--- title: "VW Design Chief To Be Removed Over Retro Designs, Preference for Sedans: Report" description: "Volkswagen Group's head of design, Jozef Kaban, is reportedly being replaced by Bentley design boss Andreas Mindt." date: "2023-01-22" modified: "2023-01-22" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/vw-design-chief-to-be-removed-over-retro-designs-preference-for-sedans-report" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Volkswagen Group News" --- # VW Design Chief To Be Removed Over Retro Designs, Preference for Sedans: Report ![]() It's being reported that [Volkswagen's ]()head of design, Jozef Kaban, is out. According to[ ]()*[Automotive News](),* Kaban is being replaced by Bentley design boss Andreas Mindt, who will reportedly step into his new role February 1. *The Drive reached out to Volkswagen*, *who declined to comment.* This report, which originally came from German publication *[Automobilwoche]()*, claims that new VW CEO Thomas Schaefer wasn't thrilled with some of Kaban's designs. Most notably, Schaefer wanted Kaban to restyle the retro-futuristic ID Life concept, which debuted at the 2021 IAA Munich auto show. Schaefer also reportedly wanted Kaban to change the [Trinity concept]()—a flagship electric sedan, set to debut in 2026—from a sedan to a crossover. It's unclear if there was any pushback by Kaban but it's no surprise that Schaefer would want to push for more crossovers, given their popularity among EV buyers. Thankfully Kaban was at least able to get one retro-futuristic[ ]()design into production before his ousting, the [ID Buzz](). That car's funky throwback design has made it popular among VW enthusiasts who've been asking for the return of the iconic VW Bus. ![]() *Volkswagen ID Life* Kaban, who's been working for the Volkswagen Group since 1999—with a brief stint at the BMW Group in between—will reportedly remain with VW in a different position. Though, there's no official word as to what sort of position he'll take within the company. With Andreas Mindt moving over from Bentley, the uber-luxury brand will need a new design boss. Tobias Suehlmann will be getting promoted to the vacant position from his current spot as Bentley's head of exterior design. Suehlmann is also a VW Group veteran, having designed cars for Volkswagen and Bugatti, as well as Bentley. While there's no official comment from Volkswagen, an announcement is said to be coming before the end of the month. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()