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Shapers of the Future - Sebastian Wohlgemuth 22.07.2024

Sustainable transformation through innovation and quality

»I was a car enthusiast from an early age and then studied vehicle and engine technology at the Technical University of Munich,« says Dr Sebastian Wohlgemuth, Director of R&D at Motorenfabrik Hatz GmbH & Co KG. Wohlgemuth says his doctorate was not for the title, but because he wanted to better learn and understand various disciplines such as calculation, design and application.

Finding possible solutions, weighing up what is in favour of one solution and what is in favour of another — this appeal is still present in everyday business. Even if it is not always easy to implement: »I do question what happens if you do something differently,« says Wohlgemuth. In long-established structures, such as at Hatz with its 140-year history, this is sometimes a challenge. The industrial engine business is a long-standing, traditional one, and the challenge is to break up old structures, establish functioning processes sustainably and develop new ideas.

Text: Mathias Heerwagen | Photos: FVV, Hatz

The FVV is making an important contribution to the transformation of the energy and transport systems through innovative collective research. Part IV/IVb of the FVV fuels studies, for example, showed that climate neutrality can be achieved by 2040 through a mix of technologies provided that the legal framework is put in place and companies are free to choose their transformation strategies.

FVV member companies are developing technologies and products that show that combustion engines are fit for the future. The younger generation of managers sometimes tackles challenges differently than before, challenging processes and established structures.

In brief profiles, we introduce people who are working to make engines, vehicles and machines more efficient, cleaner and more durable:

  • Miriam Florack develops exhaust aftertreatment systems for commercial vehicles at Daimler Truck in Stuttgart.
  • Christoph Weißbacher designs low-friction plain bearings for machines and transmissions.
  • Sebastian Wohlgemuth is future-proofing engine manufacturer Hatz with innovative products.

The FVV plays a role in everyone's day-to-day work, but as it turns out, pre-competitive research sometimes comes with limits.


When Wohlgemuth joined Hatz three and a half years ago, he analysed which products and technologies would make the company fit for the future and in which areas it should invest. He initiated a project in the area of powertrain development for e-drives; even a long-established diesel engine manufacturer can no longer do without it today. »Engaging with this completely different topic is a big step for the company, and this step will also change Hatz for the better,« says Wohlgemuth. Hydrogen, on the other hand, is not yet an issue; as a medium-sized company, Hatz cannot tackle several large development projects at the same time. In terms of its intended use, hydrogen does not necessarily make sense for many of the machines in which Hatz engines are currently used.

Nevertheless, innovations are extremely important for Hatz because competitors from the Far East can produce and sell products much cheaper. »That's why we have to offer added value elsewhere. Hatz stands for innovation and quality, we develop and produce extremely robust engines and durability is a core aspect,« says Wohlgemuth. And of course, despite the small engines and the low quantities, he has the ambition to develop engines with the lowest possible emissions. This is also made possible by the insights provided by FVV projects.
 

The work environment offers a lot of variety and the opportunity to change things and help shape the path to the future, which I think is great.
Dr. Sebastian Wohlgemuth

Sebastian Wohlgemuth has been a member of the FVV Board for a year. He praises the association's work, saying that it addresses the right issues and questions. As a medium-sized company, Hatz benefits from data and facts provided: »The fuel study, for example, is very valuable for us; we wouldn't have been able to do something like that on our own,« says Wohlgemuth. He therefore regrets that it is often not easy for smaller companies with limited resources to play a very active role in the FVV. Through research projects, the FVV is helping to shape the transformation of the energy and transport transition, including that of Hatz.

What does the future hold? »I am certain that combustion engines will still be used in the industrial machinery sector in 2040. Nevertheless, our goal for Hatz is to have completed its sustainable transformation by 2040, offering a product mix of different technologies,« says Wohlgemuth. This will include electric powertrains, and possibly also hydrogen combustion engines.

Wohlgemuth needs challenges, and he never gets bored at Hatz: »The work environment offers a lot of variety and the opportunity to change things and help shape the path to the future, which I think is great.« He prefers to spend his free time with his family; if there is any time left over, Sebastian Wohlgemuth still enjoys cars ­— he has both a classic car and a vintage car in his garage. //
 

Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Wohlgemuth is Director of R&D at Motorenfabrik Hatz GmbH & CO. KG. After studying automotive and engine technology at the Technical University of Munich and successfully completing his doctorate on a CO2-optimised powertrain system for a compact class car, he joined Audi Motorsport in Neckarsulm as a development engineer in 2015. After an initial stint in engine development, he became part of the development of the electric drivetrain for Audi's Formula E car e-tron FE06 in 2019. At the end of 2020, Sebastian Wohlgemuth took over as Head of Research and Development at industrial engine manufacturer Hatz in Ruhstorf and has since been involved in the FVV's Innovation + Transfer Network as a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee and, since the end of 2023, on the research association's Executive Committee.

Motorenfabrik Hatz, headquartered in Ruhstorf/Rott, is one of the world's leading German diesel engine manufacturers and a specialist in powertrain technologies. The robust and durable drive solutions are used in a wide range of applications, such as construction machinery, agricultural machinery, pumps and power units. In 2022, the manufacturer presented the development of full electric systems. In addition, as a cross-industry solution provider, the company is more and more responding to market requirements beyond pure hardware with smart engineering services and digital solutions. The family-owned company currently employs more than 700 people worldwide, over 7% of whom work in research and development.