Ian Cameron, Renowned BMW and Rolls-Royce Designer, Murdered in Bavaria
Ian Cameron, a prominent designer for BMW and Rolls-Royce for many years, was tragically killed in his home in Bavaria on July 12. He was 74 years old. His wife, Verena Kloos, managed to escape the scene and inform authorities; however, police have yet to apprehend the suspect.
In a statement to Automotive News, BMW expressed their condolences: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by the news about our former Rolls-Royce designer. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during these difficult hours."
Rolls-Royce CEO Chris Brownridge also shared his thoughts on LinkedIn. He highlighted Cameron’s pivotal role in transforming Rolls-Royce since its acquisition by BMW Group and its relocation to Goodwood, West Sussex. "During Ian’s tenure, he led the design team for the Phantom family and Ghost models, creating modern motor cars that respected the brand’s design heritage. My thoughts are with Ian’s family and friends during this very difficult time," Brownridge stated.
Cameron was instrumental in the design of several notable vehicles during his career, including the iconic 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom, which established a lasting design legacy. He also contributed to the BMW Z8 and the exterior design of the L322 Range Rover while BMW owned the brand. Cameron’s career began at Pininfarina in 1975, and after retiring from BMW, he founded his own design firm.
Investigators suspect that Cameron was targeted for his collection of valuable cars. Reports indicate that the power to his home’s security cameras was shut off, resulting in no video evidence of the assailant. German authorities are reportedly conducting a nationwide search for the suspect involved in this tragic incident.
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