Auto Design Perspectives: GM's New Lead Affirms Significant Reshaping of Vehicles in Self-Driving Era
In a recent interview with General Motors, Bryan Nesbitt, the newly installed chief of global design, shared his vision for the future of car design in the age of autonomous driving. According to Nesbitt, autonomous vehicles will radically redefine car design by shifting the focus from traditional driver-centric layouts to tech-driven, passenger-oriented interiors.
Nesbitt envisions cars transforming into "rolling lounges" optimized for comfort, conversation, and new use cases like ride-hailing, rather than just driving. This fundamental redesign is exemplified by the Cruise Origin prototype, a shuttle-style vehicle designed entirely around passengers, not drivers, that eschews steering wheels, pedals, and dashboards.
This move allows designers to discard conventional automotive constraints and rethink interiors as shared, tech-enhanced environments. Nesbitt compares this transition in vehicle design and use to historic shifts in transportation, such as the change from horses to cars, suggesting new emotional and behavioral relationships between humans and vehicles.
While GM adjusts prototypes toward more traditional shapes like the next-gen Bolt, autonomy remains central to their design approach, blending futuristic elements with feasibility. The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) has also allowed the industry to break free from a century of packaging constraints in car design.
However, the transition towards autonomous vehicles is not without its challenges. Control over vehicles is a stumbling block for some, including enthusiasts. An example of this struggle is the sale of models of horse's heads that could be placed on the front of cars.
Nesbitt emphasizes the importance of "artful integration" of technology into everyday life. He believes that the relationships between people and cars will undergo a significant change in the next 20 years. However, the public's preferences may not be easily swayed; the value and improvement of lives are key factors in acceptance.
Technologies in the automotive industry complement each other, and the next significant change is expected to be autonomy of roadways. However, relinquishing control might take away investment and emotional attachment from vehicles for some people.
While idealized vehicles, such as long, pea pod-shaped vehicles with movable seating, tables, mini-fridges, and plants, are popular at auto shows, they are not considered feasible for everyday use. The transition from horses to automobiles was a very dramatic change for people, and the shift towards autonomous vehicles might not be desirable for those who value solitude during their commute.
Despite these challenges, Nesbitt remains optimistic about the future of car design. He believes that with careful consideration and "artful integration" of technology, autonomous vehicles can revolutionize aesthetic and functional design norms, turning cars into multi-functional, user-experience-driven spaces that prioritize passenger comfort and interaction over manual driving controls.
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