Last Thursday, Tesla took a giant step to becoming a complete carmaker. Franz von Holzhausen resigned from Mazda and became the lead designer for the electric car company. At Mazda, von Holzhausen was Director of Design for the R&D Design Center in Irvine CA. While his name may not be very well known, his work is. Von Holzhausen created the Nagare and Furai concepts, and played a key role in the development of the Ryuga, Hakaze and Taiki concepts. His resume also includes VW's Concept One and Microbus, as well as GM's Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky.

The acquisition of von Holzhausen is seen as a step towards Tesla's plan to produce a range of new cars according to the famed designer. "It's going to be an exciting adventure," stated von Holzhausen "I'm looking forward to working at a new startup company that doesn't have the confines of a large OEM." While the Roadster was designed by Lotus, Tesla founder and Chairman Elon Musk is "looking to produce electric vehicles for the masses and wanted to bring design in house."

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