Bernd Mahr heads Hybrid Electric Vehicle BU of Continental

At international automotive supplier Continental, Bernd Mahr took over as Executive Vice President of the Hybrid Electric Vehicle Business Unit based in Nuremberg, Germany. His appointment is effective from November 1, 2014. The Business Unit, which is part of the Powertrain Division, develops and produces power electronics and electric motors for hybrid and electric vehicles. José Avila, who is head of the Powertrain Division and a Member of Continental's Executive Board has been running the unit uptil now. "We are very pleased, that Bernd Mahr is joining our Powertrain team," said Avila. "With him, we have an experienced manager in the important and growing field of electromobility on board. This is also underlined by his extensive knowledge of alternative drive technologies," he added

According to a Continental press release, Bernd Mahr has previously worked for Mahle GmbH. From 2009, he ran the automotive supplier's engineering service provider Mahle Powertrain, where he successfully restructured the unit. In addition to his management expertise, the 53-year-old also contributes with his extensive experience in hybrid technology. While at Mahle Powertrain, the manager, who has a doctorate in mechanical engineering, developed a demo vehicle with a range extender that was completed in just ten months despite the high technological requirements.

Born in Esslingen, Germany, he completed his doctorate in mechanical engineering at the University of Stuttgart. Mahr began his career in 1987 as a research associate at the University of Stuttgart, the press release added.