Volkswagen model is changing its design chief, Jozef Kaban, with Bentley’s design boss, Andreas Mindt, based on firm sources.
Mindt will take up the put up at VW model on Feb. 1, the sources instructed Automotive Information Europe sister publication Automobilwoche.
Mindt’s successor at Bentley will probably be Tobias Suehlmann, who at present heads exterior design on the VW Group ultraluxury model, folks aware of the matter stated. Suehlmann joined Bentley in October 2021, having beforehand labored at Bugatti, Aston Martin, McLaren and VW model.
Kaban, who took cost of VW model design in 2020, will probably be given a brand new put up inside VW Group.
VW model’s new CEO, Thomas Schaefer, has not been impressed by a few of Kaban’s designs, based on sources.
Kaban was requested to alter the retro styling of the ID Life idea unveiled on the 2021 IAA Munich auto present for a extra fashionable look. The idea was imagined to preview the look of VW’s entry-level ID electrical automobile due in 2025.
Schaefer additionally requested Kaban’s design group to remodel the styling VW model’s upcoming Trinity flagship EV to provide it a crossover look as a substitute of a sedan look.
Kaban began his profession in 1999 at VW Group, the place he labored for Audi, Bugatti and Skoda.
Father’s footsteps
Kaban’s successor, Mindt, can be a VW Group veteran.
Mindt, 53, grew up in Wolfsburg, residence of VW’s world headquarters. His father was a designer at VW.
VW declined to touch upon the adjustments. The corporate is anticipated to formally announce the appointments within the coming days.