BMW NEWs...
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[h=1]BMW's global brain drain continues[/h] Date December 23, 2014
[h=3]Greg Kable[/h]
Hyundai snares top BMW M division engineer to head development of new high performance models.
Big vision: Hyundai and Kia are planning an onslaught of new performance models from 2016.
BMW has lost a second senior executive this month, after Hyundai 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.
Barely a week after Herbert Diess departed BMW for a chairman role at Volkswagen, Biermann's move was announced on Tuesday and will take effect from April 1, 2015.
The former vice president of engineering at BMW's M performance car division, Biermann will be based at the Hyundai's R&D centre in Namyang, 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 is
planned to spearhead the development of a new line of high performance, as well as provide input to help improve the dynamic capabilities of cars across the Hyundai and Kia line-ups.
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Biermann's appointment is described as a crucial step in Hyundai's plans to become a technical leader in ride and handling, producing vehicles that the Korean car maker says will "lead their respective segments for driver engagement".
Commenting on his 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."
At BMW since 1983, Biermann's 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.
Stepping into the position vacated by Biermann at BMW M is Dirk Haecker. The former suspension engineer and chassis set-up expert currently heads up the German car maker's driver training operations.
