SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Group, led by Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corp., today announced that Peter Schreyer was appointed as President to oversee Hyundai and Kia's design centers in order to streamline its resources and create synergy between the two brands.

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The move is also part of the Hyundai Motor Group's bigger efforts to strengthen its competitiveness through qualitative growth.

"Strengthening our fundamentals, especially in the area of design, is imperative to secure long-term competitiveness," said Woong-Chul Yang, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group's R&D Center in Korea. "Design is not just the most visible aspect of the car, but it's an area customers have a strong emotional connection to. It is at the center of our efforts to enhance our brand value. "

"Mr. Schreyer brings a wealth of experience in design from the global auto industry and has a deep understanding of the Hyundai Motor Group. These valuable qualities will help build the foundation needed to make Hyundai and Kia leading global top automakers," added Mr. Yang. 

On Jan. 2., the Group announced 'Brand Innovation based on Quality' as this year's management direction during a new year speech delivered by Mong-Koo Chung, Chairman and CEO of Hyundai Motor Group.

Both Hyundai and Kia have come a long way in terms of design, under their own unique design philosophies, 'Fluidic Sculpture' and 'The simplicity of the straight line', respectively.

Hyundai Motor introduced its new design philosophy 'Fluidic Sculpture' in 2009 and applied it to its entire lineup, starting from the new-generation Sonata that year. In addition to increased production capabilities worldwide, the new designs contributed to significant sales growth in the global market.

Kia also created its own design-DNA called 'The simplicity of the straight line', led by Mr. Schreyer in 2006, and applied it to its entire lineup. Kia's design management has proven successful, winning awards such as the red dot design award and iF design award.

Mr. Schreyer will lead the long-term design vision and strategy for Hyundai and Kia, based on the Group's vision. In particular, by overseeing the Group's design resources, he will further cement the two brands' differentiation strategies according to each company's brand direction.

<Career Highlights>

• 1953              Born in Bad Reichenhall, Deutschland
• 1975~79         Industrial Design School of Applied Arts, Munich
                            Royal College of Art, London
• 1994-2002 –  Head of Audi Design
• 2002-2006      Head of Volkswagen Design
• 2006~2012     Chief Design Officer of Kia Motors Corp.
• 2013~present Appointed President of Hyundai, Kia Design Center

About Hyundai Motor  
Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai Motor Group, with more than two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Hyundai Motor -- which has seven manufacturing bases outside of South Korea including Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, India, Russia, Turkey and the U.S. -- sold 4.4 million vehicles globally in 2012. Hyundai Motor, which employs over 80,000 worldwide, offers a full line-up of products including small to large passenger vehicles, SUVs and commercial vehicles. Further information about Hyundai Motor and its products is available at http://worldwide.hyundai.com

About Kia Motors  
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com), a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart, was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 2.7 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in 15 manufacturing and assembly operations in ten countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 149 countries. Kia today has over 47,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of US$39 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA - the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan, "The Power to Surprise," represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America