'We Have A Strong Design DNA... So Simple And So Global, That It Works Everywhere'

In conversation with O liver Stefani, Skoda’s chief designer, on the future of design, and the challenge s faced by designers adapting to local markets

On the shape of EVs and autonomous cars

“I believe that for some time the cars will not change dramatically because the driver is not changing, the human body is not changing so the car has to fit this and also has to fit to his thoughts, likes and what he thinks the car should be. It will transform, that’s for sure, and it will transform maybe in the next 10 years but the thing, the physical shape of the body will stay because the human being is not changing.

“We have much more freedom for the interior of course, taking the steering wheel away but also on the same hand we have other problems then. You have to sit somewhere, maybe you do not always want to sit forward or face forward. You have to grab onto something, you have to hold onto something, so security then plays a much bigger role and of course ergonomics so that you have a lot of space to move around in the car.”

On designing EVs

“Basically it’s the same process. You just have different challenges. Aerodynamics is one, and sometimes it's the proportions. But this is what our job is about – to meet the challenges and to have the chance to be very creative and find a nice solution.”

Designing for a Global Market

“Well, first of all, we have a very strong design DNA at Skoda and we think that this is so simple and so global that it works everywhere and by the way, we talk to your customers.