Luke Donckerwolke and Peter Schreyer Honored with Awards
At the Automotive News 100th Anniversary Awards, organized by the world's most prestigious automotive magazine to mark its centennial, design leaders from Hyundai Motor Group were honored with awards.
On June 13, Hyundai Motor Group announced that Luke Donckerwolke, President, Chief Design Officer (CDO), and Chief Creative Officer (CCO) of Hyundai Motor Group, as well as Peter Schreyer, former President and current Brand Ambassador, received the "100th Anniversary Award" at the Automotive News 100th Anniversary Awards, held in Turin, Italy, over two days starting June 11 (local time).
Automotive News, a U.S.-based automotive magazine, annually selects and awards "Rising Stars" to young leaders in the automotive industry who demonstrate strong entrepreneurial spirit. This year, to commemorate its 100th anniversary, the magazine presented the 100th Anniversary Award to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to innovation, leadership, and sustainability in the automotive industry.
At the Automotive News 100th Anniversary Awards, (from left in the photo) KC Crane, CEO of the parent company of Automotive News, Luke Donckerwolke, President, and Peter Schreyer, former President, pose for a commemorative photo after receiving awards. Provided by Hyundai Motor Group. Photo by Hyundai Motor Group
At this awards ceremony, Donckerwolke was recognized for overseeing the design strategies of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, redefining differentiated design philosophies for each brand, and introducing innovative designs that transcend the boundaries of the automotive industry. He was selected as an award recipient based on these achievements.
Donckerwolke joined Hyundai Motor Group in 2016 after working at Skoda, Audi, Lamborghini, SEAT, and Bentley. He was appointed Chief Design Officer of the group in 2018 and has also served as Chief Creative Officer since 2020.
Donckerwolke stated, "This award is proof of Hyundai Motor Group's belief in design as the driving force behind innovation and identity," and added, "I dedicate this honor to all the designers in the group who continue to inspire through their tireless efforts."
Peter Schreyer, who received the award alongside Donckerwolke, joined Kia as CDO in 2006 after working at Audi and Volkswagen. He is credited with redefining Kia's design identity, notably through the introduction of the "Tiger Nose" grille. The new models that followed were highly praised in global markets, playing a significant role in establishing Kia as a leading global design brand. In 2013, Schreyer was appointed President and CDO of Hyundai Motor Group, further strengthening the group's overall design capabilities and helping to establish a global identity for both Kia and Hyundai Motor Group as a whole.
Schreyer commented, "This award is a tremendous honor for me," adding, "I dedicate this award to Hyundai Motor Group, which has a firm belief in the power of design to drive progress and change."
The Automotive News team stated, "Donckerwolke and Schreyer have defined what design means not only for Hyundai Motor Group but for the entire automotive industry. Their bold creativity and leadership have elevated design to a strategic level, and their work continues to be reflected in Hyundai Motor Group vehicles recognized worldwide for their beauty and innovation."
Meanwhile, Giorgetto Giugiaro, who established a relationship with Hyundai in the 1970s, was also honored with an award. Giugiaro, whom both Donckerwolke and Schreyer cited as a source of inspiration, was responsible for designing the Hyundai Pony Coupe Concept unveiled in 1974 and the Pony, Korea's first mass-produced domestic car.
A Hyundai Motor Group representative stated, "As the achievements of the designers who have led the group have been recognized through this award, we plan to further enhance our design competitiveness by providing even greater support to more designers."
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