Thomas Ingenlath appointed Vice President of Design at Volvo Cars

Ingenlath will replace Peter Horbury, who last year moved to a new executive position as Senior Vice President of Design at Geely Group, Volvo’s parent company.

With over 20 years experience in the design sector, Thomas Ingenlath will be tasked with developing the design language Horbury ushered in since his return – most recently seen in the Volvo Concept Universe shown at the 2011 Shanghai motor show and the You concept revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show.

He will also be charged with pushing the brand further forward in the luxury segment.

“The company is heading for a new era and I am looking forward to be part of that development.” Ingenlath said. “It will be a great challenge to define Volvo’s future design direction.”

Born in Krefeld, Germany, Ingenlath was most recently in charge of the Volkswagen Design Center in Potsdam, southwest of Berlin.

He had been appointed to the position in 2006 and worked under the direction of then VW Group design chief Murat Guenak, prior to Walter de’Silva’s appointment.

During his tenure, Ingenlath led numerous VW Group design programs, including the recent VW NILS concept car revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show and the Concept Bluesport roadster unveiled at the 2009 NAIAS in Detroit.

A graduate of Fachhochschule für Gestaltung in Pforzheim, Germany, Ingenlath obtained his MA degree from the Royal College of Art Vehicle Design course in London, UK, and joined the VW Group soon afterward.

Over the course of his career he has worked for Audi, as chief exterior designer for Volkswagen passenger cars, and was appointed Chief Designer at Skoda in 2000.

While at VW Group’s Czech subsidiary, Ingenlath defined the brand’s design identity and was responsible for the first generation Skoda Superb, Fabia and production Roomster.

“[Ingenlath] is one of the most exciting automotive designers today,” said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. “[He] will play a central role in Volvo’s development towards becoming a top tier luxury auto brand.”