Celebrating its 36th anniversary, the Paris-based FAI honours the best in the world of automotive design.
The top prize is given to a designer or company for its global strategy of innovation or pursuit of beauty. Past winners included automotive designers such as Ian Callum, Jaguar's former head of design, and Peter Schreyer, Hyundai Motor Group's president of design management.
Since joining Hyundai Motor in 2016, Lee has shaped the company’s design strategies and direction, leveraging over 20 years of experience with top luxury auto brands. He assumed the role of Hyundai Global Design Center Head in 2018 and has since led the development of several award-winning works, including the Prophecy.
“Every year, the jury chooses a designer for the grand prize of design. This year, the entire members voted for SangYup Lee and recognised his wonderful work,” said an FAI official. “The recognition is especially given for his contribution to Hyundai Prophecy’s aesthetic beauty and purity.”
The Prophecy, which was unveiled in March 2020, is Hyundai’s visionary EV concept that expresses the company’s latest design identity, Sensuous Sportiness. Prophecy has received accolades from various global design competitions, including 2020 Red Dot Awards, 2020 International Design Excellence Awards, and 2020 GOOD DESIGN Awards.
