SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 30, 2025 – BMW is signaling a bold next chapter in digital mobility and consumer tech experiences with the appointment of Stefan Gerhaeusser as the new Head of BMW Group Technology Office USA in Mountain View, California. The transition marks more than a leadership change—it highlights BMW's ongoing commitment to driving innovation through strategic partnerships and Silicon Valley insight.
Why this leadership shift matters to U.S. consumers
While executive announcements often stay behind the scenes, this one touches the very digital features drivers interact with daily—augmented reality interfaces, voice assistants, and future-forward EV technologies. Gerhaeusser, who officially steps into the role on August 1, brings a rich background in infotainment and human-machine interface design. That means your next BMW could speak smarter, see more, and feel more intuitive than ever.
He replaces Claus Dorrer, who heads back to Munich to oversee product development for the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and broader in-car digital experiences. Under Dorrer’s leadership, the U.S. Technology Office pushed boundaries in AR, e-mobility, and AI—a legacy Gerhaeusser is expected to build upon.
From South Carolina to Silicon Valley to the smart cars of tomorrow
Gerhaeusser first joined BMW in 2008 as an IT specialist in South Carolina. His journey from backend systems to consumer-facing tech is not just career evolution—it mirrors BMW’s own transformation from traditional automaker to connected mobility brand.
With global experience in infotainment software and display development, Gerhaeusser is well-positioned to lead U.S. innovation at a time when digital experience is just as critical as horsepower.
A tech hub with global impact—and local flavor
BMW Group Technology Office USA isn’t just a satellite—it’s a cornerstone of BMW’s international R&D network. Established in 1998 as BMW’s first tech office outside Munich, the Silicon Valley branch collaborates with local startups and global giants alike to envision what driving will look like tomorrow.
Beyond Mountain View, this innovation web spans Munich, Seoul, Tel Aviv, Tokyo, Singapore, and Shanghai—each scouting local ideas to enrich the global BMW experience.
What innovations come out of the Tech Office? Here’s a taste:
- AI-powered digital assistants that learn your routines
- Augmented reality overlays that enhance navigation
- Advances in EV battery tech and charging convenience
- Smart integrations for seamless digital lifestyles on the go
Under Dorrer, the office not only celebrated its 25th anniversary but also debuted the BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept in the U.S.—a bold electric vision of the brand’s future design language.
Editorial Extra: How BMW’s Tech Office Work Shows Up in Your Drive
If you’ve ever…
- Gotten parking assistance that actually works,
- Heard your BMW suggest a coffee stop,
- Or used gesture control to change your music…
…you’ve already felt the ripple effects of the Mountain View team. With Gerhaeusser’s background in software and displays, expect even more consumer-friendly innovation that feels natural, not forced.
A U.S. footprint that’s more than just Silicon Valley
BMW’s presence in the U.S. goes far beyond California. With nearly 30 sites across 12 states—including its massive Spartanburg, South Carolina plant (the world’s largest BMW production facility)—BMW supports over 120,000 American jobs and injects $43.3 billion annually into the economy. The Technology Office is part of a bigger ecosystem that includes:
- BMW i Ventures – A venture capital arm backing U.S. tech startups
- Designworks – A strategic design studio in Santa Monica
- MINI USA and Rolls-Royce NA – Enhancing BMW’s lifestyle and luxury reach
Looking ahead
As digital and mobility worlds continue to collide, Gerhaeusser’s leadership is expected to fuse technological depth with real-life usability. For consumers, that could mean smarter cars, better connectivity, and a more seamless journey—from garage to grid.
Learn more at www.bmwusa.com