Former Audi/VW design chief to spearhead Kia Motors’ global design initiatives

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2006-07-31 09:07

Seoul--(뉴스와이어)--Kia Motors Corporation announced today that it has appointed leading automotive industry designer Peter Schreyer, who designed world renown “cult” cars like the New Beetle and the Audi TT, to the newly created position of Chief Design Officer. Mr. Schreyer’s appointment will complement Kia’s significantly increasing emphasis on automobile design and support the ongoing regeneration of its model range.

Schreyer (53), who officially begins his new role on September 1, will oversee Kia's domestic and international design functions and will be responsible for implementing the company's design vision in line with its 'exciting and enabling' brand values that target a young-at-heart and adventurous target customer base.

Euisun Chung, President & CEO of Kia Motors Corporation, said, "As we continue to develop the Kia brand across all key regional markets, we are required to continually enhance our range of vehicles through world class, innovative advances in product design. This appointment underlines our commitment to meeting and exceeding customer expectations by accurately reflecting modern aesthetics and regional and cultural sensibilities."

"Mr. Schreyer's track record over many years in the automotive sector speaks for itself and we are looking forward to working with him to lay out a long-term strategy that will center on molding a unique and consistent design lineage for the entire future Kia lineup. We are focused on boosting our competitiveness on the world stage by dramatically upgrading the design element of our vehicle lineup while adding a strong emotional dimension to the brand," said Mr. Chung.

Schreyer will oversee the design activities of the company’s regional design centers in Frankfurt, Los Angeles and Tokyo as well as the company’s flagship Namyang Design Center in Korea.

Schreyer will not only be responsible for the design of the entire range of Kia models, but will also play a significant role in advancing the company’s worldwide brand footprint. Schreyer’s central task will be to mold the future face of the brand and models from the same clay. According to Peter Schreyer, "Good design not only transmits clear messages through the products, but also solidifies the company's brand positioning and overall company image."

In his new function, the German automobile designer will occupy a key position for product development within the company. “I’m looking forward to an unbelievably exciting and many-faceted task ahead of me. Kia already has a reputation for successful and reliable products with solid designs and an outstanding price-performance ratio. That brings a payback from customers. While others are treading water, Kia is making tremendous headway,” added Schreyer

Schreyer is scheduled to make his first address to the trade public in his new capacity at the Paris Motor Show in late September, when he will present the key elements of the new Kia design strategy for the first time. Kia's first ever vehicle to be produced in Europe specifically for European customers -- a five door family hatchback codenamed 'ED' -- will also make its world premiere at the event.

The new appointment is the latest stage in a highly successful career that has seen Schreyer become one of the automotive industry's most respected authorities on product design. As Audi's chief designer between 1994 and 2002, he was credited with revamping the Audi brand with a number of revolutionary new auto designs. From 2002 to 2005, he was the chief designer for Volkswagen and since 2005 has been the head of advanced design for the Volkswagen group, earning critical acclaim for several crucial product launches, featuring a range of unique design concepts.

His outstanding creative work has led to many national and international awards, including the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany and the world famous red dot award. He has also won the German National Design Award several times for helping to propel the German auto industry in new directions with his sporty and innovative designs.

Editors Notes:

PETER SCHREYER DESIGN TRACK RECORD

Volkswagen Design / Projects:

Concept Cars:
- Concept 1 (New Beetle)
- Concept C (Eos)
- Concept R (Roadster)
- Concept T (Buggy)
- GX 3 (Three Wheeler)
- Microbus
- Ragster

Passenger Cars:
- Golf IV & Variant
- Jetta
- Passat B 5 & Variant
- Lupo & Seat Arosa
- New Beetle
- Golf V & Golf Plus
- Golf GTI & Golf R32
- Jetta
- Passat B 6 & Variant
- Eos
- Compact SUV

Commercial Vehicles:
- LT 2
- LT 3
- Constellation (24 ton truck)

Racing:
- Race Touareg

Audi Design / Projects:

Concept Cars:
- Quattro Spider
- Audi TT & AUDI TTS
- AL 2 & AL 2 open end
- Steppenwolf
- Allroad Quattro
- Avantissimo
- Rosemeyer

Passenger Cars:
- Audi A2
- Audi A3 & A3 Sportsback
- Audi A4 & A4 Avant + Audi Cabrio
- Audi A6 & A6 Avant + Allroad
- Audi A8
- Audi TT & Audi TT Roadster

Racing:
- R8 racing car LeMans

Lamborghini Design / Projects:

- Murcielago
- Gallardo

Kia Motors Corporation (www.kiamotors.com or www.kia.com) -- one of the fastest growing automakers in the world -- was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world’s premier automotive brands. Kia’s 12 manufacturing and assembly operations in 7 countries produce more than 1.1 million vehicles a year that are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 160 countries. Kia today has over 32,500 employees and annual revenues of almost $16 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an official worldwide sponsor of the Davis Cup. From 2007 to 2014, Kia will be an official automotive partner of FIFA -- the governing body of the FIFA World Cup. Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan -- “The Power to Surprise” -- represents the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

웹사이트: http://www.kiamotors.com