Hyundai N development boss Albert Biermann to depart current role

Albert Biermann – Hyundai and Kia research and development (R&D) head, and the lead engineer behind the Hyundai N performance car range – will depart his current role as a step towards retirement.

Biermann joined the Hyundai Motor Group (encompassing Hyundai, Kia and Genesis) as the head of 'Vehicle Testing & High-Performance Development' in April 2015 – after 31 years at BMW, including as boss of its M performance division – before becoming the President and Head of R&D in 2018.

Under his leadership, Kia introduced the rear-wheel-drive Stinger performance sedan in 2017, followed by the launch and expansion of Hyundai's N range, which now comprises six models globally (i20 N, i30 N hatch, i30 Sedan N, i30 Fastback N, Veloster N and Kona N) and has won a slew of awards (including Best Performance Car Under $60,000 at Drive Car of the Year 2018).

Biermann has also "led the development of new Hyundai, Genesis and Kia models" and "overseen engineering projects relating to ride and handling, safety, reliability and the mitigation of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness)," Hyundai notes, along with leading the development of the Group's new E-GMP electric vehicle platform.

Although the 65-year-old German engineer will depart his current role as R&D boss and "retire", Biermann will remain as an Executive Technical Advisor for the Hyundai Motor Group in Europe, to advise on "the development of new products and on future technologies" and support "the electrification of performance vehicles".

While Hyundai suggests Biermann will leave on his own accord, overseas reports suggests he was ousted by Group chairman Euisun Chung, as part of a reshuffle the Korea Times says will also see head of design management Peter Schreyer – who devised Kia's 'tiger nose' grille after joining in 2006 – leave the company.

A replacement for Biermann's current role is yet to be announced.

"It has been a tremendous pleasure and honor for me to work for Hyundai Motor Group and lead our engineering division to become a ‘second-to-none’ R&D center in the entire automotive industry. Now, our vehicles standout apart from the competition in many aspects and embody our strong engineering expertise and commitment," said Biermann in a statement.

"Korea will remain as my second home, and all of my colleagues at Hyundai Motor Group will always be considered part of my family.

"I would like to recognize that our success has always been based on the strong collective spirit of the many talented people at Hyundai and I will value our unique achievements wherever I live."

Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, added "Thanks to Albert’s tireless efforts, unwavering dedication and prodigious passion for the company, we have been able to achieve many great accomplishments across our vehicle lineups that it would be impossible to name them all."