Focus on successful series development and industrialization: Henning von Watzdorf becomes the new CEO of HOLON

Salzburg/Paderborn, July 26, 2023. The BENTELER Group’s mover subsidiary, HOLON, is entering a new phase – the focus is on successful series development and industrialization of the mover. In this regard, Henning von Watzdorf becomes the new CEO and Managing Director of HOLON. He assumes this role in addition to his current role as Executive Vice President of the Structures business unit at BENTELER Automotive. Marco Kollmeier, currently CEO of HOLON, is leaving the company for personal reasons. His departure takes place with full mutual agreement.

Ralf Göttel, CEO of BENTELER: "As an autonomously driving, emission-free and inclusive vehicle, the HOLON mover is a prime example of how we make mobility safer and more sustainable. The high level of customer interest shows that the development of the vehicle, conducted together with our strong partners, is a complete success. After the successful premiere of the HOLON mover in the USA and Germany, HOLON is entering a new phase: The goal is the successful series development and industrialization of the HOLON mover. I am delighted that Henning von Watzdorf, an experienced BENTELER executive, is taking on this important task. He has international expertise in the industrialization and scaling of products in the automotive industry. I am convinced that this is the right step for HOLON to drive further growth of the business in close cooperation with the rest of the BENTELER Group.”

HOLON – one of the world's first movers built to automotive standards

Ralf Göttel continues: "As a strong brand with an excellent product, HOLON is excellently positioned. This is largely thanks to Marco Kollmeier. On behalf of the entire company, I would like to thank him for his commitment – to HOLON as well as previously to the expansion of BENTELER's e-mobility activities. We very much regret Marco's departure and wish him all the best for the future."

The HOLON mover is a fully electric, autonomous vehicle for use on public roads. The accessible shuttle offers an automated ramp, secured wheelchair space, and auditory and visual assistance for passengers. It is one of the world's first movers built to automotive standards – in other words, a leader in safety, ride comfort and production quality. The vehicle travels at a maximum speed of 60 km/h and has a range of approximately 290 kilometers.

The mover was first unveiled in January at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The successful German premiere took place in Hamburg at the beginning of July in the presence of politicians, customers, partners and media representatives.

In the current year, BENTELER is also focusing on finalizing financial partners for HOLON's further growth. The aim is to complete this process by the end of the year and to start setting up industrial production in 2024.