Frank Weber takes over product planning at Opel

For the past two and a half years, readers here at ABG have come to know Frank Weber as the leader of the team working to transform the Chevrolet Volt from a wild-eyed concept to viable production car. Weber was the Global Chief Engineer for electric vehicles at GM during his time working in the U.S. A couple of weeks ago, GM announced that Weber would return to Germany to take a high level position at Opel. This, of course, was when Opel was still set to be sold to Magna International.
Now that the sale is not happening, GM has finally announced what Weber's new position will be the new head of Corporate and Product Planning for Opel and Vauxhall. Back in Rüsselsheim, Weber will oversee the creation of the next of European GM products following on from the new Insignia and Astra.

[Source: General Motors]

press release

Frank Weber to Become New Head of Opel Product Planning

Jamal El-Hout retires, Chris Lacey takes over Commercial Vehicle Operations

Rüsselsheim. Frank Weber (43) becomes the new head of Corporate and Product Planning for Opel and Vauxhall. The engineer follows Jamal El-Hout, GME Vice President Planning and Commercial Vehicle Operations, who has elected to retire by the end of the year. El-Hout 's responsibilities in the Light Commercial Vehicle area will be taken over by Chris Lacey.

Weber, currently Global Vehicle Line Executive and Global Chief Engineer electric vehicle development, returns from an assignment at General Motors in the U.S., where he has led the development of GM's new generation of electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt and the Opel Ampera. Nick Reilly, CEO Opel/Vauxhall: "Frank will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge into his new role from the many key positions he held in the Engineering and Planning functions. We are thrilled to have him back in Europe to lead our ongoing product offensive that started with successful vehicles like the Insignia and the new Astra. Frank will also stand for the implementation of future technologies like the market introduction of the Opel Ampera in 2011".

Frank Weber is a German native and joined Opel in 1991 after finishing his engineering studies at Darmstadt University. He held several leading positions within the Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim such as Director Advanced Concept Engineering. In 2007, he moved to his assignment in Warren, Michigan, to lead the development of GM's future electric vehicle program, propelled by the revolutionary Voltec propulsion system that makes the electrification of the automobile a practical reality -now.


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