Words: STAFF
Photos: STAFF
We wanted to share a few infuential black figures in automotive culture, who helped shape the industry and the culture we love. These individuals have played an important role in the industry, shaping our world for the better.
Ralph Gilles
As a highly influential figure in the automotive industry, Giles has made significant contributions to car culture in a number of ways. He’s an accomplished automotive designer, having played a key role in the design of some of the most popular cars of recent years. He joined Chrysler in 1992 as a designer, and quickly rose through the ranks to become the Senior Vice President of Design at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the parent company of brands such as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram. Some of the cars that Gilles has played a key role in designing include the Chrysler 300, the Dodge Challenger and Charger, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. These cars are highly regarded by car enthusiasts for their bold, aggressive styling and powerful performance.
In addition to his design work, Gilles is also a highly visible and vocal advocate for the automotive industry. He has given numerous interviews and speeches about the importance of design in the car industry, and has worked to promote the industry and its products to a wider audience. He has also been involved in a number of initiatives aimed at promoting innovation and creativity in the industry, such as the Chrysler Design Institute, which he founded in 2012.
Gilles has also been influential in promoting diversity and inclusion in the automotive industry. As a person of Haitian descent, he has been a vocal advocate for greater representation of people of color and other underrepresented groups in the industry. He has spoken out about the need for greater diversity among automotive designers and engineers, and has worked to create opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to get involved in the industry.