Hyundai Creates Global Design Division

Hyundai announces it is setting up a new design division to take control of design across the group’s battery electric vehicle range for its brands.

The Motor Group Global Design Division, will also focus the group’s future mobility solutions, including purpose-built vehicles, robotics and advanced air mobility.

This new division will encompass the Hyundai & Genesis Global Design Technical Unit, led by its head and executive vice-president, SangYup Lee, and the Kia Global Design Technical Unit, led by its head and executive vice-president, Karim Habib. The automaker says two leaders will direct their brands’ design directions while ensuring each brand is differentiated.

Luc Donckerwolke (pictured, below left), Hyundai Motor Group’s president, will be appointed chief design officer, heading the Global Design Division. He also retains his current role as chief creative officer, leading all design creatives aspects for group brands including future mobility, advanced air mobility and robotics. 

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“In my 32-year career as a car designer, my achievements were often enabled by my organization’s teamwork," Donckerwolke says. "I believe it is my role to create an environment in which designers can be creative and lead transformations. I am confident the new organization will enable the group to continue to lead the way in determining the future of the global mobility industry.”

Alongside the design structure changes, a new Genesis Design Center is founded under the Hyundai & Genesis Global Design Technical Unit, allowing each brand within the group, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, to benefit from its own design ethos and build a strong design identity.

Simon Loasby, vice-president, who has previously led projects establishing the design visions for the Hyundai Ioniq lineup and N brand, has been appointed as the head of the Hyundai Design Center. Ilhun Yoon, vice-president, will lead the new Genesis Design Center. Yoon is known for his works on Genesis X Trilogy and current Genesis line-up design as well as the future design vision of the Genesis brand.