As we embark on a momentous new chapter of production and delivery, we’re excited to add even more expertise to our management team. With over three decades in the automotive industry, Dr. Bernd Martens will oversee critical areas of operations, including production, purchasing and quality.
Dr. Bernd Martens, a former member of the Board of Management at Audi AG, will support strategically in the transition from producing Lightyear 0 to the design and production of our mass-market model, Lightyear 2. He said: “I am thrilled to join Lightyear as COO and contribute to making the mobility sector more sustainable and convenient for consumers.”
“The major goal is to implement Lightyear 2 in the framework of the business case, considering technology, cost, budgets, quality and time. I look forward to hitting the ground running, as we focus on steps towards the production of our next model including a competitive supply base and a highly efficient contracted manufacturer.”
Our new COO is preceded by Hans Heijmans; now Managing Director of the team dedicated to developing our core, patented solar panel technology.
A wealth of automotive experience
Dr. Bernd Martens, who has previously contributed to Lightyear as Senior Advisor, has a career in automotive that began more than 30 years ago with Mercedes.
It continued through the years at higher executive levels with Volkswagen and Audi offices all over the world, including Germany, Brazil, Mexico, and Italy. His experience in funding, procurement and IT has made him a reliable advisor in the automotive world.
Lex Hoefsloot, CEO and Co-Founder at Lightyear, said: “While our approach includes going back to the drawing board and thinking outside of the box to re-envision mobility technologies, obtaining more knowledge about the industry is incredibly important for us to be able to bring clean mobility to the broader market.
“We are very grateful to onboard Bernd as COO and look forward to further unpacking his extensive knowledge as we shape the operational processes of our company.”
This announcement comes with an enormous milestone of production, as Lightyear 0 assembly lines sprang to life at the end of November.
Our first customer delivery will be fulfilled this year, and that’s only the beginning. Subscribe to stay up to date, and join an adventure that challenges convention and forges change at every turn.
