A New Direction? Infiniti Snags Former Global Design Chief From BMW

Infiniti, Nissan Motor's premium brand, named Karim Habib, former global design chief for BMW, as the brand's new chief designer, effective July 1.

Habib will replace Alfonso Albaisa, who will be promoted to lead Nissan's global design. Habib will report to Albaisa.

Habib, a Lebanese-Canadian, studied engineering in Canada's McGill University before attending the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California prior to joining BMW as an interior designer. In 2012, he was promoted to head of design at the brand.

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TheSteve - 3/14/2017 12:35:13 PM

0 Boost

Infiniti does need considerable design help. Good luck with this (No sarcasm intended).

malba2367 - 3/14/2017 12:41:10 PM

+9 Boost

BMW has not had great designs in the last couple generations inside or out. I don't see how hiring the person behind those designs will help infiniti. BMW can get away with somewhat poor designs because of their brand image, and a few iconic design elements they have. Infiniti needs to execute at a higher level than BMW to succeed.

countguy - 3/14/2017 2:29:07 PM

+4 Boost

As long as he still answers to Alfonso, I wouldn't worry too much. Infiniti has been killing it in the design lately and Alfonso was involved in that. So if this BMW nut trys to make some crap, pretty sure it will be shut down.

cidflekken - 3/14/2017 3:07:44 PM

+3 Boost

The original G35 coupe was a masterpiece, possibly one of the best-designed coupes ever However, ever since then, Infiniti's design, both inside and out, have left a lot to be desired. That rear-pillar worm element is really unappealing, gimmicky, and ineffective. And, frankly, it feminizes the designs.

MDarringer - 3/14/2017 8:56:08 PM

+2 Boost

Let's see...BMW design is in the toilet, so perfect reason to hire their man of failure.

222max - 3/15/2017 10:28:49 AM

+4 Boost

My observation is that BMW is so concerned with being BMW that they strangle any possibility for styling innovation. What good are talented designers when they are hamstrung by corporate restriction and slavish obeisance to tradition and self image? Thus, the frequent turnover of designers at BMW.