Car design boss says SUVs are ‘bricks on wheels’, killing artistic talent globally

A car design boss whose resume includes iconic models from Lamborghini, Bentley and Audi says SUVs are hurting upcoming talent – and insists sedans are not dead yet, despite the global sales slide.

The head of design for South Korean car giant Hyundai and its luxury-car division Genesis says the surge in demand for SUVs is hurting upcoming talent – and insist sedans are not dead yet, despite dwindling sales globally.

Luc Donckerwolke – whose impressive resume includes the designs for iconic cars such as the Lamborghini Diablo, Lamborghini Murcielago, and Lamborghini Gallardo, as well as the Bentley Flying Spur and a series of Audis – has overseen the design of Hyundai and Genesis cars since 2016.

Speaking on the eve of the New York motor show, when asked about the future of the sedan globally, Mr Donckerwolke told a group of Australian media:

“To be honest I think it’s a mistake to basically write-off this type of vehicle. I don’t want a mono-culture (of motor vehicles).

“I hate the fact that … some designers we interview have only worked on SUVs, because they don’t know what the proportions are (for other vehicles).

“I will continue to make … sedans and coupes and everything because you have to fight for every single millimetre, it’s all about proportions.

“Doing an SUV is so easy. And so designers only (develop) limited skills because they have only been working on bricks on wheels and I don’t want that.”

Mr Donckerwolke insisted he does not dislike SUVs, but he strongly believes other types of cars should not be abandoned.

“I love SUVs, from the rugged ones to the sporty ones, but that’s not it.

“It’s not because it’s easier to sell (one type of vehicle) that we have to abandon another one.

“I think the ones making that decision (to abandon SUVs) are going to regret it very soon because they are giving their market to other (car companies) and we are there.”

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