German Car Zone

Manzoni named Head of Creative Design with the Volkswagen Group

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Wolfsburg, 19 February 2007 - Flavio Manzoni (41) has been appointed to the new post of Head of Creative Design at the Volkswagen Group effective March 1. He will report to Walter Maria de’Silva who, as announced, became Head of Group Design on February 1.

Born in Sardinia, Manzoni completed his architectural studies, which specialized in industrial design, in 1992 and subsequently became Head of Interior Design at Lancia until 1999. He then performed the same function at SEAT until 2002, when he resumed responsibility for Fiat Design, Lancia Design and Fiat Group Light Commercial Vehicles Design. Manzoni moved to Design at the Audi brand group on December 1, 2006.

De’Silva commented: "In his new position as Head of Creative Design, Flavio Manzoni will help to shape cross-brand design criteria and will be largely responsible for their realization. His presence therefore significantly strengthens our team." He added that Klaus Bischoff would continue to head Volkswagen brand design as arranged.