(December 22, 2011) COSTA MESA, Calif. — Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) has announced that Christopher Chapman has been named chief designer of the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif. Chapman will be responsible for new vehicle and concept design for Hyundai.

In 2002, Chapman was appointed Director of Automotive Design at BMW and has been responsible for guiding several advanced and production vehicles including the new X5, X3, Z4 and the first BMW 1-series E87. 

Since 2008, Chapman has additionally directed the Transportation Design department at BMW, which includes Designworks' external partners in aviation, marine, and public mobility.

"With over 22 years of experience in the industry working on esteemed automotive brands, Chris provides a level of talent that will help further our design portfolio," said SukGeun Oh, Head of Design, Senior Executive Vice President Hyundai Design Center.

"We are thrilled to have Christopher Chapman as chief designer for Hyundai and look forward to continuing the strong momentum of our vehicle designs."

Chapman joined Isuzu Technical Center of America in Cerritos, Calif., in 1989 and was the designer selected for the exterior of the XU-1 show car, which won Best Concept at its 1993 Tokyo Motor Show debut. 

In 1994, Chapman joined the BMW Group at DesignworksUSA in Newbury Park, Calif.  Among the variety of concept and production programs, Chapman designed the exteriors of the X5 Sport Activity Vehicle and X Coupe concept car. Chapman and his family relocated to Munich, Germany for a two year assignment to immerse in the BMW culture. There he also designed the CS1 concept shown at the Geneva Auto Salon in 2002, followed by the 1 Series production Coupe and its derivatives.

"Christopher Chapman is an outstanding addition to the design team at HATCI," said John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer, Hyundai Motor America. "We are proud to add such a talented individual to lead the team of dedicated designers at HATCI that will continue to develop innovative vehicles for both the United States and global auto markets."

A native of Pasadena, Calif., Chapman graduated from Art Center College of Design with a Bachelor of Science degree in Transportation Design.