Gert Hildebrand – MINI Chief Designer Answers Your Questions

[Paul]

From MINI2 News: Gert Hildebrand – MINI Chief Designer Answers Your Questions

Discuss away.



Due to a delay on our part getting questions in, and delays at MINIs end it turned out we couldn't get illustrated answers as originally promised, but I think the answers speak for themselves generally without need for further illustration.

[simeds]

is it too late to ask him about traveller door s

[Paul]

Hopefully that will lead to another new set of questions to fire at someone.

[Hat]

why are the mini desginers so obsessed with the hex plastic grille? its not exactly a revolution in design

its great that we get the chance to question peope like this but the answers aren't particularly illuminating sadly

[LMB]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hat (original)

its great that we get the chance to question peope like this but the answers aren't particularly illuminating sadly

I was thinking that.

[Tonyt3]

He answers like a politician, not an engineer.

I'd really like to see design sketches which didnt make it into production for the R56.

[dinz]

not exactly insightful, to be expected really.

His hands will be tied by the corporate bigwigs when it comes to interviews like this.

Shame really.

[dalboyne]

Is it just me, or did he actually say just about nothing of any real significance?

Ian

[Paul]

I feel it's a real shame it was not illustrated as planned as I thought that was a brilliant idea, and as they say "a picture paints a thousand words".

It took some time getting in questions (although there was no deadline) as it took longer than expected over Christmas to get suitable questions to put forward regarding design, but the answers took two and half months to arrive, so I was expecting (as was proposed), pictures.

[Paul]

For a comparison, Frank Stephenson Q&A from 2001: 16th May 2001: Your questions answered by Frank Stephenson

[JAMIE1131]

Being an engineer, and knowing how marketing departments work, I have a strong hunch that these answers came from someone in sales and marketing rather than engineering!

[devaisl]

Quote: Originally Posted by JAMIE1131 (original)

Being an engineer, and knowing how marketing departments work, I have a strong hunch that these answers came from someone in sales and marketing rather than engineering!

I agree, especially when you compare his answers to those of Frank Stephensons in the earlier link. Just a load of sales blah.....

[Paul]

I've met Gert Hildebrand a few times on launches and he is very "corporate" and quite cagey in his discussions with the media in general, always has been.

He does have a twinkle in his eyes, and you can tell he enjoys being questions by the media, especially about future products, it's like a game. He has a clever way of talking and talking (and being entertaining too), but not actually saying anything. A seasoned professional.

[CooperS4us]

Pretty dissapointing but not surprising at all. German companies, after all, are not known to admit mistakes or faults in public. Why should this be the case with the R56 controversial design cues?

I am afraid that while Gert Hildebrand remains as head of MINI design, the car will continue to evolve into yet another cookie cutter subcompact, victim of its own success whose destiny will be dictated by accountants and marketeers, not passionate engineers and enthusiastic customers.

Anyone want to begin a petition to bring back Frank Stephenson to MINI?

Evidently, Mr. Hildebrand is a seasoned expert at this:

[pappillon]

I've learnt more about MINIs from MINI2'ers on MINI2 Plus they speak with genuine passion for this much-loved car

Are you sure he's not a BMW accountant, Paul?