AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — In a major passing of the design torch, Chrysler announced on Monday that Ralph Gilles will succeed Trevor Creed in the automaker's top design job. The appointment is especially noteworthy because it means that African Americans now head up design at two of Detroit's major automakers: General Motors and Chrysler.

Ed Welburn, who is shepherding such critical vehicles as the Chevrolet Volt and new Chevrolet Camaro into production, is General Motors' design chief.

Creed, 63, retires after 23 years with Chrysler. 'Trevor has led a distinguished automotive design career,' said Chrysler Chairman and CEO Robert L. Nardelli in a statement. 'He played a key leadership role in the design of award-winning vehicles such as the new Dodge Challenger, , Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Viper, and Plymouth Prowler.'

Chrysler said Gilles, 38 — whom Time magazine dubbed the 'Bling King' in 2004 — will be responsible for 'all activities of the product design office.' Gilles has been one of the most colorful characters in automotive design since the days of GM's Harley Earl. In a profile, the Detroit Free Press charted Gilles' rise with the phrase 'from slacker to superstar.' People magazine called him one of the sexiest men in Detroit.

' was living in his parents' basement in Montreal,' according to the Free Press profile. 'He whiled away his time eating granola cereal, watching Dukes of Hazzard reruns and cartoons, and lamenting the sorry state of vehicles made across the border in America.' When he finally made it to Chrysler, he played a major role in the design of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.

Gilles is one of those rare designers who don't put down such prosaic vehicles as the minivan. In fact, he previously raced a customized Dodge Caravan.

'Style is your weapon in this competitive environment,' Gilles said.