GM Design is legendary. Known as a creative powerhouse for decades, the grandaddy of automotive styling has recently undergone some changes that effect not only GM passenger cars, but our hallowed Corvette as well.
When Ed Welburn, vice-president GM Global Design resigned on May 1, 2016, he handed the reigns of GM Design to Australian Michael Simcoe and ushered in a new era at GM’s lauded design arm.
According to Wheels Australia, “As only the seventh boss of what the legendary Harley Earl established as the Art and Colour section in 1927, the 58-year-old Simcoe is also the first non-American to be appointed to the job. He will oversee 2500 people and 10 studios globally, including the Australian outpost in Port Melbourne where he learned his craft. He will mold the shaping of the exteriors and interiors of 10 million vehicles sold annually.”
You’ve seen his work before. Simcoe began his career with GM when he joined Holden as a designer in 1983. In 1995, Simcoe was a leader with GM’s alliance partners including Daewoo, Suzuki, and Isuzu. The Australian-born designer then returned his focus to Holden and oversaw the Holden VT Commodore and WH Statesman and Caprice.
In 2009, he was tasked with leading design for North America, and spearheaded the GMC Terrain and Buick LaCrosse. Like Welburn, he too was involved with the well-received fifth-gen Chevy Camaro.
Simcoe is well aware that with the intro of the C8, he will be making history with the first mid-engine Corvette as well as putting his mark on the latest iteration of one of the most iconic sports cars of all time.
When it comes to Corvette, Simcoe has this to say, “You’re dealing with an icon that’s been successful, consistently successful, and you don’t want to be the one who blew that.” He continued but was very careful not to give any details on the next generation Corvette, which is expected to switch from a front engine to mid-engine layout. “Being part of a Corvette design is very exciting for everyone involved and there certainly will be a next generation Corvette at some point.” Simcoe said.
We wish Simcoe the best and look forward to the fruits of GM Design under his reign.