Jean Todt 4 Report post Posted February 3, 2009 Bangle Quits BMW and Auto Industry Altogether Here is some news that will be a shocker to the industry: Christopher Bangle has quit as head of design for BMW Group and plans to leave the auto industry altogether. BMW has announced the news in a press release. Bangle says he will be pursuing other design challenges beyond automobiles. Bangle's influence on BMW's recent history and his contributions to the premium car maker's success are difficult to overstate. Bangle, only 52, is a legend in automotive design and has been head of BMW Design Development since 1992. He headed the design evolution of the BMW 3, 5 and 7 series from the 1990s into the 2000s, an era of commercial and critical success for those models. Bangle's team also designed all the new models introduced under his tenure - which include the Z3, Z4, Z8, X5, X6, the 6 series and the 1 series. Bangle was also instrumental in creating the MINI, a car that BMW revamped and launched as a new brand. MINI has also been a success for the Bavaria automaker. Bangle did take some heat from critics for what was seen as a poor re-design of the 7 series back in 2002 but his achievements have far outweighed any missteps. Adrian van Hooydonk, 44, currently the head of design at BMW Automobile, will take Bangle's place as Director of BMW Group Design. He has worked closely alongside Bangle for 17 years. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I admit I don't like some of his designs, but according to me he was one of the major force behind BMW for its recent top spot in NO1. Luxury car manufacturer, by beating Benz. I was lucky enough to meet him , he is a down to earth guy. The guy who replaces him is equally capable, anyways, All the best Bangle! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grabthaw the Hammerslayer 4 Report post Posted February 3, 2009 Just another Manic Monday.... er Tuesday.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dribbler 6 Report post Posted February 3, 2009 I suppose the drugs were always going to wear off at some point. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Argento Reloaded 1 Report post Posted February 3, 2009 He started his career out of the auto industry and seems he will finish out too! I think is one of the better marketed designers of all time. His "flame surface design" is nothing more than marketing; but I recognize he had the guts to transform BMW Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Rumble Strip 0 Report post Posted February 3, 2009 Louise Goodman is going to be in trouble then. Oops, sorry I misread the thread. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dribbler 6 Report post Posted February 4, 2009 He started his career out of the auto industry and seems he will finish out too! I think is one of the better marketed designers of all time. His "flame surface design" is nothing more than marketing; but I recognize he had the guts to transform BMW Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Max Mosley 2 Report post Posted February 4, 2009 Your new avatar is gratuitous and sexist. Yeah, Argento. At least give us something sexy to look at, as I do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jean Todt 4 Report post Posted February 4, 2009 Chris worked in Fiat before he went to BMW! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pumpdoc 2 Report post Posted February 5, 2009 Your new avatar is gratuitous and sexist. ............and I believe you niped yours from me Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Argento Reloaded 1 Report post Posted February 5, 2009 Your new avatar is gratuitous and sexist. My new avatar is the natural complement of yours... regarding FIAT, take for shure they don Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Argento Reloaded 1 Report post Posted February 6, 2009 Interesing... Claim: Bangle Left BMW Over Project i by Thami Masemola February 5, 2009 11:25 PM Filed Under: BMW, Corporate/Financial, Design, German An explanation for the resignation of Chris Bangle from BMW has appeared on the Internet. Information gathered from the BMWblog.com points to a difference of opinion regarding the design direction of Project i. Project i which has been given the go-ahead by the BMW board of directors, is about "new car and mobility concepts" meant to explore transportation solutions for the biggest cities. This important project is still in its infancy in motor industry terms but the infancy stage is when things design-related get created, discussed and approved. It seems Bangle had a clash of ideas with BMW CEO Dr Norbert Reithofer, Chief of Research & Development Dr Klaus Draeger and his own prot Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
