JKA.nyc

Just saw this on Autoblog and with all the Hyundai talk lately thought you guys might be interested:

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.

Here's the link:

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/b...ai-design-chi/

Anyway, I'm a bit skeptical on what this guy can do for MB considering how unoriginal his designs for Hyundai were, just my opinion.

bruce van

Lord help Mercedes. I'm not really impressed with any of his work. His concepts are dreadful. Sure Hyundai has come a long way, but it's designs are just forgettable.

Maybe they'll let him have a crack at the Smart Cars.

dunnojack

yeah. one thing he's good at- copying crap from other cars.

IS-SV

Not sure this is a plus for Mercedes. Without him, Mercedes has had some recent design wins and considerable success, IMHO.

Faymester

So, MBs are going to look like some strange bimmer+audi creation ... oooookay

CDNROCKIES

LOL....I thought the same thing....so MB has decided to start copying other people's designs now too?

DustinV

Come on, guys, don't overact or turn this into a silly thread.


Car designers moving from one company to the next is no big deal these days. Usually these guys also adapt or change their styling ideas to suit the personality and character of the company they're working for.

I am sure this guy, once at Mercedes, will be given a briefing of some sort about what kind of designs are expected from him. And if he's a really a good designer, he might even study past and present Mercedes design and experiment with his own preferred design themes to produce what he'll think is the "new Mercedes look" of the future.

Plus, I believe car designs have to be given the green light by the board. Someone correct me if I am wrong.


I've also liked a lot of Hyundai's latest designs, just for the record. I'm happy the title says "Hyundai" and not "Ssangyong".

LexFather

I would think he ALREADY works for Mercedes looking at recent designs. Overall I prefer the previous generations.

I remember when German cars looked German. I still prefer what Benz is doing to BMW, which hired an ex-dolphin turned shark to design their vehicles.

dunnojack

maybe he took the job to sabotage mercedes.

he might have made a better e-class than the e-class:

JKA.nyc

LOL i'd be willing to bet you could fool most people with that picture.

dunnojack

you know koreans are good for sticking fake emblems on their cars, e.g jaguar cat.
the poorman's version at half price

muhbuhtuh

hahahaha these photochops are too funny

IS-SV

Badge-engineering at its best.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Did he have any participation in designing the new E's rear end???

LexFather

Dunnojack's chops are getting funnier and better!