Audi hires former Volvo exec as new R&D chief
11-28-2016, 09:15 AM
#1
AudiWorld Super User
Thread Starter
Audi hires former Volvo exec as new R&D chief
Dieselgate Fallout continued...
Nov 28, Motor Authority
Audi has named former Volvo executive Peter Mertens as its new R&D chief.
Mertens is one of the first from outside the company to be given a top role at the Volkswagen Group following the emergence of the diesel emissions scandal in September 2015.
He replaces Stefan Knirsch who stepped down in September following reports connecting him with the scandal. Knirsch was only promoted to the role at the start of 2016 after veteran Audi R&D chief Ulrich Hackenberg was suspended in the early days of the scandal and later resigned. Hackenberg is currently working for Finnish independent vehicle manufacturer Valmet.
Mertens was second from the top at Volvo’s R&D division, helping with projects such as the modular CMA and SPA platforms as well as plug-in hybrid and electric compressor technologies. He’s also had various roles at Mercedes-Benz, General Motors Company [NYSE:GM] and Jaguar Land Rover during his career.
Mertens isn’t the only top Volvo R&D executive Audi has snagged. Thomas Mueller, who was in charge of electric/electronics development at Volvo, will head a similar position at Audi starting in December.
Nov 28, Motor Authority
Audi has named former Volvo executive Peter Mertens as its new R&D chief.
Mertens is one of the first from outside the company to be given a top role at the Volkswagen Group following the emergence of the diesel emissions scandal in September 2015.
He replaces Stefan Knirsch who stepped down in September following reports connecting him with the scandal. Knirsch was only promoted to the role at the start of 2016 after veteran Audi R&D chief Ulrich Hackenberg was suspended in the early days of the scandal and later resigned. Hackenberg is currently working for Finnish independent vehicle manufacturer Valmet.
Mertens was second from the top at Volvo’s R&D division, helping with projects such as the modular CMA and SPA platforms as well as plug-in hybrid and electric compressor technologies. He’s also had various roles at Mercedes-Benz, General Motors Company [NYSE:GM] and Jaguar Land Rover during his career.
Mertens isn’t the only top Volvo R&D executive Audi has snagged. Thomas Mueller, who was in charge of electric/electronics development at Volvo, will head a similar position at Audi starting in December.
11-28-2016, 11:06 AM
#2
AudiWorld Member
I live in the city of Volvo, Gothenburg and there is a strong peer pressure to drive a Volvo. It has been like that for many years and I have always ignored it completely until the new S90 was introduced. There are now many where I live and I have to say they look good, almost as good as the A8.
So...for the first time in my 18yrs of A8's I have started to think maybe I can make it work in a Volvo! My kids say no way but I am not sure and the B&W soundsystem and nappa leather seems really nice....the problem I have its still a Volvo.
Point is Volvo have really stepped up which is rare in the car industry these days and it makes good sense for Audi to pick up some of the talent that made that happen.
So...for the first time in my 18yrs of A8's I have started to think maybe I can make it work in a Volvo! My kids say no way but I am not sure and the B&W soundsystem and nappa leather seems really nice....the problem I have its still a Volvo.
Point is Volvo have really stepped up which is rare in the car industry these days and it makes good sense for Audi to pick up some of the talent that made that happen.
11-28-2016, 05:56 PM
#3
AudiWorld Senior Member
I live in the city of Volvo, Gothenburg and there is a strong peer pressure to drive a Volvo. It has been like that for many years and I have always ignored it completely until the new S90 was introduced. There are now many where I live and I have to say they look good, almost as good as the A8.
So...for the first time in my 18yrs of A8's I have started to think maybe I can make it work in a Volvo! My kids say no way but I am not sure and the B&W soundsystem and nappa leather seems really nice....the problem I have its still a Volvo.
Point is Volvo have really stepped up which is rare in the car industry these days and it makes good sense for Audi to pick up some of the talent that made that happen.
So...for the first time in my 18yrs of A8's I have started to think maybe I can make it work in a Volvo! My kids say no way but I am not sure and the B&W soundsystem and nappa leather seems really nice....the problem I have its still a Volvo.
Point is Volvo have really stepped up which is rare in the car industry these days and it makes good sense for Audi to pick up some of the talent that made that happen.
11-28-2016, 06:37 PM
#4
AudiWorld Super User
I live in the city of Volvo, Gothenburg and there is a strong peer pressure to drive a Volvo. It has been like that for many years and I have always ignored it completely until the new S90 was introduced. There are now many where I live and I have to say they look good, almost as good as the A8.
So...for the first time in my 18yrs of A8's I have started to think maybe I can make it work in a Volvo! My kids say no way but I am not sure and the B&W soundsystem and nappa leather seems really nice....the problem I have its still a Volvo.
Point is Volvo have really stepped up which is rare in the car industry these days and it makes good sense for Audi to pick up some of the talent that made that happen.
So...for the first time in my 18yrs of A8's I have started to think maybe I can make it work in a Volvo! My kids say no way but I am not sure and the B&W soundsystem and nappa leather seems really nice....the problem I have its still a Volvo.
Point is Volvo have really stepped up which is rare in the car industry these days and it makes good sense for Audi to pick up some of the talent that made that happen.
I have to agree I've seen only one S90 here in the US and it was very impressive looking.
11-29-2016, 11:19 PM
#5
Audiworld Junior Member
My wife had a C70 hardtop convertible in 2009. Beautiful car and well built with quality parts. They discontinued it and couldn't get another when her lease was up. If they redesign and release, she'll be willing to trade in her A3 Cabrio....
