Volkswagen Group of America has announced that Ewald Goessmann is the new Executive Director of its Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL) in Belmont, CA. A Volkswagen Group veteran with more than 14 years of experience at Audi AG, Goessmann takes the helm at ERL as the current Executive Director, Dr. Peter Oel, returns to VW’s Research & Development organization at company headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Now at more than 140 engineers, scientists, engineers, and futurists (a 40% increase since 2011), Goessmann will lead the team in five key areas: human-machine interface (HMI), infotainment software and platform research and development; advanced powertrain research; advanced driver-assistance systems; and test concepts and validation. He joins  ERL as the team embarks on a number of R&D initiatives identifying innovations that will power the next generation of in-vehicle technologies, sustainable mobility solutions, intelligent connected car applications, and advanced driver-assistance systems.

With Audi, Goessmann served as Head of the Systems Operation and Display team, part of the brand’s Electrical Engineering group responsible for leading R&D of the total operating concept for all electrical operation and display features of Audi products including MMI, climate controls, instrument clusters, and controls.

Goessmann holds a degree in general education and an advanced degree in electrical engineering from the University of Erlangen in Germany.