Hyundai hires ex-Daimler, Mercedes-Benz experts

SEOUL, Dec. 28 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Co., South Korea's largest carmaker, said it has hired an ex-Daimler Trucks official in charge of concept vehicle and a former executive of ‎Mercedes-Benz Minibus GmbH in the latest move to strengthen competitiveness in global commercial vehicle market.

Maik Ziegler, former head of the new vehicle concepts department at Daimler Trucks, is set to join as director of Commercial Vehicle Research and Development Strategy Group on Jan. 1

Ziegler "will lead concept model development, product development and technology development for Commercial Vehicle," Hyundai Motor said.

Hyundai also said Mark Freymueller, former managing director of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Minibus GmbH, has joined the South Korean carmaker earlier this month as director of Commercial Vehicle Export Division.

Freymueller is leading commercial vehicle new business project at Hyundai Motor.

"Hyundai Motor Company has appointed two specialists for commercial vehicle sales and R&D sector to enrich its future strategy and to enhance competitiveness in global commercial vehicle market," the carmaker said.

Ziegler and Freymueller are the latest foreign specialists who have joined Hyundai Motor, which is a key affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group, the world's fifth-largest automaker. Kia Motors Corp. is part of the automotive conglomerate.

Also Thursday, Hyundai Motor promoted ex-Bentley designer Luc Donckerwolke to the post of vice president in charge of Hyundai design center.

The maker of the Genesis G90 luxury sedan said eight out of 15 executives who are promoted to vice presidents in Hyundai and other affiliates work in research and development as well as technology sectors.

The reshuffle reflects the company's commitment to boost research and development to secure advanced technologies for connected cars, self-driving vehicles and eco-friendly cars, Hyundai said.

entropy@yna.co.kr
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