Catch up with the latest automotive design news
Car Design round-up: people moves, concept teasers and styling updates
Car Design News takes a look at news that may have gone under the radar, including the latest from Autodesk, Skoda and Honda
Phil Botley joins Linkage; new role for the former Autodesk expert
Announced via LinkedIn, Botley revealed his departure from Autodesk – after nine years at the company. He held the role of Alias Product Manager, enabling creating innovation in the design studio.
Botley will now work as a senior product manager at Linkage Design, helping with Alias, VRED and developing digital design tools, working alongside Michael Check.
David O’Connell retires
Another LinkedIn scoop came up trumps this week as David O’Connell, previous chief design officer at Czinger Vehicles, and speaker numerous CDN events, announced his retirement.
O’Connell possesses over twenty years of automotive experience, with the majority of his time dedicated to Mitsubishi as chief designer for 25 years.
Despite his retirement, O’Connell is looking forward to attending automotive shows and keeping his creative muscles flexed. The CDN team wishes O’Connell a wonderful retirement.
Škoda Vision O concept first look
The silhouette of the Škoda Vision O has been revealed ahead of its premier in Munich in early September.
This reveal points to a development of the brand’s modern solid design language with a sleek silhouette, steeply raked windscreen yet a gently sloping roof that is typical of Škoda estate models.
The CEO of Škoda Auto Klaus Zellmer commented: “The Škoda Vision O design study will highlight the future trajectory of estate models under the influence of new technologies, sustainability, and the deep experience of Škoda Auto in this segment.
“This will be one of our most significant steps in developing and evolving our design language even further for this period of transition in the automotive industry. It will position us to remain a major player in the estate segment, where Škoda Auto has been engaged since the 1920s.”
Full release here.
Honda Civic e:HEV receives a style upgrade
Honda’s hybrid hatchback has undergone both interior and exterior design changes.
The upper and lower grille has been redesigned to appear sharper with a sporty edge. This sporty upgrade continues with bold character lines and a new body coloured lower bumper spoiler.
Fog lights have been dropped, with LED lights credited to ensure optimal visibility plus a new exterior paint option is available – Seabed Blue.
Inside, lighting has been utilised around the footwell, matte chrome detailing has been installed around the air vents and a 10.2-inch digital display has been added to up the premium feel.
Full release here.
