AutoObserver
has an interesting blog up on American automobile design; surely no coincidence, as the NAIAS is now in full bloom. I think it's also relevant that so many of the comments from followers of these blogs are centered on styling. A few quotes:
Peter Horbury, the British-born Executive Director of Design, North America for Ford Motor Company: “Design is a direct reflection of the culture and society, and America is the most optimistic place on earth. People came here to succeed, and so there is a strong sense of bravado and openness to the designs.”
Ian Callum, Jaguar Cars Ltd.’s Scottish-born Director of Design: “Everything is just slightly exaggerated in America and I think it’s down to the geography of the country...
I know that is something of a cliché, but I really think it is very, very true. Everything is slightly bigger and bolder, especially American cars.
“And what I’ve learned about American products, especially cars, is that there’s to be that kind of turn up in visual volume that you don’t get in European cars, where everything is tighter and more restricted. I don’t want to use the words “brash” and “vulgar” about American car design because it’s more subtle than that. American cars just have to shout a little bit louder.”
You can find more quotes from other key auto executive here: Unabashedly American Design
“And what I’ve learned about American products, especially cars, is that there’s to be that kind of turn up in visual volume that you don’t get in European cars, where everything is tighter and more restricted. I don’t want to use the words “brash” and “vulgar” about American car design because it’s more subtle than that. American cars just have to shout a little bit louder.”
You can find more quotes from other key auto executive here: Unabashedly American Design
ateixeira says:
11:12 AM, 01/14/08
After seeing the CTS coupe, they can boast all they want. That thing looks awesome!
estreka says:
02:32 PM, 01/14/08
I read this article a few days ago, and I must say I agree. American products definately resemble that "bigger, bolder, better" mentality, even if the product is somewhat off target.
hondacura4 says:
04:22 PM, 01/14/08
Of late the domestic concpets have been top notch in terms of design and execution. That goes for Cadillac and Lincoln. The same can be said for the Germans also as their products are surely leaders in execution and design.
Ahhh, the Japanese. Particularly the Japanese luxury divisions. Even though Lexus has its "L-Finesse" design, Infiniti has its own language (G37 looks damn good) and Acura has its......errrr....
Anyway Japanese luxury cars still tend to be a bit vanilla when it comes to overall design. The problem with that is they dont have that brand signature design language or heritage to draw from like Cadillac, Lincoln, and the Germans do as there still relatively "new" to the luxury segment.