Hyundai is definitely making a lot of noise lately in the industry, and this might be their biggest boast yet. Today, they announced that Christopher Chapman has been named chief designer of the Hyundai Design Center located in Irvine, California. Chapman, who was BMW’s Design Director will be responsible for new vehicle and concept designs for Hyundai.

Chapman began his career in 1989, joining Isuzu Technical Center of America and was the designer for the exterior of the XU-1 show car which won Best Concept back in 1993 at the Tokyo Motor Show. From there, he joined the BMW Group at DesignworksUSA in 1994 where he worked on a variety of projects and vehicles including the X5 Sport Activity Vehicle and X Coupe concept car. Chapman and his family also spent two years in Munich, Germany in order to soak in the BMW culture and subsequently, the European one as well. From there he designed the CS1 concept and the 1-Series production Coupe and its variants.

“Christopher Chapman is an outstanding addition to the design team at HATCI,” said John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer, Hyundai Motor America. “We are proud to add such a talented individual to lead the team of dedicated designers at HATCI that will continue to develop innovative vehicles for both the United States and global auto markets.”

Culturally diverse and clearly well-rounded, Chapman has worked for both a Japanese and German automotive manufacturer and now joins the ranks of a headlining Korean one. It will definitely be interesting to see his designs infused with Hyundai’s DNA.

With Volkswagen‘s recent tie-up with Suzuki not going so well, a new report suggests the German auto giant may look to partner or acquire another Japanese company in its bid to become the world’s largest automaker.

Rather than put a focus on small passenger cars, however, this tie-up would explore furthering VW’s commercial truck empire. An article in Manager Magazin cites a possibility that VW’s MAN truck division (30 percent owner by VW) could look to acquire a part or all of Isuzu.

MAN has refused comment on the matter, while Volkswagen has dismissed it entirely.

Currently, VW sits as a distant 3rd in the race to be the world’s largest automaker with GM in second place and Toyota in first.

[Source: Reuters]

After almost three decades of selling cars and trucks in North American, Isuzu has announced that it will stop selling its two models as of January 31st, 2009 and cease light-vehicle operations on this continent.

The news was not exactly a surprise as Isuzu’s remaining two models are based on General Motors platforms that are no longer being manufactured. The Ascender SUV is based on the Chevrolet Trailblazer/GMC Envoy XL and the i-290/i-370 pickup truck is based on the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon.

Isuzu sold just 4,758 vehicles in 2008, down from 7,098 in 2007 and a far cry from the company’s record 123,565 vehicles in 1987.

The company has said it will support current owners with parts and service. Isuzu’s North American commercial truck business will not be effected.

[Source Kelly Blue Book & Motor Trend]