In the history of automobile design, no other individual enjoyed fame and notoriety as Chris Bangle. The Art Center College of Design graduate worked through the ranks of several auto makers, like so many before him, until October 1992 when BMW announced his sudden appointment as the firm’s design chief, the first American to hold the prestigious position. However, it was not until 2001, with the launch of complete re-designed BMW 7-Series, which propelled Bangle into the public spotlight. Critics and common auto enthusiasts have stated the degradative nature of his radical design on marquee brand like BMW. Numerous petition have popped up on the Internet to call for his resignation/firing. Even his name has become part of auto design terminology. To “bangle”, as a verb, is to “ruin” something. Of course, “Bangle Butt” is now the common reference to that oddly shaped, bump-like spoiler in the rear.In this 2002 TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conference appearance. Chris Bangle clarified to the audience that car design is not just another rudimentary design, but a pure art form instead. Bangle also shared a bit about BMW’s Big Blue, a project to redefine the design of SUV in America. Instead, the project created several unexpected issues and almost shut the project down for good.
