Hyundai Hires Luc Donckerwolke To Be New Design Boss

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Not too long ago, designer Luc Donckerwolke abruptly quit Bentley for reasons still unknown. Now, he’ll be designing for Hyundai.

Donckerwolke is joining the automaker to head its design team for both Hyundai and Kia brands, Motoring.com.au reports. Per insiders, his hiring will allow for smooth transitions into the company’s culture for Donckerwolke, and the retirement of current design chief Peter Schreyer in 2017.

Both designers made their mark on the industry in a large fashion. Schreyer’s biggest claims to fame are the Audi TT in 1998 and Kia’s “Tiger Nose” design language, while Donckerwolke helmed Lamborghini’s design studio at the time of the Gallardo’s debut in 2003.

Following Donckerwolke’s sudden departure, Bentley appointed Stefan Sielaff to be its head designer. Sielaff’s recent work includes the interior of the Mercedes C-Class, and heading Audi’s design studio.

[Photo credit: Bentley]

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Jkross22 Jkross22 on Jun 17, 2015

    What an awful picture. One would think design guys would have some say/taste over what is released.

  • Redliner Redliner on Jun 17, 2015

    He better be careful what he says about Hyundai design language, lest he ends up working for Daewoo.

  • PriusV16 PriusV16 on Jun 17, 2015

    Ha, this might become a traumatic experience for Volkswagen to lose their designers to the Korean competition. They're still kicking themselves in Wolfsburg over allowing Schreyer to go to Hyundai/Kia,and now Donckerwolke. This guy has some remarkable designs under his belt, not just the Gallardo, but also the Murcielago (the cleanest, most elegant and most timeless hypercar design of them all, unless it is spoiled by silly rear wings and such) and the Audi A2 from the beginning of the 1990s -- a car that even today looks like it's just been brought to market. And yes, under Donckerwolke, Hyundai's design language will change. Donckerwolke seems to be heavily influenced by the Bauhaus philosophy of design -- very clean, simple, uncluttered lines; no unnecessary ornamentation; a very practical, no frills design approach. Hyundai's design team will be in for quite a change...... *heh heh*

  • GeneralMalaise GeneralMalaise on Jun 17, 2015

    Shaken, not stirred... all he needs is a pipe, clenched between teeth... Playboy After Dark...

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