Trevor Creed is stepping down as Chrysler Vice President of Design as of September one. 38-year-old Ralph Gilles will become the new designer-in chief.
"Trevor has led a distinguished automotive design career," Chrysler Chairman and CEO Robert Nardelli said in a statement. "Creed played a key leadership role in the design of award-winning vehicles," such as the iconic Dodge Viper, the Plymouth Prowler and the retro-styled PT Cruiser.
Gilles joined Chrysler in 1992. He most recently served as vice president of Jeep, truck and advance interior design. Gilles was the lead designer of the new 2009 Dodge Ram pickup. In addition Gilles also led the design effort for the high-belt-designed 2004 Chrysler 300.
Full story here and here.
Here's Inside Line's take: Design Superstar Ralph Gilles Succeeds Trevor Creed at Chrysler
kcram says:
12:06 PM, 08/19/08
Gilles also noted he raised the belt one inch on the new Ram, and lowered the sill to cover more of the underpinnings. "More sheetmetal, less glass." I'm not real sure what the current crop of automotive designers is thinking, but I can tell from experience... people can NOT see out of their vehicles these days. Less glass and thick pillars may make a design statement but it does nothing for visibility.
It's also very interesting that Dodge has not posted ANY pictures of the new Ram with its hood open. Those who have seen the truck on its current summer tour have noted the engine bay is VERY cramped, more so than the design introduced for 2002. The make-or-break for me will be the 2010 HD Rams which will be shown this winter. If the straight-six Cummins is any more difficult to service than it is now, then Mr. Gilles is going to hear it from a LOT of current customers, myself included. That engine has been in use for 20 years, so its length should be no secret, and every effort should have been made to make sure all 6 cylinders are accessible.
Bob Holland says:
01:49 PM, 08/19/08
KC
I've seen Gilles spak in several videos. It's clear that "style" is more important than function. Or perhaps better stated, when push-comes-to shove style will out over function. Maybe not so much for big stuff, but certainly for some of the less noticeable stuff, such as what you've mentioned.
I remember him going on-and-on about how the exhaust pipes are notched into the rear bumper. Who cares! I'd rather see a side step in the rear bumper like the original Avalanche, that allows for easier access to the tailgate when lowered; or a built-in rear tailgate step like what Ford offers.
That kind of "design" impresses me, not molding the rear bumper around the tailpipe.
hondacura4 says:
02:19 PM, 08/20/08
"Gilles joined Chrysler in 1992. He most recently served as vice president of Jeep, truck and advance interior design."
Nothing at all personal against Gilles but when has any Chrysler vehicle had an "advanced interior design"?