"The future is clear, it is electric"

CDN: Deepal is a sub-brand under the Changan umbrella. Can you tell us more about it?

Klaus Zyciora: Deepal is a very young and dynamic brand, and design is a big part of that image. It has resonated very positively and successfully so far, especially with Chinese customers. Now we’re also entering Europe, and here too we’re hearing that its energetic design, branding and communication, as well as the interior and digital capabilities, are resonating strongly, particularly with younger customers.

CDN: What do you think will appeal in terms of the design language, the motifs, the muscle and the graphics?

KZ: The design was born in Europe in Turin. At our design centre there, Italian and European design has been merged with Chinese technology. That combination is a recipe for success.

CDN: When you look at some of the detailing here, the light signature is very precise. There are strong graphic lines.

KZ: Yes, very sharp and precise lines. With the organisation of the front, the architecture, the shark nose, the proud logotype and our tripolar light signature, we create clear, iconic elements that build identity. It’s a character that stands out in the crowd. The car also has great proportions and a fantastic interior.

CDN: You mentioned proportions. Tell us a little more about that.

KZ: The ratio of wheelbase to track width, the height, the length and the overhangs are all very thoughtfully created and very balanced. The car also has a very dynamic roofline.

CDN: It’s started to rain, so I think we should take a look at the interior. It’s a bit drier in there.

KZ: This minimalistic approach to design is one of our key assets. We also look carefully at materials, including sustainable options. There’s a lot of embroidery and stitched materials, chrome elements, and all of this feeds into the value-for-money proposition that we bring to life with this product.

CDN: It’s the end of the year, and 2025 has been an interesting year for design. What has stood out for you? What have been the highlights, or perhaps the misses, across the industry?

KZ: From my point of view, we are living in very turbulent times, with China most definitely at the forefront. The path to the future is clear. It will be electric. In the coming year, we will see the first solid-state batteries going into mass production. The range of battery-electric vehicles will increase substantially. Autonomous driving will come to life more and more. We’re seeing that everywhere. So the way forward is clear.