The faces may have changed, but the stakes have never been higher. As brands navigate the transition to a new automotive era, a new generation of design leaders is redefining what leadership means inside some of the world's most influential studios. 
Joining Car Design News for an exclusive discussion, industry leaders will share their perspectives on design vision, organisational culture, talent development and the challenge of guiding iconic brands through a period of unprecedented technological and cultural change. From preserving brand DNA to embracing new forms, new technologies and new business realities, this panel offers a rare insight into the thinking shaping the future of automotive design and the leadership required to deliver it. 
 

Europe's automotive identity has long been defined by a set of distinct vehicle archetypes: the Autobahn GT, the executive saloon, the hot hatch and the compact city car. Yet as electrification, changing lifestyles and new technologies transform the industry, these familiar categories are beginning to blur. 
This session explores the future of European design typologies and asks whether genuinely new forms are emerging—or whether the SUV continues to dominate the conversation. From urban mobility solutions to high-performance grand tourers, the panel will examine how changing architectures, design tools and consumer expectations are reshaping the vehicles Europeans drive and the design languages that define them. 
As designers gain greater freedom through electrification and software-defined platforms, are we witnessing the birth of new typologies—or simply the evolution of old ones? 
 

As electrification and software continue to reshape the automotive landscape, Colour, Material and Finish has become one of the industry's most powerful tools for differentiation. Far beyond aesthetics, CMF now sits at the intersection of sustainability, technology, craftsmanship and culture. 

This session explores how Europe's leading CMF teams are responding to changing consumer expectations and redefining the role of materiality in automotive design. 

From circular design principles and responsible sourcing to new interpretations of luxury, performance and authenticity, the discussion will examine how colour, materials and finishes are helping brands create distinction in an increasingly crowded marketplace. As notions of premium continue to evolve, what will define the next generation of automotive CMF? 

The truck cab is rapidly evolving from a purely functional workspace into a sophisticated environment shaped by connectivity, electrification and changing expectations around driver wellbeing. As commercial vehicles become increasingly digital, automated and software-defined, designers have an unprecedented opportunity to rethink how drivers interact with their vehicles—and how those vehicles support them throughout the working day. 

This session explores how leading manufacturers are redefining the truck interior for a new era of commercial mobility. Through a series of case studies, speakers will examine everything from ergonomics and HMI to material choices, cabin architecture and the integration of advanced technologies. 

As the industry faces growing pressure to attract and retain drivers, the cabin is becoming a critical differentiator. How can designers balance comfort, safety and productivity while creating environments that enhance wellbeing and reduce fatigue? And as automation continues to advance, what role will the truck interior play in the future of road transport? 

Great design is often cited as a key ingredient in a successful vehicle launch—but how much influence does design really have once a car leaves the studio? In an era where storytelling, social media, customer experience and brand perception can be as influential as the product itself, the relationship between design and commercial success has never been more complex. 

Bringing together leaders from design, product planning and brand strategy, this session explores why some vehicles exceed expectations while others fail to gain traction despite strong products and compelling design. Through a series of recent case studies, the panel will examine the factors that shape success, from design vision and brand positioning to timing, communication and market conditions. 

As the industry becomes increasingly competitive, should designers remain focused on creating great products—or play a more active role in how those products are launched, marketed and ultimately sold? 

For more than a decade, automotive HMI has been defined by the touchscreen. Yet as displays continue to grow in size and complexity, questions around usability, distraction and differentiation are becoming impossible to ignore. 

This session explores what comes next. From panoramic displays and augmented reality to voice interaction, AI assistants, haptics and ambient information systems, designers are increasingly looking beyond the touchscreen to create more intuitive, contextual and human-centred experiences. 

Bringing together leaders from design, UX and technology, the discussion will examine how future vehicles will communicate with their occupants—and whether the industry's screen-first approach has already reached its limits. As software-defined vehicles become the norm, what will define the next generation of automotive interfaces?