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 cars Bangle spannered
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.
Some of these designs split opinion, equally attracting derision and attraction among the loyal BMW fanbase. But don't forget that BMW's car division has enjoyed solid business growth until the recent global slowdown – and don't forget Bangle also had input into the current Mini and Rolls-Royce ranges. He led the launch of BMW's Designworks USA office, too.
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 job 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...
His evangelical personality (he'd often mesmerise journalists and, doubtless, other board members in his complex presentations) was arguably as strong as his actual design skills. To hear him present his Project Gina concept was to hear a master at work, explaining far-flung design theories that change the whole way we think about car design. If you can level a criticism at Bangle, it is perhaps that he tried too much too quickly in what remains a conservative industry.
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.