Richard Van Basshuysen

Dr.-Ing. E.h. Richard van Basshuysen, VDI, was born in Bingen/Rhein, Germany, in 1932. Following an apprenticeship and then qualification as an automobile mechanic, he studied at the Technical University of Braunschweig/Wolfenbuttel from 1953 to 1955, graduating as a mechanical engineer. In 1982, he earned his university degree of engineering. From 1955 to 1965, he held a position in engineering sciences with Mineralolgesellschaft Aral AGIBP in Germany. In 1965, van Basshuysen joined NSU AG, where he directed the experimental unit working on engine and transmission development, including development of the Wankel engine, and rose to the position of vice director of experimental automotive engineering. In this position, he contributed to the development of a number of vehicles, including the Prinz 4, NSU 1000 and 1200, RO 80 and K 70. In 1969, NSU was taken over by what is now Audi AG, at which he assumed the post of director of development for luxury vehicles and director of engine and transmission development; he also was elected by the managerial employees to a seat on the supervisory board of Audi AG. His most significant development was the first passenger-car diesel engine with detoxified emissions, direct injection, and turbocharging, which van Basshuysen established in the face of considerable opposition in his own company within the VW Group. This engine featured a 20% reduction in fuel consumption, compared with its prechamber engine predecessor, coupled with high power output and torque levels, which established its preeminence worldwide. In Europe, the market share for this type of engine has grown from about 12% in 1989 to more than 50% in 2007. Subsequent to his corporate career, van Basshuysen founded an engineering office in 1992, which he still manages. His efforts now are dedicated to publishing the internationally recognized scientific and engineering journals ATZ (Automobiltechnische Zeitschrift; Journal of Automotive Engineering), and MTZ (Motortechnische Zeitschrift; Journal of Engine Engineering), performing consulting work for international automakers, providing engineering services, and writing and publishing scientific and engineering books, most of which have been translated into English. All told, he is the author or contributing author of more than 50 publications. His editorials have appeared regularly in ATZ and MTZ for more than 15 years.