Heiko Schmidt – Mercedes-Benz

Heiko Schmidt

Heiko Schmidt is department manager for compact cars for Mercedes-Benz USA. He is responsible for strategic and operational planning functions to ensure that future Mercedes-Benz products best deliver on customer needs and desires, based on market research and trend data, in tandem with Daimler AG. Schmidt leads strategic volume planning, pricing strategies and definition of option and packaging scenarios, while at the same time serving as the primary contact for the sales organization nationwide for NGCC, the New Generation Compact Cars. These include the CLA (launching in the fall of 2013), the B-Class Electric Drive (launching early 2014) and more future derivatives. He also manages smart, developing future product and offering strategies for the US customer while overseeing vehicle launch and market introduction.

Prior to joining MBUSA, in 2011, Schmidt worked at Daimler AG headquarters in Stuttgart in various product-management roles. He started his career in advanced product planning, overseeing cross-carline technologies including future alternative powertrain concepts, advanced driver assistance and safety systems and Telematics features.

Schmidt holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Cooperative Education in Stuttgart, Germany. He lives in New York City and dedicates his spare time to running (best marathon time 3:18).