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Hyundai's designs have come a long way over the past few years, and much of the credit is due to the company's chief designer, Joel Piaskowski (above, front). But while the Korean automaker was reportedly shocked when its accomplished stylist resigned last month, the automotive community wondered what was in store next for the young talent. Car Design News now appears to have answered that question, indicating that Piaskowski is headed to California to lead Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design.

After serving for several years as a designer for General Motors, Piaskowski took on the role of chief designer for Hyundai/Kia North America, where he was responsible for such designs as the Genesis (both coupe and sedan), Santa Fe and Veracruz crossovers and Elantra compact sedan, as well as the HCD8, HCD9 Talus and HCD10 Hellion concepts. If the report is true, Piaskowski's new job with Mercedes will have him slip into the position vacated by Gorden Wagener when he was promoted to replace Professor Peter Pfeiffer as head of design, heading up Mercedes' new studio in Southern California.

[Source: Car Design News, Photo by Jonathan Fickles/Getty]

Backwards World: Mercedes reportedly swiping Hyundai design (chief) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Genesis Coupe isn't even out yet and the primary pen behind it is leaving the company. Joel Piaskowski, Hyundai Motor America's chief designer since 2003, is walking out the door.

Besides his work on the upcoming Genesis Coupe, Piaskowski is also known as being the driving force behind Hyundai's HCD concepts like the Hellion (above), and has been credited with beginning to develop a consistent design language among the automaker's vehicles.

For an interesting interview on car design featuring Piaskowski, General Motors' Ed Welburn, Franz von Holzhausen (formerly of Mazda, now with Tesla), and the New York Times' Phil Patton, check out this video on the Charlie Rose show by clicking here.

Piaskowski's tenure ends at the end of this month, and there is no word yet on where he is expected to end up.

[Source: Automotive News, Sub Req.]

Hyundai Motor America design chief Piaskowski resigns originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chief designerChiefDesignerdeparturesdesigndesignerGenesis SedanGenesisSedanhyundaihyundai genesis coupeHyundaiGenesisCoupejoel piaskowskiJoelPiaskowskiKiaPiaskowskiTue, 23 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST