German Car Zone

Gerhard Richter, long term Chief of Development at BMW's M divison (eg. responsible for M & Individual cars) is leaving his position.

In January 2008 he will start his new job: project manager for development of new BMW Gran Turismo ("new 8er").

Albert Biermann (E70 X5 development project manager) was named a new M Development Chief, starting his new job in January 2008 as well.




Gerhard Richter .................................................. ............................. Albert Biermann





Source: BMW AG

So, who is this Albier? Do we know him from somewhere? The name feels familiar...

He was a project manager for E70 X5 development. Check BMW-tv, he is featured there, talking about X5 development.



PS: BMW naming X5 development chief for M develoment chief ... Hm ... does that mean X5 M and X6 M are coming?

so basically in house reshuffling to focus on a new very important project image wise

Scott wasn't kidding then when he told us the 8er project will attract the cream of the engineers, but isn't this switch a drop in Mr richter's career ?

If anything, I'd say it's an upgrade

hmm..interesting things are going on at BMW..This action is considered to be as serious move by BMW..and their unquestionable determination to make 8er as perfect as it can get..

Regarding formal position, yes.
But I think it's much bigger challenge & honor to be a development chief of a completely new model (developing a car from scratch), then working on an already established platform. It's even bigger honor & challenge when this new model is the new flagship - in term of luxury, prestige & performance.

And Richter is perfect for this position: as an ex M development chief knowing the Individual division (mind 4dr GT interior will be done exclusively by Individual), and M division (meaning new 8er won't be a big clumsy car, but a real sportscar - having much of M genes despite not wearing M badge).



And btw, in BMW AG people are prized for their achievements & work, not for their titles & positions.

Formal titles are less important.


This nomination also shows how good Richter is, and how important he is for BMW. Imagine some rival carmaker stealing Richter from BMW. Not good!

Albert Biermann is the ideal successor to Gerhard Richter.

A brief look at his CV:

1983-85: Joined BMW straight from university as an engineer in suspension testing.

1986-1993: Suspension Engineer at BMW M GmbH

1994-1997: BMW North Americs, Marketing and Sales

1998-2000: Head of Suspension, Electronics, Drivetrain and Cooling Development, BMW M GmbH

2001-2002: Head of Special Projects, Head of Development BMW M3GTR

2003-2007: Director of Development BMW X5 (E70)

I'd also assume he'd also be the development chief of the X6 as well. But i could be wrong.

Not that it matters, but anyone who has anything to do with the M3 GTR gets my green light