South Korea’s largest carmaker has announced that it has established a new division to enhance its high-performance vehicle and motorsport businesses. Renowned industry expert Thomas Schemera will leave BMW M to join the division.
The high-performance vehicle and motorsport division, which was launched in March, will streamline Hyundai’s strategy, product planning, sales and marketing capabilities for high-performance vehicle operations to maximize synergy between headquarters and the company’s motorsport arm, Hyundai Motorsport GmbH.
Since the company’s foray into high-performance vehicles in 2012, Hyundai Motor has expanded its global presence in the field. Last year the company launched the high-performance N line-up with the i30 N model, followed by the Veloster N’s world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January this year.
“I am thrilled to join Hyundai Motor, which is presenting incredible prowess in its high-performance technologies through models like the i30 N, despite being relatively new to this competitive scene,” said Schemera. “I will dedicate my expertise and knowledge obtained over my three-decade career to making a significant contribution to Hyundai’s development in this field and to providing pure driving pleasure to our customers.”
German-born Schemera, 55, began his career as a design engineer at BMW in 1987. He assumed various roles at BMW Group including a four-year service as vice president of sales and dealer development for the mainland and greater China region. Most recently he served as head of BMW M and BMW Individual in the Americas.
“Thomas Schemera is one of the most renowned experts in the high-performance vehicle business, with experience in all the world’s major markets,” said Albert Biermann, head of performance development at Hyundai. “I am excited he is joining us and I’m confident that his participation will help put Hyundai’s high-performance vehicle business onto the fast track.”
March 1, 2018
