One Hyundai Design Boss Is Fed Up With Light Bars: ‘I’ve Seen Enough’

Lighting is one of the most talked-about design elements on modern cars. From split headlights and illuminated logos to the increasingly common light bar, there’s plenty of fodder to go around. But not everyone is a fan.

Simon Loasby, head of Hyundai’s design center in Korea, recently shared his thoughts with the UK’s Car Magazine, expressing frustration with the growing popularity of light bars—and he didn’t mince words.

Loasby said:

‘When is the time you need to let go [of light bars], it’s almost like the end of that. We’ve done it with the Grandeur, Kona, and Sonata, but now I’m like ‘guys, I’ve seen enough’.’

Simon Loasby With the Concept Three

Photo by: Hyundai

Ironically, Hyundai currently produces numerous vehicles with light bars. In the US alone, models like the Elantra, Ioniq 6, Kona, and Sonata all feature the design. While the upcoming Ioniq 9 doesn’t have a traditional light bar, it does incorporate lighting elements that wrap around the entire tailgate.

That said, Hyundai hasn’t announced any plans to move away from light bars entirely. In fact, the recently unveiled Three Concept suggests otherwise. Still, Loasby hints that the popularity of light bars may be fading.

‘I think we are almost at the end of the journey in terms of lighting. It’s almost like chrome. We then need to ask what makes logical sense for the customer and what makes emotional sense.’

Hyundai, of course, is one of the pioneers of unique lighting design. The company introduced its “8-bit” pixel headlights on the Ioniq 5, which have since made their way to other EVs like the Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 9, and even gas-powered SUVs like the latest Palisade.

But if Loasby has anything to say about it, light bars should be left in the past.

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Source: Hyundai