North American Car of the Year Creator Influences Next Generation of Designers at College for Creative Studies

DETROIT, Jan. 10, 2005 -- When Ralph Gilles isn't designing the North American Car of the Year, he is educating the next generation of automotive designers at the College for Creative Studies (CCS).

Gilles, a 1992 graduate of CCS' Transportation Design program, is the adjunct faculty member teaching the College's senior studio class where his background as the designer of the Chrysler 300C, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Viper provides a wealth of knowledge to the classroom.

"We are proud that Ralph played a major role in the development of the 300C and that he is able to continue to give back to the college by instructing future automotive designers," said Rick Rogers, President of CCS.

Gilles has been passionate about cars since the age of 6 and began drawing concept vehicles by the age of 8. When Gilles was 14, an aunt noticed he was talented at sketching cars and wrote to former Chrysler Chairman Lee Iacocca to inform him of her nephew's talents. A reply came from K. Neil Walling, Chrysler's design chief at the time, suggesting Gilles attend one of three design schools. One of those schools was the College for Creative Studies.

As a student, Gilles was inspired by the work of CCS design faculty Bill Robinson, Sid Chang, Carl Olsen, Ken Okiyama and CCS graduate Camilo Pardo, creator of the Ford GT. Shortly after graduation, Gilles was hired by Chrysler and has risen to the rank of Director Product Design Studio 3 Premium and Specialty Vehicles.

Gilles believes his design imagination is cultivated through his exposure to students and in turn he is able to provide them with feedback based on his everyday experiences at DaimlerChrysler. Students appreciate Gilles' professional approach in the classroom and the fresh perspectives he brings to each of their projects.

"He is setting the bar higher than our class has ever had to reach and that will help us achieve greater things in the future," said Dan Cline, a senior enrolled in Gilles' class.

The College for Creative Studies (CCS) is one of the nation's leading arts education institutions. With the world's most recognized program in transportation design, CCS alumni influence and shape the automotive design industry daily. From innovative exteriors to dynamic interiors, CCS graduates have had a hand in most of the cars on the road. CCS, located in Detroit's Cultural Center, produces leaders in Animation and Digital Media, Art Education, Communication Design, Crafts, Fine Arts, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Design and Photography.