Volkswagen Chief Designer de Silva receives medal for special services to Bavaria in a united Europe

The Free State of Bavaria has awarded its medal for special services to Bavaria in a united Europe to Walter Maria de Silva, Head of Group Design of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft. In a letter to de Silva, the Bavarian State Minister of Federal and European
Affairs Emilia Muller writes that he had changed the form language and design culture of Germany as a vehicle designer. She especially praises his outstanding achievement with the world-class company Audi. Before transferring to Wolfsburg, the Italian designer had been responsible at Audi for design within the brand group, including the Audi, Lamborghini and Seat brands.

"Your professional career shows how European the biographies of the top people in industry, culture and the creative sector have become and what potential there is in mutual interaction between the various corporate and creative cultures in Europe," State Minister Muller writes. "As an Italian citizen, you are at home in both worlds, and especially also in Bavaria."

"I am very pleased about this honor. It reminds me of the most beautiful car I ever designed - the Audi A5 Coupe," said De Silva. In 2010, de Silva received the Design Prize of the Federal Republic of Germany, the highest official distinction awarded for design in Germany, for the design of the Audi A5. 

Walter Maria de Silva has been Head of Group Design of Volkswagen AG since February 1, 2007. In this position, he is responsible for the design of all brands of the group. The major highlight of his work for the Volkswagen Passenger Car brand to date is the new Golf, which made its world debut last year.

Posted in: Audi A5,Award,Bavaria,Chief Designer,Emilia Muller,Europe,Germany,International,Volkswagen,Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft,Walter de Silva