At the IAA Mobility in Munich, the Changan group presented the second model of the Deepal brand, the compact electric SUV S05, which, together with the larger S07, is defining the brand’s design language. Klaus Zyciora, Vice President of Changan Automobile and General Manager of Changan Global Design Center, explained the philosophy behind the vehicle that won the iF Design Award.
“At Changan,” Zyciora explained, “we have highly skilled designers. Our design center in Turin has around 300 professionals who work on all the group’s brands. Speaking of Deepal, we have written the first chapter of this new adventure. Now we are moving forward, page by page, to build our identity.” The Deepal brand aims to create cars that convey a sense of quality and modernity. They appeal to a young audience seeking practical, accessible, yet refined, fashionable, and aesthetically appealing cars. “On the S05,” Zyciora continues, “we have thin headlights, a wide, vertical front without a grille, and two accents on the sides of the bumper that evoke the shape of airplane wings. I believe all these elements convey a sense of solid dynamism and make the car attractive.”
In a context like an auto show, a question arises naturally. Between traditional manufacturers reinventing themselves and young brands seeking a place in the sun, how will Deepal stand out? “We’re living through a revolution,” Zyciora explains. “But there have been others in the past. Every technological leap has brought about disruption. This time, it’s driven by electric cars and technology. All manufacturers will try to offer models capable of meeting drivers’ new needs. Some will succeed, others won’t. It’s a cyclical thing, something that’s been happening since the automobile was invented. We, with Deepal, want to offer vehicles with cutting-edge amenities, comfort, performance, and quality. Technology is changing the idea of the car, which is increasingly a place to live, to experience, to relax or work while traveling. Autonomous driving is pushing in this direction. We’re embracing this trend both inside and outside the vehicle.”
