Autoliv Enhances Safety Initiatives with New Research Board Members
Stockholm, October 2, 2026 – Autoliv, Inc., a global leader in automotive safety systems, has recently announced the addition of two prominent figures to its Research Advisory Board: Natalie Draisin and Thomas Manfred Müller. This strategic move is aimed at bolstering the company's expertise in safety as the dynamics of mobility continue to evolve.
Autoliv's Research Advisory Board is comprised of a diverse array of experts from various sectors, including science, public policy, and technology. With the inclusion of Draisin and Müller, the Board now boasts even broader knowledge, which is essential for addressing the complexities of modern safety challenges.
Natalie Draisin, the Director of the North American Office at the FIA Foundation and an External Affiliate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, brings invaluable insights into public health and safety. Her background positions her well to aid Autoliv in navigating the increasingly intricate terrain of mobility safety.
On the other hand, Thomas Manfred Müller, who holds a PhD and has extensive experience with prestigious automotive companies such as Audi, BMW, and Volkswagen Group, adds a wealth of automotive industry knowledge to the Board. His leadership roles provide him with a unique perspective on safety innovations and best practices within the automotive sector.
Cecilia Sunnevång, Vice President of Research & Early Innovation at Autoliv, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments. She stated, “As safety challenges grow more complex with advancements in mobility systems, the insights from public health and policy will facilitate our understanding of these issues and highlight potential solutions to Save More Lives.”
The Advisory Board serves as an external think tank, offering guidance on emerging research areas and compelling Autoliv to rethink its assumptions regarding the future of mobility. The members collectively contribute expertise in various domains including injury biomechanics, vehicle safety, automation, and transportation systems—all crucial for fostering innovation in automotive safety.
Mikael Bratt, President and CEO of Autoliv, elaborated on the importance of the Research Advisory Board, stating that their insights are fundamental in connecting societal trends, scientific research, and industry developments. “Understanding where society is headed in terms of mobility is crucial for our innovation efforts. Our Advisory Board helps us keep pace with these changes,” he noted.
The Autoliv Research Advisory Board comprises leading professionals in various fields:
- - John Bolte IV, PhD – Founder and President of Injury Biomechanics Global Inc. and former professor at The Ohio State University.
- - Klaus Kompass – Former Vice President of Vehicle Safety at BMW Group and current Adjunct Professor of Vehicle Safety at Technical Universities of Berlin and Dresden.
- - Seigo Kuzumaki – Former Fellow at Advanced R&D at Toyota Motor Corporation.
- - Bryan Reimer, PhD – Research Scientist at MIT Center for Transportation Logistics.
- - Natalie Draisin – Director of the North American Office at FIA Foundation.
- - Thomas Manfred Müller, PhD – Board Member and former executive at leading automotive brands.
- - Mikael Bratt – President and CEO of Autoliv.
- - Cecilia Sunnevång, PhD – Vice President Research & Early Innovation at Autoliv.
- - Fabien Dumont – Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Autoliv.
- - Malin Ekholm – Vice President of Product and Technology Management at Autoliv.
This enhanced collaborative effort with prominent experts is part of Autoliv’s strategy to further its ambition to innovate and contribute to the global movement towards safer mobility. The company's commitment to excellence is evident in their dedication to developing cutting-edge safety solutions that have, in 2025 alone, saved roughly 40,000 lives and prevented around 600,000 injuries worldwide.
As Autoliv continues to shape the future of automotive safety, the integration of diverse expertise through its Research Advisory Board signifies a dedication to not only understanding existing challenges but also to proactively addressing the future of mobility with innovative solutions.