Franz von Holzhausen

Franz von Holzhausen (born May 10, 1968) is an American automobile designer. He has been the chief designer at Tesla, Inc. since 2008, where he has led the design of multiple production and concept vehicles, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, Semi, Cybertruck, and second-generation Roadster. He previously held design roles at Volkswagen, General Motors, and Mazda.

Early life and education Von Holzhausen was born in Simsbury, Connecticut. His father was an industrial designer and owned a firm in Simsbury. He initially attended Syracuse University starting in 1986, before transferring to the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California in 1988, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in transportation design in 1992.

Career Von Holzhausen began his career at Volkswagen in 1992, contributing to the "Concept One" project, which later evolved into the Volkswagen New Beetle.

In 2000, he joined General Motors as a design manager, where his work included the Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice.

Von Holzhausen became design director at Mazda in 2005. He led the development of several concept cars, including the Mazda Kabura, which debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, and the Mazda Furai, revealed at the 2008 show.

In 2008, von Holzhausen joined Tesla, Inc. as chief designer. He led the design of the Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and Semi. He also led the design of the Cybertruck, including its high-profile 2019 unveiling event. He has also overseen the development of the upcoming second-generation Roadster.

Personal life He is married to Vicki von Holzhausen , a former automotive designer who is now the founder and CEO of von Holzhausen, a company focused on sustainable materials.