Audi Design Head Joins BYD of China

Audi Group chief designer Wolfgang Egger, has taken charge as Director Design and Development of BYD, the Chinese automobile manufacturer.

BYD ranks among the top 10 largest selling automobile brands in China. BYD also has the pride to mass produce world’s first ever plug-in hybrid vehicle, the F3DM. In 2015, BYD Auto was the best selling global electric vehicle brand, ahead of General Motors and Nissan. For a second year running, BYD was the world’s top selling plug-in electric car manufacturer with over 100,000 units delivered in 2016, followed by Tesla Motors. In October 2016, BYD Auto became the all-time second largest global plug-in car manufacturer after the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

Related: BYD Suri- World’s First Car That Can Be Operated With A Remote Control

Wolfgang Egger, aged 54, became chief designer of Audi in April 2007, and was responsible for Audi and Lamborghini brand designs. Prior to joining Audi, Wolfgang Egger was Design Director in Alfa Romeo for nearly 18 years. He is also credited with the gorgeous design of the limited Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkYOkuhNw08

His first creation at BYD is the Dynasty concept, the electric SUV that was displayed at the recently held Shanghai Auto Show. Egger, at the presentation of the vehicle, said:

“Joining BYD provides an opportunity to help a young brand develop its design DNA as it looks to expand its global footprint. This concept vehicle will take BYD’s consumer vehicles in an exciting new direction, with design cues like its dragon-inspired exterior drawing inspiration from China’s rich cultural heritage.”

Chinese auto manufacturers have recently being hiring reputable European designers at a rapid pace. This is the very reason why most Chinese companies are rolling out sensational designs today, unlike the ones from previous decade that always cried out loud as ‘copied design’.

Related: Volvo Influenced Geely Producing Some Stunning Vehicles

Peter Horbury, the former design head of Volvo is now heading Geely as Senior Vice President of Design, thanks to Geely’s acquisition of Volvo. In addition, former BMW design director Chris Bangle, has joined Changan Automobiles, former Mercedes-Benz designer Peter Arcadipane has joined BAIC Group (Beijing Auto Industry Company), while former Porsche designer Hakan Saracoglu has joined Chery Automobiles.

 

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