The world's leading automotive magazine celebrated its 100th anniversary by hosting the Automotive Industry Awards, where design leaders from Hyundai Motor Group were honored for their contributions.

Hyundai Motor Group announced on the 13th that at the Automotive News Centennial Awards held in Turin, Italy, from the 11th to the 12th local time, Luke Dongkwolke, the Chief Design Officer (CDO) and Chief Creative Officer (CCO) of Hyundai Motor Group, and former President Peter Schreyer, the brand ambassador, received the "Centennial Award."

Automotive News, a global leading automotive magazine based in the United States, annually selects young leaders in the automotive industry with entrepreneurial spirit for its "Rising Stars" awards, and this year, in special recognition of its 100th anniversary, it honored individuals who made significant contributions to innovation, leadership, and sustainability in the automotive industry with the Centennial Award.

At this award ceremony, Luke Dongkwolke was selected as a recipient for his oversight of the design strategies of Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Genesis, having redefined differentiated design philosophies for each brand and showcased innovative designs that transcend the boundaries of the automotive industry.

Luke Dongkwolke joined Hyundai Motor Group in 2016 after working at Škoda, Audi, Lamborghini, Seat, and Bentley. He was appointed as the group's Chief Design Officer in 2018, and since 2020, he has also been responsible for the Chief Creative Officer role.

Luke Dongkwolke stated, "This award is proof of Hyundai Motor Group's belief in design as a driving force for innovation and identity," adding, "I dedicate this honor to all the designers in the group who inspire through their relentless efforts."

Peter Schreyer, who was awarded alongside Dongkwolke, joined Kia as CDO in 2006 after working with Audi and Volkswagen, and he played a significant role in reestablishing Kia's design identity with designs such as the "tiger nose" grille, helping the new models released afterward gain acclaim in the global market and establish Kia as a global design-leading brand.

In 2013, he was appointed as the president and CDO of Hyundai Motor Group, contributing to enhancing design capabilities across the group, including Kia, and establishing a global identity.

Peter Schreyer remarked, "This award is a great honor for me," adding, "I dedicate this award to Hyundai Motor Group, which has a firm belief in the power of design that drives progress and change."

KC Crain, CEO of Crain Communications, the parent company of Automotive News, noted, "Luke Dongkwolke and Peter Schreyer have defined what design means to Hyundai Motor Group and the entire automotive industry. Their bold creativity and leadership have elevated design to a strategic priority, and their designs have been integrated into Hyundai Motor Group's vehicles, which are recognized worldwide for their beauty and innovation."

Meanwhile, Giorgetto Giugiaro, who has had a connection with Hyundai since the 1970s, also received the honor. The famous Italian designer, whom both Luke Dongkwolke and Peter Schreyer listed as one of their inspirations, was responsible for the design of the Hyundai Pony Coupe concept introduced in 1974, as well as Korea's first domestically-produced mass-produced car, the Pony.

Acknowledging the achievements of designers who contributed to the design of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis through this award, Hyundai Motor Group plans to further enhance its design competitiveness with generous support for more designers.

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