Is Peter Horbury Dead – Get All the Details You Need Here!
Peter Horbury, an iconic figure in the automotive design industry, passed away on June 29, 2023, at the age of 73. The renowned British designer, known for revolutionizing Volvo’s design language among many other contributions, passed away unexpectedly while in China. His sudden demise has left a deep void in the automotive world, where he was revered for his innovation, craftsmanship, and his ability to challenge conventional design norms.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Building Foundations
Born on January 27, 1950, Peter Horbury began his illustrious career at Chrysler UK. He showed an innate talent for car design from an early stage. After his stint at Chrysler, Horbury made his way to Volvo Cars in the Netherlands. Here, he was instrumental in the development of the Volvo 480ES coupe.
One of Horbury’s amusing anecdotes during this time was the last-minute addition of the iconic Volvo grille under the bumper of the 480ES. This change came about when senior management realized that the car was missing the signature Volvo grille and slanting highlight. Before making a significant impact at Volvo, Horbury sharpened his skills at MGA Developments Ltd in the UK.
Ascension to Design Leadership
A Transformative Vision
Peter Horbury became a dominant force in automotive design during his tenure at Volvo, where he ushered in a new era of sleek, curvaceous designs, replacing the brand’s former boxy appearance. He is particularly remembered for incorporating the iconic “shoulders” below the window line in Volvo cars.
Horbury later joined Ford, where he served as Executive Design Director for the Americas from 2004 to 2009. His expertise was not limited to cars as he also had a hand in designing trucks, buses, and motorcycles. Additionally, Horbury played an essential role in Ford’s key European product programs, including the Sierra, Escort, and Granada.
Expanding Horizons
In 2011, Peter Horbury took on a new challenge as the Executive Vice President of Design at Geely Auto. Here, he continued to push the boundaries of automotive design until 2021. He then joined Group Lotus, where he held the position of Senior Vice President of Design until his passing.
Awards and Legacy
Recognition and Accolades
Peter Horbury’s exceptional contributions to the automotive world did not go unnoticed. In 1998, he was honored with the title of Designer of the Year by the UK’s Autocar magazine. Throughout his career spanning nearly 50 years, he designed over 50 cars and received numerous accolades.
Lasting Impact
Peter Horbury’s talent extended beyond just his design skills. He had an endearing personality, was humorous and had an in-depth knowledge of the culture surrounding brands he worked on; making him not just an accomplished designer but an advocate of automotive design as well.
His contributions have left an indelible imprint on the automotive industry. His designs, which grace roads worldwide, will serve as a lasting testament to his genius and innovation.
The World Reacts to His Passing
The news of Peter Horbury’s death has deeply saddened the global automotive community. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, friends, and admirers, all acknowledging his enormous talent and the integral role he played in shaping the automotive design landscape.
As we reflect on his legacy, Peter Horbury’s groundbreaking designs and pioneering spirit will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.