In recent years, Chinese automotive companies have increasingly looked to Europe’s top car designers to elevate their brands and appeal to global consumers. As China pushes to become a dominant force in the global auto market, these designers, who have left their mark on some of Europe’s most iconic cars, are now leading the charge in transforming Chinese car design.
Let’s explore the journey of these European designers, the legacy they left in Europe, and their impact on China’s burgeoning automotive industry.
1. Gert Hildebrand: From Mini to Qoros
Gert Hildebrand is best known for his pivotal role at Mini, where he was the lead designer from 2001 to 2011. Under his guidance, Mini saw the development of models that modernized the classic design, including the Mini Hatch, Mini Clubman, and Mini Countryman.
After his successful tenure at Mini, Hildebrand moved to Qoros, a Chinese automaker, in 2011 as the head of design. He brought his experience in creating compact, stylish cars to Qoros, contributing to models like the Qoros 3 sedan and hatchback, which were some of the first Chinese cars to meet European safety and quality standards. His work marked a significant leap forward in China’s ability to create vehicles appealing to global markets.
2. Peter Horbury: From Volvo to Geely
Peter Horbury is a renowned designer known for his work at Volvo, where he helped redefine the brand’s identity during the 1990s. He worked on models like the Volvo XC90, Volvo S80, and Volvo V70, giving Volvo its distinctive Scandinavian design flair.
Horbury joined Geely, the parent company of Volvo, as their Senior Vice President of Design. At Geely, he played a critical role in developing models such as the Geely Emgrand and Geely Xingyue, where his design ethos helped Geely transition from a domestic Chinese brand to a global player with sleek, modern cars.
3. Karim Habib: From BMW to Dongfeng Motor
At BMW, Karim Habib was responsible for shaping some of the most iconic luxury vehicles of the modern era. His work included designs for the BMW 7 Series and the BMW X6, which embodied BMW’s premium appeal and performance-driven design language.
In 2017, Habib joined Dongfeng Motor, one of China’s largest automotive groups, where he led the design efforts for their high-end vehicles. His work was instrumental in helping Dongfeng position itself as a major player in both the domestic and international markets, focusing on elevating the brand’s luxury and design standards.
4. Paul Bracq: From Mercedes-Benz to Great Wall Motors
Paul Bracq is a legendary designer from his time at Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot. He was involved in creating the iconic Mercedes-Benz W114/W115 and the Peugeot 504, both of which left an indelible mark on European automotive design.
Bracq joined Great Wall Motors, one of China’s top SUV manufacturers, where his experience in luxury design was applied to the company’s premium SUV models. He worked on vehicles such as the WEY VV7, helping Great Wall Motors advance its reputation for luxury SUVs in the Chinese market.
5. Benoît Jacob: From BMW i to Byton
At BMW, Benoît Jacob was the visionary behind the brand’s electric vehicle division, leading the design for the BMW i3 and BMW i8. These models were groundbreaking, showcasing futuristic design combined with sustainable technology.
Jacob took his expertise to Byton, a Chinese electric vehicle startup, where he became Vice President of Design. His influence was evident in the creation of the Byton M-Byte, a fully electric SUV with advanced technological features. Jacob’s design philosophy has helped Byton position itself as a serious contender in the electric vehicle (EV) race.
6. Sajjad Khan: From Mercedes-Benz to Nio
Sajjad Khan was a key figure at Mercedes-Benz, particularly in the development of their connected car and electric vehicle systems, playing a role in the design and tech integration of models like the Mercedes-Benz EQC and S-Class.
Khan joined Nio, one of China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, as a strategic leader in smart technology and design. At Nio, he has been part of the team responsible for the development of the Nio ES8 and Nio ES6, electric SUVs that are considered some of the most advanced EVs in the world in terms of design, technology, and performance.
European Talent Meets Chinese Innovation
As China aims to become a dominant player in the global automotive industry, the influx of European design talent has played a crucial role in transforming Chinese brands into global competitors. Designers like Gert Hildebrand, Peter Horbury, Karim Habib, and others have not only brought their deep expertise and legacy from iconic European brands but have also embraced the challenge of shaping the future of automotive design in China.
These collaborations have resulted in a new generation of Chinese cars that are more innovative, better designed, and increasingly competitive on the global stage. As China continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and smart car technology, the influence of these European designers will be felt for years to come, solidifying China’s position as a key player in the future of mobility.
The End Game
The migration of top European car designers to Chinese automakers marks a significant shift in the global automotive landscape. While these designers have left a lasting legacy in Europe with iconic models like the BMW i8 and Volvo XC90, their work in China is helping shape the future of the global car industry. With a mix of European design excellence and Chinese innovation, the cars rolling out of China’s factories today are not only competitive but set to lead the future of global automotive design.
As the East meets West in the automotive world, these designers stand at the forefront of a revolution, crafting vehicles that embody the perfect blend of artistry, technology, and performance. The road ahead for Chinese automakers looks bright, thanks to the creative vision of these European design powerhouses.
Sources: Nio, Byton, Great Wall Motors, Qoros
