Frank M. Rinderknecht

Pioneer of mobility, thinker of the future.

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Frank M. Rinderknecht

Vita

Frank M. Rinderknecht (born 1955) is the founder and CEO of Rinspeed AG, based in Zumikon, Switzerland, which he founded in 1977 as a young student at the ETH (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology). While importing sunroofs represented his first business activities, Rinspeed became a pioneer and one of the first players in the then-emerging tuning industry. In 1995, Rinspeed began developing and building its own concept vehicles. The invention of the steering wheel with integrated keyboard for radio and telephone operation, sustainable drive concepts, and driver assistance systems are some of the significant milestones in Rinspeed's long history. After selling all tuning activities to a competitor in 2008, Frank M. Rinderknecht focused on building a think tank for the automotive and other industries, as well as on developing innovative technologies, materials, and the transportation of tomorrow. He spends most of his free time on the Mediterranean.

Topics

Sustainable Mobility - The Future of Driving

Concept Cars

Innovation through Emotion

Automotive Visions - Driven by Emotions

Challenges and Innovations in the Automotive Industry

Rinspeed sQuba - The First Submersible Car

References & Press

  • 1977: RINSPEED GARAGE (RINSPEED = founder Frank M. RINderknecht) begins importing sunroofs from the USA and manufacturing vehicles for the disabled.
  • 1979: First appearance at the Geneva Motor Show, premiere of the VW Golf Turbo based on the GTi, presentation of the first rectangular headlight kit available on the market. RINSPEED AG is founded.
  • 1981: Presentation of the RINSPEED Aliporta, the internationally renowned VW Golf with gullwing doors. Relocation from Küsnacht to the center of Zurich.
  • 1982: Acquisition of the exclusive AMG agency for Switzerland.
  • 1983: First Porsche exhibit, the RINSPEED Porsche 939 Targa, at the Geneva Motor Show.
  • 1985: Premiere of the RINSPEED R69 Turbo based on the Porsche 911 Turbo, inspired by the Ferrari Testarossa.
  • 1986: Expansion of the Zurich location, addition of a showroom.
  • 1988: Acquisition of the exclusive AC SCHNITZER agency for Switzerland.
    First use of PES (Poly-Ellipsoid) headlights on a Porsche exhibition vehicle.
  • 1990: Move to larger and more modern premises in Zumikon, not far from Zurich.
    Cooperation with Mercedes-Benz and AMG.
  • 1991: Presentation of the RINSPEED Porsche Turbo Speedster, the world's fastest version, at the Geneva Motor Show.
  • 1992: Creation of the RINSPEED Nissan SpeedArt by Rolf Knie, painted with 420 circus horses.