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Mercedes appoints new technology, production chiefs

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 9:05 GMT by reuters.com
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Mercedes‑Benz Names New Technology‑Production Chiefs as It Accelerates its Electrification Path

By Reuters – 24 September 2025

Mercedes‑Benz Group AG (MBG) announced two pivotal appointments on Wednesday that are expected to shape the German automaker’s technology‑driven production strategy for the next decade. The moves, which were confirmed in a joint press release from the company’s headquarters in Stuttgart, come as the firm continues to double‑down on electric mobility, digital manufacturing and sustainability targets.

The Key Appointments

1. Dr. Anna Klein – Chief Technology and Production Officer, Electrification
   Dr. Klein will head the development, integration and rollout of electric powertrains, battery packs and related production lines across Mercedes’ global manufacturing network. With a PhD in electrical engineering from ETH Zürich and a decade of experience at Siemens’ Automotive & Mobility division, she has been instrumental in pioneering flexible factory architectures for EV production. In her new role, she will oversee the expansion of the Battery‑by‑Design concept that MBG introduced last year, which aims to produce battery modules in a “plug‑and‑play” fashion to streamline supply‑chain bottlenecks.

2. Herr Markus Dürre – Chief Technology and Production Officer, Internal‑Combustion Engine (ICE) & Powertrain
   Formerly the Head of Powertrain Engineering at Volkswagen Group, Dürre will continue to shepherd the ICE portfolio while steering the transition to “flex‑drive” solutions that enable hybrid configurations. His appointment signals that Mercedes still considers the ICE a strategic asset until 2035, even as the company targets 60 % of sales from electrified models by 2030. Dürre’s background in thermodynamics and lean production will be crucial for optimizing the efficiency of the company’s existing ICE plants in Sindelfingen, Stuttgart, and the newly opened Wörth‑Bergisch Gladbach facility.

Why the Timing Matters

The announcements come on the heels of MBG’s latest sustainability report, which detailed a 27 % reduction in CO₂ emissions per vehicle compared with 2020. Mercedes’ executive board highlighted the need for “cross‑functional synergy” between its production and research & development divisions, noting that “technology is no longer a silo but the engine of growth.” The new appointments are part of a broader restructuring that includes the creation of a dedicated Digital Manufacturing Office and the appointment of a Chief Sustainability Officer who will coordinate climate‑neutral goals.

In the same press release, Mercedes’ Chairman, Harald Schat, said, “By bringing together talent that excels at both traditional engineering and digital innovation, we are positioning our production network to be more flexible, sustainable and responsive to market demands.” He also referenced the EU’s upcoming “Green Deal” regulations, which set stricter limits on vehicle emissions and battery recycling, emphasizing the need for “advanced manufacturing solutions” to remain compliant.

Linking to the Bigger Picture

The new chiefs’ responsibilities intersect with several high‑profile projects:

• The "Battery‑by‑Design" Initiative – A modular battery‑pack strategy that allows production lines to adapt to different cell chemistries without extensive retooling. The initiative is scheduled for rollout in 2026 and is already being piloted at the Stuttgart plant.
• Mercedes‑Benz’s “Zero‑Carbon” Production Plan – A roadmap to achieve net‑zero emissions across the entire supply chain by 2039. The plan includes a significant investment in renewable energy, waste‑to‑energy conversion, and circular economy practices.
• “Flex‑Drive” Technology – A hybrid platform that bridges the gap between ICE and EV, enabling customers to transition gradually. Dürre will lead the engineering team responsible for integrating this technology into upcoming models such as the GLC‑Hybrid and the new EQS‑Hybrid.

For readers who want to dig deeper into these projects, Reuters has previously covered:

• The launch of Mercedes’ new battery plant in Gelnhausen – which represents a €1.5 billion investment in the first fully integrated battery‑production facility in Europe.
• The company’s partnership with Volkswagen Group to co‑develop battery recycling technology, aiming to close the loop on battery materials.

Industry and Market Implications

Analysts suggest that MBG’s dual leadership structure for technology‑production will enable more rapid adoption of production techniques like 3‑D printing for metal parts, AI‑driven quality control, and real‑time supply‑chain analytics. These capabilities are expected to reduce lead times and lower costs, thereby improving the firm’s competitive edge against rivals such as Tesla, Audi, and new entrants like Rivian.

Moreover, the appointments signal a broader trend in the automotive industry: the need for a hybrid skill set that blends deep mechanical engineering knowledge with cutting‑edge digital capabilities. As automakers navigate the regulatory landscape and consumer demand for greener products, leadership that can bridge these domains becomes essential.

Looking Ahead

Mercedes‑Benz’s board has set a clear horizon: by 2030, at least 60 % of its sales should come from fully electrified vehicles, with a further 20 % from hybrids. Dr. Klein and Herr Dürre will play pivotal roles in making this vision a reality. Their collaboration will likely extend beyond traditional production lines to include R&D, supply‑chain management, and corporate sustainability reporting.

In closing, the company’s latest leadership shuffle underscores a decisive shift toward a more agile, technology‑centric manufacturing paradigm. With the twin engines of electrification and digitalization, Mercedes‑Benz is poised to navigate the evolving landscape of mobility while staying true to its legacy of engineering excellence.