Tesla Motors made a solid investment yesterday by signing up one of the most recognized names in automotive design. After serving 3 years as the Director of Mazda's North American Design Center, Franz von Holzhausen will now coordinate the design efforts of the electric car startup.

"It's going to be an exciting adventure," he said of his move to Tesla in an interview with Car Design News. "I'm looking forward to working at a new startup company that doesn't have the confines of a large OEM."

A Connecticut-native, von Holzhausen is largely responsible for the development of Mazda's most breakthrough concepts, including Nagare, Furai, Ryuga, Hakaze and Taiki. Prior to his involvement with Mazda, he headed the design studio at GM, where he was instrumental in managing the concept and production design for the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, Chevy SS, and various other projects.