Klaus Busse Named ‘Design Hero’ At The 2021 Autocar Awards!

Recognized For His Works Over His Career...

Robert S. Miller June 9, 2021

Klaus Busse, Vice President of Design at Stellantis, has been named “Design Hero” at this year’s Autocar Awards. The highly prestigious award is given to an individual who has contributed significantly to car design, not only in the last year but also throughout their career.

Klaus Busse, Vice President of Design at Stellantis. (Stellantis).

Autocar wanted to draw attention to Busse’s efforts in leading the design of FIAT, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati models, with his recent work on the all-new electrified 500 and Maserati MC20 super sportscar, as well as Alfa Romeo’s Tonale and the Fiat Centoventi concept cars.

“With his work for Alfa Romeo, FIAT, and Maserati, Klaus Busse has played a key role in revitalizing not one but three historic and much-loved car brands. Through designs such as the new 500 and Maserati MC20, Busse has produced memorable and distinctive designs for every spectrum of the market. Concepts such as the Fiat Centoventi show that his designs will continue to help set industry trends in the coming years,” said Mark Tisshaw, Editor at Autocar.

Busse added, “It’s a tremendous honor to receive such a prestigious award. I dedicate it to the incredible team at our Centro Stile in Torino. This award is testament to their hard work, dedication, and our shared passion for Italian design and the inspiring brands we work with.”

Klaus Busse, Vice President of Design at Stellantis with the Alfa Romeo Tonale Concept. (Stellantis).

A graduate of Coventry University, with a career that has included roles such as Chief of Interior Design at FCA North America which he kicked off a complete revamp of all Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and Ram interiors, Klaus has extensive experience from Germany, Britain, and the United States and has been recognized throughout the years for his automotive and industrial design work.

Klaus Busse, Vice President of Design at Stellantis with the Fiat Centoventi Concept. (Stellantis).

Klaus also is being praised for his design work on the Fiat Centoventi, a concept car that caused a huge buzz at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show celebrating the brand’s 120^th anniversary, as well as the Alfa Romeo Tonale concept, which showcases the brand’s first step into electrification with the plug-in hybrid mid-size utility vehicle.