburgring and the launch of the N performance line in connection with the WRC debut this year, all points to the fact that Hyundai is serious about delving into performance oriented vehicles. The Korean manufacturer is all set to break its image of being economic and utilitarian car manufacturer and the idea is underlined bringing Albert Biermann as Head of Vehicle Test and High Performance Development. The former vice president engineering at BMW M Automobiles, Biermann, has been working for the Bavarian automaker for over three decades now.

In his new position, 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. He will be based at the company’s R & D Center in Namyang, Korea.

Biermann said, “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 and the start of its second season in WRC, so I am really looking forward to the challenge.”

Biermann will become the second-highest foreign executive in Hyundai after design chief Peter Schreyer, who had previously worked with Audi AG. Biermann will start his new role at Hyundai on April 1, 2015 and is expected to play a pivotal role in the manufacturer’s WRC car as well.