Chris Bangle Considering Own Design Studio?

Let’s face it: whether you love or hate the man's work, there is no denying that Chris Bangle has had an immense influence on the automotive design world during his tenure as Head of Design for BMW.

News of his resignation from BMW spread around the automotive world like wildfire, and now the rumour-mill has kicked in again with whispers that Bangle may be looking to open his own design studio.

Bangle himself has said nothing specific of his future plans other than wanting to pursue his own design-related endeavours. Head of Development at BMW, Klaus Draeger, however, has said Bangle is "going to make his own dream come true. He's going to open his own design studio".

Just what this new design studio might actually create remains unclear, although it is unlikely to be a purely automotive design house. After the split, BMW issued a statement saying that it is to maintain a close bond with Bangle. After making himself an (almost) household name through his work with BMW, you can bet he will be trying hard to protect that little niche.