Hyundai Motor Group Restructures R&D Under Vice Chairman Chang Jae-hoon Amid Executive Promotions

Hyundai Motor Group announced executive promotions on the 18th, appointing Manfred Harrer as president of the R&D Headquarters and promoting 219 individuals, including four presidents. This is the smallest promotion scale since 2020, with a significant generational shift as 49% of newly appointed managing directors are in their 40s.

The group has consolidated future vehicle and internal combustion engine research units under Vice Chairman Chang Jae-hoon, who now oversees both strategy and external policies. This restructuring aims to maximize efficiency amid external uncertainties, such as U.S. tariff barriers and shifting electric vehicle policies. The previous independent sector leadership has been replaced to eliminate silos and foster collaboration across various technology areas, including internal combustion engines, hydrogen, robotics, and AI.