Volvo has opened a new Design Studio in Shanghai, China. The style centre is located in one of the most dynamic and creative cities in the Asian region and expands Volvo’s global design network, joining offices in Gothenburg, Sweden and Camarillo, California. Like the studio at the Göteborg headquarters, the Shanghai style centre brings together all the functions needed to facilitate the entire design process, from concept to production. Its resources allow for scale and full-scale models for interiors, exteriors, colours and materials, as well as UX design. In addition to milling machines, 3D printers and laboratories equipped to prepare precise models with maximum efficiency, Shanghai’s designers also have access to VR environments in which they can analyse designs virtually.
“Our Shanghai design team is a key and integral part of our global design network,” explains Jeremy Offer, Volvo’s head of design. “The new location and the latest technology help to intensify collaboration between our three Design Studios around the world, enabling continuous improvement of the unique Scandinavian design that sets Volvo Cars apart.” The studio covers 5,500 square metres and can accommodate more than 100 designers and creative engineers.
The Shanghai design team, established in 2010, includes talents with strong skills from different backgrounds and one of the first design projects the team worked on was the Volvo EX90 Excellence. “The Volvo EX90 Excellence is a fantastic example of the growing skills and expertise of our Shanghai design team,” explains Sophie Li, head of design for Asia Pacific. “In an effort to bring customers in the Asia-Pacific region closer to quality Scandinavian design, our team is inspired by both Scandinavian nature and Asian art to ensure that our products will appeal to and win over consumers in these markets.”
