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Design is integral to brand
identity, particularly for Mercedes-Benz, which is celebrating
125 years as inventor of the automobile. All designers at the
five studios, centrally managed by Germany, play an important
role in envisioning future mobility solutions – not only next
generation series production models, but models that will grace
our roads in three or more decades – ensuring each Mercedes-Benz
looks fresh, aesthetic and stylish, without losing the
traditional gene pool and brand identity.
The new Beijing-based Advanced
Design Center is no exception and will serve as a seismograph,
recording and analyzing stylistic trends and incorporating them
into the creative process. In particular, the design team will
strongly draw on inspiration from their surroundings in China,
taking into account cultural and environmental influences, such
as road congestion and lack of parking, to truly think about all
aspects of future mobility. With over 10 staff from different
countries, including France, China, Malaysia, Japan and the
Philippines, the multi-cultural environment allows for a
complete international approach, enhancing creativity in the
development of mobility solutions for the world – both for the
interior and exterior design of future generation vehicles.
Although Daimler now has a
dedicated design studio in Beijing for Mercedes-Benz cars, there
has actually been a design office here since the beginning of
2009, working on various projects. In fact one such project,
already being hailed a design icon, is the smart escooter
concept shown at last year’s Paris Auto Show, which is a nod to
future intelligent green mobility solutions. With a dynamic,
elegant appearance, the compact dimensions of this scooter have
been designed to incorporate many features, including ample
storage space and safety features such as an airbag, ABS
anti-lock brake system, as well as Blind Spot Assist. One of the
most innovative design features is the smartphone, which serves
as the scooter’s control and communications center. The
celebrated design is a promising sign of what is yet to come
from the Beijing design team.
As China continues to influence
the auto industry, Daimler will continue to expand its business
activities here and through its Mercedes-Benz brand, will carry
on reinventing the car with innovative designs to realize an
emission-free and accident-free world, leading the way in
intelligent mobility solutions for future generations.
Photo: Daimler
(July 22, 2011)
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