Ulrich Eichhorn Explained

Ulrich Eichhorn
Birth Place:Obernburg, Germany
Nationality:German
Occupation:Car designer
Known For:Ford Focus, Volkswagen XL1, Bentley Continental GT
Alma Mater:Technische Universität Darmstadt, Harvard University

Ulrich Eichhorn (born 1961) is a German engineer, manager and car designer.

Early life and education

Eichhorn was born in Obernburg, Germany. He studied mechanical and automotive engineering at Technische Universität Darmstadt. In 1992, he graduated with a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Darmstadt. He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School, where he was class speaker of AMP174.

Career

Eichhorn worked at Ford Motor Company, becoming head of vehicle dynamics and leading several individual projects. He was involved in designing the first generation Ford Focus, where he worked on the chassis.[1] He joined Volkswagen Group as director of research in 2000. He was involved in projects such as SunFuel, an alternative fuel, the Volkswagen W12, and the Volkswagen XL1.[2] In 2003, he became a board member at Bentley, which is owned by Volkswagen Group, with responsibility for technical development. He was in charge of engineering at Bentley during the release of the Bentley Continental GT, the Continental GT Convertible and the Bentley Flying Spur.[3]

His motorsport credentials include three consecutive wins of the Tour de Sol,[4] the 24h World Speed Record with the Volkswagen Nardo in 2002 and Bentley's Le Mans victory in 2003.[5]

In 2012, Eichhorn was appointed as managing director of Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA), and in 2016 he was appointed as head of group research and development at Volkswagen.[6] From January 2019 to December 2020, Eichhorn was chairman of the management board of engineering service provider IAV before returning to Volkswagen.

Notes and References

  1. News: English. Andrew. 14 January 2011. Where are the people who designed the original Ford Focus?. The Telegraph. 21 July 2020.
  2. Web site: 22 January 2009. Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation Lecture - The History of Another Dimension - 50 Years of Bentley's V8 Engine. 21 July 2020. Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
  3. News: 6 March 2017. DRIVEN PERSONALITIES - ULRICH EICHHORN. Driving & Life. 21 July 2020.
  4. Web site: Hybridfahrzeuge und hybrid Auto von 1960 bis 1990. 5 April 2008.
  5. News: 6 March 2017. DRIVEN PERSONALITIES - ULRICH EICHHORN. Driving & Life. 21 July 2020.
  6. News: 12 October 2018. Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn to become Chairman of Management Board of IAV. Volkswagen Group. 21 July 2020.