Report - Hero Motocorp appoints top BMW engineer as head of R&D

First foreigner to head Hero Motocorp's R&D operation

After having parted ways with its technical partner Honda, Hero Motocorp joined hands with the US-based Erik Buell Racing (EBR). In order to further augment its product development capabilities, Hero Motocorp has appointed Dr. Markus Braunsperger as the new head of R&D, reports ET Auto.

Dr. Braunsperger has held top technical positions at BMW's motorcycle and passenger car divisions, heading the German auto giant's motorcycle R&D for several years. He would report directly to Mr. Pawan Munjal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Hero Motocorp.

The new R&D head is expected to take charge in the first week of October. He would be leading a team of around 500 engineers.

Meanwhile, Hero is preparing to launch the new HX 250R flagship motorcycle which was developed from scratch, post the split from Honda, in association with EBR.

Also read: Hero Motocorp lays foundation stone for its Colombian plant

It is to be noted that TVS and BMW are jointly working on developing small displacement motorcycles (less than 500 cc). A former BMW veteran at the helm of product development is expected to give Hero Motocorp an advantage in the technology race.

[Source: ET Auto]