Ex-Bentley Design Chief to Join Hyundai?

Hyundai Motor Co. has hired Luc Donckerwolke to succeed Peter Schreyer as the company's design chief when Schreyer retires in two years, Automotive News Europe reports.

The online newspaper says Donckerwolke will move to South Korea and gradually transition into the top job, overseeing styling for both Hyundai and its Kia Motors Co. affiliate. Stefan Sielaff will replace him at Bentley.

Donckerwolke, 49, left Bentley earlier this month after a 23-year career at Volkswagen Group. During his VW tenure, the Belgium-born designer also worked for VW's Audi, Lamborghini and SEAT units. His credits include the Audi R8 Le Mans and Lamborghini's Murcielago and Gallardo supercars.

The outspoken Donckerwolke made headlines earlier this year when he called out Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln Continental luxury car for the lookalike styling of its Bentley's Flying Spur model.

Schreyer jumped to Hyundai from VW in 2006. He initially served as Kia's design chief before being promoted to oversee styling for both Hyundai and Kia in 2013. Schreyer, who is the top non-Korean executive at Hyundai, turns 63 next month.