Changan design chief says Chinese brands lack automotive heritage yet

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 22:02 · Archive

Klaus Zyciora, design chief at Chinese carmaker Changan, says new Chinese brands cannot draw on heritage-inspired designs because they have no legacy to reference.

Klaus Zyciora, global chief executive advisor for Chinese carmaker Changan and its outgoing head of design, has said new Chinese automotive brands cannot draw on heritage-inspired designs because they lack the legacy of European manufacturers. Speaking at the Paris motor show, Mr Zyciora said brands including Changan's Avatr, Deepal and Nevo are unable to create retro designs like those produced by Citroën and Peugeot.

Mr Zyciora, previously head of design at the Volkswagen Group, acknowledged that established European manufacturers can capitalise on their history and iconic designs from the past. However, he said Chinese brands are in a different position. 'With Changan and other new brands, there is no heritage, so there is no legacy,' he explained. 'We just started building it – so maybe in 20 years time we will then look back and say how about an S05? That was actually not bad.'

Instead of pursuing retro-inspired approaches, Mr Zyciora said Changan's brands are focusing on offering 'value for money and quality'. His comments came as several European manufacturers unveiled retro-inspired vehicles at the Paris motor show, including the reborn Citroën 2CV and Renault E-Space concepts. Volkswagen's new ID. Tiguan electric SUV also features retro-inspired design elements in its digital instrument cluster, inspired by the Mark 4 Golf.

How it is being reported

• Changan design boss says Chinese designs have "no legacy"... yetVW's former design chief, who now is the chief executive advisor for China's Changan, says its brands can't do heritage-inspired designs like legacy automakers as they're still building theirs.Perth Now · 13 Oct, 21:34
• Changan design boss says Chinese designs have "no legacy"... yetVW's former design chief, who now is the chief executive advisor for China's Changan, says its brands can't do heritage-inspired designs like legacy automakers as they're still building theirs.The West Australian · 13 Oct, 21:34

In this story: Changan Automobile · Klaus Zyciora · Avatr · Deepal · Nevo · Volkswagen Group · Paris

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