Audi has hired Peter Mertens, Volvo’s now former R&D senior Vice President as their next head of Research and Development.
Mertens is considered one of the key persons in Volvo’s recent success story, with the Swedish company posting record sales and profits. He comes to replace Stefan Knirsch, who resigned back in September after an internal investigation on the emissions scandal.
“He has exceptionally broad technical expertise and an international background in the automotive industry”, said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi. “These are ideal qualifications for him to make further progress with the Technical Development division at Audi.”
The German executive has worked with several car makers in his career, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, General Motors and Jaguar Land Rover, and from now on will work closely with another former Volvo executive, Thomas Mueller, who will assume the position of Audi’s head of electronics department in December.
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