Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Italian master behind iconic designs like Alfa Romeo's Giulia Sprint GTV, the DeLorean DMC-12 and the Lotus Esprit has resigned from Italdesign Giugiaro, Automotive News (subscription required) is reporting.
The quiet departure closes the door on one of the most celebrated careers in the automotive industry. Among his accolades is the title of Designer of the Century and a place in the European Automotive Hall of Fame.
Details are few. The company's official statement said the 76-year-old designer left "to dedicate more time to his personal interests." The resignation was effective June 29 and also applied to his position of honorary chairman and his seat on the board. His son Fabrizio, 50, joined him in exiting the firm.
At this point, the Giugiaro family has no stake in the company its patriarch founded nearly half a century ago. As of June 28, it is entirely owned by Volkswagen Automotive Group's Audi division.
More details when we have them. Stay tuned.
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