BMW design chief Chris Bangle 'to quit industry'
By Tim Pollard
03 February 2009 13:52
BMW design boss Chris Bangle is to leave the car industry, it was announced today. In a statement, BMW said Bangle was quitting 'to pursue his own design-related endeavors beyond the auto industry.'
Bangle, 52, was the architect of the often controversial flame surfacing look that transformed BMW design from the Russian doll mentality of the 1990s to the edgy – some would say radical and divisive – styling of today.
The outgoing design chief has overseen the launch of the current 1-, 3-, 5- and 7-series saloons and hatchbacks, as well as the raft of niche models that have seen BMW's model range explode in recent years: the Z3, Z4, Z8, X3, X5, X6 and 6-series were all conceived on his watch.
Many of these designs attracted derision among loyal BMW fans and hatred on online message boards. But don't forget he also had input into the current Mini and Rolls-Royce ranges. He also led the launch of BMW's Designworks USA office.
Bangle's long and often controversial career started after a course at the University of Wisconsin and Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. His first stint was at Opel, then in 1985 he jointed Fiat where he rose to become director of Fiat Centro Stile in 1992. Cue benchmark cars like the Fiat Coupe. But the lure of being head of BMW Group Design Development in October 1992 proved too much – and the rest is history...
BMW: the new design boss
Adrian van Hooydonk, the 44-year-old current head of automobile design for the BMW brand, will take up Bangle's responsibilities and oversee the design activity of BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce and the new green-vehicle Project i. Don't expect huge change overnight; Dutchman van Hooydonk is a Bangle acolyte who's worked alongside the controversial American for 17 years.
Want a clue for what to expect? Van Hooydonk has been responsible for notable BMW concept cars including the Z9, Concept CS and M1 Hommage – while his production car credits include the latest 7-series saloon, Z4 and (later this spring) the wacky PAS version of next year's 5-series.
Development chief Klaus Draeger said: 'Christopher Bangle has had a lasting impact on the identity of BMW Group’s brands. His contribution to the company’s success has been decisive.'
By Tim Pollard
03 February 2009 13:52
BMW design boss Chris Bangle is to leave the car industry, it was announced today. In a statement, BMW said Bangle was quitting 'to pursue his own design-related endeavors beyond the auto industry.'
Bangle, 52, was the architect of the often controversial flame surfacing look that transformed BMW design from the Russian doll mentality of the 1990s to the edgy – some would say radical and divisive – styling of today.
The outgoing design chief has overseen the launch of the current 1-, 3-, 5- and 7-series saloons and hatchbacks, as well as the raft of niche models that have seen BMW's model range explode in recent years: the Z3, Z4, Z8, X3, X5, X6 and 6-series were all conceived on his watch.
Many of these designs attracted derision among loyal BMW fans and hatred on online message boards. But don't forget he also had input into the current Mini and Rolls-Royce ranges. He also led the launch of BMW's Designworks USA office.
Bangle's long and often controversial career started after a course at the University of Wisconsin and Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. His first stint was at Opel, then in 1985 he jointed Fiat where he rose to become director of Fiat Centro Stile in 1992. Cue benchmark cars like the Fiat Coupe. But the lure of being head of BMW Group Design Development in October 1992 proved too much – and the rest is history...
BMW: the new design boss
Adrian van Hooydonk, the 44-year-old current head of automobile design for the BMW brand, will take up Bangle's responsibilities and oversee the design activity of BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce and the new green-vehicle Project i. Don't expect huge change overnight; Dutchman van Hooydonk is a Bangle acolyte who's worked alongside the controversial American for 17 years.
Want a clue for what to expect? Van Hooydonk has been responsible for notable BMW concept cars including the Z9, Concept CS and M1 Hommage – while his production car credits include the latest 7-series saloon, Z4 and (later this spring) the wacky PAS version of next year's 5-series.
Development chief Klaus Draeger said: 'Christopher Bangle has had a lasting impact on the identity of BMW Group’s brands. His contribution to the company’s success has been decisive.'
Basicamente, o designer que marcou este inicio de século mais que qualquer outro sai da BMW, ficando o van Hooydonk no seu lugar.
Os motivos da saída, segundo ele, deve-se a querer continuar as suas explorações na área do design para além da área automóvel.
Tenho de reflectir
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