In a recent chat with a group of bloggers, it emerged that Ford’s design directors are not big fans of the Hyundai Fluidic Sculpture design theme. Ford refuses to believe Hyundai’s design language, credited largely for its recent successes, is premium.
Talking to CarAdvice.com.au at the unveiling of the Ford EcoSport, Ford’s design creative officer J Mays did not have nice things to say about Hyundai’s design language that many have come to love and appreciate.
J Mays, Ford’s group vice president, design, and chief creative officer -
There’s a lot of frenetic design out there… I’m not criticizing Hyundai, it’s just a different philosophy, but their design is really all over the map, it’s really loud and fussy. I don’t think that’s premium and I really don’t think it’s sustainable.
We did not expect Ford to praise the Korean designers for their work on the chart-topping Elantra or award-winning Sonata but one gets the sense of how competitive the industry is and how Hyundai has managed to intimidate its competitors.
Ford unveiled the EcoSport in Delhi just days after the new year and two days ago showed the Mondeo successor at the Detroit Motor Show. Ford is said to have finished up design work on the Fiesta facelift expected to bow in late this year or early 2013. During the unveiling of the EcoSport in New Delhi, Ford’s higher officials said never before have they given so much much car in such a small footprint.
Well, Ford’s Ecosport front grill and headlights look like they are trying to copy the Audi Q5 and Q7 SUV’s front design.
So much for Ford being original with ‘new global modern urban designs’.
At least Hyundai is trying to be original whether their design is fluidic or all over the place.
Stop whining Ford and face the competition with original design and realistic prices.
Hyundai eon is totally disaster of fluidic design.Especially rear window-line,oversized headlamps and oversized rear bumper with flat rear profile.Hyundai can maintain uniqueness in fluidic design by exploring new possibilities in FDL.Otherwise it’ll be boring in next 2 years.
And ford’s new design will be totally opposite.Puny-tiny HLs,oversized(copied)front grill.More-than-enough ground clearance.
The recent Hyundai, the eon is a classic example of Fluidicity gone wrong. The curves are all over the car, lines in every direction, thus limiting its appeal. But the Verna, Elantra and Sonata look good at the moment. But again, Hyundai shouldn’t get repetitive.
AUDI is another manufacturer who is getting repetitive already!
And on top of it these idiots at ford started copying Aston-Martins’ front fascia. These guys don’t even could come out of a design on their own and started talking about Hyundai’s?? Bullshit.
cool and true comment!
Agree with ford….hyundai cars do make good first impression with fluid design but they also tend to start looking boring equally fast.
My exact thoughts! In another 3 years, we might reach the saturation point for fluidic designs. Though I like them now.
Ford there is no medicine for envy. Ford has no right to criticize Hyundai because its their interest what to design, build and sell. And its the customers who have the right to criticize them. By the the sales chart does seem to suggest that Hyundai will go up and not down. When Chris Bangle designed BMW’s came out many suggested that the design was too loud for premium cars but BMW sold record numbers.
Companies succeed when they do things differently compared to their competition.
American arrogance! No wonder Korean and Japanese cars does well in their own country US of A!!
Could this be a case of sour grapes? Hyundai recently toppled Ford to attain 4th spot worldwide…
Good observation Ford! Even I’m not the fan right from the beginning. Can we expect you to make Figo better looking car in future?
Certainly True…lack of premiumness has put me off buying Verna..Doesnt feel like City and mind you .. The on road price of CRDi(SX) is 13.86 lakhs whic is way costly…All Hyundais dont feel premium like Honda,VW,Skoda etc
I tend to agree with Ford here. Although Hyundai’s latest design language is beautiful but it does not look like sustainable. It will son become repetative & boring.
i agree with him as this design is good for sporty appearance not for premium looks.