Ralph Gilles: “The automobile is a statement – a point of pride”

If you’re in any way affiliated with car design, you will no doubt be aware of Ralph Gilles, the Detroit-based design boss of Stellantis.

Often found at car meets large and small, and closely involved with goodwill events such as EyesOnDesign, Gilles openly describes himself as a hobbyist. Ahead of Car Design News’ new event in Detroit next month, at which Gilles will be speaking, we caught up with him for a quick chat about the Motor City and the evolving nature of design. 

Car Design News: How do you see the significance of car design in Detroit from a cultural perspective?

Ralph Gilles: It’s more significant than ever as we fight for relevance in this new age of electrification and also competing with start-ups and global contenders around the world.

Just like in the fifties when post-war American cars kind of redefined how people saw manifesting their wealth, well being or self identity, I think that’s still true today. I think the automobile is a statement, a personal point of pride, an illustration of how we strive to keep bettering ourselves. And people love it. People love to see what’s next every year. And I think that’s what’s amazing about this industry.

CDN: How are young creatives influencing the way car design is carried out?

RG: They are bringing the benefit of exposure to new tools, whether it’s AI or 3D printing to all kinds of incredible tools that are relatively new to the design trade. They’re using all of those to good effect, whether it’s for benchmarking or incredible, super fast execution of very complex designs in a matter of moments versus weeks.

Anytime we talk design in the Motor City, it keeps Detroit in the conscience of the community

CDN: With the changes that have taken place over the last decade or so, do you see a difference in strategy between established OEMs and new entrants when it comes to design?

RG: I do. I think new entrants have to create a legacy, to start a new identity. They have to fight for recognition and relevance, whereas the legacy automakers have a big decision to make either to nurture what they already have or to break away. So it’s a constant ‘design tug of war’ so to speak.

CDN: You’ll be joining us in Detroit on 29 October to discuss the designer of the future and Detroit as a home for car design. Are you excited?

RG: Of course! Anytime we talk design in the Motor City, it keeps Detroit in the conscience of the consumer and the design community, keeping us in discussion on the global platform.