BMW Says Van Hooydonk Replacing Bangle As Design Chief
03.02.09, 14:49 Uhr |
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FRANKFURT -(Dow Jones)- BMW AG (BMW.XE) said Tuesday that its design chief Christopher E. Bangle is resigning and will be replaced by the current head of BMW automobile design, Adrian van Hooydonk, with immediate effect.
"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, and together with his teams he has mapped out a clear and aesthetic route into the future," said BMW executive board member Klaus Draeger in a statement.
BMW said Bangle's plan to "pursue his own design-related endeavors beyond the auto industry marks the start of a new phase in his life while maintaining strong ties with the BMW Group".
In his new position, van Hooydonk will be responsible for design development for the company's BMW, Rolls-Royce and Mini brands.
Among other cars and concepts, van Hooydonk's team has been responsible for the designs of the revamped BMW 7 Series and the new version of the Z4 as well as for the so-called Concept Progressive Activity Sedan, which is due to be presented at the Geneva auto show in March.
Bangle, 52-years-old, has been in charge of BMW group's design since Oct. 1992. He was the driving force behind designs for the core BMW 1, 3, 5 and 7 series as well as the Munich-based company's roadsters and sports-utility-vehicles. Some of his characteristic designs such as the Z4 roadster sparked controversy among BMW enthusiasts. However, several of his design features are regarded as highly influential as they were later adapted by other car makers.
Company Web site: www.bmw.com
BMW said Bangle's plan to "pursue his own design-related endeavors beyond the auto industry marks the start of a new phase in his life while maintaining strong ties with the BMW Group".
In his new position, van Hooydonk will be responsible for design development for the company's BMW, Rolls-Royce and Mini brands.
Among other cars and concepts, van Hooydonk's team has been responsible for the designs of the revamped BMW 7 Series and the new version of the Z4 as well as for the so-called Concept Progressive Activity Sedan, which is due to be presented at the Geneva auto show in March.
Bangle, 52-years-old, has been in charge of BMW group's design since Oct. 1992. He was the driving force behind designs for the core BMW 1, 3, 5 and 7 series as well as the Munich-based company's roadsters and sports-utility-vehicles. Some of his characteristic designs such as the Z4 roadster sparked controversy among BMW enthusiasts. However, several of his design features are regarded as highly influential as they were later adapted by other car makers.
Company Web site: www.bmw.com
DJG/dok
