VW's minimalist styling is the look of the future, says design chief
Photo credit: HANS GREIMEL
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TOKYO -- Volkswagen's minimalist styling is the look of the future because the fad for flamboyant "overdesign" is finished, says Walter de' Silva, VW Group's global design chief.
The clean and simple designs of VW nameplates such as the Golf are timeless and produce better brand worth because they hold their resale value better, he said.
"We are convinced that the long period of overdesign, too many lines, too much styling is dropping down," de' Silva told Automotive News, a sister publication of Automotive News Europe, at a Tokyo launch of the VW Up minicar.
Creased character lines and curvy fender flares have been a hot design trend in recent years, seen in such models as the Hyundai Sonata, BMW 3 series and the latest Ford Fusion. VW has bucked the trend -- for good reason, de' Silva says: The look is already growing stale.
"It can't be only for one or two seasons," de' Silva says. "People want to understand what they buy. There is a certain security in our design. When you know that it keeps the resale value, it's important for a family. That's our intention."
You can reach Hans Greimel at hgreimel@crain.com. -- Follow Hans on 
