Porsche is bringing in an outside engineer with powertrain and China experience to deliver its Sportwagenschmiede ’35 plan
Porsche’s head of research and development, Dr Michael Steiner, will leave the Executive Board in May 2027 after almost 25 years at the company, handing over to Jörg Bartels of Mercedes-Benz. Bartels, 52, runs global powertrain development at Mercedes-Benz and previously led its Chinese joint venture, Beijing Benz Automotive.
Bartels inherits the Sportwagenschmiede ’35 strategy, which Steiner helped shape, and Chief Executive Michael Leiters said he would push on with a research and development realignment already under way. Hiring an outsider with powertrain and China experience suggests Porsche wants fresh eyes on engineering.
Steiner, 62, joined the board in 2016 and became Deputy Chairman in 2025, overseeing the 911’s 991 and 992 generations, the 800V Taycan and the T-Hybrid powertrain. He also headed research and development for the Volkswagen Group between 2022 and 2025.
In a statement, Dr Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG, said: “Michael Steiner embodies Weissach and its significance for Porsche like no one else. His name stands not only for numerous brand-defining innovations, but also for countless victories on the world’s legendary race tracks.
“His comprehensive and deep understanding of technology was also instrumental in carrying the core of the Porsche brand into the era of electric mobility. Our heartfelt thank you goes to Dr Michael Steiner for his outstanding work. We wish him all the very best for the future.”
Source: Porsche
