Ian Cameron, a pivotal figure in the revival of Rolls-Royce’s design after its acquisition by BMW in 2003, was tragically murdered on July 12th at his residence by Lake Ammersee, Bavaria. Authorities have reported that the unidentified attacker fled with one of Cameron’s prized vehicles, hinting at a premeditated crime. Fortunately, Cameron’s wife, designer Verena Kloss, managed to escape and alert emergency services by seeking refuge at a neighbor’s house.
Cameron left an indelible mark on automotive design, having departed from Rolls-Royce in 2012 after a decade of restructuring the brand. His significant contributions include the illustrious Phantom and Ghost models. Prior to his tenure at Rolls-Royce, Cameron spent 11 years at BMW Group, where he was known for creating the luxurious Z8 Grand Tourer and the third-generation Range Rover during BMW’s ownership of Land Rover.
Cameron’s early career saw him working at prestigious design houses such as Pininfarina and later, Iveco, where he focused on heavy truck design.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the news regarding the former Rolls-Royce designer and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time,” BMW said in a statement to Automotive News Europe. Rolls-Royce added, “Ian has played a key role in shaping Rolls-Royce since it was acquired by the BMW Group and moved its headquarters to Goodwood, West Sussex. During Ian’s tenure, he led the design team for all Phantom family and Ghost models, creating automobiles that are thoroughly modern while paying homage to the brand’s design lineage.”
According to German newspaper Bild, the security cameras at Cameron’s home were suspiciously turned off during the incident. An investigation is underway to apprehend the suspect, described as approximately 180-190cm tall, wearing a black hoodie, light-colored trousers, and lime-green gloves. He also carried a red backpack and was reportedly seen on the promenade by Lake Ammersee. Local authorities have conducted extensive searches utilizing dogs, divers, and drones, but the suspect remains at large.
Ian Cameron’s death is a significant loss to the automotive community. His legacy, characterized by his innovative designs and vision, will continue to inspire future generations. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this challenging time.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
