About
Markus Leo Scholten is an accomplished engineering executive with over 20 years of international experience in automotive design, development, and manufacturing. His expertise spans all aspects of product engineering, from feasibility analysis and cost estimation to prototyping and production. Notable achievements include designing a self-balancing three-wheel vehicle, engineering the Will.I.AMG for the 2022 Miami F1, and developing the Nikola One hydrogen-electric Class-8 truck.
Markus has a proven ability to lead projects from concept to completion, leveraging skills in CAD design, kinematic layout, and advanced manufacturing techniques. He has successfully collaborated with global stakeholders and managed teams across diverse projects, including the development of the Fisker Karma Sunset retractable hard top, Aptera’s mass-production-ready body redesign, and the high-performance LaMarc hypercar.
Fluent in German, Markus also brings extensive experience working with renowned brands like BMW, Audi, and Fisker Automotive. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree and excels in program management, problem-solving, and efficient manufacturing practices. Whether leading large teams or contributing as a hands-on innovator, Markus consistently delivers cutting-edge engineering solutions that align with business goals and customer expectations.
Experience
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Owner Chief Engineer
MLS Engineering · Full-time
Nov 2024 –
Present
1 mos
Newport Beach, CA, United States
• Design and Development: Created a self-balancing three-wheel vehicle, engineered the Will.I.AMG for the Miami F1, and developed the 1500HP LaMarc hypercar.
• Prototyping: Led projects from initial concept to fully functional prototypes, including the Nikola One hydrogen-electric truck and modular fuselage for Alakai’s Skai eVTOL.
• Automotive Innovation: Designed retractable hardtops, lightweight fuselages, and aerodynamic systems for vehicles like the Fisker Karma and Pontiac G6.
• Leadership: Managed multidisciplinary teams, production setups, and project timelines for companies such as BMW, Nikola Motor, and US Specialty Vehicles.
• Global Collaboration: Worked with international brands, overseeing projects across Germany, the U.S., and Finland.
Education
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FH Osnabrück
Mechanical engineering, Mechanical Engineering
1992 – 1995
Other experience
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Kinematic
1. Fisker Karma Sunset Retractable Hard Top
• Developed a fully functioning retractable hard top for the Fisker Karma Sunset.
• Featured at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.
• Patent #13/143,534 (PCT/US 2010/020502).
2. Fisker Karma Surf Tilting Panorama Concept Roof
• Developed and built the tilting panorama roof shown at the Geneva Auto Show.
3. Fisker Atlantic Sliding Panorama Solar Roof
• Concept development in collaboration with Fisker Studio.
• Revealed at the 2012 New York Auto Show.
4. Lincoln Concept Car (D341)
• Led the concept development of door hinges, deck lid systems, seals, and sliding doors.
5. Pontiac G6 Convertible Tonneau System
• Developed tonneau drive system concepts and kinematics as lead engineer.
6. Chevy SSR Tonneau Cover
• Successfully led the team from concept to production.
7. New Beetle Convertible
• Project Manager overseeing concept to production coordination across Germany, the U.S., and Mexico.