David Hilton joins Karma Automotive
Following two successful and informative years in China working for GAC, David Hilton has joined California-based Karma Automotive as senior design director global designs. Car Design News caught up with him on the eve of his appointment
A well-respected designer who has plied his trade in Europe and China, David Hilton has joined luxury Californian-based Karma Automotive as senior design director global designs. Car Design News spoke to the designer about his experiences and lessons from Shanghai and what he was looking to bring to his new company.
Car Design News: When you look back at your time at GAC, what were the achievements you were most proud of?
David Hilton: Co-creating the brand pillars for design and engineering, and of course the ENO.146 aero concept. Being immersed in China with the Chinese brands is a definite must for designers in our business today. It’s a very different scenario to the western world. As the largest global market, it is essential to get to know the products and brands in China deeply. I am grateful to have had my years there to learn and innovate.
Car Design News: What lessons did you learn from the experience in Shanghai?
David Hilton: Speed. Product development cycles are tighter and super competitive in Shanghai. Having said that, I did develop a realistic perspective on time versus output and benefit. A very key balance to understand in Shanghai.
Car Design News: What are you looking forward to bringing to Karma?
David Hilton: My understanding of the various global markets and a ‘best-in-class’ set of experiences for product development cycles. I also believe my luxury and EV start up experiences are the perfect mix for Karma today. I am indeed honoured and excited to be able to contribute to the advancement of Karma’s global design portfolio. The brand has amazing potential due to its capabilities, achievements, and location. A successful brand requires an executable yet unique vision, for which Karma is now well positioned and ready. I am looking forward to this new journey in developing innovative, exciting, and distinctive vehicles – and vehicle concepts – combined with high end experiences for Karma customers.
Car Design News: It is a tremendously exciting time for car design in California – how do you see the future of the Karma brand evolving? And how will you help shape it?
David Hilton: Yes, California has become a hotbed for mobility development. Karma was born in Southern California, where design, technology and imagination come together to shape brand visions. We create high tech art that moves and motivates, even when standing confidently still. Always evolving, always adapting. Karma has been designing, engineering, producing, selling, and servicing vehicles for years now, which is something other EV start-ups can’t yet say.
My plan is to continue creating passionate, award-winning designs and innovations which are unique to the brand, while expanding the portfolio in parallel. We will not simply be another producer of luxury vehicles; we will produce dynamic luxury ‘electric vehicles’ that make a statement about who you are, and what is important in your life. The Karma brand and products evoke a sense of attitude and romance, which can be translated several ways with the modern technologies now at hand. There is so much inspiration and lifestyle to draw on here in Southern California, and I am looking forward to solidifying a cohesive and unique set of designs which can only be Karma.
Car Design News: Can you share any details of what you will be working on in the immediate to short term?
David Hilton: I will oversee design strategy plus lead the design teams in delivering world class executions for exterior, interior and UI/UX designs for Karma vehicle models worldwide. My key role will be to lead the next evolution of Karma Automotive’s new design identity and DNA. Future Karma vehicle variants will embody an innovative and distinct design philosophy in harmony with our core brand values. Great proportions, architecture, styling, and technology integration have become a ‘given’ today. Moving beyond this, I will look to create a visible and tangible connection between the brand messages and the products. Creating an emotional connection with a ‘use-case’ desirability for Karma’s upcoming vehicle line-ups to our customers, is of top priority. The portfolio will broaden, and with that the customer base.
