New Shanghai studio has all the functions needed to facilitate the whole design process from concept to production; the capabilities allow for producing scale to full-size models for interior, exterior, colour and material, as well as UX design.
10 May 2023 | 3271 Views | By Autocar Pro News Desk
Volvo Cars today inaugurated its new, state-of-the-art Design Studio Shanghai, thereby expanding its global design footprint by joining the carmaker’s existing studios in Gothenburg and Camarillo.
The Shanghai studio aims to be one of the most comprehensive design studios of global car brands in Asia. Mirroring Volvo Cars’ design headquarters in Gothenburg, the Shanghai studio has all the functions needed to facilitate the whole design process – from concept to production.
The capabilities allow for producing scale to full-size models for interior, exterior, colour and material, as well as UX design. Along with milling machines, 3D printers and fully equipped workshops for producing accurate models more efficiently, the Shanghai designers also have access to VR environments where they can explore designs in the virtual world.
“Our Shanghai design team is a crucial and integrated part of our global design network,” says Jeremy Offer, our head of global design. “The new premises and the latest technologies help strengthen the collaboration across our three design studios globally, as we continue to take Volvo Cars’ premium Scandinavian design to the next level.”
With the opening of Design Studio Shanghai, we’re also reinforcing our strategic investment and long-term development in China, on top of our R&D centre in Shanghai and our plants in Chengdu, Daqing and Taizhou.
Optimised for collaboration, the 5,500-square-metre studio can seat more than 100 designers and creative engineers. The Shanghai design team, established in 2010, boasts talents with strong expertise from diverse backgrounds.
One of the first design projects the team took lead on is the Volvo EX90 Excellence. Revealed last month in Shanghai, this limited edition is the top-of-the-line variant of the carmaker’s all-electric flagship SUV, the Volvo EX90.
“The Volvo EX90 Excellence is a fantastic example of the fast-growing capabilities and competence of our Shanghai design team,” said Sophie Li, our head of design for the Asia Pacific region. “With the aim to bring premium Scandinavian design closer to our customers in Asia Pacific, our team draws inspiration from both Scandinavian nature and Asian art to ensure our products attract and resonate with consumers in these markets.”