TITLE: S-Class Chief Engineer

COMPANY: Mercedes-Benz

BASED: Sindelfingen, Germany

AGE: 60

NATIONALITY: German

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Weissinger started out at Mercedes-Benz as a chassis engineer for active suspension systems. From there he became project leader for the front-wheel-drive Mercedes Vision A93 car that inspired the future A-Class that arrived six years later. His next job was chief engineer of halo models that included the SLR supercar, the original Maybach ultraluxury sedan, as well as head of two generations of the iconic SL model line and the SLK roadster. In 2014 he became director of vehicle concepts, developing the F015 research vehicle before taking charge of the new-generation S-Class in 2017.

REASON FOR WINNING

The S-Class once again takes luxury to a new level, setting the standard in the ultracompetitive upper-premium segment. The sedan’s high-tech features include rear-axle steering for superior agility, a large augmented-reality head-up display, and the most advanced user interface Mercedes offers, which is highlighted by 3D imagery for the digital instrument cluster. The S-Class is also poised to become the first car to provide Level 3 autonomy in Europe, starting in late 2021. During its life cycle Mercedes expects the new S-Class to outsell its highly successful predecessor and provide profitability that matches the outgoing car because of a more efficient manufacturing process.