BMW Accelerates Innovation with Full Acquisition of DesignworksUSA
SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 8, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 8, 2025 - BMW’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and American automotive culture took a bold leap forward with the acquisition of California-based design studio DesignworksUSA. What began as a collaboration rooted in innovation has evolved into a strategic cornerstone of BMW’s global design presence.
California Creativity Fuels a Global Vision
BMW’s journey with DesignworksUSA began in 1990 when the German automaker was seeking fresh design leadership after the departure of Claus Luthe. The brand turned to California—a hub of car culture and creative expression—and discovered DesignworksUSA, a studio founded by Chuck Pelly in 1972. Initially operating out of a garage in Malibu, the firm had grown into a respected design powerhouse with clients like Nokia and Compaq.