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Ford Names BMW's Gerhard Schmidt to Lead Global Research Efforts

12 December 2000

Ford Names BMW's Gerhard Schmidt to Lead Global Research Efforts

    DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 12 Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, director of
powertrain development for the past decade at BMW AG, has been named vice
president - Research at Ford Motor Company .
    Schmidt, 54, will replace William F. Powers, who recently announced his
retirement.  Schmidt will report to Richard Parry-Jones, group vice president,
Global Product Development and Quality.
    "Gerhard Schmidt's career in research and powertrain development has been
an unqualified success, so we are delighted to add him to our team," said
Jacques Nasser, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company.  "Gerhard's role will
be a key one as we strive to become the world's leading consumer company for
automotive products and services."
    In his 21 years at BMW, Schmidt has worked in a wide range of roles in
engine research and development.  He was responsible for development of the
company's first diesel engine and for many years was leader of the group
designing the company's gasoline engines.
    As head of gasoline-engine activities from 1985 through 1990, Schmidt
reorganized the operation from a traditional drawing-design department to a
computer-based center of competence.  Since 1990, he has been director of
powertrain development and, since 1998, has been in charge of all engines and
transmissions for the BMW Group.
    Born in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, in 1946, Schmidt was educated at
the University of Aachen, receiving his diploma and doctorate there.
    He will head Ford's global research efforts and take up his appointment in
the spring.