In 2014, Hyundai made a big news that shocked the automotive industry, and the group successfully recruited Dr. Albert Biermann, DEPUTY Engineering Manager of BMW M, to spread his understanding and knowledge of performance after 31 years of service with the BMW Group on the new cars of Hyundai and Kia in the future. After 31 years at BMW and then 6 and a half years at Hyundai Group, Biermann decided it was time to retire.
In recent years, Hyundai and Kia have launched performance models, such as the Hyundai Veloster N, Kona N, i30 N, and Kia Stinger GT, Biermann's efforts behind it are indispensable. It can even be said that without him, these models may not be able to mass-produce, or it is difficult to have acclaimed performance. But fans who are starting to feel good about Hyundai and Kia performance products don't have to worry too much, and Biermann, although retired from the front line, will still serve as a group director and live in Europe as a technical consultant for a long time.
Biermann has planned for the next focus, with a focus on robots, hydrogen fuel cells and mobile vehicles for metro aviation. "It has been a wonderful time for hyundai to be here, and it is also an honor for me to lead our engineering team to build a research and development center that is second to none in the entire automotive industry." Biermann said. He believes that Hyundai Group's current new cars have opened up the gap with their competitors in many aspects, and have shown their engineering expertise and dedication to consumers through products.
One of biermann's most memorable stories is the creation of the modern N performance department, which quickly accumulated a solid reputation through many events. In addition, as head of R&D, he also assisted in the establishment of a modular structure development system, which allowed for reduced costs and increased speed of new car development. Zheng Yixuan, Chairman of Hyundai Group, said that in the group's attempt to become a global leading automobile brand, Biermann's continuous adherence to high standards is absolutely outstanding.
The focus of the world's car fans will be whether the successor can continue the achievements created by Biermann and enable Hyundai N to have the strength to compete with BMW M in the future.