BMW Talk

Chris Bangle Leaves BMW

March 11th, 2009 Posted in BMW, Chris Bangle, Corporate

Chris Bangle, one of the most controversial automobile designers in recent history, is leaving BMW and will be succeeded by his protégé Adrian van Hooydonk. As successful as he is contentious, Bangle was the first American to spearhead BMW’s design department since 1992.

Bangle is known for the ill-mannered nickname “Bangle Butt”, a term that has become tantamount with the distinct rear ends of the BMW models designed and produced during Bangle’s reign. It was first seen on the 2002 7-series sedan and soon spread to its successors. Bangle defended his concept by stressing that this design is a step in modernizing a car company whose stance on sheet metal is very traditional. Just the same, BMW stood by Bangle’s side all throughout the criticisms and the Bangle’s mark appeared on almost every BMW model product ever since. Many of these models sold well in the market.

Aside from the 7-series, Bangle and his team were the working design force behind the current 3- and 5-series ranges, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6 and other BMW models. He also worked on the Mini and Rolls-Royce designs. He also helped build BMW Designworks in the US and made it into a successful design and consulting force that is known around the world.

According to the press release from BMW, Bangle’s move is voluntary and that he is to chase after an interest outside of the automobile industry. However, Tom Plucinsky, spokesman for BMW cleared that he is not familiar with the no-compete clause that wouldn’t allow Bangle to work for another automobile company.