At a time when cars are evolving faster than ever, perceived quality (PQ) ensures that the efforts of design, engineering and product teams translate into cars that captivate buyers, making the right first impression and standing out in today’s competitive market. This livestream will explore how PQ supports this goal, even as automotive technology and design continue to push boundaries.

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What you will learn:

1. Best practices in perceived quality: proven strategies to elevate PQ in every car
2. Segment considerations: the differences between luxury and mass-market vehicles
3. PQ in EVs: unique challenges and opportunities in the electric vehicle segment
4. Digital experience: how PQ extends to touchscreens and digital interactions

We’ll also tackle questions like:

✔ Does a “luxury” car exterior sometimes look too “middle market”?
✔ How do new materials in the cabin impact perception—do they smell, feel or look right?
✔ How can design eliminate squeaks, rattles, and other awkward flaws?
✔ What steps can be taken to tighten or standardise panel gaps?
✔ Are touchscreens still a challenge for PQ experts?

Why attend?

Gain a comprehensive understanding of perceived quality—what it is, how it’s evolving and what your team should prioritise moving forward. Whether you’re a designer, engineer or product manager, this session will equip you with practical insights to ensure your vehicles make the right impression and deliver on customer expectations.

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your understanding of perceived quality—register now!

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Panelists

Madalina Marcu

perceived quality advocate - head of product quality - McLaren

Madalina began her career as a graphic designer at Renault before establishing the PQ team in 2010. In 2014, she relocated to the UK to lead the PQ attribute for the Jaguar I-Pace. She currently serves as head of product quality standards at McLaren Automotive, bringing significant step changes in the quality execution of ongoing vehicles and establishing the cross-functional link between the design, quality and engineering departments. With over 15 years in the automotive industry, she specialises in designing PQ strategies that enhance customer experience and satisfaction, brand reputation and value. As a STEM ambassador, she advocates to young students for the importance of science and early embedment of great and robust engineering into design development to achieve a high perceived quality.

Corentin Cheminot

perceived quality & craftsmanship - Lucid Motors

Corentin manages the craftsmanship and perceived quality team at Lucid, where he has been working since 2020 after a spell at McLaren. His PQ journey began with JLR in 2017, but he started his career in the auto industry as warranty data engineer at a Tier 1 supplier ten years ago. He graduated with a master’s degree in quality engineering, and a bachelor of analytical chemistry, something he views as an advantage over pure mechanical engineering graduates when it comes to understanding materials and manufacturing processes.

Moderator

Freddie Holmes

deputy editor - Car Design News

Freddie Holmes is the deputy editor of Car Design News and has been an automotive journalist for more than a decade, exploring everything from classic cars to electric and autonomous vehicles. 

Interested in sponsoring this livestream? Please get in touch with Angela Yang at angela.yang@cardesignnews.com or Abel Sampson at abel.sampson@cardesignnews.com.

Register now.