Hyundai Motor Group Appoints Manfred Harrer To Elevate Genesis And Performance Tech
SEOUL, May 28, 2024 – Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) has 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 (Hyundai Motor) and Kia Corporation (Kia).
Harrer’s extensive experience in the automotive and tech industry is expected to enhance the Group’s R&D competitiveness. His role will focus on driving the development of Genesis products and improving the performance of Hyundai Motor and Kia vehicles, particularly as they transition into the electrification era.

"The appointment of Manfred Harrer will greatly benefit Hyundai Motor Group products, enhancing the image and reputation of our mobility brands," said Heui Won Yang, President of the Hyundai-Kia R&D Division. "As a world-renowned performance vehicle expert, Manfred will contribute significantly to the development of future Genesis luxury high-performance models and our transition to electrification for Hyundai Motor and Kia brands."
Since 1997, Harrer has accumulated 25 years of experience in various sectors within the automotive and tech industry. His expertise spans chassis development, electronic systems, software development, full vehicle integration, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). He has worked with leading brands such as Audi AG, BMW Group, Porsche AG, and Apple Inc.
Harrer’s previous roles include:
- Senior Director of Product Design Engineering at Apple Inc.
- Vice President Product Line Cayenne at Porsche AG
- Vice President Chassis Development and ADAS at Porsche AG
- Director Vehicle Dynamics and Performance at Porsche AG
- Manager of Pre-development Lateral Dynamics at BMW Group
- Chassis Engineer at Audi AG
Educational Background
Harrer holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom and a Dipl.-Ing (FH) in Automotive Engineering from the University of Applied Sciences Munich in Germany.
Future Prospects
The Group anticipates that Harrer’s leadership will expedite its transition to electrification, securing top-tier leadership in the electric vehicle (EV) era. This move is also expected to enhance the marketability of Hyundai Motor and Kia’s products.
"I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the trust the company has placed in me. My commitment to Hyundai Motor Group is driven by a profound belief in their visionary approach to advanced mobility solutions," said EVP Harrer. "With my extensive experience in the automotive and tech industry, I am dedicated to playing a pivotal role in the future evolution of Genesis and high-performance vehicles within the Group."
About Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel, construction, logistics, finance, IT, and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group’s mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. The company aims to create a better future through creative thinking, cooperative communication, and a willingness to tackle any challenges.
For more information about Hyundai Motor Group, visit Hyundai Motor Group, Kia Global Media Center, or Genesis Newsroom.
Contact:
Hyongjun Kim
Global PR Strategy & Planning / Hyundai Motor Group
[email protected]


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