Currently reading: Hyundai snares key BMW engineer to head high performance division
Hyundai has appointed BMW M division's Albert Biermann to lead the development of its own high-performance division

Hyundai has appointed Albert Biermann to head up the test and development operations for a new line of high-performance Hyundai and Kia models planned for introduction from 2016.

Biermann is the former vice president of engineering at BMW’s M performance car division. He will join the Hyundai Group on 1 April 2015. He will be based at the company’s R&D centre in Namyang in South Korea, where he will oversee a range of engineering projects relating to ride and handling, safety, reliability and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness).

In his new role at Hyundai, the 57-year-old German will be spearheading the development of a new line of high-performance cars as well as providing input to help improve the dynamic capabilities of models across the Hyundai and Kia line-ups.

Biermann’s appointment is described as a crucial step in Hyundai’s plans to become a technical leader in ride and handling, and to produce vehicles that the Korean car maker says will "lead their respective segments for driver engagement."

Sources confirm Biermann will become the South Korean car maker’s second-highest foreign executive, after its German-born design boss, Peter Schreyer.

Commenting on the appointment, 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. 2015 is a key year for the brand with the launch of many all-new models.”

Biermann has been at BMW since 1983. His more recent achievements include heading the development of the latest generation M3, M4, M5 and M6, along with a limited line-up of M Performance models.

Dirk Haecker is stepping into the position vacated by Biermann at BMW's M division. The former suspension engineer and chassis set-up expert currently heads up the German car maker’s driver training operations.

Get the latest car news, reviews and galleries from Autocar direct to your inbox every week. Enter your email address below:

Join the debate

Comments
9
Add a comment…
G-Lader 24 December 2014

Great!

Now they need to find a designer with some original ideas, instead of ripping off Audi's grille, amongst other things.
fadyady 22 December 2014

Poaching talent

Kia / Hyundai are becoming exceptionally good at poaching talent. Right people in the ranks will ease the Korean twins uphill climb.
Factczech 22 December 2014

When?

When will Hyundai stop channeling other manufacturers designs, especially Ford and Mercedes? Good budget cars but to be taken seriously they must start to come up with their own designs.