Mario Hirz has been awarded an M.S. degree in mechanical engineering and economics, a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, and a venia docendi in the area of virtual product development. He is a regular lecturer at the Graz University of Technology and a frequent guest lecturer at universities and automotive manufacturer throughout Europe and Asia. As head of the research area for Virtual Product Development at the Institute of Automotive Engineering, he is responsible for different international engine and vehicle R&D projects. His research topics comprise design methods, knowledge-based engineering and efficient development processes. Dr. Hirz has published more than 120 works and has received several national and international awards for his scientific contributions. Anton Gfrerrer received the M.S. degree in mathematics and descriptive geometry from the University of Graz, Graz, Austria, in 1989 and the Ph.D. degree from Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in 1992. He is currently an Associate Professor with the Institute for Geometry, TU Graz, and also teaches at the University of Leoben. His research fields are geometry, CAD, kinematics and robotics. Johann Lang received his M.S. degree in mathematics and descriptive geometry at Graz University in 1977 and his Ph.D. degree at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in 1979. He is currently an Associate Professor with the Institute for Geometry, TU Graz. His research fields are geometry and kinematics. Wilhelm Dietrich has been awarded an M.S. degree and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and economics at Graz University of Technology. His research activities and scienti_c contributions are focused on knowledge-based engineering data management. Since 2000, he has been employed at MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG and is competent in the development of CAD and EDM methodology and systems. He was responsible for several areas of virtual product development and was project manager of a number of EDM R&D projects. As head of the vehicle architecture and function department, Dr. Dietrich is currently responsible for vehicle concepts, package layout, ergonomic and complete vehicle functions.
