“We lost our way” — that’s the assessment of Volkswagen ’s new design chief, Walter de’ Silva, who was transferred from his role at Audi and Lamborghini by CEO Martin Winterkorn to try to reinvent VW design.
De’ Silva promises to create a whole new look for VWs starting with new models arriving in roughly 18 months. According to trade publication Automotive News, de’ Silva has outlined three main goals:
- Create an identifiable design for each VW Group brand.
- Create a unique face for the Golf.
- Simplify design.
De’ Silva has begun reworking the design of the next-generation Golf, which was nearly completed in an unsatisfactory form prior to his arrival.
Single-frame grille belongs to Audi
De’ Silva has been an open critic of VW’s decision to “copy” Audi’s single-frame grille for VW-brand vehicle.
“The single-frame grille is an iconic graphic element that fits all Audi models,” de’ Silva said. “ Volkswagen must be different. VW needs its own face.”
