Register now: Designing light - innovations in automotive lighting
Lighting has evolved from brightening the road ahead to completely re-shaping brand identity and the user experience. In this exclusive livestream, top designers will discuss the influence of technology and innovation, the impact of regulations, and how lighting can add personality inside and out. From backlit logos and dynamic patterns to personalised interior ambience, learn how lighting can make both an emotional and functional impact on car design.
Fill out the form below to register:
- Date: 23 September 2025
- Time: 15:00 BST | 10:00 EDT | 16:00 CEST
- Format: Livestream
Topics we'll cover:
✔ The role of lighting in brand recognition and familiarity
✔ Is lighting the new chrome?
✔ Current trends - the rise of the horizontal lightbar
✔ How new technologies are transforming automotive lighting
✔ How lighting designers can better integrate within wider teams
✔ The role of lighting suppliers
✔ How regulations and safety requirements influence lighting design
✔ What’s next for lighting given issues around cost and complexity?
Why attend?
Gain a deeper understanding of the trends shaping automotive lighting, explore new ways of working and get inspired for upcoming projects.
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your understanding of the future of automotive lighting—register now!
Speakers
Nigel Ratcliffe, exterior design manager, Bentley
Nigel Ratcliffe has been part of the Bentley Design team for the past 12 years, most recently focusing heavily on lighting and details for Bentley’s models, designed at Bentey’s new studio in Crewe, England. Prior to joining the British luxury marque, Nigel gained a wealth of experience working in Germany, Japan and China at Mazda and SAIC/MG.
A graduate of Coventry University, Nigel spent much of his career as an exterior designer, and has focused on his passion of lighting and detail design over the past 10 years, including the exterior lighting and details of the recently unveiled Bentley EXP-15 concept.
Lin Zhang, design manager, ChangAn Global Design Center
As a female designer and leader, Lin Zhang combines keen sensitivity with forward-thinking insight to steer an innovative design team, infusing products and brands with distinct emotional value.
With 12 years of CMF expertise, she specializes in integrating colour, material, finish, lighting, and sound design to create unique interior atmospheres. At ChangAn Automobile, she leads sensory design for brands including Deepal, uni, and nevo, leveraging lighting as a core design element to strengthen brand identity and immersive experiences.
Notable projects include the ChangAn Deepal SL03, ChangAn Deepal S07, ChangAn A07 and ChangAn Q07.
Nicholas David, vice president, global design, Karma Automotive
Nicholas David is Vice President of Global Design at Karma Automotive and the recipient of the 2025 EyesOn Design Award for Best Production Car Design for the Karma Kaveya. With over 23 years of experience, he has held key roles across global design studios in Europe, China and U.S. He helped launch Honda’s Advanced Design Studio in California, played a pivotal role at Jaguar Land Rover and GM Advanced Design and has collaborated with leading innovation teams at BMW DesignWorks, SpaceX, and Zoox.
At Karma, his recent work includes the Kaveya super GT, GT-UV Ivara, and the newly launched Amaris GT coupe. His earlier leadership at GAC Advanced Design helped shape one of the world’s most aerodynamic EV concept EN0.146 and China’s first mid-engine electric supercar the Enpulse. Nicholas brings deep expertise in brand elevation, team building, and design that bridges vision and production.
Moderator
Freddie Holmes
deputy editor - Car Design News
Freddie Holmes is the deputy editor of Car Design News and has been an automotive journalist for more than a decade, exploring everything from classic cars to electric and autonomous vehicles.
Interested in sponsoring this livestream? Please get in touch with Angela Yang at angela.yang@cardesignnews.com or Abel Sampson at abel.sampson@cardesignnews.com.
Upcoming livestreams:
Car Design News 2025 livestream series: Redefining the future of automotive design
Join us for an exciting lineup of livestreams throughout 2025, where industry leaders will tackle the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping automotive design. From aerodynamics to lighting, and from team building to new technologies, these sessions will offer valuable insights into the evolving world of car design.
Why attend?
These livestreams are your gateway to cutting-edge discussions, expert insights, and actionable strategies to stay ahead in the fast-evolving automotive design world.
