The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Peter Schreyer Appointed First Non-Korean President at KIA +VIDEO


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
Peter Schreyer, Kia Chief Design Officer and newly appointed president

■ Design has transformed global reputation of Kia brand

■ Schreyer first non-Korean to hold President post

■ Committed to continuing design-led development


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
Peter Schreyer

WEYBRIDGE, England - December 28, 2012: Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer at Kia Motors and the man who has led the company’s design transformation has been appointed President - the first non-Korean to hold that title in the company's history. The appointment makes Schreyer, who remains chief design officer, one of three presidents at the company.

Schreyer, 59, joined Kia in 2006 from the Volkswagen Group to create a new design-led product strategy for the brand and quickly became known for his “Tiger-nose” family look.

Since then the design team has unveiled a long line of exciting concept cars and dramatic new products including the latest Sportage, the new cee’d family and larger models for sale in the Korean domestic and some overseas markets such as Optima, K7 and Quoris as well as mass-market models such as Picanto and Rio.


Peter Schreyer introduces the Kia GT Concept at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

Schreyer has publicly commented on his commitment to Kia and his desire to remain with the company to continue the challenge of making Kia the most design-focused Korean car manufacturer.

In 2013 the last volume product in Kia’s range to come under his design philosophy – Carens – is due to be unveiled, complete with the Schreyer-inspired family look as well as the first sporty model to be added to the cee’d range.

Schreyer, who is based in Frankfurt, is married with two children and is originally from Bavaria in Germany. He studied in Germany and at the Royal College of Art before becoming part of the Volkswagen Group's design team and contributing to the distinct appearance of several VW and Audi models including the Passat and the Audi TT.

• SEE ALSO: Original Announcement of Schreyer Joining Kia (2006)