Holon, the autonomous electric shuttle subsidiary of the Benteler Group and Tasaru Mobility Investments, has appointed Markus Schlitt as its new CEO and Managing Director, effective May 1, 2025. Schlitt succeeds Henning von Watzdorf, who is in discussions about assuming a new management role at Benteler.
Holon was founded in 2022 by Benteler as part of its push into autonomous electric vehicles, and von Watzdorf led the company since August 2023. In 2024, Saudi Arabian investor Tasaru Mobility Investments joined the venture, providing essential funding for the development of the Holon Mover. The vehicle, now rebranded as the Holon Urban, is designed for urban transport, offering a driverless shuttle that can carry up to 15 passengers at speeds of 60 km/h. It is set to undergo trials in cities like Hamburg.
Benteler CEO Ralf Göttel expressed confidence in Schlittâs leadership, noting his extensive background in intelligent urban mobility solutions. Schlittâs experience includes serving as CEO of Yunex Traffic Group, a global provider of intelligent transport systems, and leading Siemens Mobilityâs Intelligent Traffic Systems business unit. His appointment, along with CFO Clemens Rengier and CTO Flavio Friesen, is expected to accelerate Holonâs efforts to bring the autonomous shuttle to market.
Göttel also praised the contributions of von Watzdorf, acknowledging key achievements under his leadership, including securing the investment from Tasaru Mobility Investments and establishing the first production site in Jacksonville, Florida. While von Watzdorfâs next role within Benteler remains unclear, his tenure has been instrumental in driving Holonâs development to its current stage.