The Head Of The Hyundai Design Center Wins The FAI Grand Prize

The Hyundai Prophecy electric vehicle concept by Lee Sang Yup. (Source: HyundaiNews)

JAKARTA - In the midst of intense competition from European, American and Asian automotive manufacturers, good news has come from Hyundai. Yes, this South Korean automotive manufacturer won a prestigious award at the 36th Automobile International (FAI) Festival in 2021.

It was the Head of the Global Design Center for Hyundai Motor Lee Sang-yup, who won the prestigious Grand Prize of Design, an award given to automotive designers for their original, creative, trendy, and influential work in the automotive sector.

Lee, who also serves as Senior Vice President at Hyundai, managed to beat competitors from various world automotive brands in the awards ceremony held in France.

"It is a great honor to receive this Grand Prize. I believe that our job is to work for a better future and help Hyundai to be recognized through designs that are tailored to the lifestyle needs of our customers and their precious time", he told Koreatimes.

Head of Global Design Center for Hyundai Motor Lee Sang-yup. (Source: Hyundai)

Based in Paris, the FAI is recognized as one of the most prestigious awards in the field of auto design. The Grand Prize of Design is awarded to a designer or company for a global innovation strategy or pursuit of beauty.

Previous winners have included well-known designers in the auto industry, such as former Jaguar design chief Ian Callum, and Hyundai Motor Group Design Management President Peter Schreyer.

Since joining Hyundai Motor in 2016, Lee has succeeded in shaping the company's design strategy and direction, leveraging more than 20 years of extensive experience with world-renowned luxury car brands.

FAI said event organizers were highly evaluating Lee's contribution to the Hyundai Motor Prophecy concept car. Hyundai Motor launched Prophecy in an effort to show off the carmaker's latest design identity for electric vehicles.

"Every year, the jury selects a designer for the Grand Prize of Design. This year, all the members vote for Lee and acknowledge his outstanding work. The recognition is primarily given for his contribution to the beauty and aesthetic purity of Hyundai Prophecy", quoted from an FAI official in the Hyundai Motor statement.