Hyundai Motor has announced that the world-renowned designer SangYup Lee, former head of exterior and advanced design at Bentley, will become the vice president of styling at Hyundai Design Center starting this June.  

Building on his past experience of designing various top-notch luxury cars, Lee will be in charge of design strategies and directions and lead design innovations in areas of interior and exterior design, colour and materials of Hyundai Motor and Genesis with senior vice president Luc Donckerwolke.  

“The innovative design and surprising growth of Hyundai Motor has always made me proud as a Korean while I worked overseas. Now, I want to contribute in creating world-leading automobile designs for both Hyundai Motor and the Genesis brand,” said Vice President SangYup Lee.

“Vice President Lee has proven himself as one of the world’s best automobile designers in the global platform. His design philosophy to pursue new challenges and innovations matches the DNA of Hyundai Motor,” said senior vice president Luc Donckerwolke.

SangYup Lee is well known as a famous Korean star designer in the global automotive industry. After graduating from Hongik University Department of Sculpture in Korea and Art Center College of Design in California, Lee began his career at Pininfarina and Porsche Design Center. In 1999, Lee joined General Motors and designed concept cars such as Camaro Concept Vehicle which converts into the iconic Bumblebee in the movie Transformers and Corvette Stingray Concept Vehicle.

Continuing his career, Lee joined Volkswagen Group of America as chief designer in charge of Volkswage, Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini design. Since the end of 2012, he has been the head of exterior and advanced design at Bentley Motors Limited.

“SangYup Lee has created some of the most iconic luxury and sports cars of recent years, including several models that are highly desired by Middle East enthusiasts,” said Mike Song, Hyundai head of Africa and Middle East Region. “We have great expectations for the Genesis brand in the region, and to have Lee guiding the future shape of Hyundai and Genesis is extremely exciting.” – TradeArabia News Service