At no point in automotive history has the job of a technical head been tougher – they are the people who choose where the R&D money is spent
The automotive industry is pushing forward down an array of different avenues and at a pace not seen before.
So, how do you choose where to spend your money? Do you pour it in finding the next battery technology, develop a new, sleeker software, or prioritise autonomous driving tech?
Right now, and at no point in automotive history, has the job of a car maker’s technical head been tougher. They are the people who wield vast amounts of research and development cash and choose the technological direction of the company.
It is those who are making the tough decisions – decisions that are proving to be fruitful – who we celebrate within the Power List 2023, sponsored by Keyloop.
Power List 100 2023 – Technical heads
Thomas Schmall, member of the Volkswagen AG Board of Management responsible for Technology, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components
With his rather lengthy title, Schmall’s key responsibility right now involves heading up the development and production of battery cells – and their systems – across the whole of the VW Group. A big and varying task, but one that will define the next era of the group’s multiple brands, from small, cheap electric hatchbacks to long-distance solid-state battery equipped tourers – the latter it hopes will arrive by the end of the decade.
Ned Curic, chief engineering and technology officer, Stellantis
The man who last year said no to Google – and for good reason. Ned Curic wants the infotainment in Stellantis cars to deliver the “unique experiences”, rather than the more purpose-built Google systems. He is also at the forefront of the upcoming SmartCockpit digital platforms, due to roll out from 2024. This will run be “similar but much lighter than somebody like Tesla has,” he said previously.
Gilles Le Borgne, Executive Vice President, Engineering, Groupe Renault
Recognised as one of France’s leading and most comprehensive experts in vehicle engineering and design, Gilles Le Borgne was dramatically announced as Renault’s new vehicle development head in 2020 after 30 years at its PSA rival. His arrival has helped slashed model development times, shaved engineering bills and given Renault the model pipeline needed to ensure its survival. It is set to be a busy few years for the French marque with the launch of the electric 5 hatchback and 4 SUV.
Frank Weber, board member for development, BMW
Frank Weber was nominated the board member responsible for development at the BMW Group in 2020 after impressing with his engineering management of Rolls-Royce as well as BMW’s top-end models. He joined BMW in 2011 after rising through the ranks at GM in Europe.
Markus Schafer, head of R&D and Mercedes COO
Markus Schafer is the de facto number two at Mercedes-Benz with oversight of development and purchasing, both crucial positions as the firm transforms into an EV powerhouse. The growing EQ range is key to this transformation, with four cars launched last year. Schäfer has held numerous roles since joining the company in 1990, including heading its US operations.
Doug Field, Chief Advanced Product Development and Technology Officer, Ford
Now at Ford, Field was the chief engineer behind Tesla’s Model 3 and one-time head of Apple’s self-driving car programme. The American is well placed to futureproof Ford’s new models with an advanced connectivity and infotainment suite. His work will be crucial in introducing new revenue streams and ushering in next-level autonomous systems which was this year debuted in the UK with the “hands-off, eyes-on” BlueCruise.
Doug L. Parks, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, GM
The man best known for launching GM’s Tesla Autopilot-rivalling Super Cruise system and leading the engineering of the Cruise AV driverless concept, Doug Parks is now overseeing the roll-out of a new generation of electric cars at GM. He is also working with Honda to launch a series of low-cost platform- sharing EVs atop GM’s Ultium architecture, the first named Prologue to arrive in 2024.
Masahiko Maeda, chief technology officer, Toyota
As he nears his third decade at Toyota, Masahiko Maeda is one of the technological masterminds behind a rapid electrification push that will bring to market some 30 EVs from Toyota and Lexus by 2030. He is also in charge of Toyota’s ZEV Factory, an internal division devoted to product and business planning for EVs.
How are the 100 names in Autocar’s Power List chosen?
The Power List ranks is made up of the world’s 100 most influential automotive heads, based on the following criteria: global reach and influence, spending power, share of voice, technological influence, future growth potential and market capitalisation.
The top 10 are ranked and the remaining 90 names on the list are grouped into categories, including executives from more traditional car makers to the rising powerhouses from China and the latest technology and mobility companies.
These names were chosen by the editors of Autocar Business, the B2B product from the publisher of Autocar, designed to bring industry readers even closer to the inner workings and key players of the global automotive industry.
The full list will be available to download on 18 October.
