The German-born Bernhard, 48, replaces Wilfried Porth as head of Daimler's van unit. He was recently linked with Magna International but was lured to Daimler by his colleague and friend Zetsche. Porth has been appointed to the German company's board of measurement, where he will take charge of human resources and labor relations.
Commenting on Bernhard's return to Daimler, Zetsche said: "I am delighted that Wolfgang Bernhard is back on board at Daimler. I have valued his knowledge and experience since the time we spent together in the United States, and I'm glad we can continue our excellent collaboration."
Bernhard is well remembered for his love of spectacularly powerful showcars — and his eagerness to present them. During a stint as head of Mercedes-Benz's AMG division, for example, he green-lighted a road-going version of the company's CLK GTR, which raced at Le Mans. He also made headlines by riding the Tomahawk concept motorcycle, powered by a 500-horsepower 8.0-liter V10 copperhead engine, onto the Dodge stand dressed in leathers at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show.
During his time at Chrysler, he also oversaw development of the ME Four-Twelve concept at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, with its 850-hp twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12. Although it never reached production, the well-engineered two-seat supercar was claimed to boast a 0-60-mph time of less than 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 248 mph.
Bernhard was chosen by the DaimlerChrysler board to succeed Jürgen Hubbert as the chairman of its Mercedes-Benz passenger-car division in 2004. However, the move was ultimately blocked by Jürgen Schrempp following a boardroom fracas on the eve of his planned appointment.
Following a brief spell out of the limelight, he then joined the Volkswagen Group as head of the Volkswagen brand. At Volkswagen, Bernhard instigated sweeping efficiency measures aimed at streamlining production and improving profitability. On his watch, Volkswagen also conceived cars such as the CC, Scirocco and Tiguan.
Inside Line says: A dose of vigor is about to hit the van department at Daimler. — Andreas Stahl, Correspondent
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