BMW's Bangle calls it quits

Very few automotive designers have what could be called a profile of their own. Those that do tend to be Italian.

So it's a sign of the mixed feelings he aroused in people that BMW's Head of Design, Chris Bangle is well known to automotive enthusiasts around the world -- and he isn't Italian. Now, Bangle is resigning from BMW and will move into non-automotive areas of design.

Born in the US, the 52-year old (pictured with beard) has spent more than half his working life in Europe, first with Opel, followed by Fiat and then -- from 1992 -- BMW. His time at BMW has been marked by controversy, with the E65 7 Series introducing an altogether new look championed by Bangle, a look that drew at least as much scorn as it did praise.

Subsequent models like the E60 5 Series, the Z4 sports car and the current 3 Series gradually shifted the balance of opinion back in favour of the style, as the BMW designer and his team, in turn, wound back some of the more radical elements.

"Christopher Bangle has had a lasting impact on the identity of BMW Group's brands.  His contribution to the company's success has been decisive, and together with his teams he has mapped out a clear and aesthetic route into the future," said Dr Klaus Draeger, paying tribute to the departing designer. Draeger, Board Member for Development at BMW AG, is reportedly looking forward to working with Adrian van Hooydonk in the vacated position.

Dutchman van Hooydonk (pictured, clean-shaven) commenced working with BMW the same year as Bangle did, in 1992. He has been engaged in the design of the 6 Series, new 7 Series, Z9 concept, Concept CS and M1 Hommage.

BMW has not stated whether the Bangle styling strategy will remain a beacon for the company's future path. Given the gradual softening of the style's pre-eminent features over successive model runs -- and some adopted by BMW's competitors -- van Hooydonk will probably not stick entirely to the script. In fact, he virtually says as much.

"I have no doubt that there are challenges ahead, but BMW's depth in engineering and the passion of its talented design team are as strong as ever. Together I am sure we will be able to create some very sophisticated and extremely attractive concepts."