Porsche is bringing Jörg Bartels from Mercedes-Benz
Porsche is reshaping its leadership in research and development. Starting in May 2027, Jörg Bartels will take over Michael Steiner’s role as head of R&D. The former Mercedes executive is tasked with driving the sports car manufacturer’s technological transformation.
Joerg Bartels will join Porsche from Mercedes-Benz in May 2027.
Image: Porsche AG
After more than a decade at the helm of Porsche’s R&D efforts, Michael Steiner will hand over his executive position to Jörg Bartels in May 2027. According to the sports car manufacturer, the 62-year-old is leaving the company after more than two decades. Steiner currently also serves as Porsche’s vice chairman.
His successor comes from Mercedes-Benz, where he is currently in charge of global development of drive systems. Previously, the 52-year-old led projects including the Chinese joint venture Beijing Benz Automotive. Porsche CEO Michael Leiters highlights Bartels’ experience in vehicle development and transformation. The manager is expected to play a key role in reshaping the research and development department.
Porsche aims to significantly reduce development costs
The leadership change occurs during a period of extensive cost-cutting measures. With its new corporate strategy, Sportwagenschmiede ’35, Porsche aims to streamline its structures and reduce costs. According to the manager magazin, development costs are set to drop by 20 percent, while development times are expected to be shortened by 40 percent.
At the same time, Porsche must adapt its powertrain strategy to changing market conditions. The sports car manufacturer plans to rely more heavily on a mix of internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles. Additionally, there is a decline in sales in China. While Porsche used to sell over 90,000 vehicles there annually at its peak, analysts predict only around 25,000 units by 2026.
Steiner shaped the development of the sports car manufacturer over many years. During his tenure, the introduction of the Taycan as the brand’s first fully electric series model took place. Board chairman Wolfgang Porsche particularly praised his contribution to steering the brand into the era of electric mobility.
With Bartels, a manager who brings both experience in drive technology and knowledge of the Chinese automotive market now takes charge of development. What specific priorities he will focus on to implement the new strategy remains unclear.