Car Design News paid a visit to General Motors Advanced Design UK in Leamington. While the work itself is shrouded in secrecy, CDN discovered a studio relishing its role as creative friend to the mothership in Michigan
“There’s always this question regarding advanced studios. Are you there to win projects? Or are you there to influence the mothership? We are here to present different ideas, inspire the team and influence,” says Julian Thomson, design director of Advanced Design UK, General Motors. Until 2022, the American giant was conspicuous by its absence on the continent. At least in terms of design studios.
For a company with a global footprint, this felt like an omission. In re-establishing itself this side of the Atlantic, GM fitted-out a bright new studio in Leamington Spa and scooped up the respected Thomson to lead it. Armed with a technically advanced workplace, a chequebook and blank team sheet, the designer quietly went about assembling a group that could play the role of influential friend to the headquarters in Michigan. With such an appealing remit it comes as no surprise to find several familiar faces in the ranks.
Access to motor show and concours coverage, trend and technology reports, design reviews of new and classic concept and production cars, exclusive interviews, regional reports, who’s where, design essays, career resources, design competitions, regular newsletter updates PLUS comprehensive degree show reports from the world’s leading design schools, the CDN archive of sketches, images and articles spanning 20 years of coverage.
An online subscription also gains you access to exclusive designer interviews from our annual Car Design Review yearbook, and access to exclusive interior design reviews from Interior Motives magazine. You can also receive Interior Motives in print through our online + print subscription, or buy individual copies of Interior Motives and Car Design Review.
Fees start from £55/€60/$70. Packages available for students, individuals, schools and corporates.
Gain full access to cardesignnews.com subscribe today
ALREADY SUBSCRIBED - Individual, Studio, Student or School
You now need to register your details and sign-in for full access to cardesignnews.com
CDN speaks to Nissan Design Europe’s design operations director ahead of a new event that explores the relationship between design and engineering
The celebrated designer Marc Newson discusses his beginnings, surf culture, a nomadic existence, the Ford O21C concept and more
Car Design News paid a visit to Gothenburg to meet with Jeremy Offer, Lisa Reeves and Nick Gronenthal who form part of Volvo’s design leadership team
