Hyundai Motor to Replace R&D Chief... German Expert Manfred Harer Likely Successor

by Oh Hyungil

Published 11 Dec.2025 14:12(KST)

Updated 11 Dec.2025 14:56(KST)

Fifth Foreign President Appointed

Hyundai Motor Company is reportedly set to appoint Manfred Harer, a German automotive technology expert and Executive Vice President in charge of Vehicle Development at the Hyundai Motor Company Research and Development Division, as the new head (President) of its Research and Development Division. This is expected to mark the appointment of the fifth foreign president at the company.

According to industry sources on December 11, Harer is scheduled to be promoted to President and take over as the head of the Research and Development Division in the regular executive reshuffle next week. Current President Yang Heewon, who heads the Research and Development Division, will step down.

Manfred Harer, Executive Vice President in charge of Vehicle Development at Hyundai Motor Company Research and Development Division. Hyundai Motor Company

The incoming President Harer previously oversaw vehicle development at Volkswagen and Porsche, served as the head of platform development for the Volkswagen Group, and then joined Hyundai Motor Company.

This promotion will increase the number of foreign presidents at Hyundai Motor Company. Currently, Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer; Albert Biermann, President and Head of Research and Development; Luc Donckerwolke, President and Chief Creative Officer (CCO); and Jose Munoz, President and CEO, are serving in executive roles.

With Harer’s appointment as President, Hyundai Motor Company plans to reorganize its Research and Development Division and accelerate mid- to long-term technology initiatives, including electrification, the transition to software-defined vehicles (SDV), and platform integration strategies.

Hyundai Motor Company is planning to announce its executive reshuffle, including presidential appointments, around December 18 next week. The position of AVP Division Head (President), which became vacant following the resignation of Song Changhyun, remains unconfirmed.